Read also:
ziegler & brown triple grill review westinghouse 460l top mount refrigerator review miele wkh 130 wps review yard king lawn mower review bauhn 40 4k ultra hd tvVolkswagen Golf Mk.5 (2004-2010) (page 2 of 3)
BoughtAJeepPerth
- 2 reviews
- 4 likes
2006 Golf GTI (MK5), DSG Gearbox
I bought this car new from a Perth dealership back when Golfs were still edgy and I was trying to break away from the norm and be Euro-chic. It's really fast and drives great, just like all new cars now available, but the other cars just like it are $15k less expensive and far less common. If you are uber cool and are the type of person who sends a txt msg to their local coffee shop so your chai latte will be ready when you drop by, then get a GTI. It's a great car, sure, but it is so in keeping with the norm that you won't miss it when it's...Read more
gone. Sporty, sounds good, gives you a little bit of cred with the middle of the range arty types. Way too much money for what it is. Owned by most people you know, and most people you haven't met yet. When in doubt on how to be cool, get a GTI, like the rest of society.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Hendo900Canberra
- 6 reviews
Gen 5 Golf 1.9l DSG - a very mixed ownership experience
This is a great little car to drive, but ownership is a real worry. This car cost $37,000 in 2006 and quality control from the factory was poor. The Japanese and Koreans can build cars that don't have multiple failures ever, never mind in the first 100,000kms. Very expensive to service with the agents who don't seem to care about the quality of their work, or an enduring relationship with the customer. I bought 3 new cars from the dealership in 5 years, there won't be a 4th.
Great little car to drive, excellent fuel economy 5l/100kms tourin...Read more
g 6 in town. Versatile and spacious. 5 Star NCAP rating. The main driver loves it (except DSG) and has since day 1. Where to begin? This instrument panel is persistently annoying, esp at night when the minor information displays in red lights are small and hard to read-many car makers have sorted out how to make large, clear and accurate gauges-why can't VW? Price of spares is outrageous and too many major components fail much too soon. I have tracked 5 Gen 5 Golfs owned by family and colleagues - ours is the only one not to have the air conditioning fail - and it's a $4000 repair!. The main driver does not like the way the car rolls backwards on hills - it's only for a short time, but it's disconcerting and a reminder that it's not an auto, only a manual that changes gears itself (and that's its own set of design/manufacture quality problems). The original dealer/service agent was very expensive, and took weeks to get the car booked in. Was charged $45 to replace two blown brake lights at 25,000kms (not warranty items!). Original equipment Goodyear tyres very noisy, replacement Michelin Energy much quieter and seem to be wearing better. New rear brakes (pads and rotors) required at 70,000kms; factory assembly problem led to the high pressure pipe from the turbo puncturing and the whole car behaving very strangely (what-if inquiries about replacing the turbo disclosed a part that cost $3,000). One drive shaft boot replaced at 100,000kms. Wheels are constantly dirty with brake dust-doesn't happen on Japanese cars, but they still stop. Wheels easily damaged against kerbs etc. Radio goes "bong" every time you change the station-why? Can't read the radio control panel whilst wearing polarising sun glasses.
1 comment
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
William of the hillsAdelaide
- 2 reviews
- 5 likes
I wouldn't buy another
It seems many people are really happy with their Golfs and I would be if it hadn't had so many problems. They drive well, are practical and are generally well thought out... Well the truth is they have poor quality control in the manufacture of them and are prone to expensive problems you wouldn't see on Japanese cars... I purchased a new Golf mark V 2.0L FSI manual comfortline in 2005 and have had numerous issues with the car. Those I can remember include: A leaking rear main seal, the electronic dash breaking, the electric windows and door lo...Read more
cks breaking, the individual cylinder coils breaking, an oxygen sensor breaking, the air bag sensor malfunctioning and the constant usage of oil (it burns oil on a car with only now 80,000km)... From what it seems my car's problems have been insignificant to what some others have had, but nevertheless I think it's time to part with it. VW Australia's ridiculous prices on parts (they are a fraction of the price in europe) and constant problems means it's not economically viable for me to keep the Golf. If VW intend to keep customers they will need to produce more reliable and cheaper to maintain cars. I won't be purchasing another VW. Nice drive, practical, smooth Poor build quality, expensive servicing and maintenance costs1 comment
To add to my review, we have recently just sold our Golf, but not before it developed an expensive repair of the cooling system - the plastic that is attached to the engine (yes, that's right) became ... Read more
brittle with age/heat and fractured. Also both outer CV boots needed to be replaced and the coolant expansion tank split. On a car 9 years old with 90000km, the issues the car has had have been ridiculous and although VWs drive well, I would really be shooting myself in the foot to buy another. If VW continue to build throw away cars, then they can't expect repeat business.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Volkswagen Golf Mk.5 compares to other Hatchbacks
Know better, choose better.
jmbauMelbourne
- 34 reviews
Love my Golf
Bought a 2006 Golf and have driven it lots. Best car I have ever owned, bar none, and I've had a few. It's a TDI 2l turbo diesel automatic comfortline - the seat is just so comfortable, supporting my back in all the places it wants to be supported, so like another reviewer, I've never been uncomfortable even on a long drive. It's got a bit of oomph, which means I can accelerate up a hill or to pass someone if I need to. Cruise control is great - I set that on every freeway, to make sure I don't go over the limit. Trouble-free - beyond an a...Read more
nnual service, I've not spent a thing on it in six years. And it goes for ages before I have to refill it, thanks to the diesel engine. Smooth transition, quiet driving, I'm going to update it (as company car) but stick with the Golf. So well designed, all the nifty little things like rain sensitive wipers, auto dimming rear mirror, lights staying on until I get to the front door... Reliable, good value, efficient and beautifully designed. A pleasure to drive. VERY comfortable seating. No 'air only' option - you have to put the AC on. The speedo is inaccurate, shows almost 10k under the actual speed (ie, speedo shows 60 but everyone behind me is furious because I'm actually doing about 52 kph).1 comment
Agree, mine has been great (except the aircon)
.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
lizzie77Victoria
- 13 reviews
- 9 likes
Best car l have ever owned and l have had 21 car in my life time, so far
l have the 1.9 td 2005 it has done 100000 km l still have the original set of tyres, l just love driving this car, l have been thinking about updating, but l love it too much and they don't make the 1.9 any more, its such a fun car to drive, as far as reliability goes so far l haven't had any problems but l am a mature age lady and treat my girl will resect, l think most cars would last a lot longer and have no problems if people drove them, not thrash them, l would highly recommend a golf.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
lucky4some
- 12 reviews
2006 auto comfortline - don't touch it!
I had the 2006 1.6 litre 6 speed automatic comfortline model with all the bells and whistles. The car felt solid to drive and got along quite well even though I chose the base engine. All volkswagens have a hesitation on takeoff - both autos and dsg alike (I have had four VWs) so you have to learn to hit the accelerator well before you want to take off - makes it a bit nerve racking at busy roundabouts or zipping out into a gap in traffic!!
The air conditioner, like all vw air conditioners was weak and not suited to Queensland conditions. E...Read more
arlier models gave the option of permanently setting to recycled air but newer ones all default to fresh air intake so are constantly trying to overcome 30 degree plus outside air temp. Even on recycle the fan was almost always needed on full blast which brings to another point - the ac fans are very noisy and need to be turned down so you can talk to passengers or on the phone. The final straw was when the entire air conditioning system needed to be removed and replaced when it died completely. The dashboard had to be removed to get at it and I was without the car for a week - thankfully it was still under warranty! The other major issue I had was a failed oxygen sensor that took over a year for vw to diagnose and replace - the car would chug and sputter and spew clouds of smoke - even though it was brand new! The regular scheduled servicing was horrendously expensive as well - about $400 each time. The front brake rotors needed replacement at only 35000 kms!! When I asked how that was possible I got the "your driving style affects the life of the pads and rotors" spiel - well my driving style hasn't changed in 20 years and all other cars have been well over 100000kms before needing brake rotors! Upon speaking with other owners I have found they have had similar experience with regard to the short brake life. One guy I spoke to had already replaced front rotors at 30000kms. A lady I spoke to with the latest model "twincharger" engine has had the entire engine replaced under warranty when it failed and then had the dsg replaced when it failed as well. Needless to say she is not confident enough in the cars reliability to keep it once the new car warranty runs out. After the golf I bought a VW Jetta turbo - great car to drive but it too let me down with a major engine failure. (See my reviews). I have now switched my allegiance to Toyota and bought a Camry - boring as it is, at least the ownership experience is hassle free! Comfortable & solid Expensive to maintain and run - not reliable.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Michael53SYDNEY
- 3 reviews
- 6 likes
This car is a lemon - buyers beware
Multiple electrical issues, engine software management issues, replaced engine and now DSG. Still under warranty but major inconvenience to buyer/owner. Great car, good pick up, taught ride, good road holding and fuel economy, other than being totally unreliable - how can that not be factored into "car of the year" awards.
DSG, Fuel economy, Steering/Road Holding
Unreliable, Premium Fuel Req'd, Constantly Requires Repairs
2 comments
I agree with michael53 i bought a polo with dsg in june 2010 the mob at vw and three so-called dealers couldn't even fix a tyre on a kid's tricycle....despite their so-called factory training the mech... Read more
atronics unit has been replaced?? The dsg has been replaced?? Some software upgrades have been done?? Have had 2 other vw's back in the 70's ther current vw dealer service is absolutely abyssmal they don't even bother to call me back two dealers have banned me from their premises between george of the jungle at liverpool, and boy wonder at five dock and the clowns at parramatta i have wasted literally thousands of dollars in service fees and countless hours in being stuffed-around by these self-styled vw "....experts....." the only redeeming factor is that 98 octane gas is much better than the recommended 95 octane. It's a pity that mccallums motors at strathfield is no longer trading as they knew what they were doing, unlike this bunch of untrained cowboys!!! Would i buy another vw absolutely not i have bought a $900 bicycle on the money saved on a minor service and dsg service with a specialised non-dealer vw expert3 members of our Immediate family each bought a 2009 118TSI. ALL three have had gearbox replacements and TWO have had engine replacements. Interesting to note that the Car Rental agency that supplied... Read more
temporary replacement cars asked one of us "your car in for a replacement engine?"Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
madmax30Brisbane
Best Car!
I have owned this car for about six years and its still as fun to drive as when i bought it. I would recommend to get the 2 L diesel as it is inexpensive and trouble free. Ps i found that most vw cars are great and features are ahead of there time.
The quality of both the engine and interior
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Great while under warranty
bought our 1.6 auto golf in 2005 new thinking that this car would last 10years,i was wrong water in oil from day one told that it was a common fault,stripped
sump plug on second service (local vw dealer)6 weeks without our new car
white sludge build up in engine wich caused various idle and starting problems,vacume hoses and air intake hose falling apart after 4 years in 60000km new disc rotors and brakes.auto started to play up big $$$$$$.
have now bought a toyota....
nice to drive had a quality feel
expensive repairs
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Volkswagen Golf Mk.5 compares to other Hatchbacks
Know better, choose better.
Gen V Auto - Love and Hate
I bought this 1.6 Gen V auto Comfortline second hand in 2009 with just 47000km's on it. It is GREAT to drive - I really love this car. The dynamics, the handling and even the performance of the 1.6 which most people bag. Once off the line (which isn't quick) it goes fine and above 40km it more than keeps up with the traffic.
This car is great to drive. It is verywell designed I love it and prefer to drive it over our Mazda 6.
Cons: there are a few. Firstly VW at Barlow World Moorabbin barely know how to spell VW let alone service what is a finn...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
n0b0dyAU
- 4 reviews
- 3 likes
GTI MK5
Had it since new...its been good n reliable eva since...engines still running smooth and 623km on one tank. might reach 630km easy but dont have the balls for it.
im a pretty enthusiast owner so i took extra care on doing the oil changed every 7500km.
fuel efficiency? ive seen worst on other turbo engine. the car gives u so much fun, i wont worry too much bout the fuel...
abit thirst on oil? its normal since its turbo n all.
should definitely have chosed the 6 speed manual since im keeping it for a long time..
comfort? not so much cause it is a performance car but ive been worst... ...Read more
the way the car handle on sharp corner...it put a smile on ur face n u wont think so much toward comfort... Fun car to drive n reliable... All good with the car BUT poor service by vw cause they couldn't careless...Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
rockmanHunter Region, NSW
- 3 reviews
- 5 likes
Golf TSI 118 with DSG gearbox
Car was great at first, then it started breaking down.
So far they have replaced the engine,clutch,Mechotonics unit, alternator, battery and something else in the engine.
The car is a lemon.
Be careful about buying a VW.
Looks good and goes well when it runs
Very unreliable, sick and tired of getting it fixed
3 comments
Yeah I have the same car, but in manual. I'm really paranoid about the engine problems I've been reading about
The manual will not have the gearbox issues, but is still susceptible to the other low quality issues. Some people don't have any problems, it just depends on your luck.
Seen on overseas commentary that replacement of mechatronics unit can be short term fix. They break again.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Terrible
Basically, i had it serviced at essendon volkswagen where my booking was deleted and they did not believe that i booked it until it happened to a more respectable looking business man next to me. They squeezed those two bookings in on the day along with existing bookings. Next, they charge me an arm and leg for major service and brakes - 1500 bucks which i am willing to pay for a car that works. The very next day, it didnt start, took it back where they put it through the computer and tell me 2 sensors need to be replaced costing 1000 bucks. Sh...Read more
ouldnt they have seen it the day before? I took it to someone else to fix who also puts the car through a computer and sees the sensor faults - which were not reset when they were last replaced!! In other words, i would have been charged 1000 bucks and the problem would still be there. Great car, terrible servicing at Essendon Volkswagen. I will make a website shortly to warn other people about them. It is a great car. Comfy and handles great. Servicing - see below.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
JubeiPerth, WA
- 44 reviews
- 1 like
Nice interior, great fuel economy
I have the R version of the Golf, coming from a highly modified Subaru Forester XT (0-100 in 4 sec). Breath of fresh air, the interior and handling is out of this world. My other half's car is an Audi Q5 S-line, build quility and even the buttons are the same as the Audi. I would sacrafice a little speed for comfort and german ride quality anytime.
DSG gear box is a dream in traffic. German ride quality, fuel economy is excellent when cruising.
Limited vendors for tuning after market.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Jamesdonald
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Terrible
Heavy on fuel, service cost, sluggish performance and not user friendly. I will not consider this until the price comes down. I can buy a Ford Focus for $10000 less and get more features. Both are German design.
The name is my favorite sport
Expensive once they reach 80000km, my mechanics said get rid of it when you get 60000km up.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Volkswagen Golf Mk.5 compares to other Hatchbacks
Know better, choose better.
Bad
Very ordinary build and finish quality. Built in South Africa poor paint quality - has rust in door hinges at 2 yrs old. Exxy to service - why are brake pads $400 in Australia? They are 70 pounds ($150) in the UK we are ripped off in Australia by VW service and parts prices. If anyone is thinking about buying a Golf - make sure its built in Germany - South Africa is poor quality. Hope the Golf VI we get is from Germany.
Safety, comfort, styling
Quality, quality, quality, rust!! Rattles from interior
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
geofm2120
- 2 reviews
Excellent
Since 1980 I have had all Japanese cars, and i thought they were great cars, then i drove a this VW Golf 2.0 TDI .. O M G, this really is a car !
I never drove the car prior to buying, I never saw inside the car, I just read all i could on web sites, blogs etc.. then walked into the dealer and ordered it. 3 weeks later, i drove it away.
The POWER of the Turbo was like WOW, i had no idea what a turbo could do.
In the first 3 weeks of driving, i drove in 3rd or 4th all the time, ( 7.5 l/per 100 )I was preprogrammed to my old 2005 Coro...Read more
lla 1.8ltr, as it needed lots of revs to go, so i drove the Golf the same way, listening to the revs.. WRONG !! This little humdinger of a Diesel motor ain't interested in that scenario, it has TORQUE and lots of it. I now drive in 6th mostly, also 5th and 4th, The other gears just get you moving. I have learnt to change gears at 2,000 revs. I now get fuel economy of 6.4 l/per 100. I drive mostly in 6th gear. There is an instant read out of fuel consumption, also remaining kilometres on this 55 litres tank.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
rusty07
- 14 reviews
- 4 likes
Excellent
I've had ours since 2005 and love it! My wife drives it but I prefer it over my Japanese made company car. It's much more solid, safer, comfortable and feature packed. When you drive it, it feels like it is a much larger car (in a good way). We take it on holidays with trailer on the back and the diesel has so much torque that you don't even know the trailer is there. We go on windy, hilly country roads and it keeps on powering. At the end of the trip we averaged 5.8 l/100 kms and that's with 4 people, a dog and a trailer. The lease is up in th...Read more
e next few months and we're deciding on what to replace it with. Considering a new Golf VI but ours only has 30,000 kms and my wife still loves it so it looks like we may be keeping it. Safety, Diesel torque, fuel efficiency, features, blue interio lights, great value for money Doesn't have an MP3 CD player, cost of diesel (although that's more a 'con' about the government and fuel companies)Service costs can be expensiveSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
themeda
- 2 reviews
Excellent
We are very pleased with this vehicle. Even taking into account the purchase price and depreciation, insurance etc we save money by having the golf and using our 4X4 less. So the more kilometres we do the in the golf the better value we are getting :) We would thoroughly recommend this car.
Very well built car. Cheap and efficient to run. The height adjustable seats in the "comfortline" make it very comfortable even for tall people. Ample room in boot. Good sized glovebox. Automatic lights and wipers are fabulous. Good turning circle and handling.
The factory servicing can be a little expensive but this is no reflection on the vehicle itself.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
markd
- 4 reviews
- 2 likes
Good
This is our first Volkswagen, and won't be our last. The Golf is such a beautifully finished car, great to drive and very comfortable. Perfect size for us, but doesn't feel like a small car on the open road.
Style, very classy looking car. Lovely to drive, good handling when you're feeling a bit sporty. Excellent to drive on the motorway, not tiring at all. Ours is the 2.0L Petrol FSI with 6-speed Auto. Auto is great, very smooth shifting. Petrol engine is smooth and pulls well, and is happy to rev. Normally get around 7-7.5L per 100km. Interio...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Questions & Answers
tashah__asked
Hi guys have the chance to buy 2007 Volkswagen Golf Comfortline V Manual MY08 with 167 full service history etc, are they cars reliable and will be used 95% highway driving for work
5 answers
Check out when the next cam belt change is due to be changed. It will attract a $1,000+ expense. Make sure it doesn't have a bad accident history. I think they're generally OK and reasonably reliable for a commuter car but I'd be going Corolla/Civic instead as I think generally they're more reliable, have identical performance and economy and will be easier on the wallet.
I'd go for a Japanese car
My Golf has been very reliable and is at 150K KMS. I did have the cam belt changed not sure on cost, services are reasonable outside of VW garages. The smaller engine golfs are great in a straight line and motorway driving does suits them. The Golf will feel far safer as the build quality is far superior to other cars in its class. Also once you have it I would look for a mechanic familiar with VW who is reasonable.
Francis N.asked
Hello chaps, I'm looking into buying a golf MK5 2005-2008 and wondering which petrol engine is the best of them all(apart from the GTI line, as I don't have the finances to match it up). And please get me a heads up on the problems I'm bout to face and ways I can "maybe" avoid them. Thanks Alot!
Pss:I'm not contemplating btn it and any other type/brand for that matter. I'm all in golf. Just not sure of the best engine to go with.
No answers
ieatwords.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ieatwords.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
Merv
Are you aying that it is VW's fault that you hit kerbs. Get a life.