Volkswagen Golf Questions & Answers

Good luck John. In my experience, VW are not helpful and are very expensive. My golf does not have a remote key but you would think they would have a battery that could be replaced as other remote devices do. Maybe that’s just another way VW makes more money.

Thanks Meredith but I have changed the battery and it still doesn't work. Looks like it needs a new internal PCB.
Thanks anyway, regards John.

For golf fsi

Probably the clutch pack or issues with the DSG gearbox itself which is common particularly on pre 2012 models

I forgot to mention when I wrote my review yesterday, that the Clutch is also an issue that I was advised about last year. Therefore the current issues with this dud car are: The Water Pump needs replacement, The Clutch needs to be replaced, as it doesn't engage as it is meant do. ( these two alone amount to more than $4,500) . The third thing, that I forgot to mention in my post yesterday is that there is leaking from the wiper on the back window entering into the cavity of Door 5, ie. the Door giving one access to the Boot. I reckon that's going to be another costly matter that requires rectification.

don't get the 118 TDI. Engine tends to explode. Look it up

Logically check your manual or sales doco first

Hi Sandra. I have just needed to find an answer to the same question. I've been through all the documentation including service book, sales dockets etc. and came up blank. A good Google search provided the answer. The easy answer is ... if you have rounded tail lights, it's Mk 6, if they are sharp edged design, Mk 7. Mark 7 also has the sophisticated "Infotainment System" with GPS and lots of other choices (radio, car, menu etc.) in the middle of the dash.
Regards, John.

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.

Contact VW

I have a 2016 TDI and from the day I took delivery, it has told me 100 times to change the battery key. I check the battery, even put a new one in, and guess what? Still the same. Most times my key will unlock the car when I grab the door handle but often not, so I use the unlock button on the key case. This key has just died completely and VW want $620 for a new one, yes it's true !!

I can’t read the answer to my question how do I get into the information to read it? Please help

It is under warranty
Looks a reasonable price

I am just worried as a have recently read negative reports, high repair and service costs on vw.

Surprised me as after reading reviews for a month most car reviews gave it 8.5/10 but actual drivers on this site seem to sat vw are too much trouble?

The motoring press is in love with VW products because they drive them but don't own them. They are nicely conceived products but as far as I can ascertain not robustly engineered in the same way as a Toyota. They seem to be variable in build quality with some owners having a great run and others having nothing but nightmares. I am on my second one (Golf R) and to be honest have no real faith in the product reliability long-term, but fortunately can afford an expensive repair bill if I get one.

I don’t know, talk to them - Or buy something better...

Sorry never had an issue like this so I would contact the manufacturer :)

Lucky you. Did some searching and found heaps of other people with engine and gearbox problems in this model. Recalls in most countries. Looks like the consumer protection and government have been asleep at the wheel. My most scary experience was the sudden loss of power on the highway.

Also owned a Mk 6 golf. Engines in that era were renowned for burning a reasonable amount oil, mine about 1 litre per 5000kms; VW has stated that this isn't problematic. Leaking oil is another issue that needs expert advice. Is it a manual? If so, the shudder at take off is symptomatic of a warped clutch plate, which is not uncommon at the km's yours has done and all clutches do have a limited lifespan. No cheap fix, may need a new clutch. The loss of power is concerning and sounds like the car has gone into limp mode due to a detected failure of some system. All these issues warrant a return to the dealer for testing.

these models have a history of all sorts of problems, especially engine failures. Only buy if you enjoy russian roulette.

We talking about the DSG auto? If so, the noise could be the dual-mass flywheel failing/rattling. One way of diagnosing the fault is to turn the steering, which loads the engine. If the noise then goes away, then you've just confirmed that the dual-mass flywheel is defective. Cheerio!

VW offer capped price servicing, which was part of the appeal of me buying this car - I knew my future costs. The servicing costs are too high in my opinion (because the car is CERTAINLY NOT worth the $70k price tag I paid.) I am about to get my 50k service next week. Here's a link to their servicing plans: http://volkswagenaustralia.com.au/CappedPriceServicing

Personally, I will never buy another VW. The parent company has many other appealing brands, such as Porsche and Audi so I am going to avoid them too. I had a very negative experience with my local VW dealer when I took my car in for its complementary service...they gave it back to me in worse condition; then took no responsibility to correct their ballsup! I had to take additional time off work and the company didn't care, and there was a cascading effect of errors that surrounded this; so I filed a complaint with my lawyer, involved the Ombudsman, the local MP and also their head office in Germany - to reimburse me for my lost wages and other damages. I shortly after filed under the "Lemon Law" provision once I discovered the car was sold to me with major faults (had I known this was the true state of the vehicle I would not have purchased it). So as you can imagine, they promptly started smoothing things over with me. Its a shame I had to go to this length, but I felt they really just expected me to "lay there and take it."

In my experience, VW is the worst vehicle company I have ever encountered; and after their deception with misleading diesel emissions was the icing on the cake for me, and here I thought they could sink no lower! My thoughts, a pushbike...in the rain...with a flat tyre...and no seat is better than a VW! Stay clear...

I've owned 3 GTI's and one MY16 R Wolf Wagon, a MY2000 Subaru Liberty, and first car was a '79 Mazda 323... In my experience finding a trusted mechanic who has a long history of specialist vehicle (think VAG for audi/VW/Skoda, or Japanese made cars etc) knowledge, and you'll have a far better experience owning whichever car you pick. I loved my Sube, and am now about to purchase a second-hand Forester with confidence that it will last the distance. Subaru and VW both are known to have high servicing costs. I'd never go back to a dealership service place ever again unless I absolutely had to. They ARE both relatively expensive, but usually (unless you copped a lemon which potentially happens with ANY car) you end up with a car lasting far longer than others with cheaper running-costs. Mazda 3's are great cars for example, but the shine (in all senses) seems to fade around the five year mark. Commodores/Falcons can be pretty damn sturdy mechanically, but wear and tear/ageing/fading VERY quickly.

YMMV, but I've never had significant problems with any of my cars! Lol even my learner's Mazda was a great car 20yrs on in 1999 - although a mechanic had to install an ignition starter button because the regular ignition wouldn't work, and I loved it! I now have a starter button again in my current Wolf Wagon lol.

But seriously, find a specialist mechanic with a passion for the car you decide on, and stick with them.

Bobby,

My advice would be to find a Japanese car. The golf is beautiful to drive, beautifully finished, looks great.... But honestly, you need to be prepared to spend $1000 - $3000 on repairs every year if not under warranty. Just to get the brakes changed is min $400 per wheel. They still have timing belts $1200 to replace. These prices are not dealership but independent VW specialist. Dealership is more.

If you are buying second hand these are the issues common to VW.
Air conditioner $1260 to replace
Gear box $3000 - $5000
Computer $ridiculous
Engine mounts

If you ask RAA they will tell you to stay away from small European cars.

My advice would be to think about Toyota Nissan or Mazda. Good luck

The Golf GTI does not exhibit torque steer, and has traction control so you won't get wheel spin on take off. It is the hot hatch standard bearer by which all other performance hot hatches are judged and is consistently the winner in comparison tests. In terms of manual vs auto, I have the 6 speed manual, and love it. It was a head decision as my daughter is learning to drive and I wanted her to have a manual to practise in. My heart would have loved the DSG box as I'm a bit lazy, but I have no complaints about the manual and I saved $2500. As for service costs, they are capped for the first 5 years and are typically between $250 - $350 depending on the service. They're only required once per year so the cost is very reasonable. You will need to replace the timing belt at 120,000 kms and the cost for that is $900 at my local VW dealer, an independent would be cheaper (timing belt replacement is a fact for all engines). As for the Japanese vs European argument, these are performance cars and so many things such as brakes are going to cost more than the base versions because the cars are driven harder and the parts are more specialised. I don't think a Toyota Corolla Levin or Mazda 3 MPS is really in the same class as the Golf so I doubt they would be viable alternatives. The real competitors are the Audi S3, Merc A45 and BMW 135, which all cost way more so the Golf is definitely the best option.

I have had torque steer in my Golf Highline DSG but only very minimal. This usually happens at an intersection where the road is uneven and you take off too quickly from a standstill - TURBO. I do not recall having any wheel spin in this situation. The reason I really liked this car is that I wanted to replace my Ford(with RWD) because as it was on dedicated gas it had no traction control. When it rained I had to drive so slowly especially if I was trying to turn and accelerate at a hill. I have just had my last free service from VW and am out of warranty now but my son has a 2009 Golf and has never had to spend the amount of money as stated by Mummy999. There is a very reasonable Golf mechanic called Volkservice in Braeside in SE Melbourne that he goes to. My friend has a 3 yr old Nissan and she paid $1200 for her last service and she has had to service her car every 6-9 mths. Every car has pros and cons but I enjoy driving the Golf, my daughter has the Manual and that is also a joy to drive, my husband wanted the auto as he gets over 'changing gears' and for re-sale.