My mum bought her Golf 1.6 CL in 1989 and it has recently passed on to me - and I can honestly say from first-hand experience that this is a very very good little car.
The car has to date done about 50,000 miles. Now, I realise that that's not as many as it could be (one careful lady owner, ... Read review
Hatchback - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed Manual Gearbox, 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1598 cc - Max Speed: 119 mph - 115 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: Sport, SE, S
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Advantages: Very reliable, *fairly* cheap to run, good all-round medium-sized car Disadvantages: Insurance has been expensive
My mum bought her Golf 1.6 CL in 1989 and it has recently passed on to me - and I can honestly say from first-hand experience that this is a very very good little car.
The car has to date done about 50,000 miles. Now, I realise that that's not as many as it could be (one careful lady owner, and all that) but the car has only broken down twice in this entire 11-year period: once when rain got into the engine due to a blocked vent and ... ...which was eventually traced to a manufacturing fault. Not bad considering the problems that some people have with cars that are seven or eight years younger. It starts first time, every time (without wishing to sound like a salesman) and this particular model is powerful enough to feel fairly comfortable overtaking in. Ours has also passed its MOT every time.
I can get at least 35 mpg from this engine, which is just as well with current ... more
My mum bought her Golf 1.6 CL in 1989 and it has recently passed on to me - and I can honestly say from first-hand experience that this is a very very good little car.
The car has to date done about 50,000 miles. Now, I realise that that's not as many as it could be (one careful lady owner, and all that) but the car has only broken down twice in this entire 11-year period: once when rain got into the engine due to a blocked vent and killed the battery, and once when the accelerator jammed open, which was eventually traced to a manufacturing fault. Not bad considering the problems that some people have with cars that are seven or eight years younger. It starts first time, every time (without wishing to sound like a salesman) and this particular model is powerful enough to feel fairly comfortable overtaking in. Ours has also passed its MOT every time.
I can get at least 35 mpg from this engine, which is just as well with current petrol prices, but be warned that insurance may be higher because this is a desirable car. I make no comment on the servicing charges, because everyone seems to have their own ideas on what is a good price for servicing..
All in all, if you can find one reasonably cheap, then this is a well-built, solid, reliable car, which will go on and on for ever (or so I'm told). Let's hope new generation Golfs are as good in ten years' time.
I have had my Golf for over a year now. I got it with 109,000 miles on the clock from a country doctor. Since then, I have added 15,000 miles, and left it unused for a total of six months (whilst using another car). Not only does it start every morning without fail, it regularly travels the entire length of the M6 and more one just slightly more than a tank of petrol. Quite simply, it is the best car I have ever owned. I am a student, so the economy ... ...the turn of speed that it has (after the addition of Weber carb). I have a lot of luggage, so that fits in easily. At nearly 11 years old, it is worth next to nothing on sale, but it is priceless to me. I am reluctant to part with it, and know that it will not happen until it dies, probably with 200,000 miles on it ...
Vole_Suppressor 27.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Volkswagen Golf IV 1.8
The Golf Gti is one of those cars that can generate quite a lot of passion, either from Volvo drivers who feel that they are driven, often badly by novices 2 days out of their driving test or by real car enthusiasts looking for the best balance between speed, agility and comfort. One wonders therefore what the hell VW were thinking of when they launched the new Golf Gti 1.8 just over 2 years ago! Its not a bad car, its just that the whole experience ... ...9.9 Seconds! Hardly inspiring.
This is a GTi, it should at least drive like one.
Handling - Can be a bit of a handful at times due to the soft, bouncy response from the suspension, doesn't inspire confidence at speed (once you get there!) I could have had the suspension lowered and I suggest that if you are considering one this would be a good move (beware sleeping policemen and kerb stones, the front spoiler is already rather prone to catching ...
flything 30.09.2000
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Review of Volkswagen Golf IV 1.8
Advantages: Nippy, good value for the insurance Disadvantages: Fans of older Golfs tend to look down on it
It’s 5:30pm on a Friday late in April. My colleague (Dave) and I stroll into a VW garage on the outskirts of Cambridge armed with business cards and a What Car? Magazine we dress smart casual attempting to add that ‘just come from the office’ appearance but still allowing us to play the ‘client meetings are a rarity in our trade’ line. A young salesman approaches us straight away asking if we need any help. Rather than take the plunge in and ask ... ...Bora and tell him we’ll just take a look ourselves first.
The car itself is a touch small and this immediately puts Dave off. We move to the Golf, which seems to suit the both of us a lot better. However as the insurance bracket is a bit high and as we originally decided it was the Bora we came to look at Dave checks out the availability of a test drive with an older salesman. He informs us that whilst Saturday is quite busy 4pm would be a good ...
Briz_Hatchings 05.02.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Volkswagen Golf IV 1.8
I have had my 1985 Golf for 7 years now.Having taken it from 86,000 miles to 180,000 now all without any major mechanical problems. These cars are so well built that they feel as if they can go on forever. Parts are readily and cheaply available with a number of autofactors dealing specifically with VW. The first MK11's are now 16 years old,provided they have been regularly serviced they should go on to give many more years of trouble free motoring. ... ...acceleration and sporty handling. Some may feel the suspension is a little hard though. Fuel ecomony is okay, mine gives around 32mpg. Depreciation is low as these cars are in demand. I prefer the early 1984 - 1887 cars they are generally better fitted out with electric windows,alloys, computer etc. Many 1987 -1989 cars seem a little bland with their standard steel wheels. 1987 onwards saw the 16v engine being used as well as the 8v.1990 onwards ...
johnt 12.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Volkswagen Golf IV 1.8
Advantages: cheap to run, reliable, safe Disadvantages: possibly high insurance costs for young drivers
I bought my Golf 1.8 GL brand new in 1986 and it's still a fantastic car. It's done 110,000 miles (not much for its age) and It gets through its MOT each year without any problems, usually requiring no work at all. I have it serviced every six months which usually costs me only £20-£40 plus labour. It's just had its first replacement exhaust ever (i.e. it lasted 15 years) and it's on only its third battery and second alternator. It starts every time, ... ...performance is still great - it's got real guts and can beat most other cars away from the lights - it's a fun car to drive. I usually get around 30-40 mpg which I think is pretty good for such an old car. It's a very "solid" car, i.e. it's safe and sturdy and you feel protected. The car has never broken down and left me stranded away from home, which is really important. In fact it's so reliable I've stopped bying roadside rescue from the RAC just ...
Ljmcr 12.02.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Volkswagen Golf IV 1.8
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Advantages: Outstanding build quality, tons of extras, Solid and dependable Disadvantages: Not the fastest GTI, expensive parts,
) few bad points, the engine seems to struggle a little at low revs, when pulling away I find myself having to press the accelerator a little further than I would normally expect. Perhaps this is due to me not being used to such a heavy car. The only other gripe I have is with the Anti-lock brakes. Again, this is the first car I have owned with ABS, but I do find that it kicks in under circumstances where I don't feel I need it.
As for overall cost, parts and servicing can be expensive (even though the service at my local VW dealership was excellent), and even with the Multi-function display I still feel as if I am spending more on petrol now than I have before. Other reviews have said the insurance was costly, but the 1.8T model is only Group 10, and changing my insurance for the remainder (6months) of my policy from Third party on a 1 ...
Advantages: great all round car Disadvantages: insurence, ever increasing road tax
I have owned my mk IVgolf for over a year now and it is by far the best car I have ever owned. There are however a number of downsides to this overall great car.
1 The insurance is pretty steep as your probably already aware.
2 Not so many people are aware that the TAX IS INCREASING on this model. Tax is currently £210 but as I understand it, band F will (this car) will become band J, therefore will increase up to £ 260 and in 2010 (not that long away!) £ 270, so take this into account when looking at your expenditures.
3 expensive to get the cambelt serviced at a main dealer, but I suppose thats true of any VW!
4 The sports suspension and seats are great for driving fast but after a while you can tyre of feeling every single bump in the road
There are however many more good points including..
1 The trip computer is the best ...
Advantages: FAST, understated, RELIABLE Disadvantages: handling is a bit heavy
A pleasure to own - very fast, understated and yet prestigious! You will notice that people will keep a distance from you when you drive this car - because this car can seriously move...! 0-60 in just over 8 secs...
Perhaps a little old in looks now in 2008, this car still packs a PUNCH and is certainly a good purchase and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face! Since owning my GTI (from 54000 miles) I have had the timebelt changed, water pump changed (to improved metal impeller) ((thanks follettmotors.com St albans)) normal lube services, rear bushes changed, and drivers side door locking module changed (which i believe is a common fault??)
have recently bought 4 new michelin tyres also - but it does help to be glued to the road with this kind of power!! have achieved 45 mpg+ on motorway, 35+ regularly in town. Go get one!! ...
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