It’s funny how school can scar you for a long time. Ever since I saw that my Headmaster drove a Volkswagen Golf I have stayed away from them. This flies in the face of popular opinion and ignores against many excellent drives in various Golfs over the years.
But this week I have been driving the current VW Golf 1.6 FSI. Like its predecessors, it’s actually very hard to write about it because it is like any precision tool, it just does what it is meant to. Full stop. The really nice thing about the Golf franchise, like the BMW 3-series, is that its brand has not lost any of its lustre. So whatever your budget there is a Golf for you to own with pride:
Golf (1992 - 1998)
Easy to drive, safe and sensible. Dull for a Golf but reassuringly solid. Lots around now and prices are getting lower, running costs are reasonable and it is classier than an Astra or Escort. Petrols tend to be lower mileage and so are a better bet at this age.
Most economical: 1.9Tdi 56.8 mpg
Best used buy: 1.8 90 bhp GL
Buy from: VW specialist, private owner with service history.
UsedCarExpert.com checks: 23
Used Car Expert price guide: A 1998 1.9 Tdi will have around 104,000 miles on the clock and be about £3,600.
Golf (1998 - 2004)
This Golf took the entire sector to another level in quality and comfort. A prestige car that can still be pricey to buy. Like all VWs everyone wants a diesel so the small petrols are worth finding.
Most economical: 1.9 PD 90 56 mpg
Best used buy: 1.6 16 valve SE
Buy from: VW specialist, car supermarket, private owner with history.
UsedCarExpert.com checks: 26
Used Car Expert price guide: A 2004 1.9 PD will have around 44,000 miles on the clock and should be around £8,900.
Volkswagen Golf (2004 On)
It doesn’t look like it, but here is a Golf that once again has become good to drive. It is also spacious and safe. It isn’t cheap new and that seems to be the same situation on the used market. But it is worth the money.
Most economical: 1.9 PD 90 56 mpg
Best used buy: 1.6 Match FSI 5dr
Buy from: Car supermarkets, private owners.
UsedCarExpert.com checks: Too soon to say
Used Car Expert price guide: A one year old 1.9 PD will have around 11,000 miles on the clock and should be about £13,200.