VW GOLF

bharrison · June 1999

I own a 95 VW GOLF and I would like to tell the
world of all the trouble I have had with this pile
of crap! When I bought it new it had paint drips
down the drivers side door. @6,000 miles the coil
wire shorted out,@12,000 miles the transmission was
replaced, @ 25,000, the catalytic converter was
replaced, at 46,000 the teansmisson was replaced
again! The timing belt went at 50,000, The door
moldings started to fall off at 50,000 (all of
them) the door lock came apart with the key! the
oil pan leaked. Has anyone else had these problems
with their VW? or do I just have a lemon?

bnormann · June 1999

The door lock came off on my wife's '96, that's it. Everything else is fine.

Bruce.

wukwuk · June 1999

I own an '89 Golf. With the exception of normal maintenance (timing belts, cv joints) it's been solid as a rock. The only major problems I have are the rear defogger is shot, and the ceiling cloth came off after years of baking in the sun. Otherwise no major complaints. I guess sometimes newer models bring with them new problems.

ksp92156 · June 1999

I want to buy a new 4 - Door standard golf. What should I pay. the list is 16,800. do the dealers deal. My next choice is the mazda protege, unless VW can give me a good deal.

jenevieve · July 1999

well, i just put down a (refundable) deposit on pretty much exactly the car you're looking at. the msrp, with the luxury package, was 18,050, and they were only willing to go down to 17,650. their rationale was that this is the only silver one scheduled to come to texas any time soon. i'm thinking $400 off the list price is not a good deal. i'm going to see if i can get a better deal on a different color. ... is the mazda protege a hatchback?

brx600 · July 1999

i also have a 95 golf with 99,000 miles and the problems i have had have been minimal. in the first winter, the lock on the drivers side did freeze and had to be replaced, i had a speaker cover that rattled. my timing belt was original until last week and never had any problems with it. also, passenger front control arm and bearings. BUT I BEAT THIS CAR!!!!! I've thought about replacing it BUT I BEAT THIS CAR!!! Plus, i figured a maintenance cost (including speed rated tires) of less than 3 cents per mile in 4 years. i have the car regularly maintained and use synthetic motor oil (because i beat the car) and 87 octane gasoline. it runs today like it did the day i bought it. still running the original transmission, but plan a clutch change soon.

putz2000 · July 1999

Help! I want a used Golf Or Jetta with standard transmission and everything else. Were there any bad procuction years between 1994 & 1999? Is one model better than the other. I commute 60 miles per day in some pretty heavy traffic. Would automatic transmission be better?

Thanks........

hcj13 · July 1999

Hi, I am looking for a good dealer to buy a standard new 99 golf, any takes on what kind of price i could get that is reasonalbe and which dealer to go to? thanks

mzn · August 1999

hcj13, be sure to check out our pricing information by clicking on New Cars, then VW, then Golf. Next, check out our Consumer Advice area to walk through the steps of determining a fair price. You may also want to search our Smart Shopper conference for dealer recommendations. Good luck and please, keep us posted!

carlady/host

marcesser · August 1999

hcj13, I have talked to Bob Baker Carlsbad (So Cal), they quoted me $500 over their invoice price for the 2000 model, whatever that invoice price will be. I haven't attempted to negotiate (yet). With 2% holdback this would bring their profit to $800+ depending on the model. Probably you can go a little below that for Golfs and Jettas, but not much.

ecnalab · August 1999

I got a quote at South Bay VW in San diego for $600 over invoice, I did this using Costco Auto. Maybe I should buy mine at Bob Baker instead, which is also affiliated with Costco Auto.

Let me know how things go at Bob Baker, if you do decide to buy there,eysuck.

Im looking to buy a Black 4-door GLS 2.0 Automatic, end of this month. I hope I can find one.

nedzel · August 1999

The 2.0 liter is rather underpowered, even with a 5 spd. It's slower with an automatic. Test drive it before hand to make sure that you can live with it. I bought a GTI GLX (VR6 5spd), but then I'm a gearhead.

chellis · August 1999

I'm looking to buy a 2000 Golf GLS (no luxury package) and am wondering what kind of prices people are getting. I"m looking in VT, western MA, upstate NY area.

gduk3 · September 1999

i know this is out of the subject but i was wondering if you lose mpg on a vw gti, when you change your air filter to a k&n or something???

timv · September 1999

I have an '86 golf. The oxs light recently came on and has stayed on, despite running fine. Anyone know what's up? thanks

kevinc · September 1999

Your OXS light trips every 30k miles - it's only actuated by mileage, not some actual "failure".
If you haven't had the sensor replaced in 30k or more, I suggest getting it done - car will run better and get better mileage. The idiot light resets by pushing in a button on the back of the instrument cluster, accessed from the engine compartment. Good luck!

-kc-

jason325 · September 1999

I just want to share with everyone what price I got on my 2000 Golf GLS w/Auto. I figured out the invoice price is $16,557 minus the 2-3% holdback for the dealers. I went into my local VW dealer and gave them my buying price of $16,800 and stood my ground. I figured they have at least a $500 margin if they sold this car to me at this price. Not counting the $199 "processing fee". Anyways, it took about 1/2 hour to get within $150 of my price but the dealer would not come any lower. I walked out.

Next day, they called me and agreed to $16,800. The car is a Golf GLS w/Auto.

With tax,tags,and title, my out the door price will be around $17,500. I haven't signed so I don't have the final numbers.

I think I got a decent deal on it. Hope this info helps others who are thinking of buying this car. I can't wait to get mine.

Jason

dbakalar · September 1999

I know you'll enjoy it. I bought a 1999 Golf GLS in July, and it's still fun to drive. I actually look forward to my morning commute every day! I had a VW back in 1992 (got stolen), and kicked myself for not buying another one. VW has definitely come a long way, and I guess everyone knows it because I get compliments on my car almost on a daily basis. And hell, it is damn cute!

Hope you enjoy your car as much as I do!

sinnarg · September 1999

I,m looking to buy a 94 golf w/auto trans. the one I test drove today doesn,t shift to the 2nd gear until 45 mph the sales rep tells me this is common for the golf. I,m a little skeptical. the car only has 39,806 miles on it. any thoughts.

1974 · October 1999

Can you tell what dealers you have been working w/ in the wash. DC area? I went to the Only one in DC (guess who on Wisconsin Avenue?) and they said they never negotiate bec. the cars come in in the morning and are bought in the evening.
I want a 99,really wd. buy a new 98 if it were available) GLS 4-door w/ Sunroof. Really, all I want is the Sunroof, so aside from the great design and safety, I could not care less about the macho-gizmos. I like roll down windows. I am wedded to my VW Superbug which is dying.Didn't I read somewhere of a buying service for $165. For a Golf GLS $18,500 bottom line is NOT a good deal. Someone also suggested the diesel Jetta (it has roll-down windows) but it is 10 inches longer than the Golf (same A-4 frame) and I live in a very congested, tight parking neighborhood. Suggestions please. Forgot to say I want 5 speed.

mzn · October 1999

1974, have you considered auto-by-tel? We purchased my 96 VW Golf at the dealer you mention and our experience was wonderful. This is long before our association with edmunds.com.
auto-by-tel sales are "gravy" to a dealer and you might find you can get a bit more room to maneuver. No charge to the buyer either!

carlady/host

dbakalar · October 1999

I bought my '99 Golf GLS at Alexandria Volkswagen on Glebe Rd. They didn't have an overwhelming selection of Golf's when I was there, but they did have the exact one I was looking for. I'm not sure how familiar w/ the area you are, or how far you're willing to go, but I also visited Tischer VW in Laurel, right off the B/W Parkway on route 198. They had a really good selection, but the sales guy I spoke with didn't even seem like he wanted to take the time to go for a ride, so I left. There's also a VW Dealer in Annapolis, but they had next to nothing on their lot at the time. Hope this information helps.

junebug · October 1999

I've had good luck at Congressional on Rockville Pike. Talk with Jeremy Jenkins. I've bought both a '99 Passat (mine) and a '99 Jetta (for my son) from him and got great prices.

Now, though, I'm thinking of a Golf for my daughter. I'm unfamiliar with Golf's, but she is longing for one. I'd be willing to buy a '99 or '00 without any frills. I've done the research for the '99s. Think I can get a GL at $14120 all in for Maryland? Any advice? I've been doing the car search thing since January and I'm tiring of it. I'd buy a used Golf for her, but the thought of looking and testing and having a mechanic check it out is pretty overwhelming. Are there people who do that kind of thing for a fee?

wukwuk · October 1999

Does anyone know what, if anything has changed between the '99's and the 2000's? I recall looking at the '99's (99 1/2's) back in April, and it seemed the GTI version had a different headlight configuration than the regular Golfs. Now, looking at the 2000's, the Golf GLS has the same headlight config. as the GTI. Is anyone aware of anything else that has changed/improved? Any input is appreciated.

dbakalar · October 1999

I haven't personally looked at the new 2000 models yet, because my car is only 4 months old, but according to Edmunds.com, the only differences that I can tell is that the sun visors have a side piece that pulls out on the side by the rear view mirror. Thoughtful addition, but nothing to get overly excited about.

kevinc · October 1999

The headlights on the Golfs and GTIs are identical, except the GTIs have foglights integrated into them, the Golfs do not.

-kc-

ddaley · October 1999

Minor changes and not all at once. I think they may be putting their effort into working out the few problems such as the power window regulators and sunroofs. Visually they are the same, you may have mistook a typeIII '99 with a typeIV 99 if you saw visual differences. I test drove, decided on and shopped for my Golf before the '00 came out so I saw a lot of the 99.5 but bought a '00 GLS and any difference is minor. I love it. Was a little worried about power after hearing some more perfomance oriented folks call it weak but now that I'm past the break in period I have no complaints, but I live in the city and have no need to be in a hurry to get to the next red light. The little highway driving I've done so far has been very pleasant. BTW it may be small on the outside, it's a cinch to park, but the inside is plenty big. And there is more back seat room in the Golf than in the Jetta.

trouphaz · November 1999

can anyone recommend a good in-dash cd receiver for a '98 Golf GL 4-door? i'm looking for something that will sit flush on the dashboard and just has a basic display (nothing too complicated and fancy). i just want a decent sounding cd player and stereo.

pemart · November 1999

Is there a shortage of Golf's coming into to
Southern California? I've visited 4 different dealers to test drive one, but nobody stocks them.
I know they come from Germany by boat and it takes
a awhile, but there are also other German cars here
by the thousands as well, whats UP VW dealers!?

trouphaz · November 1999

I would assume that it is only due to the low demand for Golfs here in the US.

trouphaz · November 1999

'98 GOLF RADIOS HAVE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE AM RADIO AND THE TAPE PLAYER.
there is a huge backorder on replacements.

My girlfriend's tape player just stopped working recently (she puts in a tape it says side A, then it switches to side B and then it says TAPE ERROR and pops the tape out). I took her car to VW to check this out and they said they have to change the radio and it might take a while because they have them on backorder. I asked if I could have the info on the radio to see if someone else has one in stock and he gave it to me. After checking with 3 or 4 dealers, one of them finally told me this is a known problem and there is a backorder for the entire US that may take weeks. I called VW service and they could offer no help or estimate as to how long it will take.

mhurst1 · November 1999

I've owned my vw y2k GLS TDI now for about two
months and I would just like to let people know
some problems I'm having. First I had installed an
aftermarket sound system which sounds great and I
didn't puchace an aftermarket alarm because of the
std. factory one. Well my car got broken into very
easily and I'll tell you how they did it. All they
simply had to do was pop the cover off of where a
key lock should have been on the front passenger
door latch and open seseame. They're in and my
stereo is gone. Bummer.

Second My drivers side seat heater only worked for
a couple of days when I first got it. I brought it
into the dealer and they started replacing
components of the seat heating system ruling out
one component after another (elapsed time 2 days
on
the bus) then only to have the dealer tell me it
was the element in the seat that was faulty. So
they order the part while I continued driving the
car. Finally their parts dept. calls me and tells
me It's in so I made arangements with the service
dept. to drop the car off for the day. They said
it
would be ready that day, Ya Right! A week and a
half later after sending the seat away to be
rebuilt by an upholstry shop I pick up my car
again.(very Bitter by this point). I'm Driving
away
(this being a cool evening here in Canada) I try
my Seat heater only to find out it still doesn't
work. Rage Sets In!!!!

Any body else out there have problems?
Let me Know!

tomcat630 · November 1999

VW Golf sales are up this yrar over last, almost double.

According to Automotive News.

zorthop · November 1999

The new golf for 00 is larger and the engine is changed slightly.

kevinc · November 1999

The "new" Golf for '00 is identical to the '99.5 (Mk4 version, mid-year change in '99). The only differences are a couple of options, like the Monsoon stereo system, and some minor trim changes, and a price hike. It is not bigger, externally they're identical, as well as in interior volume.

You may have been comparing to the early '99 (and back all the way through '93) Mk3 Golf.

-kc-

muranimo · December 1999

Which model offers the best package in terms of features for the price? I like the power range of the TDI GL, but wonder about the maintenance and any expensive parts for it. I like the GL's price but wish it had some convenience features like cruise control, or would it be easy to add on cruise control or power windows at one of the shops? I love the comfort of the GTI's sports seats, but don't need or want the headaches that come with sunroofs. Could I add some of the wanted features of the GTI to a GL from VW? Which is the best bargain? Thanks

nedzel · December 1999

Edmunds has all the price and option info, so just do the math yourself. I'd recommend that you drive a TDI and a 2.0 yourself first, however. The 2.0 is abysmally slow.

The TDI supposedly has very nice torque characteristics, which yield decent usable acceleration.

Personally, I got the GTI GLX, which gives all the features, but at a high price. You're the only one who can say what compromise is right for you.

Jared
'00 GTI GLX

muranimo · December 1999

Thanks for your response nezdel. well, I am taking the plunge for the GTI since I feel it will keep me satified for years to come, and I am going through Greenlight.com. They are doing a search it starting today.

ruben8 · January 2000

I'm thinking about buying a 2000 GTI 2.0, but I want to know how much did anyone pay for (including taxes) one with a moonson option??
Also, I wanted to know when is the 1.8t arriving and how much is it going to cost??

Please respond.

Regards.

kevinc · January 2000

Do NOT buy a 2.0! The 1.8T is ALMOST here, will begin hitting the dealers' lots any day now. Won't be too much more expensive, but a FAR, FAR better motor than the wheezy 2.0.

These cars were just unveiled at Detroit and LA and are reportedly already in port awaiting shipment to the dealer lots. Hang in there a bit longer..

I can't remember the pricing but they did have it posted at the LA show. Wasn't bad, I believe the Jetta GLS 1.8T was $19.2k, nicely equipped. Not sure about the GTI.

-kc-

jss4 · January 2000

I too was told by a VW representative at a car show that the Golf GLS 1.8T will be out, but in Spring, '00. I'm looking at an automatic. I'm just getting too tired of shifting. And since I live near and frequently visit San Francisco, shifting in the stop and go traffic and on those hills can be a pain. Any comments on the 4 speed automatics?
I'm told that the 1.8T will be zippier..even in an automatic.

kevinc · January 2000

The first report of a Jetta 1.8T sighting came in at VWVortex yesterday.. it was at Gunther VW in Ft Lauderdale. Silver 1.8T GLS and unsold (as of that moment). They're heeeeere!

-kc-

mtownsend · January 2000

I have mentioned automatic Golf's before, don't buy a 4 speed auto, they are the worst change of any car on the market!! If VW offer the 5 speed with the 1.8T buy it. The two are so different you would not believe it, I don't know how they dare sell the 4 speed.

vw_tampa · January 2000

Planning to buy a 96 golf gti 2.0l 4-cycl 5-speed...the guy is asking 8500 for the car..it looks good and run fine....anyone on giving some advices on this golf...
thanks,
alex

mzn · January 2000

vwtampa, did you run the numbers through our edmunds.com used car pricing? On the homepage, click on used cars, then VW, than 1996, then Golf. It allows you to take into consideration mileage and options. If you haven't already done this, I'd recommend it along with the advice of our knowledgeable Town Hall members.

carlady/host

tomcat630 · January 2000

I have a friend who has had his 1996 GTI, 2.0, 5 speed on the market here in Chicago area for 3 months with no offers.

He wants $10000 and the car has about 40K miles. Is the price too high?

Anyone interested can email me at tmoran228@aol.com

jss4 · January 2000

I found an announcement regarding the Turbo Golf and Jetta. If anyone's interested.
http://www.vwvortex.com/

sweepnchoke · January 2000

I am looking at buying a 2000 VW Golf GL in the next week or two. Before I do though, I am interested in hearing any complaints and suggestions by owners.

Thanks in advance

nedzel · January 2000

Test drive it thoroughly. The 2.0l engine is terribly slow, 0-60 in > 10 seconds. Consider the TDI model, which has much more torque. The TDI isn't much, if any, faster to 60, but the torque makes it more driveable. Better yet, if you can afford it, spring for a GLS model with the optional 1.8 turbo motor. A much better engine than the 2.0.

Jared
'00 GTI GLX

sweepnchoke · January 2000

Hi all....i am thinking of buying a vw golf gl series within the next few weeks...i have my eye on a hyundai tiburon as well..cool looking car however everyone hates hyundai but i read over consumver reports and owner comments...and it seem s to rate better than the golf in that department..please give advice as to the downfalls of the y2k golf gl..thanks so much!

sweepnchoke · January 2000

Hi all....i am thinking of buying a vw golf gl series within the next few weeks...i have my eye on a hyundai tiburon as well..cool looking car however everyone hates hyundai but i read over consumver reports and owner comments...and it seem s to rate better than the golf in that department..please give advice as to the downfalls of the y2k golf gl..thanks so much!

VW GOLF

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