Is the Volkswagen Golf a reliable car?

Hi, just wanted to ask your opinion on a 2004 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 petrol. Are they a reliable car that will give hassle free motoring? Will be doing approx. 15,000 miles per year.

Thank you

Paul Carroll (Roscrea)

Oct 2014 Filed under: reliability

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Expert answer

Hi Paul,

By and large yes, but remember that this is a ten-year old car now, so you're going to have to find an immaculate one if you're looking for trouble-free motoring. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) has been known to give bother, so check and make sure that the engine runs smoothly and produces power properly. Mind you, the 1.4 petrol Golf was always woefully underpowered, so check also for signs that it has been ragged - floppy clutch, loose gearshift, smoky engine etc. Check the suspension too and if the tyres are unevenly worn, then the alignment is probably out. If it has electric windows and central locking (most Irish-spec 1.4 Golfs from that era won't) check to make sure they work properly too.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe