1998 Volkswagen Golf problems
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada (Mk1 and Mk5), and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1).
The original Golf Mk1 was a front-engined, front-wheel drive replacement for the air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling models, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019.
Initially, most Golfs were 3-door hatchbacks. Other variants include a 5-door hatchback, estate (Variant, from 1993), convertible (Cabriolet and Cabrio, 1979–2002, Cabriolet, 2011–present), and a Golf-based saloon, called the Jetta, Vento (from 1992) or Bora (from 1999). The Golf covers economy to high-performance market segments.
The Golf has won awards, including the World Car of the Year in 2009, with the Mk6 and in 2013 with the Mk7. Along with the Renault Clio and the Vauxhall Astra, the Golf is one of only three cars to have won European Car of the Year twice, in 1992 and 2013. The Golf has made the annual Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times. The Mk7 won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2015, and the Mk1 GTI also won the award in 1985. The Mk4 won for the best-selling car in Europe in 2001.
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Common 1998 Volkswagen Golf problems
The Volkswagen Golf 1998, also known as the Mk4, is a popular car that has been known to have several common problems. These issues have been reported by owners and can affect the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle.
One common issue is with the ignition coil packs, which can cause the engine to misfire occasionally. This problem affects various models of the Golf, and the solution is to check the ignition coil packs for damage and replace them if necessary.
Another problem is a rattling sound from the engine, which can be caused by a faulty camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump. This issue affects various models of the Golf, and the solution is to replace the fuel pump every 20,000 miles, even if the rattling sound is not present.
The Golf can also go into limp mode while driving, which is often caused by a faulty water pump. This problem affects various models of the Golf, and the solution is to replace the water pump as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine.
Automatic gear changes can also be rough and unsmooth, which is often caused by a faulty gearbox unit. This problem affects various models of the Golf, and the solution is to replace the gearbox unit completely.
Rear boot locking problems are also common in the Golf, which can be caused by a cracked and leaking brake servo pipe. This problem affects various models of the Golf, and the solution is to replace the brake servo pipe with a new one.
The ABS unit can also overheat, even during short journeys, which is caused by an electrical fault in the ABS control unit. This problem affects Golfs built between 1997 and 2004, and the solution is to find a replacement ABS unit and install it as soon as possible to prevent a fire.
Grinding noises from the rear of the car while driving can be caused by faulty rear axles, which is common in Golfs built between 1997 and 2004. The solution is to replace the entire rear axle with a new one.
Faulty seat belt pre-tensioners can also cause the seat belt to tighten excessively when moving forward quickly, which can cause a fire in some cases. This problem affects various models of the Golf, and the solution is to find replacement seat belt pre-tensioners and install them as soon as possible.
Struggle to get into fifth gear can be caused by low gearbox oil or faulty or broken gear linkage or gear cables. This problem affects various models of the Golf, and the solution is to check the gearbox oil levels and replace any faulty or broken parts.
These common problems can affect the performance and reliability of the Volkswagen Golf 1998, and it is essential to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the vehicle. Regular maintenance and inspections can also help identify and prevent these issues from occurring.
Are old VW Golfs reliable?
The Volkswagen Golf is generally a reliable car. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, petrol models came 18th out of 29 cars in the family car category, while diesel ones actually ranked higher – 14th. Petrol models received a reliability rating of 90.4%, while diesel ones 92.5%.
How long will a VW Golf engine last?
Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting.
Is VW Golf a good car to buy?
Yes, it's the Volkswagen Golf, the 'hear hooves, think horses' of family hatchbacks. It's an industry benchmark. A vanguard in the battle against the overdone, overblown and ostentatious. An easy (and possibly lazy) recommendation given by all car people to non-car people when they simply need 'a car'.
Do VW Golf have transmission problems?
Over time, the gearbox in automatic Golf models can wear out and start to judder intermittently. This is a sign of failure in the mechatronic unit, also known as the control centre of the gearbox. Look out for the following symptoms: Loss of power when changing gear.
Are old VW Golfs reliable?
The Volkswagen Golf is generally a reliable car. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, petrol models came 18th out of 29 cars in the family car category, while diesel ones actually ranked higher – 14th. Petrol models received a reliability rating of 90.4%, while diesel ones 92.5%.
How long will a VW Golf engine last?
Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting.
Is VW Golf a good car to buy?
Yes, it's the Volkswagen Golf, the 'hear hooves, think horses' of family hatchbacks. It's an industry benchmark. A vanguard in the battle against the overdone, overblown and ostentatious. An easy (and possibly lazy) recommendation given by all car people to non-car people when they simply need 'a car'.
Are golfs expensive to fix?
Volkswagens are premium vehicles, but their cost of maintenance overall can be the same as a Ford's or a Mazda's if the parts are replaced only when needed – and they are cared for in the correct manner.
1998 Volkswagen Golf car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Golf problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Volkswagen Golf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Volkswagen Golf complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-18
- VIN: 3VWFB81H5WM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS AND AC INTERMITTENTLY WENT OFF COMPLETELY AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT DIDN'T GO AWAY ON DASHBOARD; MECHANIC DETERMINED A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFB81H2WM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN MORE THAN 40 MPH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-08
- VIN: 3VWKB81H7WM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL DEFECT: WHEN TURNING IGNITION ON AND ENGINE RUNNING, I EXPERIENCE A TOTAL LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS, A/C FAN MOTOR, DEFROSTER, DRL, FOG LAMPS, REAR-WINDOW DEFOGGER, AND HEATER. (ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS CONTINUE FUNCTIONING.) SOMETIMES THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT WHERE EVERYTHING FUNCTIONS; MOST OF THE TIME NONE OF THESE UNITS FUNCTION ELECTRICALLY. ADDITIONAL NOTE: THE "BRAKE" LAMP GLOWS ON IN THE DASH WHEN THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM OCCURS. (EMERGENCY BRAKE IS NOT ENGAGED.) CANNOT DRIVE AT NIGHT. VOLKSWAGON WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIR.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-15
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE CAUSES SWITCHED DEVICES TO LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE DEVICES I HAVE PERSONALLY IDENTIFIED THAT LOOSE POWER ARE: HEADLIGHTS, DRL, ABS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR FAN, FOG LIGHTS. WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE ON POSITION, IT IS POSIBLE TO ROTATE IT SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT AND TURN THE ABOVE MENTIONED DEVICES OFF WHILE THE CAR CONTINUES TO RUN. THIS CAN EASILY HAPPEN (AND DOES HAPPEN) WHILE DRIVING. SEARCHING YOUR DATABASE OF OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS AND OTHER SIMILAR MODELS WHICH PROBABLY USE THE SAME IGNITION SWITCH REVEALS 15 SWITCH FAILURES (865957, 897162, 876280, 899086, 608861, 609016, 758101, 888070, 8014837, 733016, 607392, 8021547, 869601, 750653, 743422) AND 5 POSSIBLE SWITCH FAILURES (733430, 9002207, 861456, 754763, 750545). THIS FAILURE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS RECURRANT ENOUGH BY MEMBERS OF WWW.VR6.ORG FOR ONE MEMBER TO ISSUE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING THE IGNITION SWITCH. I FEEL THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD AS HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS TURN COMPLETELY OFF WHILE DRIVING (INCLUDING DRL'S) RENDERING THE DRIVER BLIND AT NIGHT. IF FAILURE OCCURS DURRING DAYLIGHT, THE FAILURE IS NOT AS OBVIOUS BUT RENDERS THE ABS SYSTEM DISABLED AND COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL IF REQUIRED TO STOP QUICKLY WHILE THINKING THE CAR IS EQUIPTED WITH AN ABS SYSTEM. VOLKSWAGON USA HAS BEEN INFORMED OF THIS VIA THEIR WEBSITE AND I AM WAITING FOR A REPLY. OTHER MEMBERS OF WWW.VR6.ORG AND SIMILAR SITES ARE BEIGN ENCOURAGED TO FILE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-28
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TWICE DUE TO A THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-11
- VIN: 3VWFA81H2WM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. MECHANIC DETERMINED A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-20
- VIN: 3VWFB81H6WM
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHEELS WERE BONDED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-13
- VIN: 3VWFA81HXWM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FAILURE OF BREATHER VALVE AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, REPAIRED BY PRIVATE MECHANIC THAT GOT A KIT TO REPLACE POORLY DESIGNED UNIT WICH HAS A DEALER BUY BACK # 0444294 , VOLKSWAGEN SAID THERE WAS NO SUCH KIT TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND NO RECALL I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND HAVE RECIEVED NO AID FROM VOLKSWAGEN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-13
- VIN: 3VWFA81HXWM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FAILURE OF BREATHER VALVE AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, REPAIRED BY PRIVATE MECHANIC THAT GOT A KIT TO REPLACE POORLY DESIGNED UNIT WICH HAS A DEALER BUY BACK # 0444294 , VOLKSWAGEN SAID THERE WAS NO SUCH KIT TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND NO RECALL I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND HAVE RECIEVED NO AID FROM VOLKSWAGEN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFB61H2WM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN OVER WATER ON ROAD WATER GOES INTO AIR INTAKE AND ENGINE, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO HYDRO SEAL. PLEASE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
- VIN: 3VWFB81H2WM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: LIGHT ON HER DASHBOARD CAME ON FOR FRONTAL AIR BAGS. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT FRONTAL AIR BAG (DRIVER AND PASSENGER) UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED - REASON UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-11
- VIN: 3VWDA81H4WM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING ON AIR CONDITIONER IT DOES NOT COME ON, AND SOMETIMES WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS BINDING. LOCK CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-22
- VIN: 3VWFA81H4WM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION HAS LOCKED INTO 3RD GEAR WITH OUT WARNING. THIS HAS CAUSED A LACK PERFORMANCE. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE CAR NOT ACELERATING AS EXPECTED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-14
- VIN: 3VWHD81H5WM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE "VOLKSWAGEN CERTIFIED" DEALERSHIP WAS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. ALL THE LISTED PROBLEMS I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THEM REPEATEDLY, AND IT WOULD NORMALLY TAKE 3-5 VISITS FOR THE ITEM TO GET FIXED. I DIDN'T EVEN GET TO LIST ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THE SPEAKER PANEL, CLUTCH, AND FENDERS GETTING FLEXED. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER VOLKSWAGEN, OR GO TO THE DEALERSHIP EVER AGAIN. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-02
- VIN: 3VWHD81H8WM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS; INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES ON REGULAR ROAD CONDITIONS, BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD AND THERE WAS NO BRAKING ABILITY. DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-24
- VIN: 3VWBB61C1WM
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE FAILURE. (ENERGY MICHELIN - MXV4 PLUS - XSE 203/55 R16 91H MXS) *YC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- VIN: 3VWFB81H4WM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: REAR BLINKER FAILED.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-09
- VIN: 3VWHD81H2WM
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH HEAD RESTRAINTS. HEAD REST DROPS DOWN WITH A HEAVY IMPACT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-26
- VIN: 3VWFB81HXWM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN PULLING OUT THE RPMS REACHED UP TO 40,000 BEFORE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED TO THE NEXT GEAR AND THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
1998 Volkswagen Golf recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).
- Consequence: UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALLY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT RISK FOR A CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS, OR A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER WISHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.
Negative 1998 Volkswagen Golf car reviews
Positive 1998 Volkswagen Golf car reviews
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You've got yourself a great car there! It's amazing how much power it has for its size, and the gas mileage is fantastic. Overall, it's a great choice!
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Bought a pristine K2 with heated seats for around $4k. It's a great daily driver that's good on gas, has just enough pep, and is simple to work on yourself. Plus, it has airbags, so it's relatively safe. I don't think there's a better $4k beater out there. The 5-way heated seats are a bonus in the winter, and the A/C is nice and cold.
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What a great car! I bought it new out of the showroom and have never looked back. Although I had a couple of minor problems with the steering column noises in hot weather (expansion), Volkswagen's customer service was very impressive. Even after the warranty expired, they looked at the issue and when they couldn't find the problem, they took it apart and replaced some parts. As a company, Volkswagen takes customer service very seriously, which has definitely won me over as a lifetime customer. After dealing with FORD (Fix Or Repair Daily) with my first car, it's refreshing to have such a positive experience. Unfortunately, I have found the Jetta GLS 1.8T of my dreams and will be trading my baby in tomorrow. I'm looking forward to many happy years with my new Jetta!
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Hey there! I just wanted to share my experience with my VW car. It's amazing how great its performance is, and it keeps getting better! Even though I have an older model, it still runs like new. I can't stress enough how fun it is to drive this car, it's an absolute blast! I even find myself taking unnecessary trips just so I can drive it, even with the gas prices. Speaking of which, it gets great gas mileage! It's only a 2.0L, but it's still wonderful on gas. And let's not forget about the build quality, it's top-notch German engineering. I've always been a fan of VW's, but now it's crazy love! I wouldn't trade it for anything else. Thanks for reading and happy driving! DRIVER FOUND.
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This is such a sweet car to drive! It has an aftermarket exhaust, a new stereo system, and non-stock wheels, which make it even more fun to drive. Plus, it gets great gas mileage, averaging around 31 mpg. If you're looking for a cheap, easy-to-upgrade, and fun-to-drive car, you won't be disappointed!
Other years of Volkswagen Golf
Are you having problems with your 1998 Volkswagen Golf?
Zachery Howe 2025-11-28
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Golf K2 that I purchased 2 and a half years ago with 100K miles. It's a great little car that's peppy and fun to drive. However, I did have some issues with the back windows and sunroof not working. While I initially thought it was a good car, I did find that maintenance can be a bit of a challenge. For example, all VW engines now require Full Synthetic oil, which can be a bit of a pain to find in my area. Additionally, I've heard that sunroofs are known for leaks and failure, and parts can be quite expensive or hard to come by. Even repairs from dealers can be more costly compared to other car makers. They say that the Corrado is the VW that nickel and dimes you the most, but honestly, I think it's all of them! This is the first VW I've owned, and it will be the last. Maybe I should have gone for an older Beetle instead. Those seem to hold up much better than modern VWs. Thanks for listening to my experience!
Adolfo Heathcote 2025-11-21
Hi there! I bought this car brand new back in 1996. Unfortunately, I had a few issues with it such as the transmission ground wire and the dash needing to be replaced within the first month. I also had to go through three transmissions due to a rupture mixing coolant and transmission fluid. Additionally, I experienced a battery power surge, had to replace the plug wires three times, and had the ignition coil arching which caused the engine to cease while driving. However, I'm happy to say that I think I've got everything fixed now!
Claud Donnelly 2025-10-20
The Golf is a fantastic car with a zippy engine and nimble suspension. It has a large cargo area, making it perfect for anyone who needs to haul their stuff around while still getting 30mpg. Unlike most imports, the Golf has a very solid and safe feel. Although the 0-60 times may not be much to brag about, this car really shines in the 45-100 range (as with most German cars), allowing the driver to pass slower freeway traffic with ease. Even though this isn't my first car, I would highly recommend it to any parent or child looking for a reliable vehicle. The updated styling is another reason why the mk3 Golf is a great used car.
Florian Mills 2025-09-25
I would like to share my experience with my VW car. While I have faced some challenges with it, I believe it is important to do your research before making a decision. Consumer Reports is a great resource to learn about the reliability of different car manufacturers. It is worth noting that my Honda, which is older and has more miles, has been more reliable. I hope this information is helpful to you as you consider your options.
Cristian Wisozk 2025-06-19
This is my first car that I got in high school and I still have it. I bought it with 68,000 miles in 2007 and have put on about 30,000 miles since then. Despite having only 4 cylinders, I have no trouble getting up to speed on the highway and passing other cars. The gas mileage is decent around town, but it really shines between 50-75 mph. The interior is not the most luxurious, with a lot of cheap plastic pieces, but considering it's 15 years old, it's not surprising that most of it is deteriorating. The only major issue I had was with an intermittent speedometer, but I plan on driving this car until it can't go any further. If you manage to find one, you won't be disappointed.