Golf V5

[Pravin]

Hi there, now that I have grown up and need four doors I am thinking of replacing my loved XR2i 16v for a four door GOLF V5 (1999 - 2003). I was wondering if anyone has experience of owning these? Are they reliable, servicing costs, performance, is worth avoiding the early ones etc? Just after a little advice.....

Cheers,

Pravin

[jamesson]

Hello Pravin,

I have a 2000 V5 and am very happy with it. However, if you can stretch to one of the later ones with 170 bhp it might be worth it. My one (150bhp) is a little sluggish.

However, it does 30mpg, is smooth and comfy and not astronomical to run. VW dealers can be expensive for parts and servicing, so check your friendly independents. However, it is worth noting that sometimes they are just as expensive.

I don't think there's anything in particular to watch out for. Interior trim can show signs of wear (particularly driver's interior door handle), the information display on the instrument binnacle can have failed pixels, and the gear selector button on mine (it's an auto) sticks.

The only failure I've had is a MAF, which was around £300 to replace, if I remember rightly.

They're generally solid cars and make a lovely noise. Best of luck finding a good one..

[Adz The Rat]

My mate at work has one, he loves it.
Had problems with door handles failing but thats it I think

[Pravin]

Cheers guys. I test drove a 02 plate 170bhp tiptronic one today and I was very impressed. It has not got leather but it has only 36k miles - should have plenty of life (I hope!)

[AntonyJ]

Not a golf, but I just picked up (Monday) a V5 passat estate.
Very impressed so far, but it does have a flat spot around 2k, maybe a gummed up T/Body apparently.

But so far , pretty damn good.

[Rich VRS]

when i was looking into a V5 bora everyone reccomended i went for the 1.8t however depends on what your doing motorways id say V5 as ime the 1.8t isnt geared very well for high speed motorway cruising as it becomes a alcholic. v5 sounds better to

[dougc]

I've read and heard from a friend who used to sell VWs that the 170bhp V5 fuel consumption isn't that much below that of the V6 4motion. Might be worth a punt for the extra 35bhp and 4WD.