mike1210

Im looking at getting one of these pretty soon, from searching and the like I know the specs etc but my main question is what to look for when buying one second hand, any warning signs that I need to be aware of etc. Also what is the best IPod adapter to get for them, Ive seen a few on Ebay and the VW one but does this only work when other things are disconnected?

T5OLF

iTrader: (4)

When you test drive it listen for knocking/harsh ride at the rear. The rear beam bushes are prone to failing after about 40k. I have just done mine and used powerflex bushes @ 45 quid compared to VW ones @ 40 quid each. You can use Audi TT ones which are uprated.

Fitting time is about 3/4 hours on a ramp with the correct tools, but I have read of people taking up to 9 hours.

Check the tailgate lock/handle for the paint bubbling up as well.

markymark34

really good engine. These cars can hide high miles very well so a FSH is good.
Have you considered a bora 130TDI? A better spec, cheaper insurance and cheaper to buy. Yes i know they dont look as nice.

Mark

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Plus £300 gets you up to 180 ish bhp and 280 lbs/ft and will go like the clappers (in a straight line)

johnnyroper

make sure it has got full history and the correct grade oil recomended by vw has been used.
the case hardening on the cams is prone to failiure if the proper oil is not used due to the pd fuel system

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Bang on, the PD's need proper oil otherwise its 40,000 miles then a clattery death.

Klaatu

Check out this site uk-mkivs, loads of information about VW's. If I were you, I'd steer well clear of VAG cars.

Klaatu

Even with said history, they still fail. Check uk-mkivs.

mike1210

Sorry, whats a VAG car?

cheers for the replies all

Snazy

VAG = Volkswagen Audi Group

A Golf TDi gets my vote, even my 110 was fun

JamesVTS

check clutch pedal for smoothness, slave cylinders are comon and clutch plates break up, rear beam bushed, knocking noise under car will be centre exhaust bracket snapped off, window regualtors also seize and very noisy........ 150bhp tdi's have cam issues,,,,,

Klaatu

Plastic clips on clutch pedals fail. Brake and clutch use same reservoir. Plastic components in the engine bay, such as oil dipstick tube become brittle and break when you check your oil. Oil drain plugs in sump damage the sump when removed, new sump required. Rear windscreen wiper motor fails due to bad design and routing of water pipe. Suspension bushes fail. Suspension ball joints fail regularly. Disk rotors warp very quickly. Camshaft and followers wear quickly. MAF sensors fail regularly. Air leaks and hose splitting issues. Odd sounds, "mooing" sounds from the power steering system. Interior quality issues with the MKV. Cabbin fan control fails, works only on setting 4. Plastic impellor on the water pump fails. The list goes on and on...don't buy a Golf, get a Citroen or a Peugeot, you'll be better off.

Snazy

Really !

I would have said the opposite personally. The build quality of VAG has always been good. Mine was on 130k when I sold it and solid as a rock with just a couple of inexpensive fixes, flasher unit etc.

Matt_Turbo_2000

I had a GT TDI never had any problems with it and it seemed well built and everything I expected it to be. Klaatu I dont think you can compare German build quality to french do you work for the PSA group or something? I would much rather Golf GT TDI than a Pug 307 or Citroen C4! Plus I know which is going to hold its value better!

lestippp

Good cars just have it properly checked and ensure it has a FSH.

What ever you do.... don't buy a french car.... you will regret it! The're not even any good new, never mind second hand.

scoobynutta555

Mine never had a problem! I've had three and they are generally reliable. Broke down once, ran out of diesel! As above, they are prone to wearing bushes. There's a low sump, you'll hear scraping if there are any bumps on the road or a very uneven country road.

Klaatu

If you look in the "What's the most reliable car you've owned" thread you'll see VW Golfs don't rate well. The build quality on a MK V is questionable, and if you read the MK V section you'll see there are many problems with them. Maybe I got a really bad MK IV, but so bad that it had almost all of the most common problems VW's can suffer in 12 months, was I really that unlucky? I spent the 12 months reading that site and came to the conclusion VW's really are rubbish. I owned 4 Subarus over 10 years, one temp sender replaced. I am, again, a Subaru owner. So I will bag VW's alright, not worth the aggro and crap service from VW stealers.

Snazy

Honestly..... I reckon you just got a rubbish one. I know quite a few people that have or have had them, and no one has had a serious problem.

T5OLF

iTrader: (4)

Had my 90BHP TDI for 5 years and all its had is 2 rear beam bushes that I replaced myself and 2 new front lower arms that failed from running it very low on coilovers.

I have been dead lazy and only changed the oil and filters once in 5 years and it's still going strong!!

As for pugs being good cars, dream on. I had a new 206 and it was a pile of crap, never again would I have a french car.

johnnyroper

dont go french,i have had a 307,megane and a c4 in the past every one of the ****** had problems build quality is sh1te.

vw defo better choice for reliability and resale value,my brothers 150bhp golf gt is rock solid still at 70k apart from normal servicing the only problem it has had is a window regulator pack up.

as previous posts make sure they got fsh and correct oil for pd engines has been used

Matteeboy

All of them have broken suspension.
But it can be sorted quite cheaply.

Klaatu

Not where I live mate!!

Matteeboy

What not broken or cannot be sorted cheaply?!
£400 usually does the job.

Klaatu

$1000 for f + r ARBs (Needed because the 1.6l Mk IV Golfs don't have real suspension at the rear), excluding fitting and 10% GST (VAT). $1200 for bushes, excluding fitting and GST. $850 plus GST for lower ball joints. $520 plus GST for a MAF. $136 plus GST for a cabin blower resistor pack. $76 plus GST for a temperature sender. The list goes on and on.....