Volkswagen Golf Used Car Review

It drives very well. It’s a very basic specification, but an extremely functional design. The interior is dark, but makes good sense when night approaches, as well as during the day. You feel part of the car instead of just “in” it. The controls are well weighted but you know the weight is noticeable, which isn’t a bad thing and adds to the feeling of being one with it. Steering can be a little sketchy just off center, but turning into the lock has a proper feel. The driver’s seat is comfortable, and there is a spacious feeling in the cabin without compensation. I’m 6 foot 4 and extremely comfortable in it. It drives well and has a quality feel. The car handles well down to 7-tenths, though it can lean at extreme angles. More than adequate for most I would say.

The 1.8 8v engine is quite good, with a sound at idle similar to that of a GTI 2.0, quite meaty. Good low torque and very easy to drive under 30mph. At highway A speeds, it’s great because it doesn’t require any gear changes in the flow of traffic. This car will happily pull 10-15mph in 3rd, 25mph in 4th and 30mph in 5th gear and up. The manufacturer’s claim of 106 pound-feet hits at 3300 rpm, though there’s a lot to play with before that. It offers smooth power from there by hitting the limiter at about 5400rpm. In isolation it performs well and if driven well can hold up to a 70-90 mph highway speed. You don’t always need full throttle to move forward, and when changing gears you drop right into the torque group.

However, it is very easy to spin the front wheels in wet or wet conditions, you can spin the steering if care is not taken in first gear. The gear change takes a bit of getting used to, but you do get used to it, it inspires confidence. This car, although somewhat planned and underrated in recent years, has a good blend of elements and I find the lack of top power to be a drawback, but again on our narrow and twisty roads the low gear makes up for it. Gas mileage is good, around 35 mpg, and its bubbly idle adds a bit of character. Boot space is disappointing, as is standard security. All in all a very good example if you buy a decent MK3. It has one owner for 8 years and was previously a company car, full service history and all stamps.