1996 Volkswagen Golf Consumer Discussions

Volkswagen Golf Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Purchased a 2011 Golf 4 door 2.5 PZEV

  Written by: sportflyer1 on May 15, 2011 6:03:56 AM

  The Golf 2.5 is low volume compared to the Jetta. also it is outnumbered 3 to 1 in the dealers lot by the TDI. Anyway I paid $100 over invoice, and I really got paid exactly what I wanted for my old 1996 Mercedes C220 trade. I could not get the 1.9% @ 60 months, but I got the 2.9% at 60 months, that is about $500 more in payments over ... Read More

VW Golf Engine Problems

• Re: 1996 golf [jdknightley]

  Written by: bpeebles on Feb 8, 2011 6:33:32 PM

  You are describing a counple different issues here. The "tick tick tick" accompanied by a 'shake' sure sounds like a CV joint (Constant Velocity). Usually, a bad CV joint will sound worse when you turn one direction or another. If it is a bad CV joint, it must be replaced before your driveshaft snaps off....accompinied by severe damage and likely crashing and bodily-injury. To be 'fair' to your new VW purchase, ... Read More

• 1996 golf

  Written by: jdknightley on Feb 6, 2011 1:16:27 PM

  i just bought a 96 golf and i am having a few problems with it. its got a tick it seems when it gets into third gear and shakes in the gas pedal and front end when it gets to certain point in 5th gear. it kind of shakes the car and is extremely loud. also the "safe" system is engaged on my stereo system, does anyone know how to fix ... Read More

2010 VW Golf

• Re: 2010 Golf [bpeebles]

  Written by: jeffyscott on Aug 25, 2010 11:13:28 AM

  No mistake, I did not say the 1996 was the oldest use. Just that I happen to be aware of it's use in the '96. When my kid first told me they were bringing back the 2.0, I thought certain he was mistaken and they were going to be offering a new updated 2.0, perhaps incorporating new fangled ideas 16 valves (to improve HP). It is a non-competitive piece of ancient ... Read More

• Re: 2010 Golf [jeffyscott]

  Written by: bpeebles on Aug 24, 2010 7:02:05 PM

  You are mistaken about the 1996... it goes back a LOT further than that. That 2.0L 8-valve can be traced back to the ORIGINAL watercooled VW rabbitt in 1974. (Same engine-block with larger displacement) I have a different view.... That old engine-design is PROVEN over many millions of miles. Why do you think of it as a *bad* thing? VW has always offerd several engine options... if you do not like ... Read More

• Who should buy a TDI [bpeebles]

  Written by: jbaustian on Mar 29, 2010 6:27:01 AM

  Generally speaking, the more miles you drive each year, the better suited you are for a TDI. If you drive under 10k miles annually, then you use so little fuel that it really doesn't matter what you drive -- and it rarely makes sense to buy a new car anyway. OTOH, if you're driving 25k or 35k or 50k miles each year, then there is no better car than a VW ... Read More

Volkswagen Golf Care & Maintenance

• Drain Coolant!!!

  Written by: bumz23 on Nov 22, 2009 1:18:31 PM

  How do I drain the Coolant/water from a 1996 VW golf. I can't see a drain plug on the radiator and I cant get the hose off the bottom because there isn't enough room for my hands. I don't have the owner's manuel either so I am stuck. Please help if you can. thanks

VW Golf Engine Problems

• golf 1996 tdi glow plug light flashing

  Written by: mickle on Sep 24, 2009 1:43:57 PM

  hi, this morning i had to put the jump leads on my golf tdi,the glow plug light has been flashing ever since,the vw main dealer says that it is the engine management and wants to charge me £75 to put it on a diagnostic machine.can anyone give me an idea as to what the problem may be.

• Re: 91 vw golf problem [golf210]

  Written by: bob1000 on Sep 21, 2007 11:23:12 AM

  Hi I'm new here. Just trying to post my problem. Don't know if I'm in the right area? Well I have a 1996 VW GOLF Diesel. Just today the panel indecated an LED 'SERVICE2'? Normally it says SERVICE1 when the annual service is due and the orange coil icon is fashing none stop? It will turn over, but not start up? Sounds like its out of gas? Tank is full. Anyone ... Read More

Volkswagen Golf Electrical/Lighting Questions

• Re: VW Golf 1.6 cl 1996 [super4]

  Written by: hague on Jun 9, 2006 2:08:25 AM

  Just noticed your message. I am having the exact same problem with my L-reg 1.9 Golf Estate. The windows seem to come down more often when its been raining a lot. Did you ever find out how to cure the problem? Short of taking the fuse out (which I have also done...lol)

VW Golf vs Honda Civic

• What wrecked car look ike

  Written by: gee35coupe on Feb 13, 2006 4:14:29 PM

  Isn't a good gauge of protection. Since most modern cars are built to sacrifice themselves in a crash. Never heard of Honda fuel injection "shorting out". That's a new one. My new to me 1996 Civic EX sedan just got 37 mpg with mixed use. This is my third 1996 Civic EX and the second one with over 100K. No fuel injection problems just great gas mileage. Here's an idea. Good ... Read More

Volkswagen Golf Electrical/Lighting Questions

• VW Golf 1.6 cl 1996

  Written by: super4 on Jan 25, 2006 9:13:35 AM

  Changed a brake light bulb on a VW Golf 1.6 cl 1996 the other day and since then the electric windows have been going down by themselves one by one when ignition /engine is turned off? messed about with the bulbs again and fixed the lock which was broke (as I thought this could be affecting it) this was fine for an hour thought I'd solved it then it starts doing ... Read More

VW Golf

• VW GOLF TRANSMISSION

  Written by: nervouswreck on Oct 24, 2005 7:42:30 AM

  I HAVE A 1996 VW GOLF. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF 2nd GEAR. HAS ANYONE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM? IF SO HOW DID YOU FIX IT AND IS THIS A PROBLEM I CAN FIX?

• Re: Interesting [hpmctorque]

  Written by: zillz on Feb 25, 2005 8:54:52 AM

  VW owners are usually a unique breed of people....I know I am. We love our cars so much that a few issues of "reliability" are accepted. "Reliability" in itself is a very subjective term. My 1996 Golf has NEVER left me stranded, and the items I've replaced are basically wear & tear things that will eventually fail on any car. I have 117,600 miles and fully expect to reach 200,000 with ... Read More

VW Golf R32

• Nice car, overpriced and not enough performance

  Written by: quickvr6 on Feb 5, 2004 8:59:50 AM

  I drive a 1996 GTI VR6 and I am quite happy with it. The design of the car for this generation is nice, but when redesigned in 99 I was dissapointed a bit. The car looks like mine with a round bodykit. Overall though the new GTI 1.8T is a good value.    When I first heard/read about the new performance Golf I was excited. It was a brief article saying how ... Read More

VW Golf

• 1996 vw golf

  Written by: newtovw1 on Oct 22, 2002 10:24:21 AM

  my daughter bought a 1996 vw golf and tells me she can't find the glove compartment? Is she pulling my leg? Is there one and how does it open?

Volkswagen Owners-Meet the Members

• Hey now!

  Written by: thegrog3 on Nov 8, 2001 4:33:46 PM

  I'm on my 4th VW. 1972 Pop top Microbus, 1981 Rabbit, 1987 Golf, and now a 1996 Jetta III GL. I would've had a 2001 1.8T but I got in a bad accident in March and wasn't able to afford a new one. Being in the accident really messed up my back. The thing that I noticed right away that people don't discuss that much is the suspension. I noticed right ... Read More

VW Golf

• Are all Golfs Lemons, Are most Golfs Lemons?

  Written by: moparbad on Jul 31, 2001 1:35:14 PM

  Reading the experiences on Edmunds would make me think so. Remember that people that do not have problems are not motivated to post the problem free experiences they are having. Statistically the Golf is average in reliability. I make this statement after reviewing the reports that are compiled by JD Power, Automotive Information Systems, and others. An example of reliability report is the one by AIS on the 1996 and 1997 ... Read More

VW Golf vs Honda Civic

• carlady

  Written by: mzn on Apr 13, 2000 3:01:19 AM

  mnn, I've had two VW Golfs, my current 1996 and a 1987 before it. If you're looking for power, I think the Golf GTI is the way to go. IMHO, the Golf gives a more solid ride. I drove the Civic hatchback in 1996 and stayed with the Golf. Why not test drive them both and see what works for you? carlady/host

• difference in the VW golf models

  Written by: hilaryw on Jan 23, 2000 9:43:37 PM

  Could someone explain the difference in the VW golf models for me? I am considering buying a 1996 VW Golf III or Golf GTI --- OR a 1996 Honda Civic Hatchback. I don't really care about performance, but do care about a "fun" drive and a stylish look. My main concerns are price, maintenance and mileage. I can drive a manual or automatic, but prefer an automatic. : ) Any advice ... Read More

• questions about VW Golf GL

  Written by: wj27 on Oct 19, 1999 8:46:02 PM

  Hi: I am a potential first time VW Golf owner. I am a bit concerned on the reliability of VW's in general (and especially the Golf). My reason for this is the fact that VW only offers a 24 month/24,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty while Honda and Toyota offer an extra year of coverage. Why is this? Also, are parts and repairs more expensive on VW Golfs vs. Toyota (Corolla) ... Read More

• alex travanti

  Written by: alext on May 20, 1999 4:57:05 PM

  Just wanted to mention, concerning my last post, the mileage figures were both for manual transmission. I do not recommend getting a VW golf with an automatic tranny as it is both sluggish and much less fuel efficient. However, the civic HX auto employs the virtually unknown CVT (continuously variable transmission) which was invented around the turn of the century but wasn't used by a major car company until Honda put ... Read More

• parisian

  Written by: parisian on Apr 23, 1999 8:37:35 PM

  Just wanted to add my comments about the ongoing debate of Honda vs. VW. Sorry if this is a little bit off topic, but I've been reading this site because I am trying to decide between a 1999 new Golf TDI for long-distance commuting and a Honda Civic HX Coupe or Civic hatchback. This new car, whatever it turns out to be, will be a supplement to our existing cars. We ... Read More

What about VW TDI engine?

• dupper

  Written by: dupper on Mar 30, 1999 5:09:55 PM

  I own a 1996 Passat TDI wagon. GVW is about 3200lbs, the largest US auto VW makes with a TDI engine. In the 64K mile I have put on this car passing power, starting, heater performance and overall quality of this vehicle has NOT been a problem. Those among you out there in the baby Beetle , Jetta'a and Golf's who may be concerned re. the above, don't worry about it...enjoy ... Read More

Hatchback participants, introduce yourself here!

• volfy

  Written by: volfy on Feb 19, 1999 11:47:07 PM

  Hi boys & girls, and carlady :) I've been yakking away for a couple of days now and just now saw that I'm suppose to introduce myself. Sorry. I drive a 1989 GTI 16V, hope to buy a 2000 Golf VR5, drool after the Audi A4 2.8, will kill for an Audi S4 Quattro BiTurbo, and Shhh... just between you and me, haul 2x4s back from Home Depot with my 1996 ... Read More