1999 Volkswagen Golf Consumer Discussions

Volkswagen Golf Electrical/Lighting Questions

• engine managment

  Written by: steveeg605 on Jul 16, 2010 1:55:19 PM

  vw golf 1.4 1999 petrol the engine management light will not show at all with fault on the car so i cant put the ecu on the car could anyone help me or tell me about why the engine managment light will not show at all even on ignition

2010 VW Golf

• 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

Toyota Prius vs VW Golf TDI

• Re: REAL-WORLD DATA [backy]

  Written by: schong on Feb 16, 2010 12:54:23 PM

  Amazing how the Prius could be so gosh-darned unreliable yet be one of the top 5 most reliable cars as of spring 2009 per CR's surveys. Also the "most satisfying" car to own per those same surveys. Also the best for used-car reliability. I notice how you left out the 2009 MY. Was that because there were only 137 complaints that year? You also left out the first two years of ... Read More

Volkswagen Golf Transmission Troubles

• VW Golf, 1.6 SE Auto 1999.

  Written by: nightime on Aug 30, 2009 12:27:09 PM

  Weird fault that the garage has not been able to identify. Auto gearbox reluctant to come out of second or third gear when engine or ambient temperature is high. oxygen and air flow metering system, between air filter and carb has been changed twice. Each time the car behaved faultlessly for two weeks, then back to old tricks. Can over come this problem by having the Air Conditioning on with blower ... Read More

• Re: 1999 Golf Problems HELP! [mael686]

  Written by: irqkrq on Feb 13, 2009 5:58:46 PM

  Before you sunk any money into it, you should have taken it back to the dealer. VW warrants the drivetrain for 10 years or 100,000 mi. which ever comes first. But, if your not the original owner, than that's null and void.

VW Golf Engine Problems

• 1999 Volkswagen Golf Check Engine Light

  Written by: emmauslax31 on May 16, 2007 10:21:38 AM

• 1999 Volkswagen Golf Check Engine Light

  Written by: emmauslax31 on Mar 18, 2007 10:50:12 AM

  Hi I have 1999 VW Golf Old Body 100,000 Miles. 2.0 Engine And my check engine light is on. I got it looked at the local garage and they said its a Evaporated Emissions code. I changed my vacuum tubes, and it still didn't turn off. I also started to notice that when i start it up, theres like a slight squealing noise from the engine area, and its coming from ... Read More

Volkswagen Golf Electrical/Lighting Questions

• Re: VW GOLF 1.4 S edition 1999 T reg HELP!!!!!! [saj1]

  Written by: we_hate_golfs on Aug 24, 2006 11:13:38 AM

  hi there we had exactly the same problem and now have other problems, apart from advising you to sell it, we would suggest to take the car to a garage that has electronic diagnostic testing device, they will put the car on and re-set the ECU back to factory settings. Hope this helps

Volkswagen Rabbit

• Re: Rabbit Reliability & MPG [lary999]

  Written by: crazedcommuter on Jul 16, 2006 12:05:32 PM

  So I guess what you're really saying is that you want a car with more features than your Honda has now. You want to upgrade to a more technologically advanced vehicle with absolutely awful dealer service and reliability. Why not look at the other Japanese cars if you're happy with the reliability? If you need space and ease of entry try the Scion XB. My father in law has had 2 ... Read More

Volkswagen Golf Electrical/Lighting Questions

• Re: VW GOLF 1.4 S edition 1999 T reg HELP!!!!!! [saj1]

  Written by: chener on Jul 1, 2006 5:46:45 AM

  Hi, Had the same problem. The car just cuts out and if you switch off and on agian it's fine for a while.It may be the relay for the engine management system. All the relays are inside the car behind the fuse box and can be changed in a few minutes and is not expensive. It fixed it for me!

• VW GOLF 1.4 S edition 1999 T reg HELP!!!!!!

  Written by: saj1 on Jun 21, 2006 1:37:34 PM

  Hi, I have recently passed my car driving test, and I bought a second hand VW GOLF 1.4 S edition 1999 T reg, for the first couple of weeks of driving the car was OK, but know the engine cuts out and the car stalls, it usually happens when I am slowing down, this is now happening a lot, I took the car to 3 VW recommend garages, and they cant ... Read More

• Re: Rear suspension MK3 1999 Golf 1.9 TDI [nogbloke]

  Written by: dhoadley on Apr 25, 2006 1:53:32 AM

  Hi there, my mk3 Golf GTI has exactly the same problem; it sounds sero=iously metal on metal banging; after several trips to different garages, the problem has been identified as worn suspension bushes on the trailing arms, allowing the banging to occur as the arm bottoms out against the subframe . I have been quoted about £230 to get it fixed, which I am going to finally do in the next ... Read More

2006 Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit

• Re: Golf [600kgolfgt]

  Written by: jacksonca on Jan 18, 2006 11:14:25 PM

  Had a 1999 VW Golf, built in Germany, so I figured it would be OK in build quality. This was probably one of the first ones off the boat, but they had been building them for two years before it even got here. The interior was excellent.. until the sunroof starting popping parts off at me and the interior glue started to melt in the California sun. Had to have the ... Read More

VW Golf

• Re: SO I HAD TO CHANGE MY 1999 VW GOLF BATTERY...... [jjellipsis]

  Written by: bpeebles on Oct 3, 2005 4:48:15 PM

  Perhaps you need to perform a Throttle Body Alignment

• SO I HAD TO CHANGE MY 1999 VW GOLF BATTERY......

  Written by: jjellipsis on Oct 3, 2005 6:49:21 AM

  Once I disconnected the battery terminals and replaced the battery....GUESS WHAT HAPPEND??? The car doesn't excelerate properly. As I begin to excelerate up through first gear......it suddely drops down to 1000 RPMs....while my foot is flooring the pedal. CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHY THIS IS HAPPENING? It doesn't stall---just immediately throttles down.

Volkswagen TDI Models

• no title

  Written by: tu754z on May 25, 2005 12:18:40 PM

  I just bought a 2005.5 TDI Jetta. I have owned VW’s for years but this is my first diesel car. So far I love the TDI still over half a tank after 300 miles, great power, runs better then my 1999.5 gas. Question: After we bought the car I noticed that when applying the brakes moderately I heard a knocking from the right rear wheel. Being a tinker I popped off ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: ruking1 on Jul 4, 2003 11:11:06 AM

  #659 The minimum CZ (cetane rating) for the ALH engine is 49. (Technical data, Engine data, pg 00-2, VW Golf, GTI, Jetta 1999-2003, Jetta Wagon 2001-2003, 1.9 Liter 4 cyl 2V TDI...CD Bentley) It would be worth a check in the state or states that you buy diesel/operate to see what is the minimum product delivered standard. With that information, you can decide if the extra cost and performance of fuel ... Read More

VW Golf

• Oil Recommendations - 5-30, 10-30 or 15-40

  Written by: micweb on Apr 7, 2003 1:55:34 PM

  VW recommends 10-30, 10-40, 15-40 as well as gas saving 5-30 weight oil for pre 1999 Golfs. My 2001 calls for 5-40 or, "if not available," 5-30. So what gives? Since 5-40 is not available here (although a common European grade, apparently)I ran 5-30 Mobil 1 for the first 40,000 miles. I was changing every 5,000 miles up to 25,000 miles, but started to worry about filter life (I use a ... Read More

• Golf V re jeff186

  Written by: moparbad on Aug 21, 2002 7:25:25 PM

  Current model Golf was introduced in North America in 1999 as a 1999 1/2 model. The new Golf MkV is expected to show up in 2004 as a 2005 model. If you are waiting to buy the next platform I would not wait. The problems of a first year model are a tradition at VW and the 1999 1/2 and even the 2000 models are not nearly as good as the ... Read More

• vw golf gl 1999

  Written by: balkan on Aug 20, 2002 10:58:08 AM

  hi, about to buy from a private party a 42,000 miles 1999 golf gl for $8,500 - has a small dent on on side but everything else seems in order. do you guys think this is a good deal? do you know of any major problems with this particular model? thanks!

Volkswagen TDI Models

• 48,000 miles later

  Written by: railcarman on Jul 27, 2002 7:48:52 PM

  I'm new to this list. I've read comments off and on for a long time. I am indebted to those who have written their stories. Now it is time to tell mine. OWNING THE CAR I've had my 2000 Golf GLS TDI 5 spd for just over two years and still marvel over it. I have a daily country commute of about 80 miles round trip, so when gas hit 2 ... Read More

Ford Focus ZX3 vs. VW Golf

• zx3 vs golf

  Written by: norwaydoug on Mar 28, 2002 7:45:15 PM

  Hi, As the initiator of this topic, back in 1999, I wanted to give an update. I chose to buy a 2000 Focus zx3 because it had more interior room than the VW and I had 3000 dollars of Citibank Visa money to buy a Ford. Quite an incentive. I had to trade my 2K zx3 in because it was a lemon (only in my opinion) and purchased a 2001 automatic ... Read More

VW Golf

• dbakalar (re: Horrible 1999 New Golf GLS Experience)

  Written by: weatherdan on Jul 21, 2001 7:25:56 AM

  Well they did not call me back (how annoying) so I called them again. They will likely offer me some sort of compensation. However, at this point I am not sure that their "compensation" will be any better than if I just trade in the car at any other car dealer. Especially since they said there will be a financial cost to me. Meanwhile I have spoken to a lawyer. There ... Read More

• Horrible 1999 New Golf GLS Experience

  Written by: dbakalar on Jul 21, 2001 5:51:06 AM

  Forenote... An ECHO??? But they're just so UGLY! (That's just my opinion anyway.....) Anyway... Weatherdan, I totally feel where you're coming from. My check engine light likes to make itself known from time to time. And, as I'm thankful that I haven't experienced all the problems you have, I've still gotten very frustrated with my car. Not to the point where I'd swear off VW entirely though. My last experience with ... Read More

• I too expect VW

  Written by: hiwaysanity on Jul 19, 2001 6:59:29 AM

  to produce a quality product. You had a lousy experience, and if VW of America hanles you badly, I can see that you might never want another VW. I was treated badly by Ford, and haven't been back in 15 years. However, you have not gotten the response from VWoA yet. So, I see things like "I can not recommend a VW Golf to anyone. . . .Suffice it to say ... Read More

• re: Wonderful 2001 Golf GLS TDI Experience

  Written by: weatherdan on Jul 19, 2001 5:28:41 AM

  moparbad wrote: "I purchased a Golf GLS TDI with all the bells and whistles 4 months ago. So far it has been nothing but joy and happiness..." Four months? Please revisit that statement after at least another 23 months. Then we can talk apples and apples. My Golf was nothing but "joy and happiness" (minus the air bag spiral assembly replacement) after four months too. No one can tell any car's ... Read More

• Horrible 1999 New Golf GLS Experience

  Written by: weatherdan on Jul 18, 2001 6:48:37 PM

  I purchased a beautiful Indigo Blue New Golf GLS automatic with the luxory package on April 17, 1999. It has been a horrible experience almost from the first day. It is absolutely amazing all the things that have gone wrong with this car. In 2.25 years the car has been serviced approximately 15 times! And as of today, the mileage is only 18,950! How so many things can go wrong/malfunction/break on ... Read More

• Tire advice

  Written by: ash328 on Jul 4, 2001 11:49:29 AM

  Hi, I have a 1999 VW Golf 4 dr. I love it. I'm at 50K and in need of new tires. I commute daily in our wonderful New England weather. Any advice? I'm looking at Michelin MX4 Plus. But I'm finding tire shopping VERY confusing. Thanks in advance Arnie Boston, MA arnie@ici.net

• 99 Golf Wolfsburg 4 Sale

  Written by: skinnypoo on Jun 29, 2001 2:57:23 PM

  1999 Golf Wolfsburg 4 Sale Dark Green Metalic, Tan Interior (good condition) Power Everything, Cruise, Automatic Body color mirrors, handles, darkenend tailights, Leather Wrapped Wheel, 6 CD Changer, Cassette fog lights and VW whip antenna. 12,100 miles. (2 years 9 months old) (light mileage) Astoria, Queens, USA Asking for $10,900 email: skinny@escape.com

• RE dbakalar VW customer care

  Written by: moparbad on Jun 14, 2001 1:26:09 PM

  Did you get a Golf from the first year of production of Mark 4 (1999)? If so you should know better. First year of a model is always one to avoid. Look at 1998 Beetle for example, I sure would not buy one. Try contacting customer care again, and I wish you better luck this time. VWoA and the dealers certainly are not as good as the cars in my opinion. ... Read More

VW Golf vs Honda Civic

• No comparison...

  Written by: plush1 on Jul 31, 2000 10:07:57 PM

  I'll have to agree with what one guy said earlier, there's no comparison between a Civic DX Hatchback and a VW Golf. I own a 2000 Civic DX Hatch and I must say that it's a good car - it serves its purpose and I'm more than happy with it. I have a friend who own a 1999 VW Golf and it's a more impressive ride. I almost bought one myself ... Read More

• rfruth

  Written by: qword on Jul 6, 2000 5:49:56 PM

  Maybe in some parts of the states the Golfs are hard to come by. I own a 2000 Golf GLS TDI that was purchased back in November of 1999. At that particular time there were a total of three TDI's on the lot. Just last week I took my girl friend to that same lot to look at the 1.8t Golf and to my surprise they didn't have a single TDI ... Read More

• Why 90hp for 18k?

  Written by: qword on Jan 21, 2000 7:20:33 PM

  No I did not mean that the TDI Golf is faster than the Civic Si. I meant to say that yes the 1.8t Beetle is faster than the Civic Si in acceleration times. However; there will be 1.8t gas powered Golf/Jetta here in the States in a year or so, and they to will be faster than the Si while having less horsepower but more torque. I bought my TDI from ... Read More

• 2000VW Golf GLS or 1999 Mazda Protege

  Written by: speedydg on Sep 7, 1999 2:45:34 AM

  I know,I know different vehicles, one sedan, one hatchback. but this is my problem. I've negotiated for a (1999 Mazda Protege LX for $13000) or (ES for $13705 fully loaded except for alarm system). And the 2000 Golf GLS fully loaded for $17459. Should I even be thinking about this? Which is a better vehicle? More safety features in the VW but economically the Mazda is the better deal.Maybe with the ... 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

• carlady

  Written by: mzn on Jan 13, 1999 2:25:53 AM

  For the latest on the 1999 Generation 4 VW Golf, join this discussion. carlady/host