Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Do NOT Buy This Car
I am a big fan of the electric car, I own a 2002 RAV 4 EV and love it. If possible, I will never buy a gas car again. I bought the e-Golf and regret it. Of the first 64 days I owned it, it was in the shop 19 days. Still less than 3,000 miles and new problems are cropping up (charging issues, won't lock). The dealer promised that delayed charging was possible using the infotainment system, then after I bought it informed me that it was only available through car-net at $199 per year fee. And it doesn't work. They promised a fix in six weeks, then they say it will be another 3 weeks. Avoid headaches, do NOT buy this car.
9 months of ownership and still smiling
I was a little nervous purchasing the e-Golf given some of the issues others have reported. I test drove one and was surprised to see the range INCREASE as I drove, and I liked it a lot better than the Leaf, Fiat, or SmartTwo. I can't say I got the best deal but with the incentives, I am driving this for $200/month lease and 8¢/kWh. Basically, it costs me $1.90 to "fill the tank" and go 90-100 miles. And, yes, with mixed driving I realistically achieve that range in warm weather. It's simple math really - the battery provides about 22 kWh of use, and if you can average 4 kWh you'll get 88 miles. I average between 4.5-5 kWh. While I am conscientious of the way in which I drive, I'm moving along with traffic. At 75+mph, you will watch the battery drain quickly. Likewise, as soon as the temps begin to dip, you'll notice range decrease by as much as 20-30%, so be prepared for that change, in part due to the impact of temps on the battery and also for the heating system. I gain about 10% of that differential back through driving in Eco+ mode with the heat off and seat warmer on. The fit, finish, drivability, and sportiness of this car puts it well above the other electrics I looked at. In fact, it looks like a normal car on the road. The only change I would make is that I would've opted now for the regular car with the better headlights, fake leather interior, alloy rims, and better heating system. While the LE is fine, it would've been worth the small amount of extra money for those items. To get the best out of this car, I highly recommend installing a Level 2 charger - it makes a huge difference for those days when you drain the battery and want to recharge and use the car again.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- SE 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $9,500196 mi away
- SE 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $9,491310 mi away
- SEL Premium 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $13,900468 mi away
Handles corners well, zips over canyons
I just bought the car today. For Los Angeles the car might not be the best in terms of gas mileage because when I started 9 miles away it was at 76 on the dashboard and 3 miles into my drive home it’s at 55. That’s 21 miles for the distance of three. Granted I was going up at very large hill And the air conditioner was on. So I’m hoping that by charging every night I will actually be able to make it to work and back which is a total of 18 miles. On the upside it handles beautifully And surprisingly goes over potholes and bumps very easily. Update - have been driving it for a week. I wish I hadn't bought this car. They don't tell you that 126 is nonexistent. I got home from work and it was at 26 miles left after having started at 78 this morning and I drive less than 18 miles. It's been almost two years. I never drive the car. I went to LAX (17 miles away) on a full tank and ran out of charge on the way back. Should have gotten a hybrid. Year 3 - I drive it more now, but of course not very far. Definitely buy the expensive extended warranty. Am going to get my charging mechanism fixed. When evaluating it the mechanic found another issue and part that needs to be replaced bevause when using a Volta (or any charging station) it locks in place and can’t get released. Total nightmare. So if I drive it only in the valley and not through the canyons I can easily do errands and not use much mileage at all. Using the heater or A/C uses more energy. But it’s still enormously fun to drive and handles really well. And four people can sit comfortably even if you are 6 feet.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Just bought mine used and am very happy
Just bought mine in Los Angeles after driving a friend’s eGolf. I love this car after driving back to Seattle in it. I even slept in it during charging stops during this 1300 mile road trip. This is the best car that I have owned in decades! Love the SEL trim level.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
155 MILE RANGE!
I have been driving my 2017 VW Egolf for a month now and its amazing, I work in the service dept at a major VW dealership, the 17 is a now brainer, 50% plus more range than the 16, amazing pick up and regen. infotainment system is update and perfect
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
E-Golf - Be Ware It is A Newly Introduced Car
BUYER BEWARE. We recently purchased an e-golf that stopped driving. Car was charged and electrical system worked but it would not drive while in gear. It was towed to dealer (Capital VW in San Jose, CA). Service department reported that diagnostic showed 'power button was pressed', which was not the case, even so it should not stop functioning. After couple days we were told that 'firmware is updated' and that car can be picked up. No explanation of actually what had gone wrong. We were told to open a case with VW service. VW response was that 'car now works and is under warranty, take action outside of VW if you like'. Be ware that this is a newly introduced car with potential bugs.
Buyer Beware!!!
I bought this car in California and told the dealership that I would be moving to Georgia within the year. They never told me that I would not be able to get the car serviced in Georgia. I paid to have it shipped Georgia, and now that it is time for my 1st maintenance, low and behold there are no dealerships who have been trained on servicing the car. Now I am stuck with a car that can't be serviced by VW, and am told that if I have it serviced by a non-dealership mechanic it could void my warranty. When I called VW to try and see if they could have someone trained in the area, they told me it was MY responsibility to know whether or not they service the vehicle in other states. Who has ever heard of a car made by a major manufacturer that could not be serviced by at least one local dealership? So much for customer service! If you are thinking of buying this car, and think you could ever move to another state during the time that you own this vehicle - then by another vehicle instead.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
Recently leased 2015 E-golfs.
Before I begin my review I want to say I am in the Navy and this is the first time I am writing a negative review about anything that I have bought in my life. I recently leased one of those 2015 Golf-e models. It looks great feels great until you get on the freeway. The mile estimate on the sticker is not nearly accurate. I drove only 40 on a fully charged battery and I was almost out of juice. Beware and avoid at all times if you commute on highway to and from work. Unless you want to see your wife crying and deal with all the head aches and range anxiety due to fact that the battery runs out so fast when you don't have the break regenerating. If you how ever like traffic and drive only in traffic by all means get it. The moment there is constant acceleration cross your finger since you will be looking for a charging station in no time. If you are lucky enough you don't have to pay and the charging station actually works. I will post a video on you tube to show the true performance of the Golf-e on a highway. I guess if you drive in town less than 40 miles a day this car is for you. If not I do not recommend taking your chances like I did. Now I am stuck with a vehicle I cannot use for 3 years.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Should have kept my Prius
I work 9 miles from home and have to charge my car every single night and I’ve only had it for three weeks. Because I drive in bumper to bumper traffic I can watch the 107 mile fully charged battery drop within 10 minutes down to 87 and then down to 55 before I get home. It can take 22 hours to fully charge. So I have to charge it every night for 12 hours and hope that it is fully charged. 9 miles using up 53? Who made this piece of garbage? I was told by sales to “realistically” expect 100 miles per charge, not the 126 advertised. Also, the delay does not work at all. I put it on for the first time and in the AM my car was still at 55. I live driving it but this is a scam.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
e-Golf is a fraud.
- Customer service won't help unless your attorney calls. - My e-Golf broke the 4th day and it's been being repaired for a month now. Still waiting. They don't even know what's wrong... - No loaner provided. No compensation. But yeah, I keep paying the lease despite not driving my car for a month - Buy a Volt, a Leaf or a Tesla. Don't even think on a e-Golf. Don't ever consider a Volkswagen.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value