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Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf Consumer Reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
40 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 e-Golf, so we've included reviews for other years of the e-Golf since its last redesign.

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Cons
2.63 out of 5 stars

Do NOT Buy This Car

Steve Burnett, 04/29/2015
2015 Volkswagen e-Golf SEL Premium 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

9 months of ownership and still smiling

Ben, 08/24/2015
updated 03/01/2016
2015 Volkswagen e-Golf Limited Edition 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Handles corners well, zips over canyons

Canyon hopper, 07/26/2019
updated 12/02/2024
2016 Volkswagen e-Golf SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
15 of 26 people found this review helpful

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
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Just bought mine used and am very happy

Bobby17, 01/13/2019
2015 Volkswagen e-Golf SEL Premium 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

155 MILE RANGE!

Scot, 10/18/2017
2016 Volkswagen e-Golf SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful

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
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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