Used 2000 Volkswagen Golf Consumer Reviews
A real keeper
This car runs like a top. It's affordable, fun to drive and has earned my trust. The cup holders are cheap and flimsy, but I can live with that. The features-to-cost ratio is much better than anything in its class. I LOVE THIS CAR!
It looks good, but it doesn't work!
We have had nothing but trouble with our golf. Windshield wiper arm/motor assembly has broken, numerous headlight and taillight outages, check engine light illuminates every so often, brake calipers locked up, (of course the windows have all fallen in), the door panel covers peeled off, the console lights flicker, the cruise control does not work consistently, and the platinum extended warranty that is supposed to cover everything has covered practically nothing...This car is a heap of junk.
- GLS 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,6002,245 mi away
The car
When the car is running well, it is a joy to own and drive. When it is not, service is difficult to get and has been often poorly executed and very expensive. VW has tried, at every opportunity, and there have been several, to avoid honoring the warranty. Dealer service has been similarly disappointing.
fun sporty car
my lease is almost up and I am definitely going to buy it out. I haven't had any problems with it yet, for it is still driving like it did when I bought it back in 2000.
Thought it was the perfect car
Bought this car new and thought that I would have it forever (see favorite features). At 35k mi, I began to question if it'd last over the log haul. 40k mi service/ inspection was bad. Rear brakes shot, LED brake light out, etc, etc. $1500+ in total repairs. Always kept up with the service, so I had a majority of the work done. When more problems started to appear, high cost and poor service were not encouraging. Decided to trade it in for a used 4WD Toyota Truck. Doesn't handle as well, but it is much more rugged/ durable. The Golf is a great car to operate, just a pain to maintain. Too much time and money for a daily driver.
48 months of supereconomical fun
Only problem was with the windows and VW fixed those free. Inside space is amazing, mpg 50 always. Handling is super even in snow but low ground clearance. Don't try to sleep in it. Turns into mini wagon with ease. Even better performance after a new set of upgraded tires at 45K. Most people don't realize it's a diesel unless I stay in one spot too long and the stink catches up with me. Gas station attendants argue that I am at the wrong pump.
Fun to drive, tons of space!
I have had a really good experience with this car. No major issues at all. The trunk space is wonderful, specially if you put the back seats down. You can fit your bike, a 32" TV Set or any other big stuff you will not be able to fit in a regular sedan trunk. The car has good fuel economy, which matters a lot these days with the gas prices. The car is fun to drive and even with a standard engine (2.0) the acceleration is quite good.
Pretty Good Car
I bought the car in winter off 2002 and it has been a pretty good car. So far the only problem I've had with it was the window which I still haven't fixed and airbag sensor. I didn't like how the car had 2 tone interior so I changed it to a full black interior. Do-it-yourself kind of thing cost me not even $300. I like the handling, but wish there were slight improvements in acceleration.
blast to drive
I've had nothing but good experiences after buying my zippy 1.8t Golf. After reading reviews of Golfs from hell I decided to buy a used one from a dealership, as a precaution if anything were to go completely wrong (NY dealers give 2 months warranties). The only small problem I have is the hinge on the glove box was broken, this doesn't affect the use. I also got this car because of my growing fear of the behemoth SUVs on the road that would have totaled my little old Honda. The car has great acceleration and lots of passing power when down shifting. Overall this car is a blast to drive. By the way, it has tons of cargo space for such a little car.
Don't Buy This Car
My 2000 Volkswagen Golf has had too many problems to list. Its factory recalls include: a bad welding on upper front control arm, dealership will replace if needed; no labeling of child safety seat teathers; hazard / turn signal relay gone bad, had mine replaced; fuel line relay, crack in seal could cause leak that could start fire, mine needed replacing. This is what I have also had to replace due to problems: turbo boost controller/blow off valve, transmission, clutch, head & tail lightbulb, front undercariage cover, front brakes, passenger seat, battery, interior seals, cruise control module, and rear cup holders. I paid $1,500 for a carmax warranty, and it was worth every penny. Their 250 point inspection is worthless. My car's a lemon that I can't get rid of.
Musta used Elmer's glue.
I think everyone must agree Murphy must be jailed for writing his laws. Warranty finished along with the bonding in the glues. Vinyl trim on either door has bubbled up and the knob on the parking brake popped off. Brake fixed but nothing can be done with the vinyl. This car is so far a good reliable drive. Wonderful in the snow and has yet to get stuck. In fact I had to drive other people to work. As for mileage. Well, don't believe their advertised 720mi per tank unless you have EXCELLENT diesel fuel near you. I regularly do 500-600mi per tank with additives. Or about 400 without additives. No experience with biodiesel fuels yet.
Overall, A good buy.
I've owned this car for 7 years. It is, on the whole, a very good car that suffered from periods of erratic reliability. The pluses are that it gets superb mileage. 50 mpg is not a joke, and 45-50 in stop and go commuting traffic around the metro area is really stellar. The car has been very comfortable. The car is also very practical as a hauler. Cargo capacity is great. Supremely reliable diesel engine. The minuses. Questionable reliability in some areas -- the power windows, steering rack (twice!) and the car frequently illuminates the warning lights for extremely minor problems (quite an annoyance). A great commuter car with a few blemishes.
Totally unreliable.
Oil consumption issues requiring numerous visits to try to fix the problem (Still not fixed). Within a year computer mother board had to be replaced. The engine light coming on and off. After the service department "fixed" window issue, my car doesn't lock remotely and the automatic locks don't always lock after driving 15 mi/hr.The service department declared that it is NORMAL FOR VW TO REQUIRE APPROXIMATELY 1quart OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES! Both headlights went out at the same time, even though one light had been replaced 3 weeks prior. NEVER AGAIN AND I WILL TELL ALL MY FRIENDS AND THEN SOME!
Love To Golf
The only problems are with the platic features in side. Cup Holders, all broke a few times.
Love this car
I have put 15,000 miles on the car. It's thrill to ride. Acceleration is great; can't imagine what the turbo would feel like! I experienced a strange sound from rear wheel; dealer clean caliper and disc; hopefully that's the fix. Otherwise no problems. I don't know why Edmunds feels the controls are difficult. I like them as they are.
Super car
This is far and away the best car I have ever owned. I have looked at Audis and cannot fathom why anyone would spend the etra money. This little car is roomy, comfortable and fun to drive, and it feels solid as a tank. It's great in the snow and rain, pretty peppy if you rev the engine, built with very high-quality materials and roomy enough for 4 adults. I do wish it was a little more fuel-efficient (2.0L 5-speed manual), but given the other plusses, I'll gladly compromise on that.
High Repair Costs
I bought my TDI new. I have put on a lot of miles, so the good gas milage is great. However, I have experienced high repair cost so what I am saving in gas I am paying in repairs. Not many mechanics can work on diesel engines so I am a the mercy of the dealer. At 80K miles my turbo died. Still waiting to hear why and how much it is to repair. Service provided by VW is very expensive ($82/hr for labor). Additionally, VW charges more for any work done on a diesel vehicle. Regular oil change cost $55.
Had been there for me at worst of times
I got my Golf 2.0 2dr GL back in 2017 at 310,000km now today 2021 almost 348,000 the car was neglected were I needed lower control arms, ball joints, rear calipers, steering rack, power steering pump ect and a tune up with spark plugs and wires, yes at first it's alot but i have to say it's been a great little car, I've done 6 moves over the last 4 year with it and I'm amazed at how much stuff it can hold and with the seats folded down it can fit a 55" flat screen in the back in the box. Handling is vary good for being a GL not a GTI. It's acceleration is more than enough for being in the city and it gets onto the highway with ease, gas mileage in tight City environment isn't really the best but every time I did my 7 hour road trips before covid it would average 37 miles per gallon on the highway which is surprising considering it's two people and a dog, and one thing I'm very thankful for is the ABS system is one of the best anti-lock braking systems I ever used and the car is phenomenal in snow if you live in Canada like me all in all the fourth-generation golf is a good car but just go over it with a fine-tooth comb and make sure it's been well-maintained and if everything checks out you're going to get a good car that will very rarely let you down.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
don't support saudi arabia? buy this car
Burns Biodiesel -- product of soybeans grown in USA.
THIS CAR JUST STINKS
I HATE THIS CAR! NUMEROUS PROBLEMS FROM DAY ONE. AC HAS BEEN WORKED ON TWICE, I GOT A NEW RADIO/CD PLAYER, THE WINDOW FELL IN THE DOOR, PROBLEMS WITH THE BLINKER AND I BELIEVE THERE IS A CLUTCH PROBLEM BUT VW INSISTS IT'S FINE. PLUS OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I HAD A HEARING SET UP WITH THE BBB AND VW OFFERED THE 5YR/72K MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR FREE.THE WARRANTY IS A VERY SMALL TOKEN CONSIDERING WHAT A LEMON IT IS. IT'S ONE OF THOSE CARS THAT THE PROBLEMS HAPPEN FOR YOU AND YOU ONLY. THE DEALERSHIPS CAN NEVER DUPLICATE IT. I WILL NEVER BUY A VW AGAIN. I WILL STICK TO HONDA!!!
Problems
I really like the TDI golf, but I have had many problems with the car. It is the first car that I ever purchased new. All 4 tires went bad at 12,000. The brakes went bad at 25000. A window fell down in the door and the door has never been able to open correctly. The engine light is on now, dealer says it needs a new relay ($250). I wonder whats next!
Brokenwagen
I purchased my VW new and have had numerous problems with it. Since the warranty expired, the problems have continued. Check engine light is always on; rear hatch relay went bad; overhead light completely broken; dash lights out. And now the car hesitates and will sometimes lose power, going into a "limp mode" (EPC light comes on). Service cannot diagnose or replicate the problem. The company is not addressing the pattern of unreliability with the consumers. As much as I like VW performance and styling, I would not buy another one and I advise others to avoid them.