Used 2000 Volkswagen Golf Diesel Consumer Reviews
Used Golf for sale
If only it would work reliably ...
pparis, 04/24/2003
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
I was drawn to the TDI by its sleek design, great handling, and its incredible fuel efficiency (50 miles a gallon means that I go to a gas station a little more than once a month). What I did not expect, after I had owned several Golfs prior to this one, were the major problems with reliability. Nearly from day one, things started to break: sunroof, door locks, glow plugs, electronic command module, my ignition key was not recognized and the car disabled itself. Now, the turn-lights aren't working and the "check-engine" light is on again. I should have been more suspicious of the 2-yr warranty. All that in 2.5 years plus really lousy service is more than I can handle.
German engineering is a myth
superpyogenic, 08/02/2002
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Gas mileage is great and the performance is about the same as the pathetic 2.0 engine. Reliability is a serious issue. Both tie rods, the infamous VW window regulator, a brake relay, and now the power steering pump have all failed after the lame warranty ran out. German engineering is a myth. These cars break just as often but cost twice as much to fix.
2000 Volkswagen Golf for sale near you
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- GLS 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,600209 mi away
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2000 VW Golf GLS TDi
Paul Tee, 07/08/2003
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought new, fun to drive, great MPG I average 45MPG, It has distinctive styling when most cars look like all the other cars. German engineering at an affordable price!
I love this car
VaSean, 10/08/2003
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm surprised to read about the problems others are having, since I've had absolutely no problems with mine. Engine, clutch, computer, electrical window problems? Never. This is one...great...car.
Fun, great milage, but unreliable
iceman, 04/29/2003
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Golf TDI is great on gas. I average 48 mpg (mostly highway). It is comfortable for the driver and passenger, but tight in the back seat. For a diesel, it's amazingly quick. The downside has been reliability. Right after the warranty expired I had an electronic ignition failure. The car would just shut off. It happened once in an intersection and I almost got creamed. $250 and two trips to the shop later and it was fine. Last month I noticed a loss in power. The dealer blamed an air sensor. Fixing it was $500.
TDI GLS 5 speed
jamesroberts, 04/13/2002
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ride and build quality is fantastic. Feel much like a european car that is $10,000 more.
great car, could be better
hubie, 06/05/2002
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my vw turbodiesel 2000 golf for year and a half... 26,000 miles. I bought this car for the mileage, and it has been great... I get about 550 miles to the tankful with highway driving. Keep an eye out for diesel stations when you're running low! Good brakes, solid shifter.
TDI forever!
thetdiman, 07/11/2002
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very surprised at the reviews on your website. VW makes an great automobile. I love German cars and VW is the one that I could afford to buy new. A VW feels more like a BMW or Mercedes than a Honda or Toyota if you know what I mean. Drive one and then drive the other cars I mention and you will see that I know what I am talking about. My TDI is fantastic! It is a great engine. It is much quicker than one can imagine for only 90hp. With almost 60,000 miles, I have had NO problems with this auto!
TDI Troubles
nikisita, 11/12/2002
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my TDI in 2000 and was excited until I had my first problem. So far, I've had a bunch of headaches from my Check Engine light on, my car "slipping out of gear" twice, my WINDOW regulater, faulty manifold gaskets & now my transmission. Terrible customer service and mechanics at my dealership (Never go there). I'm thinking about selling my car now. I do love the interior, but hate the cup holders. I love the gas mileage but hate the unreliability I currently feel. Stock wheels were replaced at 34K miles. I feel like I am going to deal with one headache after another.
VW disappointment
rpauley, 11/14/2002
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought a loaded GLX TDI with all options. Creaked and groaned when first driven off the lot. Told it would go away. Windshield defective has a coating on the inside that cant be cleaned off. 3rd heater motor, window quit. Rattles and thumps are embarassing told I was acutely sensitive by service mgr. Velcro lint catcher interior discusting.
Make sure you get the maintenance record
bmlarso, 02/18/2003
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had the can since it was new. Had to replace the MAF 4 times. ($250 a crack, but got them to cover all but $150 or it). Has to replece the computer and wiring harness because it was what was tripping the CEL for the MAF. Tires had to be replaced at 15000. Glove gox broken. Mirror adjuster broken. Break-away mirrors BROKE at a VERY slow speed. 46000 and the clutch is going and I don't drive it that hard, but it is fun to drive and the 500+ miles to a tank is always a plus.
DPoor VW quality
bepilot, 08/13/2003
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car has many excellent features - such as ride quality, fuel economy, quiet, quality body construction. It is too bad that the company has poor quality in the electrical system - and doesn't recognize this as a customer concern. The local dealer is also lacking in service capability - waiting up to 6 weeks for a service appointment and expensive pricing on most items.
Disappointing
Don Fox, 08/29/2003
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Upscale features are nice, but great mileage is meaningless given purchase premium & $750 glow plugs/relay/harness replacement; may as well have gas engine & avoid the extra noise, sluggish response, & noxious exhaust. Electrical problems: rear window defroster, seat heater, errant break warning light, air recirculation button. Glove box broke at only 15 mo (but 30,000 mi, so no warranty help). Annoyances: wide turning radius, clunky shifter, low radio & climate control placement, useless clothes hanger hooks, small sun visors, low side placement of the trunk light, flimsy 12V receptacle in the trunk, & lint-collecting seat fabric.
Not much to complain about
shankmeister, 08/09/2003
2000 Volkswagen Golf GL TDi 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been stone reliable (mine is a German car). I live in the NE, and these roads are horrible, especially in winter. The Golf has been a great companion for my long distance commute, and I will probably never own a car that costs less per mile. And it is VERY good in the snow with snow tires.
Beware!
JoeA, 08/12/2003
2000 Volkswagen Golf GL TDi 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle performed very well after my purchase. But after maintaining this car it diminished in performance to the point where problems could not be solved. I believe it is a good vehicle but being a diesel may be its downfall. If you buy one, BE CERTAIN there is a certified mechanic that can service it. My performance rating reflects this.
Lowest cost per mile ever
ericfrancis, 01/20/2004
2000 Volkswagen Golf GL TDi 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have put over 128 thousand miles on my Golf Gl TDI. After an initial warranty issue with the rear brake pads failing twice (fixed free) I have done nothing other than routine maintenance. The car is quick, responsive and agile very reliable, starts in sub zero weather no problems and i can drive from chicago to Houston texas on 2 tanks of diesel averaging 85mph.
Bad bad VW
BillfromJersey, 01/22/2004
2000 Volkswagen Golf GL TDi 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Most unreliable car I have ever owned. This list of problems is endless. Mass Air Flow sensor, headlights, dashboard lights, glove box..twice (and do you think that VW has even reconized this problem?), ABS, Hydraulic brake unit, radio and on and on and on. Thank goodness that I have roll down windows...I see that many people have had problems with their power windows.
The car
jocko101, 04/02/2004
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
48 months of supereconomical fun
still like to drive, 09/10/2004
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Musta used Elmer's glue.
MrMorton, 04/18/2003
2000 Volkswagen Golf GL TDi 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
jyankus, 07/21/2007
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
High Repair Costs
NJ Jellybean, 06/30/2003
2000 Volkswagen Golf GL TDi 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
don't support saudi arabia? buy this car
824, 06/01/2004
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
Burns Biodiesel -- product of soybeans grown in USA.
Problems
Patty, 06/26/2002
2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDi 4dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!