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Used 2002 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M) Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
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4.88 out of 5 stars

AWESOME CAR!

doc5339, Tarzana, CA, 05/26/2012
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

I never really liked Volkswagens, but I have really fallen in love with this car. I purchased the Golf with over 150,000 miles on it, and have no issues, other than scheduled maintenance and wear and tear replacement parts. Had to replace the Glow Plug Wiring Harness because it was throwing Codes. The car has over 215,000 miles on it now, and still gets 43 MPG average, 46+ highway; probably will get 50 MPG if you can force yourself to drive the speed limit on the highway. Why buy a hybrid, when the batteries will fail when this TDI engine is just hitting its peak? Unless you drive 100% city, stay away from hybrids, TDI is the route to go for great fuel economy and long-term durability.

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4 out of 5 stars

I love this car

Mr Bill, 12/25/2008
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

My dad had a Rabbit diesel and that car provided about a million miles and years of service so I had my eye on this Golf when I first saw it. I got it with 60k miles and it now has 100k miles. It is 6 years old but still looks great, and the brake pads have never been changed! It gets about 36 mpg which is right with what the window sticker says. This is a low maintenance car, all I do is change the oil around 5k miles and drive it.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

50+ MPG, 700+ mile range says is all...

DaveGNJ, 01/11/2004
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Since breaking the car in (at around 12,000 miles), my mileage consistently reaches 54mpg, with a range of over 700 miles per tank. I can drive it like a scalded cat and still get over 50mpg. It's a great commuter car, but be sure to get the 5-speed if you're looking at a TDI.

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5 out of 5 stars

This car is the best!!!

CritterHopper, 02/19/2003
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is the most awesome car. Fuel economy, reliability (diesels last forever) and good resale value are what sold me! quality all around, no less than exceptional. Much more for the money than you would expect for a car <20K. Good job VW! Loyal VW owner for life! I'll never buy any other make!

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5 out of 5 stars

TDI just keeps on going

W.T.S, 02/28/2003
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

this is my fourth diesl from VW, in the past 10 years. My current 2002 has been trouble free, with an excellent service dept. The 2002 is loaded with features and drives and feels more like a full size car, none of the tinny ,clunkyness of its competotors and that includes Honda. I have owned a VW product since 1974 and would not be without one, they are just fun to drive, and if maintained long running and usually trouble free.

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5 out of 5 stars

Worth every penny and more!

VWRules, 02/19/2003
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

This is the highest quality car I have ever owned. I have never bought domestic, only imports. Until now, I thought Honda and Acura were the bomb.. now, I see that VW has much more quality and overall bang for the buck. Such a solid design. Airbags everywhere! And heated seats, you wouldn't expect them in a car sub 20K! VW, you did it again!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

I love this car

transmit, 05/09/2002
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've been looking at cars for over 4 months, test driving dozens of models and researching them thoroughly. I pretty much decided against getting a new car because nothing I drove impressed me. That was until I test drove the Golf. This car put a serious smile on my face when I drove it and equally important, it was the only car that seemed solidly built (for under 30K) and just had an air of quality that the others lacked. The interior materials are particulary well done.

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4 out of 5 stars

Good product, horrible dealer service...

Trinity, 09/22/2005
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My 2002 Volkswagen Golf has been reliable, but the air conditioning has a musty smell on hot days. The dealer can't fix the problem, until the warranty runs out. Then, for money, its fixable! Both headlights have burned out twice. this car is great on highway after 60 mph. The brakes are sof thought. Overall, if gas prices weren't going through the roof, I would trade it for real German car, like BMW 330Ci. the luxury package for $2,000 gets you two decent windows and mats...yes, mats. This car seems to maintain resale value, so I plan on keeping it until it hits 100,000 miles...then, it'll be a gift to a deserving soul, like a college student.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

2002 TDI Golf

gary moore, 10/04/2003
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had a probelm with the front passenger door- water was getting in through the mirror area. It took the dealer four times for the probelm to be fixed after I had threatened them with the lemon law.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Fuel economy is one of many good things!

Donny, 12/09/2004
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought with 28K on it, have put over 10K on it in last 6 months. Have had no problems whatsoever. Great looking inside and out, always draws second glances. Interior sets the standard for cars of this class and has perfect ergonomics. Seats are comfy if maybe a bit tiring on long trips. Good sound system. Performance more than adequate; won't leave sports cars behind but if you punch the gas pedal it pushes you back in your seat. Excellent fuel economy, about 500 miles/tank in city, 600 in highway; more with manual. There's pride in owning a TDI and an unspoken bond among fellow owners. Dealer service isn't the best (so I've heard) but it won't be in there much if you take care of it.

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