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Used 2003 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M) Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
20 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

Buy one, you'l love it!

DwightC, 07/03/2008
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

This 2003 Golf TDI is without a doubt THE most fun car to drive of all the cars that I've owned. (Actually, this is car #21). The diesel engine has tons of torque and really runs great matched with the manual transmission. The gears are smooth and shift even better than the Hondas I've owned. This TDI has a nice little wheeze when the turbo is heard, but that is only when the windows are open. I love the moon roof and the Monsoon radio- the best stock radio in any vehicle Ive had. I like the visibility, too. The seats are very comfortable. I get a reliable 45 mpg, and I drive 80 mph. The maintenance has been super low and Ive done most of it myself. I would buy another TDI without a doubt.

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5 out of 5 stars

This car's been a dream...knock on wood.

Got_diesel?, 01/19/2005
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Stand Trans a must with this engine. ONLY FUN-TO-DRIVE ECONOMY CAR W/ PERSONALITY ON THE MARKET. Chassis so solid, drives like a dream. Great crash test ratings make me feel safer than I would on truck/SUV-strewn roads. Interior easy on the eyes. Seats need better lumbar support, and velour upholstry sucks. As GLS owner, I suggest sticking w/ the GL. GLS options aren't as well-designed as rest of car. Big-picture: 26K problem- free mi in first 12 mos w/ average 45- 47 MPG, and starts down to -55F here in ND has convinced me of the overall value and sound design of this car - esp. that engine!

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5 out of 5 stars

A great car!

JChag, 01/23/2003
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

My Golf TDI starts up without a problem in single digit temps. The performace is amazing from the 1.9 TDI. The 90HP rating is VERY misleading, as this car simply flies. It's comfortable and has a very substantial feel while being driven. The sound from the base stereo is better than that of the Bose units found in the Nissans.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Constant costly repairs

bozzo, 02/18/2009
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Original owner blew motor due to low oil and had a brand new 1.9l engine and turbo charger, decarbed, replaced EGR valve, water pump, timing belt and tensioner at 135,000 kms. At 160,00, replaced glow plug harness. 163,000 kms mass air low circuit replaced. I bought it with 172,000 kms on car and 35,000 on new motor. At 223,000 replaced front struts and mounts and sway bar bushing, 226,000 cleaned airtake manifold and carbon, new timing belt, water pump. 242,000 replaced fan motor for heater. At 302,000 engine light remains on and blowing some oil out somewhere and the alternator pully came off. Both are expensive repairs. Uncomfortable seats, and cheaply built - not worth the repair bills.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

very disappointed

jalowega, 04/06/2003
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

THIS IS MY 2ND VW AND BOTH WERE LEMONS THE DEALER HAS DONE NOTHING TO INSTILL FURTHER CONFIDENCE IN VW. RATTLES AND CLUNKING FROM DAY ONE FROM A CAR THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE WELL BUILT.DON'T BE INFLUENCED OVER GOOD LOOKS

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