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Used 2012 Volkswagen Golf Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
39 reviews

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4.63 out of 5 stars

12 TDI

ronsulli, 03/09/2013
2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI 2dr Hatchback w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I got it my TDI new mid july . its at 29,000 miles , i love driving it , great car wouldn't trade it . 9.5 out of 10 . get one you'll love it takes you every where , on a dime of diesel . from El Paso to Houston and back 150 bucks in diesel ! around 1500 miles .

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5 out of 5 stars

Solid Quality Craftsmanship

ChuckP, 08/27/2016
2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI 4dr Hatchback w/Tech Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful

Of course, you've heard of the dieselgate scandal. Perhaps you have not heard about the failure of the high pressure fuel pump that had been under federal investigation. Regardless, I'm caught in the middle of accepting the buyback of $15,000+ OR keeping the car, getting it fixed on VW's dollar, and pocketing the settlement of $5,000. I bought the vehicle because of its mix of performance and fuel efficiency and because I have an affinity towards hatchbacks. Why a hatchback? Because I frequently transport stuff: lawn mower, weed wacker, leaf blower, furniture, etc. If I sold it back, what would I buy that met these needs? A Prius? Someone online commented that the Prius performance is similar to pushing a grocery shopping cart; however, fuel efficiency is great. A Mazda 3? There's a slight chance but probably not. I have 128K miles on this VW with only minor issues to report: horn wouldn't work early on. That's been fixed. Lately and very rarely, I've noticed I'll be driving down the road and the sunroof will open. It's a little freaky but it's happened about 3 times total and it doesn't open all the way, just to the first level. The Bi-Xenon / adaptive headlights are powerful. Dynaudio is a pleasure to listen to. I use the navigation all of the time and it's ok. The leather wrap-around steering wheel is comfortable to hold. My biggest complaint would be that the front seat could be more comfortable since there's little lumbar support and the headrest is in an awkward position. However, the front seats sort of wrap around your sides keeping you in place. This car is awesome and I'm worried that any car I buy to replace it will be a disappointment. Besides, I can see this car going way over 250K miles. What car would I buy could do that? My fuel efficiency is less than most other TDI drivers because I admit, there are times when I "need" to pass or get through or by drivers that are "in my way". This car moves quickly when needed and it's truly what makes it a joy to drive. At excessively high speeds it handles like a charm - no shaking, no rattling, and tight steering.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
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2012 Volkswagen Golf for sale near you
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5 out of 5 stars

2012 Volkswagen Golf

Matty Ice, 04/19/2021
2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.5L 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Love it! Super zippy! Great mileage! Fun drive!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

2012 VW Golf TDI

chasda, 12/16/2012
2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI 4dr Hatchback w/Tech Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
7 of 19 people found this review helpful

My previous car was a 2008 civic EXL. It was economical, dependable transportation, strictly point A to point B. I wanted to move up to something more competent, more fun to drive. I researched all the cars in the compact class. I compared power, performance and economy. Although all had something to offer, I felt the Golf TDI was a step ahead. The blend of performance, economy and build quality is unmatched in this segment. The diesel has a lot of torque and a broad power range, the DSG transmission blends perfectly, acceleration and passing are a breeze. The ride is solid, and handling is precise. Road noise is minimal, it has the feel of a much more expensive car. Sound system is awesome.

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5 out of 5 stars

A proper long term review

Matt, 12/27/2019
2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI 4dr Hatchback w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I was in the market for an economical daily driver and i ended up with a TDI Golf. It currently has 160,000 and it still feels nearly as refined as my BMW 335i weekend toy. Never had major mechanical problems. It starts fine at -20C, colder than that and it will have difficulty but that's given since its a diesel. The range is phenomenal. I was in the market for a Toyota given their reputation for reliability but the interior and performance of this Golf was far better, while still being a reliable car. The interior is no BMW but at its price point its top notch, excellent fit and finish. Mine has the DSG transmission and its great, it seamlessly changes gear at the right time. Since its my first ever diesel car i was expecting it to be rough, slow, and loud but its the complete opposite. Once up to temperature the engine runs very smoothly, the acceleration is decent and almost similar to a GTI i once owned, cabin noise is extremely low. Speaking of my GTI, the one i owned was a complete lemon and this TDI made me forgive Volkswagen.

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
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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