Volkswagen Golf (Mk4)

Mackass · 27 Feb 2006 at 18:53

I'm thinking of getting this as my first car. I initially thought of something along the lines of a Clio Mk2, but my Dad said no and told me he'd rather pay more for something reliable, well built and something with a badge that could last me a good couple of years. I know something like a Ford Focus or Fiesta fits the bill, but I personally don't like Ford in general. I've narrowed it down to either the Golf 1.4S or 1.6S - both are fairly cheap to insure.

So I was wondering for a Golf Mk4, S trim, full service history, below 60,000 miles, in good condition, what would be a good price to pay?

Below is an example:
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WW...category=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200608225793716

Is the advertised price £4995 inflated? If so, what should I be looking to pay instead?

Mackass · 27 Feb 2006 at 19:43

Ideally, the 1.4S is what I'm after due to insurance reasons. The most I can push it to is a 1.6S, however I'm being held back by my mum "a 1.6 is too fast, no, no!". No alloys is probably the only thing I find bad about that car. Air conditioning I'm able to not have, as I'd be more than happy to have the window down. If the one you say is priced too high, what would I be looking at? Will somewhere around £4500 sound right?

Mackass · 27 Feb 2006 at 20:35

[TW]Fox said:
You've got 5 grand in cash and you are looking at buying a bottom of the range poverty spec Golf for insurance reasons?

Why not spend 4 grand on the car and the rest on the extra insurance, 5 grand for a base Golf is insane and the 1.4 is a slug.

If you dont want ANY modern features and think having the window down is the same as having aircon (its not, opening a window lets hot smog from outside the car come inside, air con conditions and chills the air) then why spend as much as 5k on a car?

I've done some research, and the S model does in fact come with A/C as standard. If you look at other S models on the Autotrader, many do mention A/C and it's also listed here.

I didn't say opening the window would be the same as having A/C, I merely mentioned that having the window open with some wind coming in is enough for me, although I do understand what you mean about not having A/C in a £5k car - although the 1.4S does have it. The S model isn't the lowest spec though, the E model is, and that doesn't even have electric windows etc

From what I gather, the 1.4 sounds slowish, but it's not going to be a major problem for me. I'll mostly be doing town driving, and the occasional Motorway trip from time to time. If I can find a good 1.6S model within my budget, I'll obviously take it. And as I mentioned, the only obstacle for me is my mother who believes a 1.6 is "fast".

If I were to go for say a 1.6S which does include A/C, with a car budget of £5000, what are your views on this Fox? Bearing in mind I am willing to pay a little more for the VW badge, and that £5000 is only a budget and not a target.

Mackass · 27 Feb 2006 at 22:20

Fox, I understand that the Golf may not set the World alight with its levels of performance, but as a sensible new driver, I don't want speeding offences to revoke my license and I honestly don't require faster models which you suggested above (for obvious reasons).

I know it may be fustrating when accelerating or going up hills, but to me, all it means is that I'll have to reach the required speed a little longer e.g. on a Motorway, it may take me longer to reach 70, but once I'm there, it won't matter as I'll be cruising along. Cheers for the pricing tip though, I did mention that £5000 was only a budget and that I would certainly look for cheaper, so I'll certainly keep an eye out for a bargain as you suggested above.

As for the others, I personally believe a 1.6 is as high as I can go, and it should be enough for a first car - even though it weighs a tonne. As for a Focus, I personally do not like the looks of it (a matter of taste), and to be honest, I really can't consider a car if I don't like its looks.

Mackass · 27 Feb 2006 at 22:25

Mechanical Arts said:
Something reliable, so you decided on a VW :|

I've been reading a lot of reviews, and I've got to say there are more postive reviews than there are negative. I know you will find problems no doubt, but name a car where you won't find problems? Even the most reliable of cars will be prone to some sort of mechanical issues.

Mackass · 28 Feb 2006 at 17:56

Thanks very much MrSix, that was very comforting.

I don't really know how to phrase this, but how does the car drive/feel when cuising along on the Motorway? Does it feel as if it's 'able' to drive at those speeds? i.e. I know on some little cars, it doesn't 'feel' safe to drive at high speeds, how does your Golf do?

Mackass · 28 Feb 2006 at 18:26

That's good, thanks mate.

Mackass · 28 Feb 2006 at 21:22

Thanks guys, all sounds good then.

I believe the Match is the highest level trim, although they're quite hard to come by, and I've not really seen any for sale around my area.

Mackass · 28 Feb 2006 at 21:37

[TW]Fox said:
No, Match is nowhere near the highest trim level.

Sorry, I meant highest trim for the 1.6. However between the SE and the Match, they're both fairly evenly packaged in my opinion.

Mackass · 28 Feb 2006 at 21:45

Mr.T said:
I got one from Hertfordshire, which is not too far from you, that was a week ago. But that was from a dealership

How much did you get it from the dealership for, if you don't mind me asking?

Mackass · 28 Feb 2006 at 21:52

Mr.T said:
8 1/2 grand. Year was 2003, and mileage was 25k I think. So over your 5k unfortunately.

Hehe. I've found a couple of decent 1.6S models for around £4500. Which is not bad as I could probably haggle the price down a bit.

Mackass · 28 Feb 2006 at 22:21

MNuTz said:
http://www.whatcar.co.uk/news-article.aspx?NA=178284

Thanks for the article, the last paragraph on your quote I believe will definitely help me in getting a good price.

£5k will get you a 2003 Astra or 2002 Focus. I'd personally go for one of these but it's your choice

Yep, I know the Golf may not be the fastest, but I'm more than happy to go for it. A Focus doesn't really turn me on at all to be honest. Same can be said for the Astra.

Mackass · 28 Feb 2006 at 22:21

triggerthat said:
I'd personally recommend you go with the 1.9-litre turbodiesel.

For a 17 year old?

Mackass · 28 Feb 2006 at 22:32

triggerthat said:
Yes.

IG 8, not as bad as I first thought. But insurance is already £1600 for an IG 5 and is quite costly for me.

Mackass · 28 Feb 2006 at 23:56

triggerthat - That Golf you posted was in mint condition, I may have considered that if it hadn't have ended.

The TDI is tempting, but both my parents (especially my mum) are limiting me to a 1.4 engined car - don't ask why, but they've said either that or no car

. I'm sure I can push them to a 1.6, but a 1.9 is out of the question. My mind is fairly well set on a 1.6S, and I'll be looking around for a good model for around £4500.

Mackass · 1 Mar 2006 at 00:40

Thanks for the information guys, and for MagicBoy for the list of problems.

I wouldn't really go near a Corolla to be honest, and I think a Bora is too big whilst at the same time, boot space isn't really important as I don't do the shopping run or anything.

I think I've more than made up my mind, and I probably am going for the Golf 1.6S. The factors which made me decide where its image, build quality, good interior and its reliability (majority of Golf owners here agree). A Golf 1.6 for a first car, I'm going to be more than happy. I personally believe it's a step up in class from say a Corsa, Clio, Saxo, 306, or other common (I'll use this term loosely) first cars, so despite what you all think about the performance, I'll be happy and that's all that matters.

Thanks everybody for your input.