Is the 2003 Volkswagen Golf reliable?

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 Match a reliable model?

Ros Devitt

Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability

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Expert answer

Hi Ros,

Not so much. The Mk IV Golf was not the paragon of reliability that the previous three generations had been, nor indeed that the subsequent three generations have been. The biggest recurring problem seems to be fragile engine management systems that can fail, which often leads to major mechanical components going pop. Smaller irritating niggles such as failed locking systems and electric windows have also been regularly reported. 

That said, by 2003, that generation Golf was gearing up to be replaced so it's possible that Volkswagen had ironed out the model's issues by then. Worth looking at so, but tread carefully and have the car checked. A full set of service logs and history would be nice too as always.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe