Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Golf?

2010 Toyota Corolla Luna 1.4 petrol (€11,950 / 67,000 miles) or 2009 Volkswagen Golf VI 1.4 petrol (€12,500 / 36,000 miles)? Which one is a better choice? Any opinions? I can't find any on Corolla as it seems most of reviews are done in UK and this particular model is not being sold on their market, and the American version is a completely different car...

Sam I (Limerick)

Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

---

Expert answer

Hi Sam,

Split result here. The Golf is a terrific car, handsome, spacious and fun to drive and of course very desirable too. But with the basic 1.4 petrol engine it's going to be slow. 

The Corolla by contrast has a surprisingly peppy, rev-happy 1.4 engine that's a joy to drive. A shame that the chassis, styling and cabin are all on the dull side but the upshot is of course near faultless reliability. 

So, Golf for desirability, Corolla for longevity.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe