Volkswagen Golf Mk.5 (2004-2010)

Love it little zippy r32 – Always been skeptical of vws due to bad reviews from others. However I love my little hatch it's a powerful zippy bug, put your foot down and this thing roars! Keep the services up to date and up should have no issues. Dsg gearbox needs to be serviced every 60,000 kms which is a headache, but great car.  Show details

Most reliable car I ever owned – My husband bought me a MK5 Golf Hatchback (Pacific) for my birthday and I am absolutely pleased with this car being so reliable, tough, economical and good looking. I love the torque that she's got, DSG gearbox and the way she handles. I would keep this car as long as I can :) Thanks VW!!!  Show details

Amazing first car – Its a perfect car for a couple rather than a family the engine is very quiet compared to other cars and the windows and overall body are very soundproof and block out outside noise. The interior is very comfortable and the dashboard is easy to read. I dislike the manual winding that is required when adjusting the seat though.  Show details

The TSI 1.4litre manual Golf 2010 brought brand new - complete engine failure in Feb 2019 – Up until 7 Jan 2019 I loved this car - no problem whatsoever. I got it brand new in 2010 thinking a Golf would stand the test of time. I had it serviced regularly and now at 80,000 kms the compression has gone in one of the cylinders. The car has become worth $0 overnight. The fuel consumption went from 6l/100kms to 10l/100kms. To investigate… Read more

the problem further will now cost more than the car is worth at trade in. Two mechanics have verified this including a VW dealer. I've been quoted up to $8000 to strip the engine to investigate the problem and then rebuild the engine. And then it will be the cost to fix whatever they find. VW head office told me I must be prepared to pay all the expense and there is a 50/50 chance they will assist me - whatever 'assist me' means. This is a very high risk to take. I am now investigating if there is any action that can be taken further via the ACCC. The car now cannot be driven and so after 9 years of what is meant to be a TRUSTWORTHY and RELIABLE brand I'm left with something that the wreckers might give me $300. This situation is totally unacceptable and unfair.

Let down – Purchased the 2009 model from my sister who got it brand new. She only had it for 2 years and it was periodically serviced. For the first 2 years I really enjoyed the car. Very nice drive, gadgets in vehicle was nice. Seat was comfortable and I never had an issue with it mechanically. It is fairly fuel efficient, not compared to my mum's corolla… Read more

but better than the husband's ford. I use to drive an hour to and from work and weekend shopping and only ever had to fill up once full tank. Cosmetically it looks brilliant as well. Downside, with all European cars the parts are so expensive. Early this year I paid about $1,500 for a full service and some replacement with the brakes etc. 5 days later the car broke down with a terrible engine noise. Took this back to the mechanic and was advised this was a "known fault" with this VW Golf. I did some research online and it appeared to be true. Was quoted 5-6K for a second hand engine by about 3 different mechanics with no guarantees the car will hold out. As it is well and truly out of warranty VW could not assist. My heart was broken. I know it is only a piece of machinery but still, if it was a known fault shouldn't the manufacturer's offer something at the least. Turned out to be complete write off, sat at home for about 4-5 months & I decided to have it towed away for scrap. All in all, not very reliable.

such a disappointment – My husband really wanted this car and after some shopping around we bought a new one for him to drive to and from work (1hr each way). Initially great on fuel economy and he was really happy. In the first 6 months it started to use oil and the light would go on. Off to the dealership (where we purchased it from and serviced it) and they would… Read more

say this engine just uses oil and would top it up for free. Great we thought (although did think it was strange but not being mechanical believed the experts) This continued until warranty was up! By this stage we felt that something wasn't right with the dealership and when the car engine failed we took the car to a VW specialist. He advised us that this engine has a known fault and was now not repairable and we had to replace the engine. (with a later built engine) $5000 dollars later he now isn't filling up oil constantly and car runs well.

We have had other problems with VW Australia (we also own a transporter) and knew they would not honour any warranty type claim. The newer golfs are better just don't buy any in this date range.

Extremely Disappointed! – I'm entirely unimpressed that a car that has been looked after meticulously with Servicing, through VW Service Staff, and always driven with much care, I'm now told that at a mere 49,979 KM on the 'clock' , I need to have the Water Pump replaced. The VW dealer quoted me just over $1,500.00 . I obtained quotes from Volkswagen in Metro. Melbourne… Read more

and they have the exact same pricing.

I'm extremely disappointed in VW, with first the various recalls ( my car has had two recalls for two different issues, ie. Takata Bag, and some other issue with the Auto transmission that is sort of Manual in the way the gears operate).

I most certainly view this product as a poor quality product, given that I've treated my car with the utmost care from the day I bought it, brand new from the VW Dealer, I've had the car serviced religiously every 12 months, despite driving a mere circa $5,000 km annually.

My previous car was also a VW Golf, and also let me down when it simply stopped at the side of the road at around age 10 years, again having been purchased brand new, and treated with the utmost care.

My next car will most definitely not be a VW.

Economic and powerful – Ive used this 2007 tdi Sportline manual model for 4 years now, and I do 60K kms per year. Apart from the normal wear and tear, its been a rock. Only use premium fuels in VWs as I believe the hi spec engines need it. The now outdated CD navi system packed it in a couple of years ago, but big deal. Quality of interior is in a class on its own… Read more

compared to its japanese/ korean competitors. And I live only 300 meters from the beach, and no sign of any rust. Im buying another one......

Love them, best car I have ever owned – I own the volkswagen golf r32 and it is an amazing car. I like that it came with leather seats as a standard accessory. My golf it spec'd up with sat nav, parking sensors, sun roof and Bluetooth. For me, I like the sound, performance and handling of this car. I'm not impressed with the newer golfs though. Show details

Great Reliable Car – Very reliable car. Haven't had to spend any money on it at all. Great safety features and uses no fuel at all. I would buy another one in a heart beat. Dream car. Drives very smooth and has enough power for all my needs. Quality built. Great car would recommend to anyone. You won't be disappointed.  Show details

Never again will I buy a VW – Good points are that its comfortable with decent performance for a 1.4 and very quiet, barely hear the engine at lights etc .. Also me being 6'5 found it roomy with leg room and my son being short liked the adjustable seat height. The dash was easy visible.. Now for the bad..... We bought the car because we thought VW was reliable but found… Read more

that the car was a lemon, it has a history with a Engine rebuild, then a piston went, also has been subjected to 3 recalls one with the mechatronics which has gone again which nearly caused a horrific accident on the Freeway in Brisbane during peak hour, it was scary and it was replaced within 50k ago and now at a cost of $2,600 to fix .. VW Australia said they will get back to me, which they never do. Now I just want to get rid of it and get a decent reliable vehicle. VW is too expensive to maintain and unreliable. Should I have to buy a new Mechatronics every 50k ? I think it should last at least 100k+. VW Australia say one thing and do another.. When paying cash the staff are very helpful but when theres a complaint etc, they just want to palm you off with a run around .....

Let the buyer beware – Had a 2007 vw golf 2.0fsi. Bought it 2015 Oct, won't change gear 3 weeks after. Had valve body changed, cost me $3500. 2 months after that, head lining fell. And then gear box had another problem... not a reliable car to buy. I will not buy another VW golf again.  Show details

R32 Practicality with Character – The R32 golf is the perfect balance of fun with practicality. I chose this over the newer Golf R as the sound of that superb v6 engine had me sold. The reason why this car wasn't selling numbers as high as GTI when new wasn't because it wasn't a fantastic car. It was because it was priced more than a fully optioned GTI. It's original sale price… Read more

was also on par with much faster sports cars like the WRX STI and Mitsubishi Evo. Personally I believe it is far more refined and solidly built than its Japanese competitors which really shows after all these years. Fantastic build quality, comfort and performance all rolled into one superb and refined package that still looks great today. Has been a pleasure to own and provided it's serviced on time you won't experience any issues. DSG is a superb and smooth gearbox, if buying one make sure it's had its fluid changed when needed.

Let the buyer beware – Have always driven German cars. VW Beetle, Mercedes, Kombi and VW Golf diesel. This, my present TDI 2.0, has been a disappointment. Yes, good fuel economy: 1000 km from the 55 ltr tank but considering present resale value of just $10.000 for my "as new" looking Golf with just 80.000 km on the clock, bought new for $38.000 . . . . . . That… Read more

makes it a very expensive car to drive.

The serious issues of the DSG gearbox and the latest fuel scandal seriously impacted not just the Volkswagen brand but also the "Made in Germany" logo. My VW Golf was never actually made in Germany but assembled in South Africa.

We all lost: The owners, the dealers, the Company. World wide. Not just in Australia.

Pathetic Reliability – Incredibly unreliable. Purchased the car brand new and after 3 years and 70000 kms, below items had to be replaced or repaired: The entire cooling system Electrical issues Front driver door lock (3 weeks delay) Rear door Lock Fuels gauge Air conditioner Gearbox Engine components And the list goes on Highly unreliable and nothing but headache. Will never buy another VW ever again.  Show details

Nice features, great economy, very dodgy electrics – I had the TDI 2 litre diesel for five years. I bought it because I wanted something nicer to drive. It presents well - lots of features, great fuel economy (5L per 100 km / 1100km to a tank) and no major mechanical issues. I took mine all the way to 165,000km. But it was very unreliable in its electrics. The passenger door lock stopped working… Read more

($500 fix), the seat adjuster stopped working, the power socket died, the sunroof opened itself randomly while driving or standing still and the vehicle went into limp mode on the freeway. VW couldn't explain why but it was very disconcerting.

While it never conked out on me, we gave up trying to fix all the electrical issues with the car. I just think VW packed so many feature into it that there were bound to be problems when something broke. We wouldn't buy another VW.

You know the test of a good car is also its customer service VW when things go wrong! – 2004 VW Golf - Expecting a new baby we decided to buy a new golf (given the reviews etc...we thought we couldn't go wrong) how wrong we were. I would never ever buy a golf again. We had one of those lemons....you know the type that breaks down after 3 weeks of picking it up, breaks downs when the mechanic takes it for a rid....wanted a new car… Read more

in replacement but husband and VW managed to convince me that it was okay....oh we'll even give you an extra 2 years warranty...oh thank goodness you did because I needed it. Stopped dead on the Calder Freeway, stopped dead in my driveway, lights appearing every other day....had 2 good years...drove to Noosa one year...that was the highlight. I accept we got a lemon, accept that other people have had good cars....but I do not accept the absolute atrocious customer service received from VW throughout my whole experience of owning the car they never once accepted that this car was a lemon. Asked VW Ferntreee Gully for a printout history of my cars problems - 42 pages long...still VW would not accept this car was a lemon. If you get a good VW and have no problems I am so envious....if you get a VW that shows problems at the start....my advice is to get rid of it asap..VW customer service will definitely not help.

Don't think your buying quality – From the first week I had the car (bought new) the AC played up with the vents closing off after a short while driving, it was terrible in summer. I kept telling VW over & over what was going on but they kept telling me it can't happen. I'm an electrician & told them many times it was a sensor playing up & again they said it cannot happen. I… Read more

even showed them video evidence of the air vents closing internally & stopping any air getting to the cabin.THREE AND A HALF YEARS LATER I get a notice in the mail its a recall due to a sensor ! They fix the sensor,air cond then works and 2 months later the compressor blows up & I've got a $1700 repair bill.

NEVER again VW...NEVER !

2005 Golf MKV tdi – Driven 100K and averaging 900-1000km per tank (5-6L/100km). Been extremely reliable, done all the servicing myself. Known issues: Exhaust Gas Recirculator and Intake Manifold got clogged up with soot. Common problem with the 2.0L tdi. + fuel economy with tourqe - expensive dealership repairs Show details

Anxiety – What can I say! I can appricate that the Golf TDI (2.0 turbo) 2006 model is a beautiful car, the trimming is nicer than your standard Japanese cars and when it worked, it did work beautiful. It is a comfortable car to drive I had the car for 3 months (bought second hand) and I have had nothing but problems. Sure, maybe it was a lemon before. It… Read more

started with the car start up, took minutes sometimes, and multiple efforts. Car would shake but never switch on. No one could find the problem (changed the batteries, checked the glow bulbs). Then, when I was idling waiting to get into a parking spot the motor died (days after leaving the mechanic). Not impressed to say the least. Off back to the dealership. After much struggle the fuel pump was replaced. Working fine till recently when I went to start my car and smoke was coming from the bonnet with a burning smell. The incident before made me hesitant to drive, never having the music on incase my motor stopped, but this topped it off.

It is a shame, because I have driven other golfs (older generations) and they are a fun car to drive. This one has put the fear of god in me, I do not feel safe and will be getting rid of it asap. Mind you I got a mechanic to check before I bought the car and got a major service 2 weeks after.

If you get a good one, they will be a gem, but please beware, feeling scared that your motor will lose power at any moment is not worth a car no matter how nice it is. Interior is beautiful and when it worked, it drove beautifully New problem every week, car dealer would "not find a problem"

2006 Golf GTI (MK5), DSG Gearbox – I bought this car new from a Perth dealership back when Golfs were still edgy and I was trying to break away from the norm and be Euro-chic. It's really fast and drives great, just like all new cars now available, but the other cars just like it are $15k less expensive and far less common. If you are uber cool and are the type of person who… Read more

sends a txt msg to their local coffee shop so your chai latte will be ready when you drop by, then get a GTI. It's a great car, sure, but it is so in keeping with the norm that you won't miss it when it's gone. Sporty, sounds good, gives you a little bit of cred with the middle of the range arty types. Way too much money for what it is. Owned by most people you know, and most people you haven't met yet. When in doubt on how to be cool, get a GTI, like the rest of society.

Gen 5 Golf 1.9l DSG - a very mixed ownership experience – This is a great little car to drive, but ownership is a real worry. This car cost $37,000 in 2006 and quality control from the factory was poor. The Japanese and Koreans can build cars that don't have multiple failures ever, never mind in the first 100,000kms. Very expensive to service with the agents who don't seem to care about the quality of… Read more

their work, or an enduring relationship with the customer. I bought 3 new cars from the dealership in 5 years, there won't be a 4th. Great little car to drive, excellent fuel economy 5l/100kms touring 6 in town. Versatile and spacious. 5 Star NCAP rating. The main driver loves it (except DSG) and has since day 1. Where to begin? This instrument panel is persistently annoying, esp at night when the minor information displays in red lights are small and hard to read-many car makers have sorted out how to make large, clear and accurate gauges-why can't VW? Price of spares is outrageous and too many major components fail much too soon. I have tracked 5 Gen 5 Golfs owned by family and colleagues - ours is the only one not to have the air conditioning fail - and it's a $4000 repair!. The main driver does not like the way the car rolls backwards on hills - it's only for a short time, but it's disconcerting and a reminder that it's not an auto, only a manual that changes gears itself (and that's its own set of design/manufacture quality problems). The original dealer/service agent was very expensive, and took weeks to get the car booked in. Was charged $45 to replace two blown brake lights at 25,000kms (not warranty items!). Original equipment Goodyear tyres very noisy, replacement Michelin Energy much quieter and seem to be wearing better. New rear brakes (pads and rotors) required at 70,000kms; factory assembly problem led to the high pressure pipe from the turbo puncturing and the whole car behaving very strangely (what-if inquiries about replacing the turbo disclosed a part that cost $3,000). One drive shaft boot replaced at 100,000kms. Wheels are constantly dirty with brake dust-doesn't happen on Japanese cars, but they still stop. Wheels easily damaged against kerbs etc. Radio goes "bong" every time you change the station-why? Can't read the radio control panel whilst wearing polarising sun glasses.

I wouldn't buy another – It seems many people are really happy with their Golfs and I would be if it hadn't had so many problems. They drive well, are practical and are generally well thought out... Well the truth is they have poor quality control in the manufacture of them and are prone to expensive problems you wouldn't see on Japanese cars... I purchased a new Golf… Read more

mark V 2.0L FSI manual comfortline in 2005 and have had numerous issues with the car. Those I can remember include: A leaking rear main seal, the electronic dash breaking, the electric windows and door locks breaking, the individual cylinder coils breaking, an oxygen sensor breaking, the air bag sensor malfunctioning and the constant usage of oil (it burns oil on a car with only now 80,000km)... From what it seems my car's problems have been insignificant to what some others have had, but nevertheless I think it's time to part with it. VW Australia's ridiculous prices on parts (they are a fraction of the price in europe) and constant problems means it's not economically viable for me to keep the Golf. If VW intend to keep customers they will need to produce more reliable and cheaper to maintain cars. I won't be purchasing another VW. Nice drive, practical, smooth Poor build quality, expensive servicing and maintenance costs

Love my Golf – Bought a 2006 Golf and have driven it lots. Best car I have ever owned, bar none, and I've had a few. It's a TDI 2l turbo diesel automatic comfortline - the seat is just so comfortable, supporting my back in all the places it wants to be supported, so like another reviewer, I've never been uncomfortable even on a long drive. It's got a bit of… Read more ·  1

oomph, which means I can accelerate up a hill or to pass someone if I need to. Cruise control is great - I set that on every freeway, to make sure I don't go over the limit. Trouble-free - beyond an annual service, I've not spent a thing on it in six years. And it goes for ages before I have to refill it, thanks to the diesel engine. Smooth transition, quiet driving, I'm going to update it (as company car) but stick with the Golf. So well designed, all the nifty little things like rain sensitive wipers, auto dimming rear mirror, lights staying on until I get to the front door... Reliable, good value, efficient and beautifully designed. A pleasure to drive. VERY comfortable seating. No 'air only' option - you have to put the AC on. The speedo is inaccurate, shows almost 10k under the actual speed (ie, speedo shows 60 but everyone behind me is furious because I'm actually doing about 52 kph).

Best car l have ever owned and l have had 21 car in my life time , so far – l have the 1.9 td 2005 it has done 100000 km l still have the original set of tyres , l just love driving this car , l have been thinking about updating , but l love it too much and they don't make the 1.9 any more , its such a fun car to drive, as far as reliability goes so far l haven't had any problems but l am a mature age lady and treat my… Read more

girl will resect , l think most cars would last a lot longer and have no problems if people drove them , not thrash them, l would highly recommend a golf.

2006 auto comfortline - don't touch it! – I had the 2006 1.6 litre 6 speed automatic comfortline model with all the bells and whistles. The car felt solid to drive and got along quite well even though I chose the base engine. All volkswagens have a hesitation on takeoff - both autos and dsg alike (I have had four VWs) so you have to learn to hit the accelerator well before you want to… Read more

take off - makes it a bit nerve racking at busy roundabouts or zipping out into a gap in traffic!!

The air conditioner, like all vw air conditioners was weak and not suited to Queensland conditions. Earlier models gave the option of permanently setting to recycled air but newer ones all default to fresh air intake so are constantly trying to overcome 30 degree plus outside air temp. Even on recycle the fan was almost always needed on full blast which brings to another point - the ac fans are very noisy and need to be turned down so you can talk to passengers or on the phone. The final straw was when the entire air conditioning system needed to be removed and replaced when it died completely. The dashboard had to be removed to get at it and I was without the car for a week - thankfully it was still under warranty!

The other major issue I had was a failed oxygen sensor that took over a year for vw to diagnose and replace - the car would chug and sputter and spew clouds of smoke - even though it was brand new! The regular scheduled servicing was horrendously expensive as well - about $400 each time. The front brake rotors needed replacement at only 35000 kms!! When I asked how that was possible I got the "your driving style affects the life of the pads and rotors" spiel - well my driving style hasn't changed in 20 years and all other cars have been well over 100000kms before needing brake rotors!

Upon speaking with other owners I have found they have had similar experience with regard to the short brake life. One guy I spoke to had already replaced front rotors at 30000kms. A lady I spoke to with the latest model "twincharger" engine has had the entire engine replaced under warranty when it failed and then had the dsg replaced when it failed as well. Needless to say she is not confident enough in the cars reliability to keep it once the new car warranty runs out.

After the golf I bought a VW Jetta turbo - great car to drive but it too let me down with a major engine failure. (See my reviews). I have now switched my allegiance to Toyota and bought a Camry - boring as it is, at least the ownership experience is hassle free! Comfortable & solid Expensive to maintain and run - not reliable.

This car is a lemon - buyers beware – Multiple electrical issues, engine software management issues, replaced engine and now DSG. Still under warranty but major inconvenience to buyer/owner. Great car, good pick up, taught ride, good road holding and fuel economy, other than being totally unreliable - how can that not be factored into "car of the year" awards. DSG, Fuel economy, Steering/Road Holding Unreliable, Premium Fuel Req'd, Constantly Requires Repairs Show details

Best Car! – I have owned this car for about six years and its still as fun to drive as when i bought it. I would recommend to get the 2 L diesel as it is inexpensive and trouble free. Ps i found that most vw cars are great and features are ahead of there time. The quality of both the engine and interior  Show details

Great while under warranty – bought our 1.6 auto golf in 2005 new thinking that this car would last 10years,i was wrong water in oil from day one told that it was a common fault,stripped sump plug on second service (local vw dealer)6 weeks without our new car white sludge build up in engine wich caused various idle and starting problems,vacume hoses and air intake hose… Read more

falling apart after 4 years in 60000km new disc rotors and brakes.auto started to play up big $$$$$$.

have now bought a toyota.... nice to drive had a quality feel expensive repairs

Gen V Auto - Love and Hate – I bought this 1.6 Gen V auto Comfortline second hand in 2009 with just 47000km's on it. It is GREAT to drive - I really love this car. The dynamics, the handling and even the performance of the 1.6 which most people bag. Once off the line (which isn't quick) it goes fine and above 40km it more than keeps up with the traffic. This car is great to… Read more

drive. It is verywell designed I love it and prefer to drive it over our Mazda 6. Cons: there are a few. Firstly VW at Barlow World Moorabbin barely know how to spell VW let alone service what is a finnicky car. Quality - weeelll - VW need to do some serious soul searching and be reminded that cars are meant to only see their dealer twice a year for a simple and cheap service not the following: heater fan failure, water pump failure (at 55000km!!), interior light failure, split and leaking breather hoses, engine management sensor failure and etc and etc....

GTI MK5 – Had it since new...its been good n reliable eva since...engines still running smooth and 623km on one tank. might reach 630km easy but dont have the balls for it. im a pretty enthusiast owner so i took extra care on doing the oil changed every 7500km. fuel efficiency? ive seen worst on other turbo engine. the car gives u so much fun, i wont… Read more

worry too much bout the fuel...

abit thirst on oil? its normal since its turbo n all.

should definitely have chosed the 6 speed manual since im keeping it for a long time..

comfort? not so much cause it is a performance car but ive been worst...

the way the car handle on sharp corner...it put a smile on ur face n u wont think so much toward comfort... Fun car to drive n reliable... All good with the car BUT poor service by vw cause they couldn't careless...

Golf TSI 118 with DSG gearbox – Car was great at first, then it started breaking down. So far they have replaced the engine,clutch,Mechotonics unit, alternator, battery and something else in the engine. The car is a lemon. Be careful about buying a VW. Looks good and goes well when it runs Very unreliable, sick and tired of getting it fixed Show details

Terrible – Basically, i had it serviced at essendon volkswagen where my booking was deleted and they did not believe that i booked it until it happened to a more respectable looking business man next to me. They squeezed those two bookings in on the day along with existing bookings. Next, they charge me an arm and leg for major service and brakes - 1500… Read more

bucks which i am willing to pay for a car that works. The very next day, it didnt start, took it back where they put it through the computer and tell me 2 sensors need to be replaced costing 1000 bucks. Shouldnt they have seen it the day before? I took it to someone else to fix who also puts the car through a computer and sees the sensor faults - which were not reset when they were last replaced!! In other words, i would have been charged 1000 bucks and the problem would still be there. Great car, terrible servicing at Essendon Volkswagen. I will make a website shortly to warn other people about them. It is a great car. Comfy and handles great. Servicing - see below.

Nice interior, great fuel economy – I have the R version of the Golf, coming from a highly modified Subaru Forester XT (0-100 in 4 sec). Breath of fresh air, the interior and handling is out of this world. My other half's car is an Audi Q5 S-line, build quility and even the buttons are the same as the Audi. I would sacrafice a little speed for comfort and german ride quality… Read more

anytime. DSG gear box is a dream in traffic. German ride quality, fuel economy is excellent when cruising. Limited vendors for tuning after market.

Terrible – Heavy on fuel, service cost, sluggish performance and not user friendly. I will not consider this until the price comes down. I can buy a Ford Focus for $10000 less and get more features. Both are German design. The name is my favorite sport Expensive once they reach 80000km, my mechanics said get rid of it when you get 60000km up. Show details