Volkswagen Golf Problems

Generally they’re a good driving car, solidly built, safe, and reliable. The one issue to be aware of affects the DSG automatic transmission. Before buying one carefully test drive it and observe for any hesitation when shifting, or surging when driving or accelerating.

Safer options are cars like the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla.

They’ve fixed the faults under warranty, so they have honoured their warranty. If it happens again ask for a loan car to use while yours is being fixed.

There’s clearly no point in talking sense to you, your head is in a complete muddle. You want a fix for your mid-life crisis, yet you talk about resale value, warranty, fixed-price servicing and boring stuff like that. You need to think about what it is you want from your “sporty-ish” car, do you want a performance car that will be thrilling to drive, or are you a park-and-poser and just want to look good when you stop at the café for a latte. The VW Golf GTi is a thrill-a-minute hot hatch; you like the i30N, and both would be good buys. Buy the Lux if you decide on the i30N. You could also think about a BMW M3, or an older Porsche Boxster. I wouldn’t suggest a Commodore SS or a Falcon XR6T ute, they’re a bit boring.

You should never assume anything; she should have asked if there was to be a charge before she left the dealership. It’s too late to complain now. As for the radar sensor, it does seem that it is very sensitive to being knocked out of alignment, and I would have thought VW should help out with the cost or realigning it. The dealer has offered to cover part of the cost, but not all of it. If you feel inclined you could pursue VW for the total cost of repairs, but it’s by no means and open-and-shut case that you would be successful.

I wouldn’t recommend replacing the 1.4 with a GTi motor; there are too many other changes you’d have to make to keep it legal, gearbox, suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres.

Stick with the 1.4 or sell the car and buy a GTi.

If it’s in good condition, hasn’t done a heap of kilometres, and has a documented history of servicing it should be a good first car. It’s important to remember that VW had lots of rouble with the DSG gearbox in that period, so check with the vendor to see if any work ha been done on the gearbox.

The Mazda3 and Holden Astra are both good alternative choices, but you could also consider a Toyota Corolla or Kia Rio or Cerato.

I would suspect so. Contact VW directly (1800 504 076) and lodge your claim.

We haven’t been getting reports of problems once the DSG has been replaced under the recall, as yours has, so I doubt you have any claim against VW for this latest problem.