Volkswagen Golf Problems

I don't believe it does.

If you're happy with the original Bridgestones that could be the easier option, especially since they have lasted well, but I'm also hearing good things about the latest Kumho tyres and they are excellent value.

It is increasingly normal and many dealers are asking to be paid up front before doing any diagnostic work. I don't agree with the practice, I think they should do the work before charging for it. The diagnostic work has to be done to determine what has caused the engine problem, so there's no getting around it.

It's easy to be cynical about the car industry, when it always seen to find new ways of getting money out of owners. So-called diagnostic checks do seem to be a way of charging for work that should be done by the dealership in the normal course of events when trying to find out what is wrong with a car that is playing up. They do appear to be the new norm in the industry. As for your resolutions regarding VW, I couldn't agree more.

We haven't had specific reports of this problem, but it does sound like a serious one that needs fixing urgently. It can be hard to determine the cause of a problem if it doesn't happen while the dealer has the car, but I would suggest you take it back to the dealer and ask them to check it again. I have heard of one car that had a problem with the throttle pedal position sensor, which on the surface sounds like a likely candidate for you problem.

My choice would definitely be the Golf, for comfort and the range and economy on the highway. The XV is all right but not great, with a tiny boot, so the VW gets The Tick.

Yes. It is a well-documented problem with the 1.4-litre dual-charge engine; one that VW was fixing when it first cropped up a year or two ago. Your car is out of warranty so they might be reluctant to help you, but it's worth a try.

Have your dealer contact VW first and have them register a request for a goodwill claim to cover the repairs to the engine. It's a common problem with the 1.4-litre twin-charge engine and the company should at least cover part of the repair costs. If your claim is rejected, then go directly to VW to pursue it further. You will have a battle to get any compensation, so be prepared for rejection.