Volkswagen Problems

Despite VW's plan to include the Golf GTE in its line-up, the variant is no longer available. The company anticipates that rather than introduce a PHEV, it will go directly to EVs in Australia. But it's possible that its sister brand, Skoda will get the eventual production version of the Vision RS PHEV that was shown here a while ago. We're told that wouldn't be before 2021.

The later you can afford the better, particularly as the 2010 model is quite an old car now, without even considering the possibility of an issue with the gearbox. I would recommend you go for a model that is no more than five years old. It would be also be a good idea to have it assessed by an automatic transmission specialist.

If you are not sure get another opinion. That would probably mean having it trucked to another location, but that’s the best thing to do to make sure the advice you are getting is correct.

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.

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.

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.

You're pretty safe with the 2015 model; the years to avoid are really around 2010/11.

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

It’s losing coolant. Is it running ok? Does it get hot? If the answer to those questions is ‘yes’ and ‘no’ then look for a leak from the radiator, radiator hoses, cooling system fittings on the engine. If the answers are ‘no’ and ‘yes’ then check for a leaking heard gasket.

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.