Volkswagen Problems

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.

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.

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.