Volkswagen Problems

A VW spokesman told us that the revised Golf (Mark 7.5 as it's become known) arrives in July, followed by the GTI and R in August. He added that while they would like to get the GTE as well, it won't arrive before 2018.

The zippy performance and handling is one of the great attractions of the Polo, it handles like a go-kart. The boot is small with the seats up, but it’s a small car and something you really have to live with. By buying a manual you avoid the issues that have plagued the DSG dual-clutch auto. The 1.2-litre engine has a timing belt, which means it needs to be changed every 105,000 km or seven years, whichever comes first.

All of the vehicles are worthy choices, but you need to be careful about the towing ratings of them. The Kia Sorento, which would be my choice, is rated at 2000kg, which is right on your towing requirement. Others, such as the 2WD Everest, are rated to tow much more. Others, like the Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Prado, are full-on 4WDs, and would seem beyond your needs.

I would really question what you have been told, so I would get a second opinion. If it is correct and you want to get rid of your car the best way would be to trade it on another car.

It seems to me that they're quite different cars; the Golf R is an under-the-radar raider, the Mustang an in-your-face statement. If you want an exhilarating drive on those weekends away go for the Golf, if you want a more leisurely fun drive with a high look-at-me factor go for the Mustang. For my money I would choose the Mustang. There is talk of a twin-turbo Mustang coming as a GT500 Shelby in 2018, possibly with a 5.2-litre V8. Not sure if it would make to Australia.

The diesel engine has a belt, but the petrol engine has a chain.

It's not possible to say exactly how many engines VW has replaced, that's information the company doesn't divulge to the media. But we can say that there have been a number of engines replaced. I doubt that having that information would enhance your case anyway, the engine has lost compression at a very low odometer and you claim to have had the car serviced by a VW dealer. I would think it's a relatively straightforward case.