Well, after months of deliberation and having handed the ST back on Wednesday (been without a car since), I have placed a refundable deposit on a 2008 VW Golf 1.9TDi 5 door in Match trim. 55k miles (very low) and full service history.

The car is at a SEAT dealer in Darlington (Bristol Street Motors) but they are sending it down to their Derby dealership for me to look at it properly and test drive it. If there's anything I don't like, the rather helpful salesman said he would just refund the deposit (not that they can refuse to refund anyway).

It has got more than enough equipment and extras for me that's for sure. Cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto lights and wipers, all round electric windows, multi function steering wheel. Much better than the SE spec that preceded it.

There's a couple of pics below. I am going to insist on a new cambelt if it hasn't been done recently as VW say the interval is 4 years and it will be 8 years old this year.



 LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Last edited by The Doctor on 14th Apr 2016 8:56 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Exact same spec as our Golf except we have just over 80K on the clock. If you're having the belt done, make sure they replace the tensioner etc as well as the water pump. Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

Will do The dealer said they will check when it was last serviced and will put it through their workshop in any case. It wasn't even on their site properly as it had just arrived and was awaiting prep so I phoned them to obtain further details. Love the colour too and I dare say it well be getting a nice polish in due course. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Was going to say exactly the same about tensioner and water pump as the esteemed other contributor, as a former VW owner.

Very nice low mileage and sounds like a decent kit level. 2011 SD4 HSE Auto
(Previously 2007 TD4 XS Manual)

Nice choice Doc-I had one the same colour. Match trim is a pretty good spec too

Cheers Yes I was impressed with the Match spec. The biggest change (apart from big power drop from the ST), will be the comfort. The Match is designed for comfort and has 15" alloys too which will feel unbelievable compared to the bone shattering ride of the ST.

I will look into some of those Michelin Cross Climate tyres in due course. EDIT: Just checked and I can get them at £50 per tyre Great value for what is being hailed as a game changer tyre LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Theyre a good solid car, my neighbour always has a brand new one every year before it needs servicing, says theyre just as reliable as a Honda he always used to have before swopping to VW

Nice car the golf good solid build quality

One thing I would check is if it's had the emissions recall done

My nephew has one and he's recieved a letter telling him about the recall but still waiting on a date.



. 2007 hse auto

Thanks I have a feeling this model was before the scandal. It's a PD engine as opposed to the new common rail efforts with lower emissions. It's £130 for 12 months tax and it's a noisier engine but from what I've heard, less to go wrong on them compared to CR. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Doc. Don't worry, if you have any emission problems VW will send their specialist round to sort it out. :








Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated  Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

 LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

My wife has recently bought a 2012 golf. It's the 3rd one she has had. She likes the golfs. Her car is due a recall for the emissions but it doesn't bother her in the slightest. It's an automatic, I must say that it's a pleasure to drive. I think when I change my freelander I'll be looking at buying an automatic. Black MY2013 SD4 GS Auto, Wood Company Armrest, Freel2 sticker.
Gone MY2010 Freelander 2 Manual TD4.e S, Alaska White.

The salesman initially said that his manager insisted the deposit was only refundable in the event of the cars condition not being up to standard. He later just said it was refundable if I decided I wasn't happy with anything after the test drive and checking the car out.

Good, I was on the brink of a Liam Neeson effort: "I don't have time for your refund policy but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired whilst studying consumer law. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you..."

I'm looking forward to the weekend so I can see it properly. Certainly not afraid to walk away if needs be and I have been checking out others on autotrader  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

hopefully a better golf than the sister in laws, approx 2008 she had one, which developed a vibration, two driveshafts later, they changed tact and said it was a characteristic of the car and handed her her £12k vibrator back,  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Was expecting it to be one of these .... ah but same colour though.



Enjoy  FL2 now gone and have a couple of items left for sale:-

Brodit active iPhone holder + Brodit dash clip,
Bluetooth Music Streaming Module.