THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF is currently one of the most popular new cars sold in Ireland, and for a good reason.
Not only is it a competent all-rounder but it also comes in a wide variety of body styles and engine offerings. So there’s almost one to suit every type of buyer.
The same can be said for the used car market, where there is always a steady supply of Golfs for sale. Finding the right model that gives you the best value is another story. Here’s some useful buying information to help you in the buying process.
If you think this Golf Plus looks a little different you’d be right.
The Plus, which has subsequently been replaced by the Golf SV (Sport Van), is a slightly larger version of the regular Golf. Its awkward looks didn’t win many fans, but look past that, and you’ll find the Golf Plus is a more practical and spacious car. It’s not quite full MPV as it still only seats five, but at the same time it can easily fit into a regular car space and won’t be any more expensive to run.
Cars registered from mid-2008 onwards will have more affordable rates of motor tax – something to also consider.
You might frequently see Volkswagen Golf BMTs listed. These initials refer to the BlueMotion Technology the company uses in its most fuel efficient models. Initially introduced on the Polo, it first featured in the Golf range on the MK6 model. These are badged as BlueMotion and do help eke out better mileage in certain circumstances.
However, there are some things to consider, namely checking that the original wheels haven’t been replaced. People often upgrade their wheels for larger aftermarket items, but most Golf BMTs came with smaller wheels as this helps to decrease fuel consumption. It’s also worth looking to see if the car has low rolling resistance tyres fitted, again this can add to fuel savings over time.
The most common engine is the 1.6-litre TDI, and providing this has been serviced according to the recommended schedule, should return decent consumption figures. These engines can take quite a while to bed in, so exceptionally low mileage examples should get better over time.
The Golf Estate wasn’t officially imported into Ireland for many years but was reintroduced by Volkswagen in 2015 with the Mk7 Golf. You can also still find the occasional Mk5 and Mk6 variants cropping up for sale, though these are often few and far between.
There’s still plenty of appeal with the Golf Estate, namely its conservative styling and practical amounts of cargo capacity. Folding down the rear seats can provide you with 1,620 litres of boot space, which is every bit as much as some larger SUVs, yet at a more affordable price to buy and run.
The 105hp 1.6-litre diesel engine is what you’re most likely to find under the bonnet of a Mk7 Golf Estate, which gives enough pulling power for most scenarios and commands an annual motor tax cost of €190.
As modern hot hatches go, the fifth generation Golf GTI was a revelation. It had everything; perfect styling, a choice of three- or five-door body styles, those incredible ‘Monza’ alloy wheels and was the first Golf GTI available with the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Of all the recent GTIs, it is this MK5 model that represents the best value for money. Do look for service history when buying one, as this can potentially save you a lot of money in the long run.
The DSG gearbox, for example, has to be serviced as it has its own oil and filter. A sure sign that this hasn’t been done is slower shifts and jerky changes. Otherwise, this is one car that scores highly in the smiles per miles category.
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