VW Golf V5 purchase

[XJR420]

Hello all!

I'm new to your forum (I usually hang around in the Jaguar one) but am thinking of changing my 'work' car to something fun to drive and vaguely sensible and my current favourite is a V5 Golf. It has to be an auto. I'd appreciate any thoughts or advice on this. I'm unsure as to when the 170BHP model came out but gather that this would be the one to get. Any advice as to what spec to go for, what comes with what etc would be most useful! Many thanks in advance!

[jvaughan]

V5's are nice all be it a bit heavy on fuel ... get a TDI if you want real fun with sensible fuel returns...

[XJR420]

Thanks for the response! Not too worried about the fule to be honest anything is better than my Jag! Also, I much prefer a petrol engine. Do you know what the auto boxes are like?

[jvaughan]

new DSG boxes are sweet.
if you want the full monty, V6 4motion are dirt cheap and seem to be better value than R32

V5's motor is a cracking unit though ... I think the later V5's came with leather as standard too

Not sure of the older auto's though. 6 speed Manual is a hoot to drive

[Egbert Nobacon]

The 170 bhp model had a red "5" on the V5 badges on grill and tailgate.

Try and find one with cruise as the 5 speed box revs quite high at motorway speeds and its easy to creep up to 100 without realising.!

Don't get one with sport suspension without driving it first as it can be very jerky on uneven roads - mine was predominantly used on motorways so it wasn't a problem

Don't overlook the V6 4 MOTION, 6 speed box, lovely engine - they are good fun, and very refined long distance cruisers.

My V5 averaged about 23/24 mpg which is similar to a V6 4motion - that 6 speed box does help...

[XJR420]

Thanks Egbert! I wondered how to tell whether 170BHP or not, thought it was just a mtter of when it was produced but I assume not, from your comment. I test drove one at lunchtime, not sure whether red badge or not now! I have to have an auto box, so others you mention not an option. Founfd the box on the one I drove to be very smooth and responsive.

[fourmotion]

the way to tell for sure, as the car could have been rebadged, is if you lift up the boot floor to reveal the spare wheel, you'll see a white sticker with the car details. if its says 125kw, its the 170 bhp, and 110kw will be the 150 bhp. I have the V6 4motion, and picked it over the V5, as it has more power but not really any worse fuel consumption. I don't think it came with an auto though.

Both good cars though, so enjoy your shopping!

[XJR420]

Thanks for that, the re-badging thing did worry me. I did some research and found that post December 2000 cars should be 170BHP, but I suppose that there is some cross-over where cars were not registered until later etc. Yes, the Fourmotion looks good, but no auto so I'll settle for a V5! They seem very good and ideal for my needs (work car with a bit of poke to liven up the journey home! )