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Hi Jack,

I am looking for a 2nd car and I like the look of a VW Golf. It is in Hamilton (I am in Wellington) and I would do a AA check, as I can't physically see it. It is NZ New and has done about 75,000kms and is a 2002 model. The dealer has just told me the cam belt has been done and it has been serviced reguarly and has new tyres. It looks tidy. What are your thoughts on a VW Golf? People keep warning me away from them and they generally seem to have a bad wrap which is a bit off putting, but there seems to be alot of them on the road so somebody must like/have parts for them.

Thanks
Cath

Hello Cath. The particular car you have described seems to have a good history and low kilometres for its age. NZ New, 75,000km, cambelt replaced, serviced regularly and new tyres is a great start.
However, the Mk 4 Golf (1998 - 2004) was not without its gremlins, the main one being the automatic transmission (assuming it's an auto??). Transmission failures are a known defect and they are expensive to repair. They were also known for the odd electrical problem.
If the car is a manual, with the service history and background you mention, I'd be happy to recommend it, but less so if it's an auto. Obviously, whatever you decide, an Inspection is advisable.

Thanks for the reply. Yes it is an auto and described as a GLi 2.0 model in the advertisement on-line. Would an AA check pick up possible immediate transmission problems with this car - or am I better to steer clear and find another model?

Any mechanical inspection can only really report on what they find on the day, so if the gears are shifting smoothly and operating correctly, there is no way of knowing if it is likely to fail in a week, a month or a year's time.
There are mechanical warranty insurance policies available that may cover a transmission failure, so if you have your heart set on a Golf, perhaps the dealer can provide a 3 year cover. However, read the fine print to be sure the transmission is fully covered.