Should You Buy a Used Volkswagen Golf?

First revealed at the Paris Auto Show in 2008, the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf was the much-anticipated follow-up to the Rabbit.

Called the Mark 6 or MK6, it built on the performance and quality of the Rabbit and made it a bit better looking. The Mk5’s face that only a mother could love was gone, and we said goodbye to the cheap interior materials to make way for a handsome, fun hatchback.

The Mk6 came with a range of four-cylinder engines and a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. These engines were excellent in their prime, full of low-down torque and efficiency, but weren’t free from faults. Care in selecting a car that has been well maintained will pay dividends.

The Golf also came with a 2.0-liter diesel unit, but with the government requiring VW to buy those back from their owners at pre-Dieselgate prices, you’re unlikely to find a good deal on one. Best then, to stick with the gasoline engines.

See Also: Should You Buy a Used Toyota Corolla?

Whatever the case, the Mk6 Golf was the last Golf on VW’s A5 platform. With that came some real positives and negatives. It’s an old platform, but VW ironed out a lot of the issues that cropped up in previous generations. That’s not to say that it’s problem-free, however. Here are five things to know before you buy 2009-2014 Volkswagen Golf:

1: Try to Buy 2012 or Later Models

If you’re going to buy a Golf fitted with Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter engine, it may be wise to shop for one made after 2012, since a fault with the timing chain pre-tensioner can cause sudden and unexpected failure. If this fault occurs, it effectively ruins the engine. Fortunately, the problem mostly occurs between 10,000 and 60,000 miles, so cars are already likely to have suffered the problem by now. If you want to buy a pre-2012 model, be sure the pre-tensioner has been replaced or that the issue has been addressed.

2. Be Wary of DSGs

Some Golfs are fitted with VW’s dual-clutch (DSG) gearbox, which needs to be serviced religiously thanks to a weak mechatronics box. The problem is irregular, but the best way to arm oneself against it is by religiously changing the gear oil every 60,000 miles. A failure could result in a need to replace the whole gearbox.

3. Check the Fuel Economy

Many owners of these Golfs have reported fuel economy getting worse over time. With MPGs dipping down into the 25s on the highway, it could be frustrating. There is a fix, though. The problem seems to be that the engine is running rich, so having a technician reset the throttle control unit to factory setting can help the Golf get back into the 30s. A sooty tailpipe is a sign of such a problem so weigh your desire for efficiency against your desire not to visit a dealer.

4. Check the Rear Window for Dripping

A weak pump in the wear window’s washer fluid system can mean that fluid leaks onto the back window. This isn’t a huge problem in the summer, but during the winter it can be dangerous. Many cars were fixed by VW, but if the seller hasn’t had the fix done, it could mean some money out of your pocket.

5. Listen for a Rattle in Turbo Cars

This problem is a little more nebulous, but many owners have complained of a rattling coming from the exhaust system or the engine. The problem seems to be caused by the wastegate and doesn’t appear to have any associated issues, just a rattling sound that can be annoying. The result of this though, is that there is no official fix for the problem. Some owners have suggested fixes, but unless you’re willing to spend a lot of quality time with your mechanic chasing rattles, it may be worthwhile keeping an ear out for the rattle when you’re test driving the car.

Should You Buy a Used Volkswagen Golf?

Look for a Golf that came later in the Mk6’s cycle, preferably with a manual, and be sure you’re buying a car that was cared for. Of course, that last piece of advice is always prudent, but in this case, it’s especially relevant as the difference between Mk6s that were taken care of and those that weren’t can be massive and expensive. Buying from a dealer and getting a warranty is also advisable. Finally, it’s worth remembering that these are Takata cars, so their airbags may be faulty. If you buy one, keep an eye out for a recall notice.

Good to know:

2009 VW Golf Recalls, Safety and TSB Information

2010 VW Golf Recalls, Safety and TSB Information

2011 VW Golf Recalls, Safety and TSB Information

2012 VW Golf Recalls, Safety and TSB Information

2013 VW Golf Recalls, Safety and TSB Information

2014 VW Golf Recalls, Safety and TSB Information