Used Volkswagen Golf 2004 - 2009 review

Park a 2003 version of the VW Golf alongside the current model and its lineage is very clear. That’s to your benefit, because Volkswagen’s conservatism has made this fifth-generation model a very appealing used buy.

When it was introduced all the way back in 2003 we praised the addition of sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, because this made it more fun to drive than previous Golfs. While a Ford Focus is still a bit more fun, it's not as comfortable.

As has long been the case with Volkswagen, the interior is a byword for simplicity and functionality, allied to fantastic material quality – the Golf feels a like a premium car inside.

The fifth-generation also brought with it an improvement in interior space, with the car comfortably seating four adults, even if a fifth is a bit of a squeeze. For the typical family you’re unlikely to find it lacking, and if you need a bigger boot there’s always the more commodious estate model.

Only the 1.9-litre diesel engine lets the side down, sending lots of vibration through the pedals and making a lot of noise, although the trade-off is fine fuel economy, particularly on longer journeys.

With masses in the classifieds, you’ll not be short of choice, and fifth-generation versions of the VW Golf are available from around £1500 upwards. However, a budget of £2500 brings the greatest choice, and means you can afford to be picky.

It's only if you’re looking for a VW Golf GTI or the even faster R32 that you'll need a lot more. These are highly sought after, and their prices reflect that.

The smaller petrol and diesel engines should be inexpensive to run, with the 1.9 TDI having an official combined economy figure of 56.5mpg, improving to 62.8mpg in the economy-focused BlueMotion model. Expect around 10mpg less in real-world driving, though.

At the other end of the scale, the R32's 3.2-litre V6 engine and four-wheel drive means you’ll be doing well to get 20mpg from it.

The GTI, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre unit, isn’t much slower in reality. It's usefully more frugal: expect to see mpg figures in the high-20s and even low-30s on the trip computer.

The diesel engines make most sense if you’ve a long commute, but if you’re running just a few miles each way to work or school then the petrol alternatives are a better bet.

Of the diesels, the noisy 1.9-litre TDI is the most widely available on the used market, but don’t think that the 2.0 SDI is a better choice due to its bigger capacity: it doesn’t have a turbo and so is extremely sluggish. The 2.0 TDI is the one you want.

The pick of the regular petrol range is the 1.6 FSI, while trim levels encompassed S, SE, Match, GT, Sport, GTI and R32. All came with air conditioning, but the S makes do with steel wheels, so SE and Match are better options.

Our favourite used Volkswagen Golf: 1.6 FSI Match

The key rival of the VW Golf has long been the Ford Focus. It’s a slightly sharper car to drive, but doesn't have the badge kudos of the Volkswagen, or the interior quality.

A Toyota Corolla will give you the same sort of space and practicality as the Golf, and promises to be a bit more reliable, but it's dull to look at and to drive.

The Vauxhall Astra is similarly abundant in the classifieds. It was always considered inferior when new and cost similar money, but time has worked in its favour; it’s cheaper to buy used.

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