Hi All,
I am looking to downsize my 2009 Subaru Liberty and was thinking of something like a 2010 Golf or Polo. It has to be an auto so my wife can drive it. I will be squeezing 2 x baby seats in the back, but ottherwise will just be using the car to get to and from work.
I'd be interested to know your thoughts on running costs and servicing.
I have heard rumours that some of the older Golf's and Polo's may have had electrical and/or DSG gearbox issues. Anything i should be aware of here?
Also, would a diesel be a good option?

The other option would be something like a Mazda 3 or possibly Hyundai i30.

Please feel free to share any thoughts and/or experiences.

Cheers
C@m

Get whatever VW is made in Germany. Diesels not good for short trips. DSG is reliable since the recall.

I had clutch shudder and had the plates changed under warranty.
There was also the recall where they changed the "mechatronics" box.

My wife just bought an Eos with the 155kW Mk 6 GTI motor with the 6 speed and just seems a much smoother car to drive.

The 7 speed in the Polo is "jerky" compared to the Eos.

In manual mode the 7 speed is more nimble compared to the Eos.

That said - we have had the Eos about 4 months now, an i reckon I have been allowed to drive it around the block about 3 times

With the need for more room, I would go for the Golf. I have not met enough owners of the Jetta to encourage me to buy one of them, but they do seem tempting.

Jetta is basically a Golf.

I had a 2010 polo gti ... it was a massive lemon, in the workshop more than out, 2 engine rebuilds then a new engine - it drank more oil than my judson does. I had to top up oil weekly and initially the dealer ship tried to tell me this was normal usage. The new engine did fix this problem but by then I'd had enough of the car.

In 30,000km I also needed a new clutch for the DSG - again this was done under warranty. I also had some other dsg recall work done under warranty. I would NEVER own one not on warranty. I'm told the Golfs are better build quality. In terms of running cost it was great on fuel ($$$ on the oil though!)... servicing was expensive as I was getting it all done through the dealer as I didn't want any hassles with all the problems I was having and warranty.

In contrast my sister has a 2008 diesel manual golf and it's been a totally reliable drive for her. I know a couple people with more recent golf wagons and they are happy with them.

i'd go with a Jetta as they are Golf with a boot.

They are less popular which means second hand prices are bargains.

And their boots are massive!

i have a 2010 golf TDi ive had since new. drives great - went in for its factory recalls and servicing from VW..

never had any issues with it other than having to check up on the service books! twice they messed up what was done and had to scribble out bits and pieces..


It's currently for sale on carsales if you're interested in having a look and a test drive
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Volkswagen-Golf-2010/SSE-AD-279972...

I wouldn't get a golf. I been driving a virtually new 2010 or 11 golf a little bit around during work few weeks ago.

terrible car other than its comfy and has bugger all blind spots.

Tons of weird electrical gremlins and slow as all f**k and average economy, and no character bleak kind of car to drive. Its as exciting as a ford transit van.

I'd go for a hyundai hands down over a modern VW any day. Even though Im not a fan of Hyundai or any Asian car.

What model Golf was it?

petrol 2010 or 2011 golf. Just a standard golf.

I drove an i30 and it was surprisingly good. very fast for a 4cyl. 0-100 I counted in 7.5ish. Drove very well.

Tried a Getz, it sucks but was better than a golf lol.

i20 was average.

Also some kia once and too it was like a little rally car and had awesome sports auto/manual. shifted straight away when tapping the shifter forward and kinda firm shifts. Not sloppy like most cars.

Tried some of the Nissan small cars like Tida and boy they suck balls. So fuel hungry too.

Ford focus and similar are the worst of them all, but hey its ford so its expected.

Tried an astra, I think it was around 07-09? was pretty good. My mate's sister got a 06ish astra convertible 2.2L. goes good. has the "ecotec" (USA marketing, not same as the aussie ecotec) 4cly. good little car and easy to work on.

Interesting feedback guys.
In honesty i was leaning towards a Polo 77TSI with 7 speed DSG. I should mention n auto so the wife can drive it.
We have a Passat 118TSI and think it's fantastic.

The Polo's DSG recall only affected some models built from June 2008 to September 2011. It was only the 7-speed DSG that was affected in any case.

http://volkswagenaustralia.com.au/DSGvoluntaryrecall/faq 

The Beetle also had numerous recalls in its day, and the problems with cranks and cam gears on the 36-bhp models and the heads on the 40-bhp models were well known at the time. It never stopped people buying them and doesn't stop people owning them now. Same with modern VWs - there's no need to avoid buying a Polo because of internet rumours. Take one for a test drive and make up your own mind.

There's probably no such thing as a really bad car on our market nowadays; chances are you'll get good service from any make and model you choose. It probably bolis down to - are you primarily a Volkswagen man, or are you not?

FYI, The Polo has won numerous COTY awards, including Carsguide, Drive, NRMA Best Cars, plus Wheels' COTY award which Suzuki has never won. We have a category at the VW Nationals for 'Best Polo', and next year probably 7 categories for 'Best Golf'. You won't win any trophies with a Suzuki! VW has also outsold Suzuki in Australia every year since 1998 and has been Australia's top selling European brand here every year since 2005. VW is on track for a new sales record here in 2015.

Did I mention the Polo is twice World Rally Champion? The VW Polo currently leads the 2015 WRC as well, with 7 wins from 8 events so far.

Well the deal has been done. I now own a 2012 Polo with 7sp DSG. I have to say it's a fantastic car and looks right at home next to our Passat and Beetle. My only complaint is the stupid Bluetooth add on thingy whish is in a word a bit shit. Styling is great, build quality fine, feature list is extensive and as good if not better than any Jap car. Tyres are a little dead but I can't blame vw for that. Looks like it's here to stay for a while!

Yes the bluetooth screams out afterthought. Looks like a supercheap add on. Its my least favourite part of the car. And the centre arm rest is useless in a manual. But apart from that I'm still in love with mine 3 years down the track.