We had a 2004 Golf Mk5 (1.9TDI not a 2.0TDI) - so I'll comment on the Mk5 in general - awful build quality inside and out and a noticeable downgrade compared to the Mk4. Poor quality plastics used on the interior, where the coatings wear off must faster than previous VW's, also various rattles and squeaks. Also rust problems on the front wings, sills and around the VW emblem on the tailgate and the air-con also made an odd howling noise! In general parts seemed more flimsy and there were obvious signs of cost-cutting all round the car.

AVOID is my advice!

VW golf and variants have been the most popular car in europe for years they cannot all be bad or can they.

Though not a Golf, we've owned a B6 Passat 1.9 for 4&1/2 years. It has 80.000 miles and has been regularly serviced, initially by VW and latterly by a good indie who charges an average of £100 each service over the three service cycle. The only outlay other than that has been for a cam belt and kit (£185) new parking brake switch (£48 fitted), brake fluid change (£35) and tyres (now on 3rd set, just fitted). So apart from the switch, no surprises. Still has original wipers, pads and discs all round, original DMF and clutch despite using it to tow a caravan, covering 5,000 miles towing. It has spent two years as my wife's town car and two and a half years as my commuter car. Passed its last MoT with no advisories and returns 50-55 mpg (on supermarket dregs).

Bad things. The dash creaks when its cold.

Overall it has cost me about the same as the Mazda that we had for just over two years. I wouldn't use the VW dealer I bought it from for anything (but then again the only thing I would use the Mazda dealer for is target practice), but the VW garage which serviced it whilst under warranty were very reasonable. I don't expect it to last forever, but I think so far it has been very satisfactory.