SE 1.4 3dr Auto Hatchback

Would not recommend this car... read on...

Brought my pride and joy brand new. Had to wait 8 months for it to be made and shipped. The keys were handed to me in January 2010. The problems soon began, almost one every 3 weeks:

500 miles: Failed Driver Window Motor

1000 miles: Failed Passenger side Motor

2000-7000 miles: Car began to jolt when changing gears (mostly down shifts from 3-2-1) and delay in acceleration. 8 months onwards and 9 trips to the dealer they finally agreed to investigate the problem. They upgraded the gearbox software but no luck Faulty mechatronic unit (DSG) identified after authorisation from VW Germany to replace under warranty. The clutch was also warped. A rivet in the gearbox was shot.

8000 miles: passenger seat; the seat adjustment mechanism (to move the seat forward and back) broke. Two loose screws and the seat is hardly used as it is.

9000 miles: faulty hvac unit. Air conditioning would come on when the car was off and the key removed from ignition and could be switched on without key. So if it was accidentally touched when exiting the car then it would drain the battery.

10000 miles: faulty parking lights. Indicator stalk was in neutral but parking lights stayed on. Stalk replaced.

11000 miles: vehicle unlocked using key fob and alarm deactivated but entered vehicle and alarm sounded. Alarm diagnosed and control unit replaced.

12000 miles: fault now is that car has started stalling and revs drop sharply at times e.g. on a hot or cold morning the engine struggles to get the revs up. This issue is still being investigated. As well as other issue now, that there seems to be no grip on the left side of the vehicle.

Car has been driven carefully and not thrashed around. Disgusted with the workmanship from VW. Had them down as a reliable brand.

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