Buying your first car can be a mind numbing decision process with so many to choose from and so many things to take into consideration. Is it cool, will it last, is it reliable and are spare parts reasonably priced? Well, have you thought about the Volkswagen Golf? It’s got a lot going for it for first timers…
The VW Golf has been a welcome regular on British shores since the MK1 model was launched in 1974, and through its various reincarnations, we now enjoy the Golf in its most recent new design, the MK7 variant that went on sale in 2012. But, it’s unlikely that many first time car owners will be buying a MK7.
VW Golf Mk7 front
Cheap is still solid
The MK3 or MK4 variant Golf models could be good first time cars, with pretty huge sales in the UK meaning that there are hundreds of them around and plenty to choose from. As the old used car-buying adage goes; don’t buy the first one that you see. There could be an even better some around the corner.
The older Golfs should start at around £1,500 for a car in reasonable condition, of the MK3 or MK4 vintage. But, it will be pretty high mileage by then, and while Golfs are known for their reliability and don’t have a specific habit for rusting, the older the car the more potential there is for things to go wrong and bits to fall off. Unless, of course, it’s long-term one owner car that’s been cherished and serviced religiously, with a stack of paperwork to back it all up, in which case you should snap it right up!
VW Golf Mk7 rear
Bigger budget is better
I know it’s easy for me to sit here and say that the more money you can spend on your new VW Golf the better, but for every £500 extra you can spend, the far finer a used Gold you’ll be getting. If you can spend around £4,000, then we’re starting to get into the realms of really nice, straight cars with comfy interiors, air-con and a frugal diesel engine. A highly desirable Golf, basically, and one that will hold some of that value for a few years, so you’ll get a couple of grand back should you come to sell it.
VW Golf Mk7
The newer the Golf, the better the choice of more frugal engines, with advancements in technology driving down the cost of fuel, something young drivers on a budget will be very conscious of. Also, with the newer cars, you’ll see frugal engines that still manage to add some driving fun and performance to the greener side of things. Auctions are a good place to buy used Volkswagen, with a wide choice of models of this popular car coming through the doors.
VW Golf Mk7 interior
To GTI or not
The Golf GTI, depending on which variant it comes from, can actually be quite a cheap car. For the earlier models – MK2, for example, a GTI can be found in good condition for around £1,500, and could feature leather seats, air-con, alloys wheels and electric windows. Golf GTIs weren’t particularly sporty back then, and while you will pay more to insure a GTI as a young driver; it might be as much as you think. At least then you can tell all of your friends that you own a VW Golf GTI!
