I was asked this by my boss the other day.

He said as I've had a few Vws all varying in age mileage and condition, and my other half has a new golf, would I recommend that anyone should buy one.

Simple answer, No.

However if you're into the social of cars and spending nearly every god damned weekend underneath the car or bonnet, then there's no point in owning one.

I honestly don't think they're good cars through my experience.

Anyone else's view on the matter?

My facebook feed always seems to have at least one person complaining about their current gen Renault or Vauxhall being hauled off to the garage for some overly complicated problem that could not occur in my '92. Whereas with my Polo, even though there are the odd little things that need fixing up, I've almost never been off the road bar twice in the year and a half I've owned it.

If they're someone who would take reasonably good care of an older car, I always recommend the early Polos and Golfs as I'd say they're incredibly reliable if you treat em right. If it's someone who knows nowt about cars and just wants four wheels to get from A to B, I tell em to get a cheap Civic or Corsa. If the worst happens, nothing of value will be lost

new

Theres your problem.

The newer ones seem a bit naff, and the older ones only appeal to the people who want to to work on them and keep them running. I'm unswervingly VW to be perfectly honest. Only other things I've ever driven were a 2013 Vauxhall Corsa (instructors car) and a 2004 Vauxhall Astra (girlfriend's mum's car) and both were hideous to drive.

new

Theres your problem.

Aha that's been the best so far mate, my mid 2000s stuff has been horrendous

new

Theres your problem.

Aha that's been the best so far mate, my mid 2000s stuff has been horrendous

Yeah, they're just not put together with the same love and attention.

Depends on the friend...

Anyone that is mechanically minded and doesn't mind a bit of tinkering would be well suited to a 1980s or 1990s VW. The main issue up here is rust which can be a nightmare for anyone.

For those who just want to get in a modern car and drive I'd say in the second hand market a BMW would be a better car. They are not as well build as BMWs of old just like VW but when they do go wrong they are usually cheaper and easier to fix than a VW with a similar issue. As long as you don't put it back to the main dealer to do the work.

One thing I would never do though is recommend anyone buy a Corsa. They are terrible cars and I have a strong hatred for them.