2000 Volkswagen Golf

GLS Hatchback

1.9L 1896CC 116Cu. In. l4 DIESEL SOHC Turbocharged

Manual

WVWGF21J7YW291749

Clear

Diesel

One owner, 167,556 miles. This has been my one and only car for 14 years. Four-door, 5-speed manual, power sunroof. No collisions, no rust, usual dings and pings from driving and parking everyday. The car would benefit much from a clay treatment, a waxing, and some touch-up paint on the dings and scratches (primarily passenger side). The way I drive the car around town it usually averages 37–39 mpg. I have full repair history with receipts except for a couple of repairs that were done at the NorCal TDI Get-Togethers by the super-experienced TDI gurus who work on cars at those events. I would prefer not to sell but my wife insisted on getting something shiny, new, and most importantly, automatic. She is tired of shifting and since she is the one who drives to work, she gets to choose. This model is equipped with a 6-CD changer in the back but I bought a Blitzsafe iPhone/iPod adapter (Mlink1 V.3A) that is snaked up to the front seat. There is a little noise in the circuitry at high volume but overall the sound is good. I also have the original "Trek" roof rack and the attachment for 1 bicycle. Unfortunately the other attachment was damaged when I drove a bike under an apartment building. No damage to the car or the base rack. Recent repair notes:Timing belt changes:46,715 (Feb. 2002) Belt was dry-rotted and changed under warranty with tensioner.100,086 (July 2005) Belt, water pump replaced.155,000 miles (February 2013) Bora Parts 100,000 mile timing belt/tensioner/serpentine belt/water pump installed by TDI guru152,000 (Nov. 2012) alternator replaced with Bosch rebuilt.140,192 (Oct. 2011) balljoints and lower control arm replaced.The Good:Clean interior, non-smoker. Major wear is on those surfaces with the ridiculous "soft-touch" rubbery coating. Plastic on driver-side door pull is cracked, but it is only a surface over the actual door pull.Windshield was replaced four or five years ago and so is in good shape.Bilstein HD shocks and struts installed by TDI guru March 2013.Dieselgeek Panzer Plate Skid Plate.In Feb. 2004 I had trouble with the EGR/mass air flow/intake manifold being clogged up. The air flow meter and EGR were replaced--twice I think--and then the turbo failed in Aug. 2004. VW America took responsibility as the clogged intake manifold that led to the turbo burning out was a known issue, and the turbo was replaced for free at 88,732 miles. So the turbo has less than 100,000 miles on it.The ignition in the steering column was recently replaced. A tiny metal tab broke off and rendered the ignition inoperable. So, that won't be breaking soon...All four glow plugs and the glow plug relay replaced January 2014.In January 2014 brakes were checked and front were 90 percent remaining, rear 65 percent remaining.In fall 2013 I had a persistent problem with the fuel pump leaking. Since then, fuel pump has been completely resealed with new o-rings about 10,000 miles ago. That led later to a coolant leak as the hose below the pump had been soaked with diesel. Many of the cooling hoses, including the multi-segmented hose up top (don't know its name) were replaced relatively recently. There are zero coolant leaks and zero fuel leaks now.The Bad:The hydraulic strut that supports the rear hatch when it is open is showing its age. Usually it works. Once it clunked me on the head.Tires are getting old. I can't find the receipt for the date and mileage when they were installed, but less than .25" of tread is left.In January 2014 (163,721 miles) my mechanic noted that there is a slight leak in the tranny, right axle seal, but nothing to worry about right away.The dipstick holder does not seat securely. I think there is a crimp in the tube that should hold it in place and that's not working. The Ugly:Glovebox hinge broke for the third time about 3 years ago. It closes and stays shut just fine with the one hinge, and I just lost the will to pay for a third replacement.One cup holder's spring mechanism is broken.Many moons ago I had the wiper motor replaced and the knuckleheads (since closed down) who did the work didn't install the wipers back in the correct position. So instead of disappearing down when you turn off the wipers, they stay a little higher than they are supposed to.My lovely wife gave the passenger side front wheel a nice scraping a few months ago. Great job!There has been for a number of years a creak that shows up at low speeds. It's not always there, can't be figured out, but comes and goes as it pleases.About 12 years ago I was driving past some road construction. When I got home I saw that there were 3 or 4 small pits on the passenger window. Welding sparks? No idea, but they've been there a long time with no change.The shifter shroud is worn and could use replacing.Headlight lenses need a refresh.