- Reliability Index score out of 100
- 63
- Average repair cost
- £1,011
- Most regular repair request
- Cooling System
- Average age at repair
- 7 years
- Average mileage at repair
- 72,482 miles
The UK’s 3rd most popular used car
The Volkswagen Golf is the third most popular used car in the UK, with a total of 227,427 sales [1] taking place in 2023. This won’t come as a surprise to most, as the VW Golf is renowned for being sensible and synonymous with practicality.
To put the Golf’s reputation to the test, we scored it against our own Reliability Index criteria. With an overall score of 63 out of 100, the Golf has scored well, but just how reliable really is it?
What does our Reliability Index data say?
Our data shows that the most regular repair request for VW Golf vehicles is related to the Cooling System, responsible for regulating the engine’s temperature. Signs of potential issues include steam under the bonnet, white exhaust smoke, and warning lights on the dashboard. Given the critical role of the cooling system in engine health, neglecting maintenance can lead to complex and costly repairs. If you own or are looking to buy a used VW Golf, you can look at the car’s service history to see how well it has been maintained, however if that doesn’t feel like enough, you may wish to consider investing in an extended warranty for peace of mind.
What is the average mileage of a Volkswagen Golf when a fault occurs?
According to our index data, Volkswagen Golf vehicles typically require repairs at an average mileage of 72,482 miles. This places it among the highest mileage figures for popular used cars. When compared to the average mileage of 63,548 miles for the Vauxhall Corsa, the Golf’s figure appears quite favourable.
What is the average age of a Volkswagen Golf when a fault occurs?
At the time of repair requests, the average age of a Volkswagen Golf is 7 years. These figures suggest that the Golf is generally dependable, offering owners a considerable level of reassurance regarding reliability. However, reliability is not solely determined by age and mileage. It’s essential to consider other factors, such as the potential costs associated with owning a Volkswagen Golf. What kind of expenses might you expect during your ownership of this vehicle?
What are the running costs of a Volkswagen Golf?
Our index data tells us that the average repair request for a Volkswagen Golf is £1,011, and the most expensive Golf repair request we’ve received is £12,180.14! Despite the Golf being safe, secure, and practical, this highlights that it can be expensive to repair. If you are set on the style and the performance of the Volkswagen Golf, protecting yourself with an extended warranty* can help budget for any repair costs for sudden failures.
Prices for a second-hand Volkswagen Golf start at around £6,000 [2]. With the models reputation for being fun to drive, versatile and affordable, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with UK drivers. The Golf offers good fuel economy, and could cover an average of 40-60 mpg depending on the model and the engine type. Insurance-wise, the deal you get will completely depend on the model, as Golf’s can fall anywhere from group 7 up to group 39.
How practical is the Golf?
The Golf is stylish, comfortable to drive, and offers a good amount of storage. It’s a popular choice with families, so much so that it’s been dubbed ‘the family hatchback’. There’s plenty of leg and head room in the front and the rear, and the rear doors also open wide enough to fit car seats with ease. A key selling point of the Golf is its boot space. Except for the eHybrid model and the plug-in hybrid VW Golf GTE, Golfs have height-adjustable boot floors. That allows you to create two separate compartments and, when raised, eliminates the step that is otherwise created when the rear seats are folded down.
An extended warranty can be a safety net for your Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen owners who are looking for peace of mind can look to Warrantywise to help with repair costs. Don’t forget you’ll get unlimited repairs, emergency breakdown, car hire, onward travel and a UK call centre all as standard*. Check out our extended warranties for your Volkswagen.
Reliability ratings for the 10 most popular cars in the UK
These are the most popular cars as purchased by you in 2023 (source SMMT top 10 used car sales 2023). We’ve given each car a reliability rating out of 100 along with key reliability insights such as average repair cost, most expensive repair request and average age at repair. Please note, since the SMMT does not report on MINI models, we cannot provide model-specific reliability data.
Source
Warrantywise Reliability Index Scoring and Data: Rank is measured by repair request frequency, average vehicle age at the time of fault, average mileage and average labour time, from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2023, and includes vehicles between three and ten years old where there are a minimum of 250 cars on plan. Average repair costs collated over a period between 1 January 2020 and 30 September 2023. Since the sample was selected, Warrantywise has seen a significant rise in the price of labour and parts, which will impact future repair costs. All data used is from Warrantywise’s proprietary internal research. Warrantywise believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
Warranty FAQs.
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A used car warranty can help manage the cost of unexpected repairs after a manufacturer’s warranty ends. Warranty plans vary, so check the plan documentation carefully for listed components, exclusions, repair limits and any conditions you need to follow.
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A discretionary warranty means each repair request is assessed individually, based on its particular circumstances rather than relying on automated systems. This allows the full context of each request to be considered before a decision is made.
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An extended warranty can help you manage the cost of mechanical or electrical repairs once the manufacturer’s warrant has ended. Add-ons such as breakdown recovery, car hire or onward travel may also be available depending on the plan level.
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The warranty plan options available to you will depend on factors such as your vehicle’s age and mileage. You can then tailor selected features and limits to reflect your needs and budget.
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Yes. You can use a VAT-registered garage of your choice or a Warrantywise Authorised Repairer. If you use your own garage, check that the labour rate is within the limit shown on your plan schedule.
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Once Warrantywise has provided written authorisation, the garage can carry out the agreed repair. If further work or a change in cost is needed, the garage must contact Warrantywise and receive additional authorisation before continuing.
Payment arrangements depend on the garage you use. Warrantywise will normally pay the agreed repair contribution directly to an Authorised Repairer. If you use your own VAT-registered garage, you may need to pay first and provide the required documentation for reimbursement.
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If your car’s most recent service was completed in line with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, you may not need to service it before your plan starts.
You will need to arrange a service within 14 days if you are unable to provide evidence of servicing, and you must follow the recommended schedule throughout the plan.
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Regular servicing helps maintain your vehicle and provides evidence that you have followed the plan requirements. Keep your service invoices and records, as Warrantywise may request them when assessing a repair request.
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Before the plan starts, the vehicle’s servicing must be brought up to date in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, including any recommended upkeep. You will need to provide evidence that the required service and any associated work have been completed.
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No, you do not usually need to have your car inspected before taking out a Warrantywise plan. However, you will need to provide accurate information about your vehicle such as its age, mileage and service history.
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Warrantywise plans may be available monthly or for fixed terms of 12, 24 or 36 months. The terms and prices available for your vehicle will be shown in your quotation.
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You can pay for your Warrantywise plan in full, spread the cost over four months or choose a monthly pay-as-you-go option. Before choosing, check the payment schedule so you understand how much you will pay, when payments are due and how the pay-as-you-go option works.
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You can receive a full refund if you cancel within 14 days, provided you have not asked Warrantywise to contribute towards a repair. Check your plan book for the full cancellation conditions.
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If your car breaks down outside Warrantywise’s repairs office hours, including at weekends or during bank holidays, call the 24-hour breakdown assistance line on 0800 054 2174. Always follow the out-of-hours repair procedure in your plan book before agreeing to any repair work.
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Stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so, as continuing could cause further damage. Contact the Warrantywise repairs team on 01254 648 212 for the next steps, ans do not authorise repair work until you have received written authorisation from Warrantywise.
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Electrical parts are components that use, generate, store or control electrical power within your car, for example sensors, control units and dashboard displays. For full details please refer to your plan booklet, as the parts listed will depend on your plan level.
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Mechanical parts are components that use movement or force to help your car operate, for example parts within the engine, steering and suspension systems. For full details please refer to your plan booklet, as the parts listed will depend on your plan level.
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If your car breaks down while you are travelling abroad, you will need to arrange and pay for recovery. If the vehicle requires repairs, contact Warrantywise as soon as possible and follow the repair procedure set out in your plan book.
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If your vehicle is off the road while an authorised repair is being completed, Warrantywise may contribute towards the cost of a hire car for up to 10 days. Check your plan book for full details, including any daily rate or vehicle-type limits.
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The plan cannot be transferred from your current car to another vehicle, however you may be able to cancel it and put any remaining balance towards a new Warrantywise plan for your own or a family member’s vehicle.
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If you are unhappy with the service you have received, you can contact us via post, online form or by phone. Visit our Complaints page for more information.
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Our customer service teams are based in our Blackburn office. When you contact Warrantywise about a repair request, complaint or question about your warranty plan, you’ll speak to a member of the relevant team who will guide you through the next steps.
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Edd China fulfils the role of expert adjudicator, this means he has the final say over any dispute that we cannot resolve between us, subject of course to your statutory rights.
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Quentin Willson was instrumental in working with Warrantywise from 2007 to 2023 to develop our extended warranty plans to ensure they are clear, transparent and comprehensive. In July 2023, he passed over the responsibility of expert adjudicator to Edd China who will use his ‘discretion’ to ensure a fair and equitable resolution on a case-by-case basis.