I,ve had air cooled VW,s for 44 years and thought of getting the Mrs a Golf. Heard tales of horrific service costs though with constant "minor" problems.
I've moved away from new Pugs after bad press of dealer support but am still happy with my 1993 405 estate. I have a variant of the HDI engine in my Ford Cmax they call 2 litre duratorq and it has been really good.
I think a lot will depend on the Aussie dealer network and how much you need to depend on them. Compared to your older VWs, any modern car is crawling with electronics and it can be very difficult to get the information you need to do other than vital fluids and bolt-on-part repairs. Servicing costs for most vehicle are modest for the first couple of years (as there is little to do other than the vital fluids) year 3 is possibly 50% or double the cost as stuff has to be done that takes time. Brakes need a special widget to suit the callipers on the back discs at least other than that D-I-Y service is straightforward.
hth
Bob
Thanks Bob. My inlaws have had a 304,404,504 then the 405 like yourself and the pugs have been bullet proof. Even on Australian country roads!. Its generally the electrical/electronic side of things that people seem to complain about in the Golfs. If they brought out another 504 or Type 3 VW I,d buy one tomorrow. John
We had two 307 HDi and never had any trouble with either one. The current 307 HDi is a auto (my first) and I love it. As for service we live in Centra Victoria plus we have very dealer (peugeot) in Ballarat.
Stewie
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