Used Volkswagen Golf: what to check before you buy
The Golf holds its price well and is easy to resell. Many come from import, so the history from the country of origin matters as much as the condition.
Translated from Romanian. These guides describe Romanian rules.
Generations
- Golf V (2003–2008)
- Golf VI (2008–2012)
- Golf VII (2012–2020)
- Golf VIII (from 2019)
Engines and gearboxes
- 1.4 TSI and 1.2 TSI with a timing chain on the Golf V and VI: the chain can stretch. Listen to the engine on a cold start.
- The 1.4 TSI with supercharger and turbo (Golf V and VI, 2006–2013) is sensitive to upkeep. Without a service history, better to walk away.
- The 7-speed dry-clutch DSG gearbox (DQ200, on the less powerful engines) should shift smoothly, with no jerking when pulling away. Watch for this on the test drive.
- The 2.0 TDI and 1.6 TDI EA189 engines (roughly 2009–2015) were involved in the emissions scandal. Check whether the car received the software update.
- In its first years the Golf VIII had software errors in the multimedia system. Check that it has the updates.
What to check at the viewing
- the service book
- smooth shifts from the DSG gearbox
- engine noise on a cold start
- mileage, via Vehicle History from the Romanian Auto Registry (RAR) or Auto-Pass on rarom.ro
- the history from the country of origin, for imports
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Updated: October 2026. This guide is for information only and is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so check the official websites before you decide.