Stuart's Volkswagen Golf Mk 5/V Forum

Hi,

I've spent some time looking at your VW 1.9TDI SE review and can say that its fantastic and the most well detailed review ive found on the net.

I currently have a 54 plate silver 1.9TDI SE and just wanted to know more info regarding that model.

you didnt really mention replacing the timing belt and water pump during your ownership?

what is the best oil grade to use on the engine?

in your experience does using a higher grade of diesel improve performence on the engine?

your views on electro mechanical steering? as i find its much heavier than other hatchbacks

any problem with bushes? mine are slightly cracked

lastly do you feel that its a much stiffer/ firmer ride compared to rivals such as the Focus and Astra?

with my golf its now at 78,000 miles just had the timing belt and water pump changed, 60,000 new front brake discs and pads 55,000 front wheel bearing changed, 50,000 alarm siren not working and changed.

Hi Paul,

Glad to hear that you found my web site useful. That's the plan.

I had my Golf's timing belt changed back in March 2007 at 60,000 miles (See http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5/vwgolfmk5_wearandtear.php#timingbelt). I'm not quite sure why I had it changed then because the interval is
actually 80,000 miles/4 years. As the second belt is now coming up that 4
years age limit, I'll have to get another belt fitted shortly. VW dealers do
all my car's maintenance and they've never mentioned needing to have the
water pump changed and so I don't believe it ever has been.

The spec of oil for my car, being on the Longlife variable service schedule
and not having a particulate filter is VW 506 01, 507 00 or better. I think
it's Castrol Edge I've used for the past few years. As long as an oil meets
the VW spec, I'd use it.

I've tried high grade diesels but the majority of the time my car's run on
supermarket diesel. I think I've detected slightly smoother acceleration
with the High grade diesels and perhaps less soot build-up in the exhaust
but these benefits, in my mind, don't justify the much higher price of the
fuel. I'm happy with my car's smoothness on supermarket fuel and I like to
occasionally give the car a high-rev blowout once in a while which seems to
blow out any accumulated soot.

Electro-mechanical steering. I've never noticed any difference with other
car's I've had with other types of power assisted steering. No complaints.

No problems with bushes.

Regarding the ride, I've not found it stiff at all. I think the SE is
designed for comfort rather than sporty handling. I prefer the comfort and
yet the car holds the road perfectly well when pushed. In 2004 I didn't test
drive a Focus or Astra. I did test drive a Peugeot 307. I didn't notice any
firmer ride in the Golf to that.

Sounds like you've had quite a few more things to do on your car than mine.
Hope you don't have many more.

Let me know if you need any further info,
Stuart

thanks for your reply stuart, and yeh il let you know if i need any more info as you seem an expert regarding the golf TDI