Stuart's Volkswagen Golf Mk 5/V Forum

Hi Stuart. Glad to see you still have your Golf. I traded mine in for a Honda Civic back in 2011 having had a horrific few years of big bills including the dreaded ABS pump which I notice hasn't been an issue with your car.

But my main area of interest is in maintenance of body work, cleaning, waxing and so on and whether this really prolongs the life of a car. Just interested to know what your car cleaning routine has been over the 9 years you've had the car.

Regards - Peter

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your email. Yes I still have my Golf. It will turn 9 years old in a week or so. I admit to having thought about changing it after a lot of expense earlier this year and having driven a new Mk 7 Golf, but I have become very attached to this car. I think I'll try to keep it for a year or two more. How does the Honda Civic compare to your Golf?

My whole philosophy for looking after my Golf has been to follow Volkswagen's recommendations almost to the letter and the handbook says that normally, hand washing the car's bodywork with just plain water should be sufficient. So this is what I have done and I have never been disappointed. Obviously, when the car was new I would dry the car afterwards with a chamois leather to prevent water marks but 9 out of 10 times nowadays I don't bother. Once a year, usually when there's no more frosts at night and so there is no longer any salt on the roads I will give the car a proper good wash/polish/wax, remove the wheels and give them thorough clean and wax and use the jet setting on my hosepipe spray head to dislodge any dirt/mud in the wheel arches and underneath before replacing the wheels. Only thing I do which isn't in the handbook is I use some Glass cleaner and Rain repellent on all the windows except the windscreen and door mirrors. Rainwater then just runs off and I think keeps cleaner longer.

I think you could spend a lot of money on products intended to protect your car's bodywork but I think so long as you occasionally wash it to prevent the build up of dirt, you should be ok. Cars' paintwork appears to be quite hard-wearing these days.

Let me know if you have any more queries, Stuart

Hi Stuart

Thanks for your reply. My interest mainly stemmed from having joined a website for 8th Generation Honda Civic owners and the presence on that site of a lively forum on detailing. The lengths to which some of these guys go is extraordinary and, as you say, the expense on car products is eye watering. As someone who has always looked after my cars, I was amazed at how basic my car cleaning regime seemed in comparison but, at the same time, I am a little sceptical about the detailing scene. It's a harmless hobby but not necessary to keep a car in good order.

The Civic is an interesting car. I think, in 2006 when the 8th Generation came out, there was a conscious attempt to widen its appeal from an older age group to embrace younger buyers. It was a concept car that actually got built.

In saying that, in many ways it is quite a basic car. Independent rear suspension was jettisoned in favour of a torsion beam set up and the ride is incredibly hard. Imperfections and potholes are felt in the cabin and it is not a car for poor road surfaces. In its favour, however, was excellent road holding and a very creditable, for a small family car, set of performance stats. Under 9 seconds to 60 and a top speed just shy of 130 mph (apparently! - I haven't explored this.)

It has proved to be very reliable but it is not as good a drive as the Golf nor is it as comfortable. The space age styling has been indulged at the expense of basic ergonomics and reversing and parking is something of a nightmare not helped by the spoiler which splits the rear screen in half and the lack of a rear wiper (added in the 9th Generation).

I think I was unlucky with my Golf - a real Friday car as they say.

But it is still the benchmark in terms of driveability and comfort for the small family car segment.

I've enjoyed reading the life story of your Golf. I hope you have more trouble free years with your car. Having owned it from new, it might be a bit of wrench to finally let go.

Regards

Peter

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your reply. It was interesting to read about the Civic.

All the best,
Stuart