VW Golf V 1.9 TDI, 105 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch (2004–2009)

Research for this car

• Generation guide VW Golf 5 (2003-2009): known problems and buying guide

  Check the DSG gearbox, the 1.4 TSI timing chain and TDI cylinder heads before you pay. The 1.4 16V and 1.6 8V have no common fault confirmed.

• Engine guide VW pump-injector TDI (1.4, 1.9, 2.0 PD and 2.5 R5): problems, costs and what to check

  Oil pump drive, rod bearing, head crack and cam faults are reported. Buy only with oil records and proof of the pump and head work.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Test drive the car from cold. Watch for judder when pulling away and harsh shifts from 1st to 2nd. A bad result is judder or limp mode, which means the gearbox needs a repair. Ask for gearbox oil change records. A scanner reads the gearbox fault codes.
2. Test every window, including any auto up and down function. A bad result is a window that stops, drops or opens by itself.

From the engine guide

1. Rod bearings (no scanner). Check the engine code in the service book, the vehicle papers or on the block. Bad: a BXE with a knock under the bonnet and no proof of new rod bearings.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions