Stay away from this auto transmission at all cost. I bought the car used with a complete service history. But the problem started showing up after driving 30 mins on the same day (gear slipping, reverse gear engage hesitance). I brought it back to the dealer and was told to keep driving a few days and see if the problem persisted, and it did. So after going some back and forth and spending another $900 to re-condition and replaced solenoid, it was still the same. I finally was able to convince the dealer to swap me another cheaper car because I just needed a car that worked.

During this time, I did a lot of research on this car and transmission in general. Turned out this particular transmission (VW 01M, also used in other VW models such as Jetta and Beetle) was a disaster. It's very common that either solenoids would fail or valve body would clogged up. These problems would then lead to gear slipping and eventually burning out the clutch/transmission. I've read cars as young as 80km/50mi required transmission overhaul.

If you are looking for a VW with this transmission it's best to steer away as there is a high chance of transmission failure and lots of money spent ahead.

I am a car guy, meaning that I have had over 20 cars - mostly German, mostly VW. While I dearly love my 2003 VW Jetta wagon (1.8T 5SPD), I can no longer even look at my wife's 2002 VW Golf.

I spent more to fix that car's transmission (it failed at 77,600 miles to the tune of $3020.13) than I have paid anyone to work on any of my cars ever since I started driving 24 years ago.

Volkswagen, this is is a disgrace. The ONLY reason that I am still driving a VW is that there is a severe lack of sport hatches and compact sportwagons in the US.

SHAME ON YOU VOLKSWAGEN!!!!

I have steered everyone I know away from ANY VW with an automatic

Having always wanted a VW I finally got one. My brother sold me his car which was only 12mths old so I know it was well taken care of. I wanted a good car because we were planning a family and thought that the safety and reliability of a VW would be perfect. So much for reliability!!! At only 55,000 km the transmission needs an overhaul and VW don't seem to think that this is anything that they should be responsible for. Admittedly the car is out of warranty but come on surely a car of this calibre should not experience such a significant problem at such low km. The car is automatic so I haven't been thrashing the gears and it simply gets me to work, childcare and back - so I am not traveling all over the country side with it. I guess my frustration is the complete lack of interest from VW who pretty much stated 'too bad too sad'. Maybe I should picket out the front of a different dealership each week to warn prospective buyers of the risks they take in buying a VW. If anyone has had similar experiences or successes in negotiating with VW please let me know. Bernadette L

I'm here in Australia. For a young 'pup' having only clocked 90,000km. to have the transmission blow... bugger. Just out of warranty. Yeah, wouldn't that be the case!! Has been 1 owner,(me) fully serviced, never driven by a teenager (as suggested) and Volkswagen only wants to pay 50% of the overall cost to install a re-conditioned transmission. cost to me in excess of $4,000. Aussie $'s. NEW transmission would cost $15,000. So much for their ' Engineering Excellence'. Very very very disappointed and no longer a 'proud' owner of Volkswagen Golf. Don't bother..90,000Km.. a new transmission... ridiculous.. and they don't care...'cause its out of warranty'!!