Thoughts on 98 Golf GL model?

[DugIt]

I'm thinking of buying a 98 Golf GL model.

What can I expect in terms of serivce, breakdowns or problems? I hear alot of people hate the vehicle because its plagued with electrical problems.

[Cden1]

did you find anything out? i am looking at one now, too and would appreciate any feedback.

[flutterbyegirl72]

I have the 98 GL and love it. It's no dream car, but for the price I paid and the fact that it's still in great shape I'm not complaining. I only went with the options of power sunroof and 5cd changer though...the locks are also power but the windows are manual.

My BIGGEST problems only just recently started and include the infamous ignition switch annoyance. Sometimes, especially on very hot days the car will start but the a/c, wipers won't work. I just turn off the car and restart it and that seems to do fine as a work around. The dealers/mechanics I've taken it to say that problem is not a safety hazard and is truly just an annoyance that should only be repaired when you have extra cash and/or it's truly just driving you nuts.

One other small problem is with the blinkers, I seem to have to replace fuses or bulbs more often than I'd like but hey, the car is 10 years old at this point. I figure that I'm lucky the sucker still runs and has better gas mileage than a lot of newer models.

Also worth mentioning is the trim on the doors seems to fall off a lot, even with being replaced twice already...each strip is over $40 at the dealer and I swear they must just use elmer's glue to reattach...next time I'm gonna just use liquid nails and see if that works.

I've never had any of the leaky sunroof issues that lots of people with sunroofs have, nor has mine ever started to stick or close slowly.

Hope this helps!