Used car guide

2006 Volkswagen Golf: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Petrol 57% pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%) Stands out: drive shaft (cv) joints 2.4×, headlights 1.7×, link ball joint covers 2.3× 50,124 MOTsSee the petrol guide › Diesel 52% pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%) Stands out: drive shaft (cv) joints 2.7×, suspension arm bushes and joints 2.1×, headlights 1.8× 38,272 MOTsSee the diesel guide ›

Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.

Known faults on every 2006 Volkswagen Golf

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Dual-mass flywheel

    Manual and DSG

    The dual-mass flywheel can fail, giving a scraping or rattling noise at a cold idle and extra vibration. It’s an expensive fix, usually done with a new clutch.

    At the viewing: Listen at a cold idle, then press the clutch and see if the noise fades.

    Source: Parkers: Volkswagen Golf Mk5 (2004-2009) used review

  • Timing belt changes (chain on 1.4 TSI and FSI)

    All engines

    Most engines use a timing belt due every four years or 70,000 miles, and it’s a fiddly job so it’s sometimes skipped. The 1.4 TSI and FSI use a chain instead, which can rattle when worn.

    At the viewing: Ask for an invoice for the last belt change. On a TSI or FSI, listen for a rattle at start-up.

    Source: Parkers: Volkswagen Golf Mk5 (2004-2009) used review

  • Rust on the wings, sills and tailgate

    All engines

    Rust starts where the plastic arch liners rub through the paint, and on the sills and around the tailgate badge.

    At the viewing: Look at the wheel arches, sills and tailgate, and check the MOT history for corrosion.

    Source: Parkers: Volkswagen Golf Mk5 (2004-2009) used review

  • Air conditioning failure

    All engines

    Air con on older cars can fail anywhere from a pressure switch to the compressor or condenser, which can cost hundreds.

    At the viewing: Make sure the air con blows cold, and listen for noises when you switch it on.

    Source: Parkers: Volkswagen Golf Mk5 (2004-2009) used review

  • DSG automatic

    DSG automatic

    A neglected DSG can change slowly or jerkily, lurch when pulling away or rumble when stopped. It has its own oil that needs changing.

    At the viewing: Drive in stop-start traffic and pull away several times. Ask for proof of DSG oil changes.

    Source: Parkers: Volkswagen Golf Mk5 (2004-2009) used review

Looking at a Volkswagen Golf?

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Other years

Every year of the Volkswagen Golf compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
20231,017Tyres 14%
202226,616Tyres 27%
202157,768Tyres 27%
2020118,390Tyres 26%
2019158,276Tyres 26%
2018183,093Tyres 28%
2017208,069Tyres 28%
2016194,087Tyres 28%
2015201,242Tyres 29%
2014191,987Tyres 30%
2013164,395Tyres 31%
2012155,439Suspension 39%
2011150,967Suspension 46%
2010134,446Suspension 49%
2009131,689Suspension 47%
2008120,651Suspension 48%
2007120,598Suspension 49%
200560,414Suspension 49%
200438,578Suspension 52%
200349,876Suspension 50%
200242,606Suspension 48%
200124,107Suspension 48%
200013,522Suspension 49%
19998,175Suspension 49%
19983,758Suspension 44%
19972,891Suspension 37%
19962,765Brakes 39%
19951,455Brakes 39%
1994838Brakes 37%
1993783Brakes 30%
19921,687Lights and electrics 28%
19914,953Brakes 26%
19904,834Lights and electrics 28%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests
1983–Too few tests
1982–Too few tests
1981–Too few tests
1980–Too few tests
1979–Too few tests
1978–Too few tests
1977–Too few tests
1976–Too few tests
1975–Too few tests