Skip advert
Advertisement
Long term tests

VW Golf GTI

A windscreen crack necessitated a replacement

The Golf’s driver’s door was struggling a little with the whole concept of closing, and the windscreen had come out in sympathy with a large crack, so I put in a call to the previously helpful Autohaus of Northampton to explain my woes. ‘Not a problem,’ they said. ‘Jolly good,’ I said. We were getting along swimmingly.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The great day arrived. I removed my bike and golf clubs (you can fit a lot into a Golf) and dropped the GTI off. Later that afternoon they phoned me. I missed their call. I then spent the next few hours trying to raise a member of the service department. I listened to most of a compilation tape whilst on hold, but could get no word on the GTI. Poor show.

At the service desk the next day I was informed that they had repaired the faulty door catch under warranty. Good. They then told me that they had ‘located’ the crack on the windscreen. Would I like a replacement? No, I merely wanted you to engage in a game of ‘hunt the glaringly obvious flaw’ and then leave me with a damaged screen.

Autoglass are outside as I write.

Running Costs

Date acquiredSeptember 2005
Total mileage18,905
Costs this month£468 (windscreen)
Mileage this month1357
MPG this month30.8mpg
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Why the wild V8-powered Land Rover Defender D7X-R has ‘flight mode’
Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R
News

Why the wild V8-powered Land Rover Defender D7X-R has ‘flight mode’

The Land Rover Defender will take on the world’s most gruelling off-road race in 2026. Here’s our first look at the car that will do it
25 Nov 2025
Everyone loves the idea of a GT car, so why does nobody buy them?
Aston Martin Vanquish
Opinion

Everyone loves the idea of a GT car, so why does nobody buy them?

We all love a great GT, says Jethro. Trouble is, no-one wants to buy them
21 Nov 2025
Cupra Formentor VZ5 review – Audi’s RS Q3 survives in this 385bhp Spanish crossover
Cupra Formentor VZ5
Reviews

Cupra Formentor VZ5 review – Audi’s RS Q3 survives in this 385bhp Spanish crossover

Once forbidden fruit arrives on our shores in the form of the five-cylinder Formentor VZ5. But is it any good?
24 Nov 2025