The VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1998-06) 3DR HATCHBACK 2.3 V5 170 AUTO is a three-door, petrol-powered family hatchback from the Golf’s fourth generation. It sits in the mainstream UK small-car market, but its five-cylinder engine and automatic gearbox give it a more distinctive, punchier character than many everyday Golf versions. mycarcheck.com has recorded 100 checks covering 43 distinct VINs, offering a useful, though not huge, snapshot. Those records show an average private-sale valuation of £800, average recorded mileage of 112,000 miles, and around 3,000 miles driven annually. The cars averaged 4.8 previous keepers, so check each car’s history carefully. This Golf suits drivers wanting a compact car for commuting, errands and longer trips, especially someone who values smooth automatic driving and punchy acceleration over low running costs. Like rivals such as the Ford Focus, it offers practicality; its V5 engine is a talking point, while age, fuel use and condition matter when buying.