VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1998-06)

TheVolkswagen Golf (1998-06) is a well-loved hatchback that has built a strong reputation in the UK market for its practicality, reliability, and comfortable driving experience. As one of the most popular small cars, it appeals to a wide range of drivers—from first-time buyers and city commuters to small families looking for a dependable and versatile vehicle. Known for its sleek design and user-friendly features, the Golf from this era offers good fuel economy and a smooth ride, making it a reliable choice for everyday use. What sets the Volkswagen Golf (1998-06) apart is its reputation for quality and durability, often outperforming rivals in its class. With a high sample size of over 34,000 lookups on MyCarCheck.com, this model continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a economical, well-built hatchback that offers excellent handling and a comfortable interior. Whether you're after a vehicle for urban commuting or weekend trips, the Volkswagen Golf (1998-06) is a dependable option that combines style, practicality, and solid performance in the used car market.
average use
average use
mycarcheck
The data indicates that most Volkswagen Golf (1998-06) vehicles have recorded mileage readings predominantly between 80,000 and 120,000 miles, with notable clusters in the 150,000 to 170,000 and 180,000 to 190,000-mile ranges. Less common are vehicles with very low mileage (under 10,000 miles) or extremely high mileage exceeding 240,000 miles, with only small percentages. Interestingly, only a tiny fraction of these vehicles have recorded mileage over 300,000 miles, suggesting that high-mileage vehicles are quite rare in this sample. Overall, the distribution shows that the majority of these vehicles fall into the moderate to high mileage range typical for their age.
vehicle values
vehicle values
mycarcheck
The data indicates that the vast majority of private sale valuations for a 1998-2006 Volkswagen Golf fall below £1,000, comprising approximately 90% of cases. Smaller proportions are found in higher price brackets, with only minimal percentages (around 1-2%) reaching between £4,000 and £17,000. Notably, over 99% of the valuations are concentrated in the sub-£2,000 range, suggesting that typical private sale prices for these vehicles are quite modest, likely reflecting their age and market characteristics.
production years
production years
mycarcheck
The data indicates that the majority of Volkswagen Golf (1998-06 model) vehicles manufactured between 2001 and 2003 are prevalent, with 36.9% built in 2003 and 30% in 2002. Together, these two years make up over two-thirds of the sample, highlighting a strong concentration around this period. Notably, there is a significant drop in production after 2003, with only small percentages from 2004 (6.9%), 2001 (17.4%), and lesser amounts for 2000 (7.4%) and 2005 (1.2%). Very few vehicles in this sample are from 2011, at just 0.2%, suggesting that most are from earlier years. Overall, the data suggests that the bulk of these vehicles in circulation are from the early 2000s, particularly 2002 and 2003.
colour popularity
colour popularity
mycarcheck
The data on the main paint colour for the 1998-2006 Volkswagen Golf reveals that the most common hues are Silver (36.9%), Black (27.3%), and Blue (15.7%). Together, these three colours account for over 79% of the vehicles in the sample, indicating a strong preference for neutral and classic shades. Less common colours include Grey (5.2%), Green (6.6%), and Red (4.9%), while more vibrant options like Orange, Purple, and Beige are quite rare, each comprising less than 2% of the total. Notably, White is also infrequent at just 1.2%. Overall, the data suggests that owners of this model tend to favor subdued, conventional colours.
ownership cycle
ownership cycle
mycarcheck
The data on registered keepers for the 1998-2006 Volkswagen Golf shows a varied ownership history. The most common number of keepers is 5, accounting for 15.5% of vehicles. Notably, vehicles with 6 keepers represent 15%—a significant proportion—indicating moderate turnover. Keepers counts of 3, 7, and 9 are also prevalent, each making up around 7-10% of vehicles. A small percentage (around 0.2%) of vehicles have a very high number of keepers, such as 16, 18, 21, or 23, suggesting some vehicles have experienced extensive ownership changes, which could be worth investigating further. Interestingly, a tiny fraction (0.2%) of entries lack keeper data, possibly reflecting records with missing or incomplete information. Overall, most vehicles have between 3 to 6 keepers, indicating typical ownership stability, but the presence of some with very high keeper counts hints at occasional frequent ownership changes or potential long-term leasing.
engine choices
engine choices
mycarcheck
The data for Volkswagen Golf (1998-06) models reveals that the most common engine capacities are 1896 cc, accounting for 41.3%, and 1781 cc at 11.8%. There is a notable diversity of engine sizes, with smaller engines like 1390 cc and 1598 cc also present. Regarding fuel types, petrol models dominate slightly at 57%, followed by diesel at 42.8%, reflecting a near even split between the two. Gas bi-fuel versions are quite rare at just 0.2%. Overall, petrol engines are more prevalent, and the 1896 cc engine appears to be the most typical for this vehicle range.