Used Volkswagen Golf SV review and buying guide (2014 to 2020): which one to buy and what to check

Which used Volkswagen Golf SV should you buy?

A 2017 to 2020 Golf SV with the 1.5 TSI petrol and a manual gearbox is the lesser risk, because its one known engine fault is rated Medium rather than High: software mapping that makes it hesitate and kangaroo in first gear when cold, mostly on manuals. There's little else on record about it either way, and it's still within the High faults for the electric handbrake (to 2018) and adaptive cruise (to 2019), so test both.

Avoid a 2015 or 2016 car if you can. A High fault for strings of intermittent electrical glitches and a Medium fault for heater matrix failure both cover just those two years, and owners of 2014 and 2015 cars have had warning messages that dealers couldn't trace after repeated visits.

Whatever the year, the automatic's the bigger worry. The 7-speed dry-clutch DSG used with the 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI and 1.6 TDI has a High known fault for mechatronic failure and worn clutch packs between 40,000 and 80,000 miles on 2015 to 2018 cars. A 6-speed wet-clutch DSG isn't named in that fault, though there's little known about it beyond that, so find out which box the car has before you go.

Which Golf SV engines and gearboxes are the safe choices?

The 1.5 TSI Evo petrol, in cars from 2017 on, is the lesser risk, because its known fault isn't mechanical: it's a Medium-rated software problem. It can stutter, hesitate in first and second, or stall when cold, mostly on manual cars, at any point up to 50,000 miles. One owner of a new 2019 1.5 TSI also had the auto-hold brake playing up when reversing.

The 1.4 TSI and 1.6 TDI share a High known fault: the turbo fails between 30,000 and 70,000 miles on 2014 to 2019 cars, often after the wastegate actuator has played up first. It shows as limp mode with the EPC light on, a loss of power, and a whine or grind from under the bonnet. The 1.4 TSI ACT also has a Medium fault for burning oil, and the 1.4 TSI is named in a Medium fault for a leaking plastic water pump and thermostat housing.

Gearboxes are where the Golf SV catches buyers out. The 7-speed dry-clutch DSG's fault shows as judder pulling off, lost drive or only the odd or even gears working, and flashing PRNDS lights. On the 6-speed manual, cars up to 2015 have a High fault for the clutch master and slave cylinders failing between 30,000 and 80,000 miles, which leaves the pedal stuck to the floor and needs both cylinders replaced.

What should you check when viewing a used Golf SV?

Work the electric handbrake on every car: apply and release it several times, and make sure auto-hold lets go cleanly as you drive off. There's a High known fault on 2014 to 2018 cars for the brake refusing to release or failing to hold, which can let the car roll. One owner of a new DSG car found it misbehaved every 15 to 20 journeys, so a single short drive won't always show it.

If it's got adaptive cruise, use it on the test drive on a quiet, clear road and watch for 'no forward view' or 'ACC failed' messages. A High fault on cars up to 2019 covers the system braking hard for no reason, anywhere from new to 60,000 miles. Ask whether the sensor's ever been recalibrated or replaced, and get the invoice if it has.

On a DSG, pull away gently from cold several times and feel for judder in first and second. One owner of a 2014 1.4 TSI felt the dry-clutch box hesitate from cold at just 12,000 miles. On a 1.4 TSI or 1.6 TDI, listen for turbo whine and ask for receipts for any turbo or wastegate work. Ask whether the clutch has ever been replaced: one owner's 2015 1.4 TSI needed a new clutch and dual-mass flywheel at 21,400 miles, at a cost of £1,000.

Switch the infotainment on and off, try the radio, sat nav and phone link, since a Medium fault covers the unit going blank on 2015 to 2020 cars. On a 2015 or 2016 car, run the heater hot: cold air or coolant vanishing with no leak points to the heater matrix. Ask for proof the recall work was done: some 2014 and 2016 cars were recalled because an airbag or seat belt pretensioner could fail in a crash, and some 2015 cars because a front wheel bearing housing could crack.

Paste the advert into the free check and it runs these against the listing, the MOT history and the DVLA record before you travel.

What does a used Volkswagen Golf SV cost to run?

What do Golf SV owners like about them?

The cabin's well put together and there's genuinely enough room for a family, which is the whole reason to pick the SV. Its styling's smarter than it first looks, too: the lines do a good job of disguising a tall, boxy body, so it looks neater on the drive than its shape suggests.

It rides comfortably and the handling's relaxed rather than sharp, so it's an easy, calm car to drive in town or on a long motorway run. It isn't set up to be sporty and doesn't pretend to be: keeping the people inside comfortable comes first.

• The car features very clever, attractive styling that effectively conceals its inherently boxy shape.
• This model offers a comfortable ride quality and relaxed handling characteristics, contributing to a pleasant driving experience.
• The cabin features good quality materials and provides ample space, making it suitable for family use.
• The Golf SV achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, demonstrating strong protection for adults and children.