Scotty Kilmer has been working on cars since the 1960s and regularly shares his expertise in a series of YouTube videos in which he explains how drivers can save money
Renowned car expert Scotty Kilmer has starkly warned motorists against purchasing a particular used hatchback, despite its status as one of the top sellers. Scotty, with decades of experience in auto repair since the 60s, is a prominent figure on YouTube, dishing out tips that can spare drivers from shelling out on costly mechanical repairs.
In his latest video, he scrutinises a fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf and finds it wanting when compared to its rivals in terms of construction quality. He clarified: “If you’ve watched me for any great length of time, you’d have noticed that I’m not a big fan of Volkswagen – and here’s why.
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“The quality isn’t job number one with Volkswagen. They’re full of all kinds of plastic that breaks all the time and can cost a fortune to fix.”
Available in the UK between 2003 and 2009, this iteration of the Volkswagen Golf came in three or five-door hatchback forms, as well as an estate version, offering a breadth of trim options and engines to buyers, reports the Express.
Though the engines’ performance and the generous space on offer were commended by owners, Scotty argued that the interior’s fit and finish might not prove durable. Hence, he advises avoiding higher-mileage models which could showcase worn interiors and potentially fragile plastic components.
Further into the clip, Scotty cautioned viewers about the automatic gearboxes in Volkswagens from that time, highlighting a significant concern, especially in the US where he is based.
He elaborated: “Plus, their automatic transmissions stink, they break a lot and they cost a fortune to fix. That’s why this one is a standard [manual], so we don’t have to worry about that.
“But 96 percent of Americans drive [vehicles with] automatic transmission, so all of those people, theirs wouldn’t last so well.”
Despite his warnings, numerous Volkswagen enthusiasts contested Scotty’s opinions, sharing their own positive experiences in the video’s comment section.
A commenter shared their personal story: “My 2013 [Golf] GTI is still running strong with almost 150,000 miles on it. And everything is holding together very well. [It’s] been the most reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned.”
Another chimed in: “Americans must get different VWs than us Europeans because build quality is never really a problem with VWs over here. Plus they’re great cars.”