June's Car of the Month is Mike Richards VW Golf GT PD 130...with an astonishing mileage...
My new metallic grey Golf arrived by transporter to my home in Walberton in April 2002 and has been used as my business car ever since until last week when I reached my goal of over 477,710 miles (the equivalent of driving to the moon and back) – hence why I now refer to it as “The Lunar Golf”.
In that time, it has been serviced every 10,000 miles using 5w 30 long life synthetic engine oil and had a cambelt change every 60,000 miles.
It has had a replacement intercooler, power steering rack, 67 tyres, dual mass flywheel and clutch kit. A new turbocharger was fitted 2 months ago.
I have renewed the two front wings (due to rust) and had a new bonnet fitted following a 6 seater golf buggy reversing into it!
I have maintained a thick arch lever file which holds all the service records, MOTs, tyres purchased, stamped service book and even (sad though this may be) a note of each time I have filled up with diesel – 10,266 gallons equating to 46.55 mpg.
The engine is the original!
In total I have owned six VW Golfs since 1977 (when I took my test in my driving instructor’s Golf!) and still own a Mark 5 Golf too.
I never had any intention of keeping this Golf for 22 years but it has reliably stood by me every day when commuting to carry out residential surveys over parts of four counties.
I would argue that my carbon footprint is somewhat lower than most other car owners and it just goes to prove if you use a car regularly and have it serviced regularly with decent oils it can simply keep running.
I am at a crossroads with this car now as I have other cars so may either moth ball it or perhaps be prepared to pass it onto the next custodian who will hopefully care for it in the same fashion.
I always remember the late 1980’s VW adverts – “If only everything in life was as reliable as a Golf!
