VW e-GOLF LONG TERM OWNER REVIEW. Good second hand choice?

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In this week's video I'm going to be reviewing our e-Golf after 2 years and 22,000 miles of driving.
What are the good bits?
What are the bad bits?
What's it like to drive?
Is it the right EV for you?
To find out how we only pay £22 per 1,000 miles of driving, click here: • OCTOPUS GO FOR EV DRIV...
To see my Full VW e-Gold Playlist, click here: • VW E-GOLF

[@SteveJulien]

If you enjoy my videos, please ‘LIKE’ and ‘SUBSCRIBE’, it’s free and really helps! You can also buy me a coffee by clicking this link: www.buymeacoffee.com/SteveJ

[@a2jettagli]

It's a great car. I've had like 10 cars, mostly vw. I'm now on e-golf #2. Only issues I've had in over 75K e-golf miles; AC relay went out and replaced under service bulletin recall on the 2019 and both e-Golfs had charger door mechanisms that broke in the ice. Really that's it.

[@frantzhansen1685]

Bought my e Golf almost 1 year ago. 2020 model 7,5. I absolutly love it. With 18" VW weels and 235/45 tires it looks like a normal Golf and the speedo is accurate! (Mess. with gps) And it outruns all petrolcars, here in Ringsted. Many regards Frantz Hansen, Denmark.

[@Mikael2650]

Hej Frantz Jeg overvejer at købe en golf el og det eneste jeg stadig har svært ved at bedømme er bilens range ? Måske du kan hjælpe mig? Jeg kører mest motorvej og har brug for bilen kan kører lige omkring 150 km. Uden opladning. Ville den kunne det også når det er koldt?

[@frantzhansen1685]

@@Mikael2650 Hej Michael. Regn med 200 km. uden aircon/varme. Den vil selv fortælle, hvor mange km. du har. Og, den regner det ud efter forbrug og kørestil. Den kan hurtig lade. Fra 15 km til 207 km tager 1 Tim. og 10 min.

[@Mikael2650]

@@frantzhansen1685 Tak for svaret. Det var også i det leje jeg havde regnet med den kunne, så det virker lovende. Mvh Mikael Ørndrup

[@martinstastny9981]

Is there a flat on the back if you put down the back seats? I mean, if I will able to lie there?

[@SilverShux]

I bought a used 2017 premium egolf last year and I absolutely adore it 👌

[@bigbeanburrito2112]

Hi what is your daily range or weekly?

[@avidviewer1]

Another really interesting video, Steve, with attention to useful detail and inclusive for new EV drivers (both often lacking in other channels). And I reckon that's what makes your content so reliable, trustworthy and simply entertaining. Thanks so much!

[@SteveJulien]

Thanks! Hope you’re well and glad you enjoyed.

[@ShanSanDiego]

I'm the original owner of a 2015 e-Golf. As of June 2024, it's been a fabulous short range EV! The only cost over 9 years has been adding more windshield wiper fluid and replacing the tires. I use eco+ mode whenever possible and regenerative braking a lot to minimize tire and brake replacement. I just had the car inspection this weekend at 65,000 miles and the original brake pads are still good! During the summer, my range is about 65-70 miles city driving and a little over 60 miles on the freeway going 65-70 MPH. I live in Southern California (mild climate/no harsh winters) and try to avoid mountainous freeways when possible, which of course uses more energy, even with regenerative braking going downhill. I just bought a Tesla so I could enjoy longer range and am selling my e-Golf to a friend, who is really excited to have a short range EV that fits her lifestyle. This car has been amazing and was my 2nd EV. If the range was longer, I would keep it 100%, even after 9 years! If you're okay with the limited range, I highly recommend the eGolf. I hope this information is helpful to someone watching this video. :)

[@aye3678]

This was exactly the kind of golf-e owner review I was looking for. Thanks pal

[@shikoku14]

This is a great review Steve, I ran one for a year and loved it, only reason I chopped it in was to downsize to one car. We put cross climates on ours which mellowed out the wheel spin we got with the factory Bridgestone tyres and meant it was more compliant on wet and cold roads (we live in Wet Yorkshire). You made me laugh about the temp gauge, I suggested to my wife it was a psychological experiment to psychosomatically make you think the temp is warmer than it is to be more efficient, you put the e-Golf to 21C (your happy spot), but you actually have it at 18C using the PTC heater less and getting more range from the car.

[@barryw9473]

Agree with you. Thanks for video. I now have 49,000 miles on my nearly 5 year old 2017 e-Golf and it is great for my daily commute and regular 90 mile drives. I need to check on auto lock - I do not think US version has it. I usually drive in Eco mode so power is cut to 85 kw and tires don’t spin.

[@kryptonitefitness]

That sounds pretty good but the range is the only thing putting me off

[@paulprice2703]

Just got 2017 SEL E Golf. So fun. I still have my Focus ST but this golf is really fun. Free charging in my building. I’m in Los Angeles. Thanks for your videos!

[@xoloitsquintli]

Great real world review! I'm moving to the UK from the US and we had a Chevy Volt (Ampera) for years. It was a great car and we definitely want to stay electric on the other side. The e-Golf and Niro are two of our top options. Keep up the good work!

[@cowieson]

Hi Steve, Just wanted to leave a comment to say thank you very much indeed! I just bought my first EV, a second hand e-Golf about 2 weeks ago now which I am completely delighted with - and your videos were a significant contributor to that decision for me. Really helpful and definitely helped me in my research process when comparing different cars and getting my head around switching to an EV. Very much appreciated!

[@SteveJulien]

Hi! Thanks for your comment and I’m really glad to hear they helped! 👍🏽

[@applecrazy1]

Is there a problem buying a car with a second hand battery? How long do they usually last?

[@billisdewillis5]

The MK7.5 is such a good car…they really should have made this car with 50-60kwh and awd…base it on the Golf R, another great Mk7.5 car.

[@park-coke]

The heated mirror thing might be intentional. My rx350 has a similar setup and when it’s freezing out, it tries to kick the mirror down and it just clicks because the whole thing is frozen solid. Mirrors defrost, it works again. I think it might just be trying to save the little motors in the mirror housing

[@johnsymcox224]

Just bought a used 2018 model for 10k. This vid is spot on 🙏🏼

[@SteveJulien]

So glad it helped!

[@erebostd]

Autolock is an update, you could have had it 😁😉 6:57 you can activate the auto-folding mirrors in the menu, the switch is only if you want to fold them manually 😉 - great video 😁👍

[@mattyking6141]

Glad I seen this video I have had my Egolf now for 18months 11500 miles and all off the back of your first videos . Really enjoyed my Egolf I have 18months left but might end up keeping it for a bit as I have all services and tyres Can’t message you direct but 100% worth looking at the new mg mg5 new model coming out

[@SteveJulien]

Great to hear!

[@claireb3790]

Great review and just what i needed! Really want to go electric as drive 52 miles to work and back, but the price of a used golf is around 16-20 and new id3 is still 35k! This has swayed me even more, thank you

[@SteveJulien]

Glad it’s helped!

[@AllElectricLiving]

We decided to buy a Egolf after our lease ended, great car

[@VictoryHand]

Got my e golf on the back of your videos and it's been stellar. My wife likes it so much she wants one as well. I think in regards to the heating temperature tho, it's just pretty bad at warming up without the heat pump extra.

[@SteveJulien]

Glad you’re loving it!

[@TheVisitorX]

I have a heatpump and I have the same issue. 22 degrees are like 18 in other cars. It's not comfortable or warm. My petrol engine golf was waaaay more comfortable and accurate in that case.

[@Glockers76]

I’m a Golf GTI owner and absolutely love that car. Currently on my 5th Golf. I took an eGolf for a drive last week and it was a brilliant car to drive. Would definitely own one. Good review thanks

[@SteveJulien]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Tankmania3]

Try a B250e (2014-2017) Electric Drive. Roomier, bigger boot, excellent driving experience, and very quick. Uses Tesla motor & battery.

[@JamesBS]

We love our eGolf. Great second car companion for our Tesla 3.

[@zomg346]

I bought mine 2019 egolf last year and really love it.Only thing i hate is the charger locker gets frozen in the winter other than that its been perfect,I didnt even know the sides are heated though it was only side mirrors

[@DIYsometimes344]

I think I actived auto lock with obd eleven on older GTI, maybe try with that. But if a remeber it wasn't that great.

[@RFW1979]

Great in depth video, but not too in depth which was nice, because you answered all my questions. I do around trip of 120miles a day and I cannot charge at work which is annoying, but I really like the e golf. I'll look out for the kia e Niro.

[@aye3678]

The Kia e-Niro is a great choice for your next EV. I heard the range on one of those is very very good.

[@thatevchick]

I test drove that one and it was great!

[@mk1photography62]

I have been really happy with ours it's a 2019 model the same as yours

[@TheNorthernClassicRider]

Great real world review, considering getting one of these. Thanks. 👏👏👍

[@gbatty4691]

Thank you for clearing a few things up for me, great info on your experience with the e golf, I am currently looking to purchase a second hand electric vehicle, your comment about the cost for 1000 miles was eye opening, compared with the cost of my very efficient diesel car, it’s put things into perspective. The e golf is one of the cars I’m considering but the Kona is coming out on top of the bunch at the moment. Thanks again for a very informative review.

[@Maceyee1]

Wheel spin is because the car is heavy but front wheel drive. Wright shifts to back wheels front isn't pressed to road. Front wheels will slip in braking too

[@jimsdrivingschool7531]

I know I've probably said this before. If I still drove. I'd still go for a V8 Mustang. Grand video.

[@CarlPaulsen]

Hahaha, talk about different ends of the spectrum 😀

[@SteveJulien]

Jim, I know you won’t see this but I will miss you. Thank you for being my friend and all round decent human being. I loved spending time with you, even when I felt completely helpless to help you. I’ll help Leigh and the kids anyway I can. You’re my MND hero. Miss you brother.

[@Indy_at_the_beach]

Thanks for a very good analysis of the E-Golf. I too have been looking for an EV that is the size and practicality of the Golf here in the US. The Bolt comes close but is a bit on the small side but could work. Apart from those two there is nothing. I did drive the Kona EV and while it was decent I did not feel the airiness of the large windows on the Golf.

[@Tankmania3]

Have you tried the Mercedes B250e (2014-2017) Electric Drive. It's roomier, well equipped, an excellent drive, and uses the Tesla motor and battery pack.

[@thatevchick]

I would love to get my hands on one of these to try out Really cute little car

[@SteveJulien]

It’s great fun!

[@trashmail8]

Thank you very much for this very interesting long term review. Currently looking to buy my first EV, which will probably end up being an e-GOLF, e-UP! or Seat Mii. Small, efficient for daily commutes and finding parking spots in the city.

[@trashmail8]

Re. 09:58 you are charging at 7 kW with a single phase? I thought the maximum would be 1 phase 230V x 16 amps = ± 3.7 kW ?!?

[@SteveJulien]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SteveJulien]

32 Amps.

[@maestro_3079]

Oh, thank you for so clean english!

[@jamieboshiermusic877]

What was the other car you said you wanted to try for your wife? I’m taking the plunge soon and the Golf E is bar far my favourite and suits my budget. But didn’t quite understand what you’d said you were looking at for your wife’s next car? Thanks!

[@SteveJulien]

She was thinking about and e-Niro at this time but didn’t get that far with it.

[@Sb99992]

Didn't have the best experience with an egolf. Had a failed battery that kept it off the road for a month because no one could service it. Then the range never met the estimates and yes charging is a nightmare. ID3 better option by far.

[@fanman5931]

Hi Apparently, the mirrors will not dip as the car thinks they are frozen and will damage the motor pins if dipped while frozen. So the car will first defrost and then dip. Ian in Scotland

[@atulthakrar5692]

Thank you

[@laurentaudibert9632]

Loved your videos so much and honest reviews, I have actually bought an e-Golf!

[@SteveJulien]

Brilliant! Hope you’re loving it.

[@laurentaudibert9632]

@@SteveJulien so far, it’s been brilliant! Looking forward to taking it on proper adventures!

[@driveadvize8042]

Very informative. Vw dub.....should be dropping you a couple of dollars! Im tempted to take a used egolf. 5k miles...🤔

[@jayc3110]

That was an excellent summary. Thank you and best wishes

[@danmark2040]

Thanks so much for this great vid definitely will buy e golf now I was in doubt love my st focus but fuel cost just joke

[@maestro_3079]

Just one question. In Norway egolf 2017 cost about 10 000 and 2018 about 13 000$. Is it worth to overpay 3000$?

[@SteveJulien]

I'm not sure, sorry. I know in the UK, older e-Golfs have smaller batteries (around 26kWh) so that may be a consideration in Norway as well.

[@SA-mu8hk]

Thanks

[@ItsOsc4r]

Hi Steve, I just picked up a 2019 E golf you’ve definitely helped me make an informed decision. I love it so far! I’m trying to figure out how to show mph on the drivers display. In the driving data option all I can choose from is range. The range is shown bottom right of the central screen so no need to have it as the main data display as well. Is it even possible to view mph in the display?

[@SteveJulien]

Glad the videos helped! We’re on our second e-Golf and love them! Display may be one for Google. 👍🏽

[@goodcitizen17]

I have a 2016 egolf (US) and mine does not have auto lock. Nbd tho

[@jadonharper1493]

Didn’t those ones have the limited 83 mile range? Did you find that to be problematic?

[@goodcitizen17]

@jadonharper1493 Yea 83 to 90. I guess depending on the temp and how fast you use the "overcharge" after taking it off the charger. My 2 biggest issues were my driver window and the fuel door. Generally, if you push the window button all the way up or down, it opens or closes without having to hold the button. And that auto function only works when it wants to. The fuel door got frozen with ice when I needed a charge one night. I had to pry my fuel door open and basically broke it off. Also, it's not a great winter vehicle. 83 miles turns into 38 miles when the heater is on. I have a love hate relationship with it.

[@marcsaad5261]

Great insight to what it’s like owning an egolf. Just picked mine up today. QQ did you end up finding out what tires work best for he car? Thanks Steve! Really enjoy watching your reviews

[@jaerbenjamin]

I def Love my egolf 2016

[@cynthiadecker7419]

Love the video.. good information, Look Inyo the Volvo XC40 recharge or the C40 Recharge

[@SteveJulien]

Good choices!

[@jamesjewell9781]

Excellent video, full of really useful info. thanks

[@richardh6756]

Always liked the e golf I think i will go for one for my first ev. Has the golf got water cooled for main battery love your channel.

[@frantzhansen1685]

Get an eGolf! No, no heating of battery. And find one with a heatpump!

[@barryw9473]

No liquid cooling for pack.

[@raymck2115]

£22.00 per 1000 miles that's amazing, at current night prices it would cost you about £30 per 1000 miles, which is still great value for my money, my diesel is 19 pence mile so per miles, so 1000 miles would £190.00, which is mad, so on a night rate your car costed 3 pence a mile. if that the case good bye bye diesel, and pants just had it remapped to 301 BHP and 551 NM, oh rubbish lol

[@justlikebuttah]

Does the e Golf have a timer to set for charging to get night rate? I do not have a smart wall charger.

[@SteveJulien]

Yes it does. You can set it in the car or the app. Ours only chargers between 00:30-04:30 for off peak unless we override it.

[@highbrow76]

Great review - what are your thoughts on the heat pump for UK usage? Looking for a car and not sure if this is a must have option?

[@SteveJulien]

We’ve never had one on our two e-Golf’s. Will add a bit or range if you can find one.

[@jiggery4238]

Very helpful review. How do you find the comfort of the e-Golf over the UK's bumpy roads and what size alloys have you got on yours?

[@SteveJulien]

Glad it helped! Standard wheels and VERY good on UK roads!

[@john_dee1431]

Yeah, my e-Golf has that everyday smile factor as well. Hopefully the recipe continues with EVs to come. Oh, and no auto-lock on my US model SE.

[@owlsy1971]

How many miles do you get on a charge in summer and winter

[@SteveJulien]

130-140 summer. 95-110 winter

[@lifeofeml]

I’ve seen people recommend this car for city driving and that motorway use the efficiency drops. Would you recommend this for a 70 mile round commute up the A1? It’ll do around 90% A1 driving daily. Been trying to find typical range for motorway commuting using the vehicle as a normal car with heating in winter and AC in summer. Cheers for your content. Subbed!

[@SteveJulien]

Yes, no problem for a 70 mile round trip. We had 95 miles of range in the worst weather and over 130 in the best. We live right next to the A1 so used it alot up and down. Theres two battery sizes, newer ones will be like ours but theres some older ones with a 26(ish) kWh battery which would be more suited to shorter journeys.

[@lifeofeml]

@@SteveJulien thank you for your reply. Just doing a lot of research into EVs atm as I think with my £260 a month from Ferrybridge to Boroughbridge in my 50mpg car is starting to make me question whether it’s worth the move. Haha. I find the E Golf is my favourite looking out of all the options for the same budget of a used EV. Must make sure I get the Heater Pump if I decide the Golf is the way to go!

[@tarantal59]

is there a way to automatically stop charging at say 80 or 90%

[@barryw9473]

Yes. E-manager let’s you pick in 10% Increments.

[@sheilagh-annedavidson4415]

This is so helpful thank you! Can I ask how much your electricity rate is ? Mine is currently 28.45p/kwh so I’m trying to work out how much it would cost to run…thank you

[@SteveJulien]

Glad it’s helped! I pay 7.5p per kWh between 12:30-04:30 and the car charges then. So about £22 to drive 1,000 miles. Rest of the day is about 30p. Here’s a video explaining it all, but it’s on the old rates: OCTOPUS GO FOR EV DRIVERS REVIEW | How much do you REALLY SAVE? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ62pHpjebN4jLM

[@heavybism1]

What year and model do you have? Currently looking into a 2016 SE with 31k miles for 20k usd. Not sure if it is a good deal. My commute to work is 51 miles one way but my office has a free ev charging and a bunch of slots available each day.

[@SteveJulien]

Ours is a 2019 car. There’s two battery sizes in the UK depending on car age. The 2016 might be the smaller one (circa 27 kWh)

[@heavybism1]

@@SteveJulien awesome thanks for the reply! We decided against the 2016 model for that reason too

[@AliGspot]

Can anyone tell me why almost every egolf I have looked at with under 10k miles have cuts to the sidewalls on their tyres. Every single one has it! Why is this the case?!

[@JTAprill]

Does this make the pedestrian warning sound?

[@SteveJulien]

Yes, but you can switch it off if preffered.

[@lusv4316]

great video

[@mareksicinski3726]

11:09 rapid charging isn't a good thing though, it ruins a battery's longevity

[@herbertusdergmiatliche]

Like your video but "long term" is more that 2years and 20.000 miles for me.