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The 1.8 Honda is a VTEC, and should be dead reliable.
Only known fault (other than Honda making crap diesels) is the power steering can give trouble.
I'd still get the diesel Golf though but that's just me.
Reasonably comfortable, goes like stink if needed and great fuel economy.
I haven't driven one of the petrol TSi's so can't compare. Have however had Focuses as loan/hire cars and they have been oh so dull and I didn't like the visibility or ergonomics.
When was the last time you saw a petrol engine with 200+k miles on the clock?
I've seen several VW diesels with more like 400k on the clock and still running well.
I also like the torque of a diesel. The 1.9Tdi isn't hugely powerful but it pulls extremely well.
My focus has needed next to to repairs, very cheap.
Golf looks cool but I think other two are more reliable.
If I had to make a snap decision, it'd be another focus, probably.
My YouTube Channel
1. Civic
2. Focus
3. Golf
Civic ticks the boxes, Focus is the devil I know, VW is the complete unknown.
If it's just a A to B machine I would get the Golf. It'll never set your parents to on fire but it has a depth of competency beyond the others I think.
There are a few little things that I find annoying about it though, mainly the ergonomics, the controls seem to be randomly splattered across the dashboard. Due to the positioning of the speedo and the main instrument display the steering wheel height adjustment is a bit pointless. Then for me the steering wheel is in the way of some of the fan/heater controls.
Like most I got it as it ticked all the main boxes but it's not particularly enjoyable to drive or own.
When I was car shopping I also looked at the equivalent golf but the boot looked tiny. Smaller than the mk2 Leon than I had previously.
Golfs deserve thier rep, but the other VAG makers are doing better in the annual reliability ratings these last few years (SEAT, Skoda etc). Also the other brands again are ofton less thrashed for similar reasons to the Hondas.
Fords are cheap to repair and copy/pattern parts help keep service and repair costs down as well as insurance premioums.
In the end a well cared for (ex lady driver) low milage car will set you up for a long time, don't forget the mpg in your cost of ownership calcs.