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“The VW Bora is basically the same as the Golf MKIV...”

written by Sam Ford on 20/05/2008

Good Points
Classy looking, well engineered, good build quality, big boot, quality sound system.

Bad Points
Not as reliable as you'd expect, engine not as refined as more recent diesels, expensive parts/servicing, sometimes cumbersome to drive.

General Comments
The VW Bora is basically the same as the Golf MKIV it's based on. It has a different front and back end, but the middle bit is the same. Mechanically it's essentially identical. The Bora never sold particularly well mainly due to the fact that it's a saloon and in this sector will always be outsold by its hatchback counterparts. A lot of them went as fleet cars. It's a shame really because it's arguably better looking than the Golf and it also drives slightly better mainly due to the extra overhang at the rear end resulting in improved handling. Bora's make better value second hand, because there's not as much demand for them. When VW brought out the Golf MKV they did away with the Bora name for its saloon version and called it the Jetta instead. A name they have used before. The idea was to hopefully improve on sales for the previous version, hence the name change.
The trouble with the Bora is that it has a bit of an identity crisis, as it doesn't know what it wants to be. Is it a compact executive aimed at the likes of a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C Class or is it just a saloon version of a family hatchback? VW claimed that it was a sports saloon, but it hardly fits into that category either.
My version was a 1.9TDI 110 Sport on a 1999 plate. I bought it as a three year old example from a VW dealer for £10,000. Brand new it cost £18,500, so it's hardly a bargain second hand. The 110bhp diesel, 5 speed model is the one to go for as the 90bhp version is a bit underpowered. However, the 110 got replaced by the 115 6 speeds in 2000, then 130bhp in 2001. They even did a 150 version from 2002 onwards. All of these later models had six speed manual gearboxes as standard.
Although the one I owned for almost three years was overall a decent motor, it wasn't without its problems. The day after I took over ownership, I noticed the clutch was slipping, so it went back to the dealer and was replaced along with the flywheel under warranty. This was meant to be a VW approved used car and should have been picked up on when the vehicle was checked. Seems strange also, because it had covered a mere 45,000 miles. My only conclusion was that it had previously been based in the Lake District and may have undergone a lot of hill work. Other problems I encountered apart from wear and tear are that I had to have the Air Mass replaced. This regulates the air/fuel mixture to the turbo. I noticed this when the it wasn't revving cleanly throughout the rev range. VW wanted £250 for the part plus fitting, but I managed to get a reconditioned version for £70. Also I had the front suspension virtually rebuilt. So, not 100% reliable then and I know several people with VW € s who agree that the servicing and parts are expensive, but to be fair that could be said about most car manufacturers.
With all criticisms aside though, I can say that I enjoyed owning my Bora. It was pleasant enough to drive with plenty of poke from the 110bhp diesel and was a swift and refined motorway cruiser, though the diesel unit did become somewhat noisy when revved hard. There are certainly more refined units out there today, but this one did its job and felt like it would go on forever. I could get 50mpg on a good run, though most of the time was returning mid to late 40's. The cabin was a nice place to be and plastics and trim were all of high quality. The eight speaker stereo was one of the best I've heard and the dials were easy to read and lit up blue in the dark. Its handling was safe rather than inspiring, but you did feel like you were driving a bigger car at times. It's hardly nimble.
Overall the Bora has a lot going for it, especially if you're wanting a compact saloon that's a bit classy. These represent good value for money nowadays.