Volkswagen tugged mercilessly on the heartstrings with the nostalgic tartan upholstery that was standard in the Mk5 GTI. Leather seats were an option, but many buyers now prefer the fabric over hide. Check the driver's seat bolster is not worn and leather seats have not sagged. The Edition 30 has unique front sport seats with Interlagos cloth for the centres and Vienna leather bolsters. This limited edition model is further marked out in its cabin with red edging for its floor mats, door sill strips with an 'Edition 30' logo, golf ball gear knob, and red stitching for the three-spoke steering wheel.
Why go leather when you could have tartan?
Satellite navigation with a 6.5-inch touchscreen was an option and could be ordered with or without a six-disc CD autochanger in the central armrest. Owners now regard the sat-nav as outdated, so it's not worth spending any extra on a car with this fitted. The standard stereo is not highly rated by many owners, so don't be surprised if an aftermarket stereo has replaced it.
Much more desirable is the Winter Pack that brings heated seats and heated windscreen washers.
Early 2004 cars are prone to rattles and squeaks much more than 2005-on cars. Otherwise, the Golf's cabin is hard wearing.
The passenger seat occupancy warning light can come on when seat is empty. Some owners disconnect the cable, but this means the passenger airbag may not deploy in a collision.
PHers view:
"I've got heated leather seats and they are really good, not getting leather seats without heating again! The interior can be a bit of a black hole but I quite like that."
Mike English
