Volkswagen Bora 1.6 16v

After purchasing my VW Bora with just under 70k on the clock, I thought it would at least see me through to at least 130k with no major problems. I bought the 1.6 16v model, which was a big mistake. Before it even reached 80k the gearbox had fully gone, and had to be replaced. VW cars with smaller engines are known to undergo serious gearbox problems at around this mileage.

On the other hand the Bora was a good car in its other aspects, it was spacious, even thought its a small saloon, it contains good practical features and is comfortable to drive.

The point I cannot stress enough is that if you want to buy one of these cars DO NOT go for the 1.6 models, at least purchase the 1.9tdi or higher (1.8 turbos are rare but do exist). VW gearboxes in these engine ranges are built much better, and are very reliable. Apart from my bad gearbox experience (and probably other owners of the similar specification), the Bora is a good and reliable car.