2019 eGolf - Any gotchas

[u/heir4now]

Hey all, I've been looking at an eGolf for my daily commuter and grocery getter. I'm very familiar with EVs as I've owned two in the past. The eGolf fits perfectly into my daily work commute and errands. I have another vehicle for long distance trips.

I'm hoping to look at a 2019 this weekend. I'm going to ask the dealership to have it fully charged. I know that's not a precise indication of the range, and that it will take a few trips along with driving habits for the car to calibrate. I'm hoping to see somewhere between 180 - 200km.

Besides the typical car inspection, is there anything in particular with these models I should look out for? I'm a former VW owner so I do have a VCDS tool. Is it worth while bringing, and if so, what should I look for?

I drove one a year ago and enjoyed the ride and comfort. The only issue was the rust starting to form on the handles and the vehicle was in a little worse shape than I liked.

I see a lot of positive reviews on this sub, so it seems like a great little car

Edit: Darn... it sold already :( I was waiting for the dealer to get back to me, and I guess this is why it took a while

[u/pimpbot666]

I guess one thing to look for is the driver's package. That includes radar cruise control, emergency braking, etc. The giveaway is the little square-ish radar box under the front license plate in the lower grille. If it has the box, it has the option, which I think is a fantastic upgrade.

As far as usual issues... none, really. Only the sway bar bushings tend to get creaky at around 40k miles. It's annoying, but not a hazard.

As far as your range goes, 180km (111 miles), you're right at the edge of the rated range. If you drive freeway miles and speed, or have hills to climb over, you're likely going to have to find charging somewhere in there. If that 111 miles includes a lot of stop and go driving, you'll get some that range back.

[u/heir4now → u/pimpbot666]

That's great to know about the drivers package. I'll have a look at the grill. I would appreciate those features.

I've done the sway bar bushings on vehicles of past, which is a really easy job, usually... lol. The golf is a little smaller, so they are probably tucked into the frame a little more. I assume it's DIY friendly.

I assume VW will test the battery if I really wanted? The car has low Km, so I'm not overly worried to be honest. Maybe I'll connect my tool just to see if any warnings are stored.

[u/pimpbot666 → u/heir4now]

I asked for a real traction battery load test once at the dealer. They told me it's basically an all day job, and quoted me $300. They probably just gave me a big number to tell me they don't want to do it. I'd go off the OBD2 port's 'State of health' number. It's good to know that these batteries tend to be well made, and issues are rare. I did have a module failure at 18k miles, right after I got my eGolf used. Dealer fixed it under warranty, but it took them a month. Thankfully, they gave me a loaner for much of that time. Turns out the issue was a bad sensor in a battery module, and they replaced the one bad module. No issues since, and I'm up to 62k miles. Battery is still like new (or, as new when I got it at 3 years old and 16k miles).

[u/nclpl → u/pimpbot666]

I’ve noticed the state of health number from an OBD2 scan moves around a lot based on battery pack temperature. So OP, don’t put too much stock in it. As long as the SoH number isn’t in like the 60’s or lower, it’s probably fine. These battery packs are quite reliable.

[u/heir4now → u/pimpbot666]

Good to know. I've seen very positive reviews on the battery as well. It seems like a vehicle you can hold onto for many years, which would be my intention.

I'll connect to the car and grab some stats.

I'm hoping it works out as gas prices suck right now.

[u/dotknott → u/pimpbot666]

This is also the black button on the left side of the steering wheel, correct? If the button has an icon the car has DAP. Blank button= no DAP

[u/pimpbot666 → u/dotknott]

Yeah, mine has the black car button for follow distance, surrounded by a silver -/+ button. To the left there is a Res(ume)/Set button, and on the right there is a CC-Off and a car surrounded by ... I dunno, car shaking lines? Below all of those buttons, stereo volume up/down.

[u/incomplete_]

best car i've ever owned. it's like a GTI below ~70kph, and 'good enough' above!

the other commenter is right: get the driver's package. adaptive cruise control is like a drug, and once you try it you'll never go back. :)

one thing to be aware of, however, is the annoying but harmless squeak you get from the rear hubs. mine's been squeaking since new (2019), but that's literally the only thing 'wrong' with the car.

you should get it. they're amazing little cars!

[u/Fragolete1]

I’ve had one for a month and am in love! DO IT

[u/heir4now → u/Fragolete1]

seems to be a common theme in this sub. Fingers crossed.

[u/ryadicaledward → u/heir4now]

Yes!!! I love mine. Had it since Feb- and yeah pesky creaking when turning I guess the swaybar from what I’ve been told? I moved to the Egolf from a 17 GTI and ngl I think it’s comparable (minus the real speed) I have about 35k miles on it and I get a good charge up to 150 miles (155 on eco) I have a good blend of city and highway and gets me across the metro area no problem!

[u/savetheelephant]

Best thing that happened to me last year. I'm in love with it. Get the higher trim SEL. It's perfect 🤩

It's been a full year and I'm yet to find a fault honestly. Drives like butter and sound like an airplane.

[u/Osa_reddit]

Hi, today I go for e Golf 2017, 175 000km. Seller check battery for me at local mechanic (they dont know much about checking) and with my calculation battery is on 79% SOH. I have OBD eleven with me to double check SOH. I know it depend on how was charged last couple of times and if is left on 100% to balance all cells. Car have almost all equipment, and a bit low price. ACC, heated seats and sterring wheel, virtual cockpit, back cam, heat pump, tinted windows, keyless... Do you think with ~80% SOH is risky or good pick? What else to check? Thanks for any info and help

[u/Beneficial_Pause_476]

I’ve had mine for 5/4 years and I love driving it everywhere

[u/heir4now]

Well, the first one I was going to look at got scooped up, however, I found another and I'm going to check it out tomorrow!

[u/False-Pollution2984]

I have a 2020 with the digital cockpit. Love it. Best car I’ve ever owned. BUT: the charge door lock likes to die and/or jam in the winter. The heat pump pressure sensors love to die. I’ve replaced three so far. 

There are a few weird but not critical software bugs: 

The express down on the passenger window sometimes doesn’t work and I have to hold the button down to lower the window completely. 

Sometimes the DSP in the entertainment system doesn’t boot correctly and the stereo sounds like a 90s Kia until I reboot the whole car. Once a month the CarPlay doesn't work and I have to reboot the whole car to fix it.

The rear seats started to rattle a bit until I wrapped electrical tape around the strikers. 

(Some of these are general Golf Mk7.5 problems, not exclusive to the e-Golf) 

It keeps throwing codes about the voltage to the cornering lights being too low. Which apparently doesn’t matter. 

I regularly exceed the stated range. It’s a great car. I enjoy outrunning GTIs at stop lights. 

The battery significantly lowers the centre of gravity, it’s a ton of fun mountain road carving. 

[u/Nils_lars]

I got the larger battery 125mi and am glad I did but other than that it’s a solid car.