Newbie Poster, Considering Buying a 2012 Golf:

[oldberkeley]

Hi folks.

My wife and I are looking for a car for our first-time, new driver, teenage daughter.

We researched and took a test drive in a Honda Fit and a Kia Rio: both are decent small cars at a good price, but very, very insubstantial.

We took a test drive in a VW Golf and there simply was no comparison: night and day, IMHO.

We're going to get an automatic; we're thinking about trying to save just a bit of money and going with the 2-door vs. the 4-door.

Any thoughts on this? TIA.

[djwhiplash2001]

4 doors will encourage her to take more friends with her; I'd recommend 2 lol.

The Golf is incredibly well-built and safe. From a safety perspective, I'd only ever stick my kid in a newer VW or a Volvo. I've seen a few forum members here take *hard* hits in them and come out without a scratch. So, not to say it could happen, but just in case - it's very well built. And to me, the doors seem more solid in the 2 door. Which model did you drive? I'd definitely check out the 2 door - slam the door, listen to how solid it is. Climb on the door, jump on it, it's solid. Don't try it with the Honda or Kia

[projectrabbit]

I stood on my door even though it's a 2 door 07 rabbit. those hinges

[damionmyst]

i weigh 240lbs with my door open i could stand in my window and jump up and down...on my 08 GTI .. no damage what-so-ever..dont buy your daughter a GTI lol its to fast for her...and you'll drive it more than her lol.. a Golf is a Great first car

[acgator]

You can't go wrong with the Golf. I considered a Honda Fit since I owned a Civic, but it was stolen. I had always wanted a VW and ended up getting my Rabbit and haven't looked back. Every time I see a Fit I tell myself how glad I am that I didn't get one.

As DJ mentioned, there are several members here that have had significant accidents and all have walked away unscathed.

[oldberkeley]

We're going to the dealer tomorrow to order one, decided on the 2-door.

The rock-solid feel of the car is what finally decided us. For a few thousand more we'll get a longer life and a better driving experience.

Thanks for the input, I'll keep reading this forum and post if I have any questions about the car.

[damionmyst]

Well we'd love to hear from you again! Good luck on the purchase

[projectrabbit]

enjoy the car