I want to buy a Volkswagen Golf V but am worried about the ESP fault - how do I know if it's been fixed?

I'm going to take a look at a 56-reg MkV Volkswagen Golf TDI at a local independent dealer at the weekend. I've had quick browse on here and found a lot of people talking about the ESP fault that seems to be affecting a large number of MkV Golfs. If the car has had this problem, will it be easy to see if the new part has been fitted and the fault rectified? What percentage of Golfs has this actually affected? Will they all go wrong at some point? If there is no sign that the car has had this unit replaced, would I be able to use it as a bargaining tool when making an offer? Should I not touch this car with a barge pole?

Asked on 9 September 2010 by smoggyrich1

Answered by Honest John
ECU testing does a fix that costs £300 fitted. Don't get conned into paying a dealer £1500 - £2000 for a new ABS/ESP module. I've heard of around 200 cases. I'd estimate it affects at least 10 per cent of Golfs and probably more.
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