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VW Golf 4: Incredible 1,000,000 km – The secret of longevity!
Thomas Dotzler set, documented and maintained a milestone with his VW Golf 4, built in 2003, with over 1,000,000 km.
VW Golf 4: Incredible 1,000,000 km – The secret of longevity!
A real automotive legend is back in the conversation: The VW Golf 4, built in 2003, recently exceeded the impressive mark of 1,000,000 kilometers. Thomas Dotzler, currently managing director of AI2Vision GmbH, is the proud owner of this classic and reports on a remarkable journey that spans more than 20 years and various European countries. The vehicle, which is used exclusively as a reliable companion, has crossed France, Italy, the Czech Republic and Austria, among other places. Dotzler sums it up: “For me, the Golf is much more than just a car – it has stories to tell.” News38 reports that ...
The first major milestone was reached on October 16, 2023, but the odometer initially stopped at 999,999 km. The Golf 4, which is currently being tested in the best condition by the TÜV, currently has a mileage of 1,000,055 km, with Dotzler recording the progress in a handwritten notebook. “The secret of success lies in care and maintenance,” says Dotzler. And that has more than proven itself with this car. Regular oil changes, timing belt service and a transmission oil change every 110,000 kilometers are just some of the points that ensure a long life. AutoBild informs that...
From beginnings to legend
The Golf 4 came into Dotzler's possession in 2012 for 4,750 euros with 167,200 km. Previously it belonged to the managing director of his company, who kept the car in his fleet for a long time. During this period the car had not only been through a lot, but also needed some repairs. The diesel pump gave up at 200,000 km and further defects appeared over time: quite pragmatically, a screw in the engine mount broke at 900,000 km. “The previous owner changed the drive train himself on the road - that speaks for the robustness of these models,” says Dotzler. He understandably decided to drive defensively; The Golf is not driven above 2,000 revolutions when cold or above 2,500 when warm.
He meticulously documents the matter of repairs. Interestingly, original VW parts have proven to be particularly durable, while aftermarket parts have often disappointed. In order not to forego safety, Dotzler has also installed a 230-volt socket and a 4K dashcam system.
All-rounder with style
But the Golf 4 is not just intended for trips to the office. Around 85% of the kilometers driven are long distances, and the car doesn't have a garage to allow it to hibernate - "Winter is part of Germany, a car has to be able to withstand it!"
The versatility is also reflected in the use of the car: it functions both as a company vehicle and as a leisure vehicle. And over the more than two decades, together with Dotzler, it has also been made accessible to many hitchhikers - meaning that many people in Europe have experienced the journey through a wide variety of countries in this unique way.
It is clear that the Golf 4 will continue to be very popular in the future. Given the careful care and respect that the driver shows the vehicle, one could almost say that this Golf 4 embodies the perfect symbiosis of technology and warmth.
In summary, the VW Golf 4 is not just a means of transport - it is a part of automotive history, which is continued every day through reliable technology and excellent care. As Dotzler's example shows, it's all about the right decisions!