Background
Volkswagen returned to the hard-top convertible market in 2006 with the EOS and although it has had tough competition from already established models by rivals like Peugeot and Renault, the EOS has proven popular with drivers. The EOS has come a long way from Volkswagens previous attempt to break into the affordable hardtop convertible market. From 1998 to 2003 they produced the Golf Convertible, which was basically a Mark III Golf (released in 1992) with a Mark IV grill attached.
The VW EOS may also be heavily based on the current Golf, but Volkswagen engineers have gone to town to make sure it's not the same as the original Golf Convertible. The EOS has proven popular with drivers and if only it had been released a few years earlier might well have become the market leader by now.
With ever increasing strong sales and a high demand in the used market the EOS has retained its price well. This does mean you will need to save up a bit more than you would compared to some of its rivals in order to own one, but without a bad model in the range even the cheapest EOS is a great car that will stand you well.
Bang for your buck
Though with the roof up the car looks a bit heavy in the rear-end department you will be rewarded with one of the largest boot sizes in its class. Even with the top down there is plenty of room in the Volkswagen EOS, but also this is when the car comes into its own. Simply put it looks fantastic with the top down. It is one of the best looking affordable hardtops on the market that is sure to make the neighbours jealous!
The approved used Volkswagen EOS might be based on the Golf, but the interior has been completely designed fresh from scratch. This gives the car plenty of character so you won't feel like you are driving a bloated hatchback. Combine this with some great features as standard, like alloy wheels, air conditioning and air bags and you are getting a lot of car for your money, which also come with that reliable Volkswagen badge.
What you'll pay
Much like the driving experience, the price you pay will depend heavily on the engine choice you go for. You will need to part with at least £12,000 for the entry level 1.6-litre petrol, but you can rest assured this desirable car will continue to hold its value.
If you want to go diesel you will have to add at least £1,000. The most expensive used models are the fastest 3.2-litre V6s, which are much rarer but are starting to come onto the market now. A 56 plate will still set you back around £17,000.
What to check
As with all Volkswagens you know you are getting a well-built and quality piece of automotive engineering. Make sure the owner has kept the car well serviced and you won't have to worry about much else with the EOS. The folding hardtop has been found to be one of the most reliable, especially compared to older attempts from Peugeot and Renault.
Just be wary of corporate sellers who may not have looked after the car as well as a private owner. Also make sure you check the VW EOS you are looking at has all the features you want, as some of the most desirable higher end- specs were left off of lower range models.
Parts
Under the bonnet most of the parts come from other Volkswagen's so they are quite readily available and aren't hugely expensive. New parts like an alternator and an exhaust system will set you back around £145 and £195 respectively, whereas brake pads come in at around £50-65.
How it drives
Again, with the original engineering of the EOS based on the Golf you know you are getting a tried and tested awesome driving experience. Performance and speed depend a lot on what engine you opt for, but even the entry level 1.6-litre petrol engine is a great, sturdy car.
The 2.0-litre TDI is probably the best of the range for performance and economy, but the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol is the most popular. If you need more speed then there is also the 3.2-litre V6, which will give you just under 200bhp, enough to satisfy any petrol-head.
