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Discover the Volkswagen Golf price landscape and how it has evolved since the iconic 1996 model first hit the roads. Whether you’re curious about the original Volkswagen Golf 1996 price, the current value of a used vehicle, or just want to know what is a 1996 Volkswagen Golf worth today, this overview will give you a clear, data‑driven snapshot.

• Model Year: 1996 Domestic (Europe) – first generation “Peterbilt” chassis in the U.S.
• Engine: 1.6‑L DOHC inline‑4 (1.6 E), 100 hp, 99 lb‑ft torque (European option)
• Transmission: 5‑speed manual (standard) or 4‑speed automatic (optional)
• Fuel Type: Gasoline (regular), 91 octane recommended
• Dimensions:
  • Wheelbase: 99 in (2,507 mm)
  • Length: 175 in (4,445 mm)
  • Width: 66 in (1,676 mm)
  • Height: 54 in (1,371 mm)
  • Curb weight: 2,400 lb (1,089 kg)
• Interior & Features: Cloth seats, manual or power windows, 4‑door hatchback style, optional sunroof, basic stereo with cassette input (later versions added CD player)
• Safety: Dual front airbags (US model A‑series), ISOFIX child seat points (Europe), basic ABS on most variants

Volkswagen Golf depreciation is a key factor when evaluating how the used Volkswagen Golf price changes over time. After the first year, you’ll typically see a 15‑20% drop in resale value compared to the purchase price. Over the next few years, the annual depreciation slows to about 10–12% in the second year, then 6–8% from year three onward, assuming normal wear and typical mileage. By the fifth year or so, the vehicle usually retains roughly 50–55% of its original purchase price if maintained properly. These figures are averages; actual depreciation depends on condition, market demand, mileage, and regional variations.

When you ask what is a 1996 Volkswagen Golf worth, remember that this value is largely guided by the “original purchase price” that ranged from €14,000 to €18,000 in the European market, depending on trim level and option set. In contemporary used‑car listings, a 1996 Golf in good condition often sells for 30–45% of its original cost. In markets where the Golf remains a cultural icon—such as Germany, the UK, and parts of Scandinavia—prices can lean toward the higher end of that spectrum. In regions where newer Volkswagen models dominate the compact segment, or where the 1990s had less popularity, prices tend to cluster on the lower end.

Compared to similar models from the mid‑90s, the Golf holds its value somewhat better. For example, a used 1996 Ford Focus or a 1996 Opel Astra are often priced slightly below a comparable Golf of the same year, due to the Golf’s stronger brand association with build quality and driving dynamics. Nonetheless, all three vehicles show similar depreciation curves—dropping roughly 18–22% in the first year, then leveling off at around 5–8% annually thereafter.

The Golf has long been a popular choice in the compact hatchback segment, thanks to its balance of spacious interior, efficient engines, and agile handling. In the resale market, German buyers still favor the Golf for its pedigree, while in the U.S. state‑farm and rural garages it lives as a reliable commuter. European markets—especially the UK and the Netherlands—continue to show strong demand for older Models due to the national “legacy” of the Volkswagen brand.

If you’re ready to find a concrete price for a 1996 Volkswagen Golf or a newer entry, our database delivers a Volkswagen Golf price tool that pulls up-to-date local listings, average mileage, and condition metrics. The tool compares inventory across regions and includes a depreciation slider so you can view the vehicle’s historical value trajectories.

Tap here to explore the used Volkswagen Golf price and start a smarter buying or selling journey today.

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Last 20 car trackeds

Last tracked date	Status	Price	Price rank	Link
2 years ago	used	€3,990.00		Unlock all links
3 years ago	used	€6,900.00		Unlock all links
4 years ago	used	€7,900.00		Unlock all links
4 years ago	used	€1,250.00		Unlock all links
4 years ago	used	€1,250.00		Unlock all links
4 years ago	used	€1,250.00		Unlock all links
4 years ago	used	€7,900.00		Unlock all links
4 years ago	used	€1,250.00		Unlock all links