2003 VW GOLF PROBS, engine light and traction control light

Can anyone please enlighten me to if my problems are common?

first of all, had this car 7 months almost, its 2003 with 22 thousand genuine miles on the clock.

im not happy with all the faffing ive had to do since owning the car

pretty much on a weekly basis the traction control light comes on, followed by the engine light, the car beeps at me and tells me to go to the emissions workshop

the garage where i purchased the car are hooking it up and resetting the lights which is pointless because they come on again

i have had a new temp sensor which worked for a day...a DAY! took my car into them last night as they were going to put a new temp gage in but they are telling me the housing for the temp sensor is broken.

this must of been there before i purchased the car? im not a girl racer so i cant see that i have broken it, they say its common..is it?

also telling me its not the cheapest job, can anyone give me a ball park figure? surely i shouldnt be liable only having the car 7 months with problems arising in the first 2 months of ownership

if anyone has similar experience or advice i would be interested to hear it, thank you!!

Without knowing the model and engine it's hard to make any sort of diagnosis.
First, check your lights, indicators and brake bulbs. Two of my VWs have flashed warning lights on the dash because of a failed bulb.

Ruling blown bulbs out, it could be the MAF gone, which will cost about £100 and fitting shouldn't take more than an hour for even the most hamfisted fitter.

However your best bet is to take it to a VW dealer or an independent garage who specialise in VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda and they'll have the right diagnostics kit to tell you what's going on.

Thanks its a 2003 golf 1.6 SE

picking my car up tomorrow, they say its *fixed*


we shall see....