Buying a MK4 GTI 2.0

[AlexKid]

Hi.

I am looking at a MK4 Golf GTI 2.0 around 2000-2001 reg.  I'm currently looking at getting one.  I thought this would be the best place to ask what sort of things to look out for when buying.  Common faults etc.  What goes wrong with them and what sort of things to look for when viewing.

Many thanks,

Alex.

[Rhyso]

welcome 

search function is your best friend

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38557.0

few people have 2.0's so no doubt they will be along shortly to advise

[Jamm89]

Im thinking of selling mine if your interested.
Just in process of putting it through service. (Just hit 50k)
Will be done within the next few weeks.

[AlanD]

Have you thought about getting a 1.8T, is there any reason in particular that you are getting the 2.0 over the 1.8T?

The 1.8T has soooo much more grunt (150bhp compared to 115bhp) than the 2.0.

[dai-cymru]

had mine a few weeks now 2001 on a Y plate lovely car to drive peolpe slate it for the power but it isnt too bad in my opinion. but unsure of MPG at the moment trying to work it out after i have used a full tank.  Whats your budget?

[AlexKid]

Just thought it would be cheaper to insure generally.  Also I never have really been fond of turbo variants.

[ub7rm]

The 2.0 is an 'old tech' 8v engine and although it has less power than the 1.8T the fuel consumption is actually higher.  Not to mention they drink oil for a hobby.  Reliability wise the 1.8T is very reliable, certainly the mechanicals are rock solid, the common problems with them are generally the sensors (air mass, O2, temp sensor) most are very easy to sort yourself if you know which one's busted (this forum is a great help with that) and you will probably get a few more bells and whistles on the turbo model than the 2.0.

If modding is your game you can very easily take a 1.8T up to 200bhp for relatively little money while getting any significant performace gains out of the 2.0 will be difficult / expensive.

Insurance wise the 1.8T will be a little bit more expensive, depending on your age I suppose this could be a major decider!

Appols to the 2.0 owners, don't mean to diss your rides, both great cars and you won't be dissapointed either way 

[GTi-Matt]

as above really mate, i have a 2.0 and realli enjoy it but i do want a turbo (realli bad) but i brought a 2.0 1.because i didnt know what i know now about golfs and 2. for insurance realli 2 but the saving goes on for 1.8t

but at the end of the day its a mk4 GTI, it turns heads and people i.e chavs wont know a 2.0 from a 1.8t so if u aint bothered about a turbo and insurance is a prob go 2.0 also ring castrol and buy some shares in it coz u will need it!!!!!!

[gooseuk]

When i was looking at golfs just over a year ago when i got my derv. I test drove on of these. They aint to bad but in the end i wanted a derv for the mpg and cheap insurance and tax lol.

The thing i regreat with mine is not enough power now lol. Test drive the 2.0 8v valve first and then the 1.8 t. Dont settle on one untill you test drove both.

[Ivor Mk4 Turbo]

Just thought it would be cheaper to insure generally.  Also I never have really been fond of turbo variants.

What about the non-turbo 1.8 20v???

10 more bhp ---> 125 + more modern/efficient engine compared to the 2.0 8v.

AND you won't need shares in Mobil 1!!!