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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: evojack on 17 March 2009, 17:39

Title: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: evojack on 17 March 2009, 17:39
Having owned Mk1 & Mk2 Gti's I am intending on returning to a Gti, especially as the Mk4 is now a good affordable option.

My budget is between £2 to £3k.

Which is the better 'all rounder' the 1.8T or the 2.0 ?

I don't need the higher BHP or a V5

All owners opinions (biased or not) welcomed

EDITED TO ADD: Buyers tips and advice also welcomed, i.e. common faults to look for, what is the truth about mileage for cambelt changes - @ 40k 60k or 80k
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: T_J_G on 17 March 2009, 17:50
1.8T end of.
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: Steve_PD on 17 March 2009, 18:07
Buying Guide and common faults (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38557.0)  :wink:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: richw911 on 17 March 2009, 18:11
1.8T. 130PD 150PD IMO  :cool:

Make sure the windows have dropped already  :grin:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: bobbarley on 17 March 2009, 18:13
1.8T. 130PD 150PD IMO  :cool:
Agree 100%  :smiley:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: Steve_PD on 17 March 2009, 18:15
130PD 150PD IMO  :cool:
Agree 100%  :smiley:

+1
 :wink:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: evojack on 17 March 2009, 18:15
thanks for your posts so far guys, have now got a small list of things to look out for (and barter the price down with)

please explain why the 1.8T
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: bobbarley on 17 March 2009, 18:17
It's tunable as f\/ck, fast, and they're currently very good value for money :)
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: Steve_PD on 17 March 2009, 18:17
Its quicker, better to mod, better on fuel same tax as 2.0  :undecided: and if you get a 2.0 your only regret not buying the turbo....ask Dia  :wink:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: richw911 on 17 March 2009, 18:35
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=106940.0
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: westfield on 17 March 2009, 18:38
1.8T. 130PD 150PD IMO  :cool:

Make sure the windows have dropped already  :grin:
+2  :wink:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: dubcruiser on 17 March 2009, 19:40
1.8T. 130PD 150PD IMO  :cool:
Agree 100%  :smiley:

As above really. My brother has the GTi TDi 150bhp, and I have the GTi 180bhp (non anniversary). Mine is more refined to be honest and the power is obviously over a wide rev band. The diesel to drive is nice and torquey, but I find it can get tiresome, as in too much all at once! I get 40mpg on a run, my brother gets 50mpg but then diesel is 10p litre more at the pump.
He does gain on the tax though. Mine £210 a year, his £120!

Mine has been re-mapped by R-tech and it really shifts now and the mpg has gone up!  :wink:

The 130bhp diesel is the more reliable than the 150bhp. the 150bhp can suffer from Turbo failure and camshaft issues but these can effect random cars. The oil changes and spec of the oil is the all important bit!

I have also owned the V6 4Motion and while this was a nice cruiser is was in no way as good as the 1.8T. The only nice thing from it was the sound, but the down side was 23mpg around town!
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: darchi19 on 17 March 2009, 20:10
Has to be the 150pd , 55mpg , 190bhp with a nice remap and £120 for tax per year  :smug:

Note do not touch one unless it has a FVWSH , and the right oil has been used , or you risk cam problems ..... not good  :cry:

But i would say that because i have one  :cool:

On your budget you not not find a good one at that price  :sad:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: bobbarley on 17 March 2009, 20:11
Has to be the 150pd , 55mpg , 190bhp with a nice remap and £120 for tax per year  :smug:

Note do not touch one unless it has a FVWSH , and the right oil has been used , or you risk cam problems ..... not good  :cry:

But i would say that because i have one  :cool:

On your budget you not not find a good one at that price  :sad:
But for £3k?  I'd doubt it.
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: the_stink on 17 March 2009, 22:13
plus the 1.8t is bullet proof  :grin:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: richw911 on 17 March 2009, 22:17
plus the 1.8t is bullet proof  :grin:

Only with a DSG intake......  :laugh:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: the_stink on 17 March 2009, 22:24
plus the 1.8t is bullet proof  :grin:

Only with a DSG intake......  :laugh:

which is a doddle to fit :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: richw911 on 17 March 2009, 22:25
plus the 1.8t is bullet proof  :grin:

Only with a DSG intake......  :laugh:

which is a doddle to fit :rolleyes:

So ive heard........  :grin:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: Steve_PD on 17 March 2009, 22:27
plus the 1.8t is bullet proof  :grin:

Only with a DSG intake......  :laugh:

which is a doddle to fit :rolleyes:

Well you put me off doing the mod  :grin: :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: bobbarley on 17 March 2009, 22:28
Save your pennies mate and buy an Anni  :cool:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: richw911 on 17 March 2009, 22:28
plus the 1.8t is bullet proof  :grin:

Only with a DSG intake......  :laugh:

which is a doddle to fit :rolleyes:

Well you put me off doing the mod  :grin: :lipsrsealed:

And me which is why i drove to rhys's for help  :laugh:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: Steve_PD on 17 March 2009, 22:32
....Phones Rhys  :grin:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: richw911 on 17 March 2009, 22:33
....Phones Rhys  :grin:

"Joe says the DSG"....................  :grin:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: boyob32 on 18 March 2009, 08:18
Go for 1.8t over 2.0....

I had the 2.0 before it got written off and the difference throughout stands out! Obviously a quicker car but as already said same tax, and better on fuel. Much nicer car to drive too!
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: the_stink on 18 March 2009, 08:40
....Phones Rhys  :grin:

"Joe says the DSG"....................  :grin:

Joe says the DSG is not only a joy to fit but really gets your blood pressure going hahaha well once i knew what i was doing it was fine  :wink: :grin:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: Kerrse on 18 March 2009, 09:14
Defo say eith the PD150 or the 1.8t i currently have a PD150 (well 190) but i am tempted to get a petrol due to the fact the highest BHP i can get is a lot lower than possible with the petrol
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: Rhyso on 18 March 2009, 09:15
130 TDI :afro:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: jeynesey on 18 March 2009, 09:25
130 TDI :afro:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=39185.0
Only if you want to spend £8 billion on it hey Rhys??  :wink:

1.8T FTW  :cool:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: Rhyso on 18 March 2009, 09:44
130 TDI :afro:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=39185.0
Only if you want to spend £8 billion on it hey Rhys??  :wink:

1.8T FTW  :cool:

£8 Billion? I'd be running around in something a bit fancier than Golf if i had £8 billion to spend  :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: northeast_gti-t on 18 March 2009, 10:12
1.8T aum :afro: :wink:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: the_stink on 18 March 2009, 10:41
x2  :evil:
Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: evojack on 18 March 2009, 18:15
thanks for all the comments and advice.

I forgot to say that I am only interested in a petrol engine, nothing specific against diesels other than noise, just that my van is a VW Transporter 1.9 diesel (same VW engine) and although newer diesels are much quieter than they used to be, I would prefer to be behind a different engine on my days off ! And the MPG is insignificant on a maximum of about 6k miles per year when you take into account the higher cost per litre for diesel, although the lower road Tax IS significant at only £120 - but my mind is made up, a petrol it must be

Mind now made up, I am looking for an UNMODIFIED GTi Petrol 1.8T with FVWSH up to 100k and preferably no more than 2 previous owners in either Black, dark Blue or Silver (in order of preference) and MUST have a sunroof as I hate aircon.

Based on research looking at successful sales prices achieved on eBay, the asking prices on AutoTrader plus Parkers price guide I have set my Budget at £2-2.5k for between 80k and 100k miles, up to £3k if under 80k

Although there are many advertised at higher prices (for week after week LoL), I have seen a couple on AutoTrader over 2 last weeks that were well within budget i.e.

1999 V 1.8T in Blue 96k, 1 owner, FVWSH, sunroof, black recaro's @£2295 from an independent dealer in Stockport

1999 S 1.8T in Blue 90k FVWSH, sunroof, blue/black interior @ £1995 from an independent dealer in Wigan

1999 T 1.8T in Black, 79k 1 owner, FVWSH @ £2450 private sale in Leicester

2001 Y in Blue 90k, FSH, black interior @ £2495 from an independent dealer in Wales

Unfortunately I have been too busy and had not made my mind up so I have missed out. Anyone with one or know of one for sale within my requirements please let me know.

Title: Re: Which Mk4 should I buy?
Post by: jeynesey on 18 March 2009, 21:33
thanks for all the comments and advice.

I forgot to say that I am only interested in a petrol engine, nothing specific against diesels other than noise, just that my van is a VW Transporter 1.9 diesel (same VW engine) and although newer diesels are much quieter than they used to be, I would prefer to be behind a different engine on my days off ! And the MPG is insignificant on a maximum of about 6k miles per year when you take into account the higher cost per litre for diesel, although the lower road Tax IS significant at only £120 - but my mind is made up, a petrol it must be

Mind now made up, I am looking for an UNMODIFIED GTi Petrol 1.8T with FVWSH up to 100k and preferably no more than 2 previous owners in either Black, dark Blue or Silver (in order of preference) and MUST have a sunroof as I hate aircon.

Based on research looking at successful sales prices achieved on eBay, the asking prices on AutoTrader plus Parkers price guide I have set my Budget at £2-2.5k for between 80k and 100k miles, up to £3k if under 80k

Although there are many advertised at higher prices (for week after week LoL), I have seen a couple on AutoTrader over 2 last weeks that were well within budget i.e.

1999 V 1.8T in Blue 96k, 1 owner, FVWSH, sunroof, black recaro's @£2295 from an independent dealer in Stockport

1999 S 1.8T in Blue 90k FVWSH, sunroof, blue/black interior @ £1995 from an independent dealer in Wigan

1999 T 1.8T in Black, 79k 1 owner, FVWSH @ £2450 private sale in Leicester

2001 Y in Blue 90k, FSH, black interior @ £2495 from an independent dealer in Wales

Unfortunately I have been too busy and had not made my mind up so I have missed out. Anyone with one or know of one for sale within my requirements please let me know.



Good choice fella. Get air con and sun roof, best of both Worlds!!!