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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: Shrodinger's Cat on 03 August 2004, 14:12

Title: Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: Shrodinger's Cat on 03 August 2004, 14:12
Hi All

I am new to the board and only stumbled across it on my quest for information about the GT TDi 150 bhp.

As you are all no doubt knowledgeable in the way of the Golf, I was wondering if you might like to share your opinions on this car.

Also, I don't want to go too nuts and spend loads of money (was thinking of around ?10000). Would I be better looking at the 130, the 115 or the 110 rather than the 150?

All opinions gratefully received.

p.s. My previous car was a Golf Mark II diesel (1990 G reg). Slow as a week in the jail. ;D
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: Stevie Callaghan on 03 August 2004, 15:04
I think you may struggle to get a 150 PD for 10k, you should get a 130 for around 10k. Paid ?9500 for my 130, silver, 3-door 02 reg with sport pack, winter pack, cruise, auto dimming mirror and a few other bits. Actually thought that wasn't a bad price. There are a lot that are expensive though.
 You prob allready know that the 115/130/150's are the PD engines and have the 6-speed box, the 110 isn't a PD and has a 5-speed box.
Other than that  i don't know much more about them exept in the 2 months i've had mine I can honestly say its the most unreliable car i've had!! Just one of those things i suppose.

Steve
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: Shrodinger's Cat on 03 August 2004, 15:08
Thanks for the advice.  Perhaps I'll look into the 130's a bit closer. Sounds like you got a good price. Is there much difference in performance?

Shocked  :o to hear that it 's the most unreliable car you've had. Is this the general consensus? Should I look elsewhere?

Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: Stevie Callaghan on 03 August 2004, 15:21
Not sure on the performance difference between 130-150, but there obviously will be one. As regards to reliability, just a bit unlucky. Wouldn't sell it though as it is surprisingly quick, and 'in gear' acceleration is almost unbelievable. I would buy another. And as its a Golf it will always have a good residule value.

Steve
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: Shrodinger's Cat on 03 August 2004, 15:24
Thanks again Stevie.

Next - I must source the perfect model, with the exact spec that I want. This may take some time...
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: topher on 03 August 2004, 15:35
Don't forget ?11k will get you a brand new PD130 Skoda Fabia VRS, thats a serious piece of kit for very sensible money. A full warranty is always nice too  :)

I'd always choose a golf but just throwing that suggestion out there.

Performance-wise a PD130 will kick out about 150bhp as standard anyway so dont worry about being as quick as a PD150, you can always get it remapped.

As for buying advice in general, do a quick search for "buying advice" in this here MK4 section to familiarise yourself with the more common mk4 golf faults.

Chris.
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: Shrodinger's Cat on 03 August 2004, 15:47
thanks v much tophuh

will look into these aspects

The Cat
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: frosticles on 03 August 2004, 21:08
I have a PD150 and love every minute in the thing (specially when re-mapped) As said though, You will struggle to get one for the 10k mark For that money, I'd go for the PD130 in GT trim which is a very nice car. Get it chipped and never look back (Only at the others you storm by)  ;D
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: Shrodinger's Cat on 04 August 2004, 08:49
Thanks to y'all for your help.

Maybe I should save a wee bit harder and go for the 150.

Chris, you said something about the 130 kicking out 150 bhp. This has confused me no end!?

Will it give 150 bhp once modified or as standard. If as standard then why is it called the 130 and why was it succeeded by the 150?

Also, scuse my ignorance, but what's remapping (presuming it's to do with the electronics) and does it affect fuel economy, warranty, insurance etc?

Questions questions questions...
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: S11EPS on 04 August 2004, 09:04
The PD130 would kick out around 150bhp as the PD's are notorious for 'over-achieving' when it comes to power.

Most of the PD150's leave the factory with high 160's, mine was rolling roaded a couple of months back (as standard) at 186bhp.

Re-mapping is a term used to describe altering the manufacturers standard ecu settings for timing, fueling, economy, boost etc and modifying it to deliver more power.

Years ago this was referred to as 'chipping' (as a new chip would be hard soldered into the ecu) but now manufacturers software is simply modified or over-written. Plenty of people on here have had it done, with some great results.

In terms of the implications, obviously you're supposed to tell your insurance company. Many tuners boast their re-map are invisible, even to the manufacturers, so the chances of an insurance company finding the modified code are slim, but they do still exist.

Warranty, as above - if the manufacturers can't find the remap, they wouldn't be able to deny a warranty claim. But if they do, you will have a big argument on your hands to get them to pay for something they will argue was damaged by altering their product.

As for economy, most diesel drivers who have opted for a remap actually report an increase in fuel economy, which has got to be a bonus!!

I'd say if you can save that bit more, go for a 150. Better suspension as standard, 16" wheels over 15's, woody bits inside etc etc.
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: Shrodinger's Cat on 04 August 2004, 09:31
Thanks very much.

That clears a lot up.

Best get saving... or maybe go see the bank man.

Can anyone hear the cries of "remortgage!" ?
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: golfvr6 on 04 August 2004, 09:32
And holes in the doors  :D
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: S11EPS on 04 August 2004, 11:12
And holes in the doors  :D

Yeah, thanks for reminding me mate.

Just had a call from the bodyshop, I get it back on Friday  ;D
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: golfvr6 on 04 August 2004, 11:50
Nice one.
I got my car back again yesterday for the 2nd time.
Got the bumper shock replaced as they didn't do it the first time.
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: S11EPS on 04 August 2004, 12:09
Was this after the Santa Pod bump?

Did the guys insurance cough up?
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: S11EPS on 04 August 2004, 12:11
Thanks very much.

That clears a lot up.

Best get saving... or maybe go see the bank man.

Can anyone hear the cries of "remortgage!" ?
No worries.

By the way, the severance figure from the lease company on mine is ?13500 if you're interested..... ;D
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: Shrodinger's Cat on 04 August 2004, 12:14
Lease company?

Which one? I may look into this.

Leasing that is, not buying yours!
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: S11EPS on 04 August 2004, 12:33
You may have difficulty finding one now, as they're likely to be punting out the mk5.

What sort of mileage you gonna be doing per year?

Mine is leased through a company called central contracts, based up North somewhere.
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: golfvr6 on 04 August 2004, 12:37
Was this after the Santa Pod bump?

Did the guys insurance cough up?

Yeah, thats the one.
The geezer has admitted liability at last.
Just waiting to here from the solicitor now  ;)
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: S11EPS on 04 August 2004, 12:45
Are you putting in a claim for whiplash or any personal damages?
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: golfvr6 on 04 August 2004, 22:53
Yep  :D
Title: Re:Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp
Post by: frosticles on 05 August 2004, 22:19
GOOD LAD Mr VR6. I did the same a few years back when some loon ran into the back of my old Pug205 1.9gti. Got over double back what I paid for her. ;D