GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: DaveG on 29 March 2004, 19:00
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Hi all,
No doubt this sort of thing has asked a million times, but i'm after a list of things to look for with higher mileage 1.8 turbo's.
I'm new to golfs, but not to turbo's so know a thing or two, but am looking for model specific 'funnies'.
As i say, likely to be a 1999 model with approx 100,000 miles on the clock (other half is preggers so need to cut back on expenses - car being the first).
Hyperlink to buyers guide or similar would be much appreciated.
I take it you guys endorse the higher mile cars with a fully stamped book etc? Golfs are surely renowned for their long lifetime?
Cheers
Dave
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100k shouldn't be too much of a problem for a mk4, but it would be best to get one that has full service history, preferably one with dealer service history.
The main things to check are:
- Cambelt should have been changed at between 60-80k (not the original VW recommendation of 120k!). At the same time it is advisable to change the water pump as the plastic impellors have been known to fail by 80k.
- At around 100k the engine ancillaries are getting a bit tired, in particular expect trouble with the air conditioning pump clutch (if fitted) and alternator bearings, but these are not difficult to replace with new or secondhand items so if they are noisy get them done before they stop you on the hard shoulder!
- If the windscreen wipers are slow or noisy then the wiper mechanism is starting to seize up, but this is easily cured by removing the assembly and regreasing the wiper spindles, alternatively a new assembly is only around ?30-40 from a dealer.
Common mk4 faults (regardless of age/mileage) are :
- Leaking rear screen washer, either into the inside of the tailgate where the water effects the interior light/alarm switch, or at another joint in the washer system behind the C pillar trim and water leaks into the boot of the car
- Dropping electric windows due to breakage of the (plastic) cable guides, but there is a metal repair kit available and there is a good chance that some of the cost will be covered by VW as this is a known problem.
- Faulty MAF (Air Mass Sensor), which can cause a flat spot in the engine power or poor fuel economy (note this does not necessarily throw a fault code in the ECU). These sensors were extremely expensive (?250-300) but VW have recently slashed the price to under ?100.
- Faulty boost valve on 1.8T models, identifiable by a fluttering sound when you lift off the throttle, but these cost less than ?20 to replace with an OE part or about ?80 for an uprated aftermarket part.
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Thanks for the reply Chris, some interesting points in there. Naturally, i will accept nothing other then a fully stamped book.
What about the turbo units themselves? Do they have a normal life of 60k miles or similar? (what's standard boost on these turbos - 5 or 6 psi?). How much are you looking at for a replacement recon unit?
Cheers
Dave
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Turbos are pretty bulletproof, particularly if the car has never been chipped. As long a the oil has been changed in accordance with the service schedule and the turbo has been looked after by the owner(s), eg by letting it spin down before stopping the engine, then they should be good for 150k or more.
Not sure of the boost pressure used.... will find out though!
Just another point that is worth mentioning if you are unfamiliar with recent VWs, and that is that the car could be on either a fixed ('extended') or variable service interval. A car may have been born with a variable service interval but many were changed by the supplying dealer at the PDI. If 'extended' then the services should have been carried out at 10000 mile or 12 month intervals. With variable the service interval could be between up to 20000 miles/2 years.
Where abouts in the country are you btw?
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Gloucestercestescestershire mate!
And not wishing to attract your scorn, but i've owned Vaux turbo's for the last 4 years. Had a 1993 calibra turbo which i modified quite a bit and am in the process of selling my 2001 astra coupe turbo (standard save for an uprated intercooler).
I can only hope VW intercoolers are better then the poxy units vauxhall fit as standard (which seem to sit out of the air flow and have such a tiny core that they are practically useless).
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Hey you're not too far from me, I might be looking to sell my GTI in the not too distant future - have a look at my website at http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/golfstuff/my_car.htm
Currently 78000 miles on a 2000 (W) reg car and I'd be looking for about ?8.5k
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Sounds like a fair price, but my other half is expecting so i'm getting rid of astra coupe to release some cash. Looking to spend approx 6k on next car - T/V Plate 1.8T with higher then av miles.
There's a few about too, which is good.
I commute to Swindon and back each day so need economy. At a steady 75 - 80 mph cruise, reckon i should be getting 35 - 38mpg from a golf.
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They're (obviously) not as quick, but have you considered 1.8 non-turbo??
125bhp as standard. 0-60 in a smigin over 9 secs.
You could pick up a pretty nice example for ?6k. Mine was ?7.5k in December but had only 45K miles on it
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I like the torque rush that a turbo gives (ideally, i'd plum for the GT TDi 150, but cannot afford that).
The 1.8 non turbo's 0-60 in just over 9 seconds? How does that work - i thought the 2.0L Gti's took 10.5 seconds to get there.
I'll take a look and see what's about.
Question: Did all 1.8T's come with recaro interior or was it an option?
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1.8t standard interior was 'VW sports', Recaro was optional I believe
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This post is really handy, i am looking to buy one in the very near future, if I can sell my Mondeo Ghia X that is...I know, its a fraud, but it was the right price etc etc. The bugger is I sold an excellent Mk3 GTi to pay for it (M reg, Chilli red 3 dr with 75K on the clock, FSH + bills and MOTS, brakes and dampers changed etc etc, :'( )
Anyway, what are the 1.8 20V's like, I had that engine in an A4 and it had to be worked to get it move...
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Sounds like a fair price, but my other half is expecting so i'm getting rid of astra coupe to release some cash. Looking to spend approx 6k on next car - T/V Plate 1.8T with higher then av miles.
There's a few about too, which is good.
I commute to Swindon and back each day so need economy. At a steady 75 - 80 mph cruise, reckon i should be getting 35 - 38mpg from a golf.
Would have thought that mpg was achievable BUT depends what time you commute to and from Swindon, as I commute from Cheltenham to Swindon during rush hour and average about 32-34 mpg a month in a Mk3 8v GTI. If there was no ither traffic on the road it would be fine!!
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I work 10am - 6pm (work hours designed to avoid school & rush hour traffic). Therefore, seldom any hold ups (apart from at the air balloon end).
The 'safety camera' (read: cash cow) has also caught me recently, so i now cruise at 75mph all the time.
I've only ever driven one 1.8T and that was a V-Plate when it was brand new. I seem to remember a lot of low down responsiveness, and a quick car. However, the turbo unit must be quite small and run out of puff pretty quick as it's got a pretty slow 0-60 time @ 8.5 seconds.
My observation was the opposite of mowgli's A4 experience - golf seemed spirited at low revs but lacks at higher.
No doubt a current and experienced 1.8T driver could give a more accurate response........
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To answer a couple of questions....
With all respect to the non turbo GTI owners, they really aren't the same car as a 1.8T. The 1.8 20v (98-99) and 2.0 8v (99-03) models were sold in the UK as GTI models but were built as the European 'Highline' model.
Taking the 1.8 20v as an example, it may have only 25 bhp less than the 1.8 Turbo, but the peak torque is proportionally much less so the drive is completely different. Power really means nothing when it comes to driveability of the car - to get the power out of the 1.8 20v the engine has to be revved, whereas the 1.8T has ample torque low down and there's no need to thrash it and this makes for a more relaxed drive.
To illustrate the torque point, the 2.0 8v unit which replaced the 1.8 20v in later models may have 10bhp less than the 1.8 but actually generates similar torque and there is no deficit in performance (over the 1.8 20v) despite the lower power figure.
With the 1.8T you also get sports suspension and 16" wheels as standard, whereas the highline has the same ride height and suspension setup as a 1.4/1.6 base model, on 15" wheels - again the drive is completely different (I've driven both!). You'll also get Recaro interior as standard on a pre 2001 model GTI turbo, and limitless tuning potential if 150bhp/210Nm isn't enough for you.
I'd recommend the 1.8T to anyone - I'm not saying that the 1.8/2.0 GTI is a bad car in any way, but don't be fooled into thinking they are the same car!