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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: cdo1uk on 24 April 2004, 20:10

Title: newbie, what do i look for???
Post by: cdo1uk on 24 April 2004, 20:10

hi guys and girls, i am looking at buying a golf but not sure what to look for? are there any common problems i need to look out for like the cutting out on the mk3.... also i wanna stay away from turbos, had loads already... so looking at 2.0 gti... or is the 1.8 turbo that much better...?

thanks.

keith

Title: Re:newbie, what do i look for???
Post by: richy on 24 April 2004, 22:40

Steer well clear of the Mk4 2.0 "GTI" if I were you.   In my opinion it shouln't really be called a GTI (115bhp and 0-60 in 10.5 seconds isn't really GTI pace).  2-litre sport would probably be a better title.  I test drove one myself, and although its quite nippy and is a nice car, you'd probably be better off with a 1.6 16v SE which have similar performance and are much cheaper.  ;)

The 1.8 Turbos do offer the most bang per buck, especially the 180bhp ones, and can be fairly easily tuned to give well over 200bhp.  Look out for Starry and Tophuh on this forum who have done just that.  (I think the standard 150bhp ones do 0-60 in 8.2s and the 180's in about 7.5s).

How much are you looking to spend?  Have you considered the 1.8 non-turbos?  I've got one myself and they're pretty good (125bhp, 0-60 in about 9.5 secs).  Got mine in December '03 for ?7500 from VW with 43000 miles on the clock.  You could probably pick a 60000 miler up on Autotrader for somewhere in the ?6000's.  

If you've got a bit more dough, think about the V6 4motion.  These are lovely cars.  8)

Common problems on the Mk4 include the electrics (esp. windows) and washer/aircon hoses leaking.  Not had these problems myself... just what I've heard.

Hope this helps  ;D
Rich

Title: Re:newbie, what do i look for???
Post by: cdo1uk on 25 April 2004, 15:42

wow that 2.0 sounds a bit s**t, i have a nissan 200sx at the mo and that does 0 to 60 in about 5 seconds.....i was trying to stay away from turbos and didnt know they did a 1.8 GTi NA version.... have to look into that, i have about 10k to spend, but also dont want v6 fuel bills....

nice looking car mate. ;D

Title: Re:newbie, what do i look for???
Post by: richy on 25 April 2004, 16:38

The reason the 2.0 is so slow is that it's only 8v.  It's the same lump that's in the Mk3 8v, but because the mk4 is so much heavier it makes it that much slower.

Title: Re:newbie, what do i look for???
Post by: cdo1uk on 25 April 2004, 18:05

errrrrr 8v......i think i will look for an 1800, non turbo tho.. thanks for your help mate, oh anything i need to watch out for on them? ;D

Title: Re:newbie, what do i look for???
Post by: Cupra Turbo on 25 April 2004, 18:53

Their quite rare...

They only made em for 2yrs ... performance isnt that different from the 2.0 8v IMO...

"IMO"

"Whatcar?" tested the mk4 2.0 GTI 8v and done a 0-60 time of 9.0secs.

I can photograph the page if u wanna see it for real.

Title: Re:newbie, what do i look for???
Post by: nrgizerbunny on 25 April 2004, 19:27

make sure the alloys aren't rusting, also if the dashboard rattles when you are driving at any particular RPM steer clear unles syou can get it fixed under warranty.

check the cambelt has been changed too, vw used to specify 60k i think, but now its 60k or 3 years. VW charge ?300 for a cambelt change.

hope this helps

have a nice day

sanj

Title: Re:newbie, what do i look for???
Post by: richy on 26 April 2004, 08:46

Black_GTI, you're entitled to your opinion, I just didn't rate the 2.0 Mk4 when I test drove it.

cdo1uk, I haven't had any probs with my NA 1.8 20v.  :)

Title: Re:newbie, what do i look for???
Post by: D Owen on 26 April 2004, 10:33

cdo1uk

I am looking to sell my 1.8 20 (non turbo) '99.

If you want more details then leave me a message or email me.

Cheers