2.0 8v

[UKChrisT]

Hi guys, I'm a newbie so sorry if I have posted in the wrong section.

I have recently bought my first Golf, you guessed it the 2.0 8v (and before you tell me, I know should of bought the 1.8 turbo), but I bought it at a bargain price, couldn't refuse.

Anyway my question is, how reliable are these usually? common faults? I have been reading these are usually thirsty on oil, can anyone else say this who has previously or currently owns a 2.0 8v?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

[mar_k]

My dad and I both have mk4 2.0 golfs, Both use a little oil but nothing major.
They are reliable from my experience. Slow but pretty smooth which is why I brought mine.
I was coming from the Ford Rs scene and wanted some thing that was cheap to run.

Whilst the 2.0 has been boring, Its been good to just get in and drive without worrying about speed bumps and so on.
Mine has served us well for almost 3 years now.

They tend to eat the odd lamda sensor which I assume is a result of it using a little oil.
Both mine and my dads had leaky rads, Both on the drivers side in the bottom corner.
Wish bone bushes don't seem to last long but have now replaced both cars with poly.
As with all golfs the springs can break, Mine were changed due to snapped springs before my ownership.



All in all if your not bothered about going fast they are good reliable cars.


Forgot to mention, Keep an eye on in the oil filler cap for Mayo looking sh!te,
Both of our suffer from it when the weather gets cold.
Its condensation mixing with the oil vapours, Nothing to worry about. I did think headgasket at 1st but have since learned its caused by lots of short journeys, My drive to work is only 4 miles

[UKChrisT]

Thanks for the reply.

It's my first 2.0 so at first it'll seem more than fast enough for me, previously I owned an Astra 1.6 and a Kia 1.6 non-turbo diesel.

I managed to buy the Golf, 51 plate 97,000 miles, past service history all at a VW garage for £550 delivered, it had a new clutch fitted 300 miles ago, new sump and gasket due to previous owner smashing it off (it was lowered at the time, no idea how it happened) but I have all receipts regardless.

I have noticed when I turn the steering wheel at slow speeds, I can hear a slight knocking noise?

The engine management light is currently on, but the coil pack needs replacing and the exhaust has a blow, so could be for these reasons.

As for the lamda sensor, how will I know if this needs replacing?

I have noticed some slight mayo type gunk in the oil, but the engine wasn't running for long and I later had it checked as I also thought maybe the head gasket was failing, but confirmed it's fine.

Thanks for your help, have included a photo of the car itself.

[Lonewolf]

Chris, I also recently bought a 2.0 GTI (been a few weeks now).  Since I've gotten older I've mellowed out so am not a fast driver, but it rides really comfortably and smooth, has enough top-end power for me on the motorway and for overtaking, and I find mine takes corners remarkably well.  My previous car (it's still in my garage) is a BMW E30 Touring, and the Golf is a much more comfortable car, handles as well, although is definitely not as good looking.

I like the subtle drop you have on yours- how much is it lowered by?  Looks like a bargain at the price you paid   

[rio_gti]

Chris, I also recently bought a 2.0 GTI (been a few weeks now).  Since I've gotten older I've mellowed out so am not a fast driver, but it rides really comfortably and smooth, has enough top-end power for me on the motorway and for overtaking, and I find mine takes corners remarkably well.  My previous car (it's still in my garage) is a BMW E30 Touring, and the Golf is a much more comfortable car, handles as well, although is definitely not as good looking.

I like the subtle drop you have on yours- how much is it lowered by?  Looks like a bargain at the price you paid   

What car are you driving?? 

[UKChrisT]

Chris, I also recently bought a 2.0 GTI (been a few weeks now).  Since I've gotten older I've mellowed out so am not a fast driver, but it rides really comfortably and smooth, has enough top-end power for me on the motorway and for overtaking, and I find mine takes corners remarkably well.  My previous car (it's still in my garage) is a BMW E30 Touring, and the Golf is a much more comfortable car, handles as well, although is definitely not as good looking.

I like the subtle drop you have on yours- how much is it lowered by?  Looks like a bargain at the price you paid   

Hi buddy,

Not sure how much it's lowered, it was done by the previous owner I did consider lowering it more but it actually sits okay how it does now.

Was lucky with the price to be honest, bought it from a friend who recently upgraded to the Golf mk6 tdi gt, and he needed the space.

How do you find it is on fuel and oil?

I finished spraying the calipers yesterday afternoon, here's a few pics!
I didn't take them off as I am replacing the brake pads and discs today anyway so weren't bothered if a bit of over spray went onto the current ones.

[Lonewolf]

I find mine is excellent on fuel, but then again my E30 liked to drink.  Saying that on my drive back from the UK to France I averaged over 40 mpg. I reckon around 30-ish on short town driving will be average but I'm yet to find out.

I've just done a complete oil change - the old oil was tar black!    I do know these engines are supposed to use quite a bit of oi

Wheels are looking good Chris, as are the calipers .