DIY mk4s...

[jamie_pyrite]

So I've just sold my lovely mk2, got a year away at Uni then back into the land of work and having a car! I just can't decide what to get when I get back from Uni, but I've been thinking about either a very nice mk2 or a mid-range mk4 (either 1.8t or 130 PD).

At the moment, with my mk2 I've always been able to do jobs myself on the car with help from my family/friends and a haynes (and some forums!) but I'm wondering what doing jobs yourself with a mk4 is like? I've worked on my Dad's '03 Laguna (which I class as a new car!) which was fine to work on, just all the extra electrics really.

So what's a mk4 like? I could afford a mk4, but it's whether or not I could afford expensive garage bills when things go wrong!

Also, what's rust like on mk4s? Am I likely to find none/very little?

[Rhyso]

depends what you can do currently

things like sensors tend to fail for a passtime but are easy enough to replace

turbo pipes etc are somewhat awkward but replaceable

suspension is the same principle as other cars

stuff like cambelt, clutch, steering rack etc are awkward though

guess it depends how confident you are and how handy you are with some tools

[richw911]

Rust  never seen a mk4 with rust TBH   

Get yourself vag com you will need it 

[Steve_PD]

You buying a lead then Rich?

[richw911]

You buying a lead then Rich?

Might get a fake one at some point 

[Steve_PD]

I've had my moneys worth from it 

[richw911]

I've had my moneys worth from it 

Yeah after watching the data logging you can do well worth it 

[Wazzzer]

I was logging my intake temps today, need a long run really to get a decent result but it didn't go above 25 while pottering about 

[jamie_pyrite]

Thanks for the info

I already have VAGCOM, just never gotten a chance to use it yet! Going to try it out on my GF's mum's golf estate.


I guess as long as things aren't stupidly complex to the point it's a garage job then things should be fine. My Dad helps/teaches me with everything and is very handy with a spanner. Not having to deal with rust must be nice!