Newbie here and to VW (180HP 6 Speed GTI)

[alexd]

Hi all, my names Alex from Portsmouth, for the last 2 years i've been driving a 52 plate 1.4 Civic, and on wednesday i got this delivered:

http://www.purecarmanagement.com/cars/10-volkswagen-golf-18-gti-t-180bhp/

Initial drive made me ->   

I've identified a couple of problems with the car so far; firstly it does not warm up to 90 unless sat there running, then when i drive down the road the temperature will drop to quater or less. I've read this can cause a couple of problems the main one being my concern is low MPG 

So i've arranged to go pick up A coolant temp sender after work from my local GSF for £16.50, does this seem a fair price? Will this improve my MPG??

Also planning to smooth my airbox, is this worth it? And where can i get a PiperX panel filter the cheapest from?

Comments and crits welcome on the car, but i love the noise and power of the 1.8T

Hopefully theres some other peeps from pompey here too!!

Alex 

[alexd]

£16.50 for the temp sender, failing that i will get a new thermostat, I think so, i thought that all 6 speed were 180BHP? Correct me if im wrong and tell me how to check

It's also a parralell import!! If that makes any difference.

[Rhyso]

Don't think you have a temp sender problem.

Sounds more like the thermostat or water pump.

and replace with some fresh coolant

if it was water pump your gauge would be working overtime 

[Len]

Constant breakdowns do help build knowledge.

Welcome mate.

[alexd]

Cheers all =]

Will let you know if the sender works or not!!

Could it just be extremly cold weather? Or should it still warm up correctly? s i havn't even opened her up full chat yet Cause i'm thinkin it's too cold!

[Len]

This cold weather will give you top performance! 

As long as you have heat from heater then it should be fine. My Passat 1.8T never gets up to 90

[Cov golf]

Welcome to the site

[Rhyso]

Don't think you have a temp sender problem.

Sounds more like the thermostat or water pump.

and replace with some fresh coolant

if it was water pump your gauge would be working overtime 

As you know your stuff, is it a 180bhp

Providing the engine code is AUQ - but AFAIK all 6 speed GTI's are the later 180bhp model

This cold weather will give you top performance! 

As long as you have heat from heater then it should be fine. My Passat 1.8T never gets up to 90

Then you got a problem 

[The Mighty Elvi]

 but AFAIK all 6 speed GTI's are the later 180bhp model

Correct.

[GOLF_STU]

welcome along