Parts availability query Dutch import 1.8 GTI T (99) / UK spec = 17 Digit VIN ?

[theombudsman]

Hi Folks,

Just on the brink of buying a MK4 Golf GTI T (150bhp) 3 dr... only little issue am trying to resolve is if there would be any issues I might face buying this car as the current owner bought it originally in Holland and imported it himself.

The car has all the paperwork with it, all import forms and the V875 (I think its called) for the part of the UK import process. Its now registered as a T Plate 99...

Its a nice car and all seems well with it and appears to have been well cared for.

I noticed that it does not have remote central locking (not that fussed) and a little more stangely is not fitted with the MFA computer that I thought was common to all GTI's since the MK1. This is a little pity as have got used to it on my previous mk1 and mk2. The current owner ordered the car from new and I guess decided its final spec. BTW it does have ABS, Airbags, Recaros, full electrics, Sunroof, wood interior and Air Con. So apart from the missing MFA it would appear to be a good spec. (is the MFA able to be retro fitted or is this simply not worth considering as too expensive?)

The VIN plate is a 17 digit one and as I understand it this would seem to denote that it is UK spec. My insurance company are reasonably happy with the details I have given so far, and reckon that the 17 digit denotes a UK spec vehicle. Anyone have or know info on this between VIN number for Dutch cars and UK standard spec? Any issues I might face etc...

According to the vehicle book it gave these details if it helps identify any potential issues

Type:               1J1 6R4
Engine code:     AGU ENJ

I would have thought that all parts would be easily available on this as its a standard 150bhp GTI Turbo 1.8 in Right hand drive.

Anyways... fingers crossed... hope that someone could update me on this.. would be very appreciated.

Cheers

Adam (ombudsman)

BTW the purchase of this car will mean the imminent sale of an N reg (run out - last of that shape before the A4 ) Audi 80 Avant with 2.6L V6 engine (Body : White) good condition for year with long MOT. If anyone is interested.

[charri42]

Shouldn't worry, use the missing kit as a negotiating tool - at least it has the important aircon. Mine is an import, it was via a specialist importer, doesn't even have the extra documentation that yours has. In fact, it doesn't even mention it is imported anywhere in the service book or V5. never had any probs, it is the exact same car, you shouldn't worry. Stories of cars being marked down as imports in the trade only really affect newer cars and the only justification is that EU cars only had one or two years warranty instead of three. I am sure main dealers like to create a feeling that imports are worth less, purely because it is taking their business, they will be only too happy to service it though.

retrofitting MFA would be a nightmare, besides, it makes your drive far too slowly when MPG is in full view! thats what i find anyway. You may find it doesn't have an alarm?? a cheap retro alarm wpuld also give you remote locking.

Mine is actually exact Uk spec, believe it came from Scandinavia. Based on what you said, sounds a good buy. 1 owner, had the nouse and spent the time to search out a good buy, probably looked after it well too.

You can phone up VW Uk about the VIN, they will tell you if its registered on their computers.

[theombudsman]

Hi,

Thanks very much for the response there. Nice one.

You have filled me with extra confidence about this. I have just spoken to the local dealership and although I was not able to get through to the parts department to give the VIN number across I was told by the person I spoke to that they did not think it would be any issue at all.

I know what you mean about not seeing the MPG thing on the MFA. I guess in some ways its a quirky feature as it kinda makes it seem a bit of a one off retro (like a pre MFA mk1) model. Ock well.!

Its a great car and have a deposit on it at the moment. I got I think a good deal on it for £4350.. its got 95k on the clock and is one lady owner from new. Full service history etc. Its that nice red colour too with the montreal wheels.

I thought the brakes were good on my J plate Mk2 8valver, but these are just superb and the car seems to handle really well. A friend has revo'd his 1.8 20V Turbo and said it gave even better fuel economy, better mid range performance and because its such a good engine would not in any way cause damage to it. Your thoughts?

Thanks for your help on this. You sound like you got a good deal on your car too.

Cheers

Adam

[topher]

parts availablilty is not an issue, if you ever go to the parts desk all they ask is the model and the year, and yours is registered correctly for an AGU engine.

regarding revo, use the search function at the top of the page, it's been discussed at length on here as well as other types of remapping

[theombudsman]

Hi,

Thanks for that reassurance. Endied up giving the VIN code to the VW parts person at Heritage today and they were more than happy about the car and its spec.

On another note this may seem a stupid question but the insurance company stated that the car needed a CAT 2 Thatcham approved immobiliser. They said that this would be standard on the car. I remember reading somewhere that this has been the case since 1997 on cars.

Is this right? Even on my one coming from Holland.

Cheers for the help.

Adam

[charri42]

The immoboliser is built into the key and ignition system, standard on all cars I believe. I would say yours will have this 100%. (may old 1996 mk3 gti had a factory standard one)
However, yours may not have an alarm (not sure) I know some EU imports didn't. I'm thinking mainly of the Clio 172 I nearly imported a few years ago where it was none standard in Holland. I'm not sure how big a deal it is if it doesn't have an alarm, as most insurers only stipulate immobiliser.

[theombudsman]

Cheers for that mate.

I don't think it has an alarm on it, but am not that bothered about it, as people tend to turn on their heels when they hear them and they seem to go off randomly in car parks. The immob is the main thing.

I do have another query tho. If that's ok.

Have been reading some other threads on the Mk4 and am now slightly wondering about the spec differences between the turbo and non turbo. Just want to make sure that I definitely have the turbo version of the car rather than non.....The car is listed as being a turbo and certainly seemed lively. I must admit tho that I did not closely check for the whereabouts of the turbo charger as am not familiar with these units. Don't know what it looks like.

The AGU engine code I understand from the previous response earlier in this thread. Denotes that it is a 150 bhp Turbo model. That is the case isn't it?

Appreciate your feedback on this.

Cheers

Adam

[charri42]

It says on the engine cover (turbo) - or failing that, on the inside cover of the service book, there is a sticker with lots of codes (this is from the original build at the factory) and is should say GTI Turbo on there, along with the power in KW (110 i think).

 ISTR the Turbo has the wood trim and recaro seats over the non T. Also has bigger wheels and lower susp, but those could be specified on none T.

[theombudsman]

Cheers for that.

Hunted round on the net and found a list for the Engine codes... a AGU denotes a 1.8 T. Also the car has the Recaro's and wood trim along with the 16" alloys. All would appear to be in order then. Have also seen the 110kw noted in the front of the vehicle book.

Thanks for all your help. I'll post a pic up of it once I have it next week, after have given it the 1st clean and valet + autogylm session. Looks good now, so am hoping will come up really well after the TLC.

Cheers for all your help.

Adam

[Ivor Mk4 Turbo]

Also standard UK Turbo's should have the 3 rear headrests.

You can't miss the Turbo & diverter valve at the back of the engine. Will also be some pipework around there. There will also be an intercooler around the front O/S (drivers) wheel arch on the turbo.

AGU tho, so you have def got the turbo