Which mk4?

[GolfGL]

Im just about ready to sell my mk3 and ive got around £4000-5500. Of course id like to own a 1.8t but at the moment the insurance is just way to high for me so i been thinking about  1.8 non t or possibly a gti diesel. Anyone had good or bad expeirences with these cars and what should i look out for on them.

[Sugar79]

I always hear good things about the PD's but there are so many different diesels engines out there in the mk4 , if your after a diesel make sure you go for the PD130 or PD150 

[Rhyso]

the 130 and 150 will be difficult to come by within your budget but are definately worth stretching yourself for  I've got a 130 myself and am more than happy with it   

The PD's come in 115, 130 and 150 with a 6 speed box.  Insurance wise the 115 is a 10, the 130 is a 13 and the 150 is a 14/15 i think.

The PD engines have more torque but the  other diesel engines are just as good, they return good economy and have enough performance for most daily driving.

It all depends if you want something that's close to a GTI in performance or want something a bit cheaper for insurance.  If its insurance wise then you should be able to pick up a 110 in SE or GT trim very easlily.  Richandhazel has just bought a GT TDI 110 and paid around 4K for it 

[richy]

Check out this thread:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=33805.10

[GolfGL]

Im insured on my dads leon cupra 150 diesel and would definetly want one but il probably buy it off him when he sells it but thats 2 years away. i been looking on autotrader and diesels look a bit out of the price range for a good one. Anyone own a 1.8 20v or 2.0 8v and what are they like to drive, performance wise, many problems etc?

[Ivor Mk4 Turbo]

I've only ever driven a 1.8 T, but from what I've read on here, I think the general consensus is that the 1.8 20v (125) is a tad more lively (& better on fuel) than the 2.0 8v (115).

[Stu-1.8T]

If you are used to driving the seat, dont go for the 2.0 8v. My wife has one, and although it's a solid car you will probably be making excuses to drive your dads car all the time. I've never once regretted buying either of the Golf's mind, and touch wood they seem pretty robust if you treat them right.

[Sugar79]

Hey i have a 2.0 8v ^^^ and i love it, it makes a nice grunty engine noise when you boot it, and it is quite quick, considering i only have 115 ponies.. and i can easily do 130mph in it as well 

[PaulMK4GTI]

I own a 1.8 20V non-turbo and i quite like them. Ok, it's not gonna pull your face off but they are quick, smooth and nice to drive and on paper not that much slower than the turbo (125bhp or 150bhp for the turbo) Only thing i will say is the turbo is much more tunable in terms of re-mapping etc. If you're just gonna keep it standard, maybe go and test drive one and see what you think.

Like Richy said in his previous thread, they stopped making the non-turbo a few years back so if you find one it will be a few years old but you should get a good one for your cash. I Paid 6K a year ago for mine, 1999 T Reg, spotless, just under 60K on the clock, full VWSH. Problems wise, apart from the various common faults every Mk4 suffers from (MAF, Door Lock Mechanism, Window Regs, Lambda probe as i've just discovered) you shouldn't have any problems. If it's done around 60K check the timing belt's been changed cause it will cost you £300 to get it done.

Hope this helps.

[GolfGL]

I think il go for the golf 1.8 20v if i can find one if not might try the leon 1.8 as they are even cheaper and newer but alot rarer and would need some more money spent to make it look as good (cupra/cupra R bodykit maybe). paulmk4gti how low does yours stand? im just thinking ahead as to if id need to lower it when i put some new alloys on it. Plus how much have you spent on it other than general servicing.
Cheers