In a bit of a dilemma!

[H2 AEN]

ILl cut to the chase, im 20 years old with 0 ncb and 3 points. I am looking to buy a mk4 but im stuck between the 2.0 and 1.8T, with performance and cost of running being the key aspects. If i could have your feedback with the pros and cons for both that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Alex

[GolfGL]

I've got a mk4 2.0 and i really like it. My reasons for getting it was that it has a nice spec like the turbo and insurance was half the price of a 1.8t as im also 20 and no ncb. The 2.0 has basically a mk3 engine with a new head to produce more torque so is good lower down and is fairly reliable the 1.8t has more to go wrong. If i had the money i probably would have gone for a 1.8t as ive been in a few, mpg is only slightly lower than mine, it feels quite a bit quicker once the turbo kicks in and is much more tuneable with 200-210bhp gained from just a remap for a few hundred quid.

[H2 AEN]

Thanks for the info, i was thinking mainly of a 2.0 due to insurance and maintenance costs but iv heard that the 2.0 are very slow. Could i be cheeky and ask how much you pay for insurance because thats probably going to be the deciding factor.

[RedGTI01]

I'm 23, 3yrs NCB with a X reg 2.0 and pay £601 with virgin, but I've seen lads younger with no NCB with better premiums (dunno what excesses are like, mines £250) so shop around.

Got to confess I've never driven the 1.8T so really can't make a comparison but I love every minute of driving my 2.0 (had 1.2 punto before so you can imagine the difference). Its solid and reliable but it feels quick, not gettin bad mileage to be honest (usually 30ish MPG urban and 40-45 extra urban so far).

[H2 AEN]

well ive got a 1.2 punto now mate but iv driven a couple of quick cars and a 115bhp golf seems as if it would be really slow, im planning on a few exterior mods so it can't be all show and no go! Ill be willing to pay up to about 1600 annual insurance, and ill probably go with elephant if i do. What mileages should i look for because im thinking about the dreaded cambelt service, and when the turbo would need replacing if the car had been driven sensibly. Thanks

[xs2man]

Well I have a 1.8T and I love it.  My mate has an A4 1.8T and I can pee all over him, so thats what I would get.  The difference in insurance wasn't too much for me, but I'm 27 with 2 years ncd and 3 points.

I had a mk2 Astra GTE which also ran 150-160 BHP and they are both about as quick I think, and the astra was phenomenal (although I think torqueier??).  Easily go 1.8T as if you can afford £1600 to insure your motor, you should manage a turbo.  Then just go get it remapped.

If you can afford 1600 per year (insurance) then dont worry about cambelt.  Just replace it and have piece of mind (about 40k for a change anyway, so multiples of that).  Try to get one with good service history though.  Good service history means the car was cared for, and hence probably no thrashed.  Mine had full history with 1 owner, so every receipt is there.

As for the turbo needing replaced, well, its a shame when it happens, but its an excuse for a bigger one

[Ivor Mk4 Turbo]

1.8T all the way!!!

Better MPG, more bhp, loads more torque & a LOT more tunable.  If you can afford the insurance, then go for it.

1.8 T 20v     = (150 bhp) = 121 bhp/ton
1.8 T 20v     = (180 bhp) = 146 bhp/ton
1.8 N/A 20v = (125 bhp) = 101 bhp/ton
2.0 N/A 8v   = (115 bhp) = 93 bhp/ton

[H2 AEN]

Thanks for all the information guys, i think the 1.8T is the way forward for me! Iv already planned to get some modifications done like a port and polishing, induction kit, cat back exhaust and a remap so i should be looking at some fairly reasonable gains. I work in a garage so i know how important service history is with a high mileage car, and ill prob get the cambelt done as one of you guys said just for peace of mind.