Buying a Mk4 Golf GT Tdi 130

[chrischap2003]

hey guys, newbie here. i have been the proud owner of a Peugeot 106 Quiksilver for the last 2 years and decided id upgrade to a more reliable, stronger and bigger car

was just wondering if they are many gt tdi owners on this site?

should i be looking into any common faults on these little beauties?

also what sort of performance upgrades are reasonable? i was thinking a re-map but i dont know of any places (reliable places).

Ohhh and would it be stupid for me to think of a dump valve? or where i could get hold of a good one for the gt tdi...

cheers fellas

[Mantamad]

I bought one myself almost a year ago and along time ago I used to have a Pug 106 - you will certainly notice a difference with the Golf in terms of build quality. Check the service history of any car you view as the PD engine requires the correct oil (to VW spec 505.01 if standard fixed interval servicing ) otherwise have a look at the buying guide for common faults.

Service wise it needs a cambelt done at 60,000 miles. Also check the data sticker under the boot carpet (stuck to the floor pan) to ensure it is a 130 model you are buying. The data sticker lists the engine output in kW and it should say 96 for the 130 model, or 110 for the 150bhp model. The data sticker also will confirm the spec as 'HIGHL' for 'Highline' if its a GT model - you get some odd specced imports. It should also have the 6 speed gearbox.

[Mantamad]

I forgot to add....have a look at this topic, nadlad had his car Revo'd and gives a great write up on it.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=52054.0

[Rhyso]

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38557.0

don't let any of them put you off.  If anything it should streghthen your position as the buyer 

I've had mine for a year now and mechnically it's in great shape.  been on 2 rolling roads and has given 144 and 140bhp  obviously i take that with a pinch of salt 

running costs are average; I've had 2 services done plus the rear suspension and anti-roll bar bushes done.  They tend to go at around the 60K resulting in a very sloppy ride. 

Make sure you find a good VW independent! Don't go to the stealers unless you want to be permanently skint!

[chrischap2003]

Cheers guys, going to look at one tomorrow, looking forward to it