VW Golf GT TDI 140

[ihadlegs]

I got a new car - a model I didn't expect to own. A really nice shiny 200k mile oil burner - a lovely 2004 Golf GT TDI. Long story short I was in a situation where I had not much money, and had to get a car pretty sharpish. 48 hours this time. A local garage had this hiding in the corner with no price or details on the screen - he wasn't actually selling it... Obviously this is where any one with any sense runs a mile, but I asked for the keys and gave it a 100 yard test drive. Hands were shaken, and the ridiculous beast was mine.

Details - it's 500 miles off it's 200k anniversary, it's been serviced and timing belt sorted recently, the last 40k miles were done in 2 years on the motorway *coughs* and beyond the gear box feeling a touch crunchy changing from first, second and third (sometimes) it pulls like a dream. It's quite a leap from my 1.4 fabia classic - heck it's a leap from my 1.6 Megane - I do miss keyless entry though.

Absolutely stock, any recommendations, tips for an old beast like this? Gear box, anyone any idea why it sometimes acts up?

[tektas]

Well first thing I would do is full service including Gearboxoil. I am sure that will help

[SteBrown91]

My mk6 gold my does this occasionally, especially when cold. Unless it gets worse I wouldn't worry too much the vag gearboxes can be a bit naff

[xjay1337]

Re-align the gearbox and do an oil change on the gearbox.

I went with a Millers oil, think it was 75x90 from memory.

[anonymous-user]

VAG group gearboxes are known for a being a bit notchy and crunchy when cold, my Gti is like that when cold (even after a gearbox service) (its on 130k miles) but after they warm up for a few miles, they're spot on.

You're brave buying a 200k oil burner after a 100 yard test drive, but hats off

[ihadlegs]

A full proper service is booked for after Christmas - the gearbox however I find difficult to explain. If it were notchy and hard to change those gears whilst cold it would make sense, but it follows no pattern - from cold it will be good or bad. Then it'll be fine for 50 miles then as soon as I mention it's running fine, back to being next to impossible to shift.

Shifting from 1st to 2nd at traffic lights is the usual point it decides it wont change. First gear, pull away gently (really normally) go for a change to 2nd, so clutch in, gear stick won't move, blip accelerator but having moved a few yards and it reluctantly changes. Does this sound like cables? I hope so.

It's a nice beast though in every other way - starts perfectly even in this recent cold. Only the faintest puff of smoke on cold start. Feels tight, oh - the turbo makes a police siren noise, which the other half finds hilarious. I've not been able to gauge the fuel consumption yet, I don't think it will set any records.

[bungz]

Turbos shouldn't really make much of a sound unless they are shagged or a pipe is split, a siren sound is not good.

[xjay1337]

bungz said:

Turbos shouldn't really make much of a sound unless they are shagged or a pipe is split, a siren sound is not good.

Not true of these cars.

They have quite weak turbos from factory, but many make a siren noise for many years without problem.