Golf GTI Mk4 - 1.8T - 2003 - Advice needed

[anonymous-user]

My brother is looking at a Golf GTI MK4 it’s a 1.8T 5dr with full leather. In the advert it mentions that the Gearbox has been rebuilt, Cambelt changed.

Advert is here: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...

Are there any know issues to look out for? Also what do you think of the car?

[cuprabob]

Suspension is a weak point so pay attention for "knocks". Common issues are broken springs, strut top mounts / bearings / drop links / ARB bushes.

Rear washer pipe blows off causing fluid to penetrate the rear lock causing damage.

Water ingress is common so check for damp carpets. Common cause is blocked sunroof drains / door seals / pollen filter housing in scuttle.

Other common failures are Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor failing and coolant level sensor giving false warnings but both of these are cheap fixes.

[Trevor555]

Looks like a nice car in the advert.

Buying from a dealer, make sure he pays with a Visa debit card, never cash, and print off the advert.

If he has problems within the first 30 days it makes it easier to get a refund if needed.

Edited by Trevor555 on Thursday 28th December 21:50

[Mr Tidy]

Just a thought, but the MK4 GTi wasn't generally reckoned to be that good to drive.

Back in 2003 I had a Seat Leon Cupra which was generally rated as a much better car (plus it had an extra 30 bhp as standard) and you should be able to get one of those within that budget. Or a Skoda Octavia VRS.

[Ilovejapcrap]

Mr Tidy said:

Just a thought, but the MK4 GTi wasn't generally reckoned to be that good to drive.

Back in 2003 I had a Seat Leon Cupra which was generally rated as a much better car (plus it had an extra 30 bhp as standard) and you should be able to get one of those within that budget. Or a Skoda Octavia VRS.

I had a octavia vrs mk1 good call and massive boot.

[markrtw]

Also check all the doors lock and unlock OK. The mechanisms can fail and if they fail its a massive pain to try and strip down the door with it stuck shut.

[g7jhp]

Mr Tidy said:

Just a thought, but the MK4 GTi wasn't generally reckoned to be that good to drive.

There were two Mk4 Golf badged the GTI, the 2.0 and the 1.8T.

The Mk4 1.8T is actually a good value, reliable and solid build car which is more of a warm hatch with 150/180 bhp.

We've had a standard unmodified silver 5 door 1.8T in the family for 12 years and it's been great. We also have a Mk5 which is a step up in terms of performance and handling but the quality doesn't feel as well made.

Points to watch:

- Water in boot - get's in at the vents under the bumper. Easy to add new vents and seal properly (but you need to remove the rear lights and bumper - an easy afternoon DIY job).



- Engine warning lights tend to come on
- Front Window glass can drop into the doors - make sure all windows work and go up and down smoothly

The Mk4 1.8T is great as standard but has massive potential for simple modifications.

You can eliminate body roll by adding front and rear anti-roll bars (people often just add an uprated rear anti-roll bar.

Suspension wears so one upgrade is to uprate to a sports suspension kit or coilovers.

Silicone hoses are a worth while upgrade for the engine as the originals perish over time (either SFS perfomance or Forge).

On the performance front you can chip to 200-210bhp+ for Stage 1. R-tech are highly recommended by Mk4 owners and their guide is a useful read.

[anonymous-user]

That Golf was sold this morning. Thanks for the advice much appreciated. I will keep looking but what else would you consider for around £2k to £3k?

Cheers