Living with a V6 4motion

[oi_oi_savaloy]

Guys

Anyone out there whom has lived with a V6 4 motion and would like to tell me about their experiences?

I've got an opportunity to buy one (3 yrs old, 35k on the clock, FSH) and would like to hear about the pitfalls.

I've spent a weekend driving one and loved it. But that was just a weekend.

Thanks

Oi-Oi

>>> Edited by oi_oi_savaloy on Monday 6th December 12:16

[Marki]

We have run 2 4motions from new , mine was fine no problems at all , my ex business partners was terrible probably because he did not bother to run it in .

Good car and despite what some on here will say i think its a good fun car .

Great enngine safe safe handeling and very reliable and ever for the size of engine fairly economical

The only down side is VW them selves serviceing prices are higher than my Merc or my old XKR + VW`s general incompetance .

They are good cars enjoy

Also the best fun in the snow i have ever had the 4 wheel drive system is unbelivable but that another story

[oi_oi_savaloy]

Thanks Marki -

Did you have a problem with the coils? (something I've heard about this afternoon after a little research).

And the servicing. Do you think I'd be able to find a decent specialist to look after it instead or is it imperative to have the VW service history?

Thoughts?

[Marki]

No problems with the electrics at all , i would have thought a VW service history would be benifical .

Enjoy its a funny funny car ,, very underrated .

I have just sold mine 100,000- Km nothing went wrong

[agent006]

Passat or Golf?

[marx]

Hi. I've had mine for almost 4 years. It's a pretty good car but has had a few niggles. Fans & controller replaced, window stuck down, coil failed, 4wd brain failed, engine management light keeps coming on, rear wiper failed.
Very smooth engine & quite fast for a Golf - a good motorway car - 50 to 70 is almost as fast as M3. Compared to my old V6 Vectra, it's a great drive. Compared to a 911 or M3 the ride's too bouncy, handling rolly, and the steering's a bit vague - it makes my wife feel sick if I drive it hard it down country B roads. The brakes seem overservoed but are fairly weak. Hope this puts things in perspective

[oi_oi_savaloy]

Thanks for those comments guys. It's the Golf variant I'm interested in.

There's something about a big engine in a small car that just really appeals to me.

I've made a list of those niggles Marx and I'll check them when I go and see some on Saturday.

Servicing costs?

[2 Smokin Barrels]

We've had a couple of 4motion Golfs. Our 53 reg is not as good as the X reg in its build quality. We reckon somebody's let the accountant loose on it, who's saved about £10 & definitely cheapened it. Great car, no reliability problems (touch wood), although the engine management system flashes up intermittent warnings on the dash.

Goes well.

[marx]

V6 servicing at VW Derby main dealer goes like this:
Oil change every year is ~£70
Every other year the dealers do an inspection service £130 (incl oil change)
VW recommend brake fluid change every 2 years £45
A big service every 4 years is ~£270
Haldex oil change is ~£40
Michelin tyres are about £100 each (from specialist tyre dealer)
Not bad eh, my father's Rover 214 costs more to service.
Hope all goes well at the weekend

[Vee]

I've done over 30k in one over tha past 2.5 years
Heavy on petrol and not exactly sporty handling but for the money it's great value.

Make sure you get leather recaros, not the VW sports leather.

As long as it's been serviced on thr button you'll have no problems.
Coil packs are easily remedied.
You'll also need to look out for window regulator's failing (window falls into the door).
Both will be done under warranty for the 1st 3 years.

The car you're considering should need new brakes (pads & discs) soon if they haven;t been done already.
Allow around £350 at an independent to get this done.

Finally, get yourself over to www.uk-mkivs.net

Some very good knowledge on there.

[corozin]

The handling can be sorted very easily by changing to either Koni or H&R coilovers (you don't have to lower it).

If you want an ultimate street-sleeper there are also supercharger kits available for this car. Stealth Racing do a Vortech system which gives over 300bhp/290ft - enough to see off most road legal cars (I have a friend with one of these!)

p.s. Pitfalls - watch out for the alloy oil sump, as these are prone to break if you ground the car substantially (BTW this problem also affects Golf R32s, but not the earlier Mk3 Golf/Corrado VR6 which have a nice strong steel sump). You also need to be careful when draining the oil (steel sump plug + alloy sump thread issue)

>> Edited by corozin on Thursday 9th December 00:45

[corozin]

Given you have a car which will keep up with a 911 I think you are going to have a tough time there... I think you should just keep the Golf