mk4 GTi Tdi?

[BCA]

Hi all,

One of my close friends is considering buying a GTi TDi mk4 Golf - aside from the silly name (I keep thinking of the Dodgeball kid saying "ADAA?" ) - is there anything he should look out for? Any weaknesses??

I think hes looking at a 2000/01/02car with 50-80k miles on it, I want to make sure hes not going to need me to fix the thing that often thats all. I dont think hes too bothered about it being either a 110/130 - and I doubt he is that bothered about mapping it just yet either. Anything to look out for?

Also, can I do anything to make it slower? We're planning a 'ring Trip and I'd like to not be left behind too much... If not, no worries - I'll just forget my car has brakes and pray. (jk btw!)

Edited by BCA on Thursday 19th July 18:32

[Scoop940]

110 wasn't a PD engine, so go for PD115 or 130 ( 130 flies and will chip to 180! ) 115 will chip to 147 or so. I have the 115 in my ALhambra and previous Passat - it's a great motor, good grunt and 50+mpg

Not a huge amount to look for, good servicing and essential Cambelt change at 60k intervals.

TDI was only badged GT in the UK, until the 150 that is.

Generally rock sold inside and out, watch for clocking though as interiors hide it well.

I have a 1.8T Golf 4 and it's been tough as nails now with 120k on the clock.

Handling is poop though, Good suspension kit and uprated Anti Roll bars dramatically improve things as do 18" wheels..

Anyway loads of info over on uk-mkivs.net too..

HTH

[Olivero]

Scoop940 said:

Handling is poop though, Good suspension kit and uprated Anti Roll bars dramatically improve things as do 18" wheels..
HTH

I have an 03 Tdi 130 - chipped.

I agree with the handling though. I have managed to find the limit of what the car can do on the twisty stuff so it it is time for some tweeking.

Roll bar is on order.

What suspention kit would you recomend ?

How are bigger wheels beneficial for handling ?

[Olivero]

BCA said:

is there anything he should look out for? Any weaknesses??

The only problem I have had are the windows dropping. This is a VW design fault. It is worth winding the windows half way down and giving them a wobble. The part to change is quite small but a huge pain in the arse to do.

Make sure the oil and belt has been changed at the right intervals.
Mine has been very good but "customer service" has been useless and would put me off getting another VW. (VW if you are listening good service is what keeps people coming back to a brand not advertising).

Get the 130 if you can. I didn't notice the difference between it and the 150.
It is worth chipping if only because the driving experience is just much better. Lower, smother pickup and better mpg.

Acceleration is pants, but good fun when going - if that makes sense. 30-70MPH seems the best range. Happy at 130 (on speedo, in Germany) but a bit bouncy and not really suited to the car.

Good luck.

[gmaster]

Great cars i had a 110 with i got remapped by jabba to 152bhp! Best one is the pd engine though, also had a window drop on mine quite commen. Maf can also be a problem too i changed my and it was like a different car!

[Olivero]

gmaster said:

Great cars i had a 110 with i got remapped by jabba to 152bhp! Best one is the pd engine though, also had a window drop on mine quite commen. Maf can also be a problem too i changed my and it was like a different car!

Did you manage to get VW to pay for the window repair, or did you have to stump up the cash ?

[dp123]

Having test driven the 150 TDi Golf, I went for the Seat Leon Cupra TDi (Mk1). Handling is much improved, looks better, costs less. Absolutely love it. Bags of power, fun to drive and sooo economical when you want it to be. The only thing I missed over the Golf was the lovely blue lights on the dashboard

Edited by dp123 on Saturday 21st July 21:33

[Scoop940]

Olivero said:

Scoop940 said:

Handling is poop though, Good suspension kit and uprated Anti Roll bars dramatically improve things as do 18" wheels..
HTH

I have an 03 Tdi 130 - chipped.

I agree with the handling though. I have managed to find the limit of what the car can do on the twisty stuff so it it is time for some tweeking.

Roll bar is on order.

What suspention kit would you recomend ?

How are bigger wheels beneficial for handling ?

I have KW V2 coilovers, R32 front ARB and a Neuspeed 28mm rear ARB.

18" wheels improved steering sharpness and overall grip, just feels alot more planted on them, result of the sidewall profile I guess.

[Olivero]

Scoop940 said:

Olivero said:

Scoop940 said:

Handling is poop though, Good suspension kit and uprated Anti Roll bars dramatically improve things as do 18" wheels..
HTH

I have an 03 Tdi 130 - chipped.

I agree with the handling though. I have managed to find the limit of what the car can do on the twisty stuff so it it is time for some tweeking.

Roll bar is on order.

What suspention kit would you recomend ?

How are bigger wheels beneficial for handling ?

I have KW V2 coilovers, R32 front ARB and a Neuspeed 28mm rear ARB.

18" wheels improved steering sharpness and overall grip, just feels alot more planted on them, result of the sidewall profile I guess.

Chears for that... more to put on my shopping list !

[Olf]

Try and find a car with sports suspension. Generally recognisable by the upgraded spoked wheels. Also, buy lots of rear side light bulbs. Mine (which was brand new) went through one a month!

[Scoop940]

No problems with bulbs on mine...

[leeross]

I just went a run in my gt tdi and had it showing 59 mpg av!! over 130 mls. its a mile muncher 2

[leeross]

canny believe it just blew a intercooler hose of!!!

[jamie2550]

I have a Metallic Black, 2002 Mark IV, VW Golf GT TDI for sale, £6,000, 1.9 litre, 130 BHP, 3 door, 90500 miles, full VW service history, just serviced at 90,000 miles, taxed till june 08, MOT’d ??, really lovely reliable car, no problems, economic to run, R32 18inch, alloy wheels can be changed to original 16inch alloys. This was an awesome car great fun and great milage! Looks pretty great too. Looking to sell as have just purchased an R32 which is the amazing. email me on [e-mail], or call 07966105307

Jamie

[fordyx]

leeross said:

canny believe it just blew a intercooler hose of!!!

Had the same problem with my 150, blew hose off at 50k, then the other side at 60k, until VW finally took it in and changed the connections for metal ones between the end of the hoses and intercooler, never known it happen on the 130 though