RE: Shed of the Week: Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk4)
Discussion
Interesting how much the engine dictates the whole aura around the car. It was pretty popular where i live, we only got the turbo version so they became a very popular tuning platform.
For some cars its more important than others, what if the mk4 supra were N/a and auto only, it would have been very different
For some cars its more important than others, what if the mk4 supra were N/a and auto only, it would have been very different
The silver vs red 'I' on the GTI is not an accurate way to spot the 1.8T from the 2.0. I bought my father's 1.8T which he purchased from new and it came with a silver 'I'. An alternative explanation I was given by a VW dealership was that it related to cars built in Germany vs those built in South Africa, but I can't vouch for how correct that information is.
Had one of these about 12 years ago, hateful thing.
I bought it in a bid to get something remotely respectable instead of the shed I was driving at the time as a daily, but still hoping for something 'quick' it wasn't, it also wasn't reliable, spark plugs would last about 6 weeks, and I'm sure I had other issues I've tried to forget about.
Had it a year or so and managed to move it on quite easily with very little loss which was about the only positive about the car, replaced it with an E36 328i Sport which was better in every conceivable way, it was even more economical.
I bought it in a bid to get something remotely respectable instead of the shed I was driving at the time as a daily, but still hoping for something 'quick' it wasn't, it also wasn't reliable, spark plugs would last about 6 weeks, and I'm sure I had other issues I've tried to forget about.
Had it a year or so and managed to move it on quite easily with very little loss which was about the only positive about the car, replaced it with an E36 328i Sport which was better in every conceivable way, it was even more economical.
Owned the GTI 1.8t, octavia vrs (same chassis and engine) and also a couple of the PD engined variants over the years.
The 1.8t is nippy enough standard, responds well to a remap, is comfy, reasonably economical (never struggled to see 40mpg on a run) always well equipped for the time (cruise, climate, heated seats if you were lucky enough to have the very comfy leather seats)
Anyone saying they don't handle can't drive, controversial i'm sure and I am awaiting all the hate comments, but with a decent set of rubber there is just endless grip despite the body roll. I could and did hustle these down B roads with much gusto in standard form, my remapped 1.8t massively upsetting local barry boys in their 'hot hatches' in the process. Good feedback through the wheel, a tail end that could be moved around with a dab or otherwise of throttle... Bodyroll being completely eliminated on my VRS when I fitted bilsteins and uprated ARB... then again that was also running 280bhp so it was a very good sleeper.
Honestly though, big expense aside, 1500 quid is too much for 144k 4 door 1.8t. Thats 100k full history 3 door money!
Good shed though, definitely a solid gem from an era VW got much slated for.
The 1.8t is nippy enough standard, responds well to a remap, is comfy, reasonably economical (never struggled to see 40mpg on a run) always well equipped for the time (cruise, climate, heated seats if you were lucky enough to have the very comfy leather seats)
Anyone saying they don't handle can't drive, controversial i'm sure and I am awaiting all the hate comments, but with a decent set of rubber there is just endless grip despite the body roll. I could and did hustle these down B roads with much gusto in standard form, my remapped 1.8t massively upsetting local barry boys in their 'hot hatches' in the process. Good feedback through the wheel, a tail end that could be moved around with a dab or otherwise of throttle... Bodyroll being completely eliminated on my VRS when I fitted bilsteins and uprated ARB... then again that was also running 280bhp so it was a very good sleeper.
Honestly though, big expense aside, 1500 quid is too much for 144k 4 door 1.8t. Thats 100k full history 3 door money!
Good shed though, definitely a solid gem from an era VW got much slated for.
Elesmart said:
Good shed, but practically the same car as last week albeit a much nicer one.
There's a flat 6 and a V8 in shed budget in the classifieds this week....
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
That S500 is also on Retro Rides, and it's what my money would go on. 306 BHP in an S Class with no rust, which is rare! Nice colour of Almadine compared to the usual silvers ones.There's a flat 6 and a V8 in shed budget in the classifieds this week....
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Have to say, having owned 4 MK4 golfs, these cars really get under your skin. I think out the box they were pretty pants, but when modified sensibly (is there such a thing) they were awesome, awesome cars.
Still miss my old black magic 3 door 1.8t agu with the upgraded k03s, turbo back milltek, ths front mount intercooler, Leon Cupra R brembos, eibach shocks, and an R tech remap (they are THE guys to go to for more power)
Would definitely buy another MK4. Would have to be a 25th anniversary model tho.
viciousj377o said:
Honestly though, big expense aside, 1500 quid is too much for 144k 4 door 1.8t. Thats 100k full history 3 door money!
In what condition? For some comparison, I sold a very good condition, 65k mile, 3dr 180bhp car in 2015 for £3k. Car was completely standard and wanted for nothing. Went to a lovely chap who was an enthusiast and already had a Mk4 Anniversary which he showed.brakepad said:
The silver vs red 'I' on the GTI is not an accurate way to spot the 1.8T from the 2.0.
180bhp cars had the red I. I think Mk 4s get unfairly maligned - I had a 20V Turbo from new - black 5dr with climate control and CD - LB52 CDN - long gone I'm sure. Great car, quickish, frugal, well built and hugely better than the 2.0 3dr it replaced - that combination really wasn't up to much.
Great shed and a brilliant ad from someone with whom it would undoubtedly be a pleasure to do business!
Great shed and a brilliant ad from someone with whom it would undoubtedly be a pleasure to do business!
My stepdad has an exact one of these (tornado red 5 door 1.8 20v turbo), always been into his volkswagens and it only gets used at weekends really. Started life as a potential doner for a mk2 Gti but ended up using it as Is.
He's had to replace near enough EVERYTHING to do with the engine and fueling, every time I see him (couple of times a week) there's something wrong with it. Fuel injectors, coils, fuel pump, everything has needed doing over the last year or so. I really like it, It still feels well made and high quality inside, and I do prefer older cars. My best mate has an A4 with the same engine and is also encountering the same issues.
The 1.8 20V turbo is getting long in the tooth now, parts will need replacing. It's a good engine but in my experience is reaching a point in its life where everything will need replacing or upgrading soonish so I'd budget that in when buying one.
He's had to replace near enough EVERYTHING to do with the engine and fueling, every time I see him (couple of times a week) there's something wrong with it. Fuel injectors, coils, fuel pump, everything has needed doing over the last year or so. I really like it, It still feels well made and high quality inside, and I do prefer older cars. My best mate has an A4 with the same engine and is also encountering the same issues.
The 1.8 20V turbo is getting long in the tooth now, parts will need replacing. It's a good engine but in my experience is reaching a point in its life where everything will need replacing or upgrading soonish so I'd budget that in when buying one.
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