VW Golf Oddness power-loss help?

[Gorvid]

Hi.

I have a non-car-loving friend who has a (2001 I think) Volkwagen Golf 2.0 GTi Cabrolet - AUTO.

It's losing power apparently, right through the rev range, quite badly.

Water is also now having to be topped up weekly.

Three times it's been in the garage and they've not managed to nail it yet...

It's getting worse.

Any ideas?

[E30M3SE]

Try another garage. Where is the water going, any evidence of leaks or wet carpets, if not the car is probably consuming it through the engine which would suggest HG, craked head or similar.

[andy-xr]

I'd be thinking head gasket as a worst case.

Heater matrix would be preferred for the water leaks, but doesn't explain the power loss

[McSam]

+1 for the head gasket, power loss everywhere points to a slight loss of compression and it also explains the water loss, although I'd be surprised he hasn't noticed it as that water will be coming out pretty hot! Also explains why it's getting worse.

I'd get it done ASAP because consequential damage probably isn't far away.

[Gorvid]

Head gasket...

What kind of £££ are we talking to fix that on this?

[andy-xr]

If it's a new gasket and a skim, £500'ish?