Golf mk4 'GTI' 2.0...
Discussion
So... are they really *that* bad?
My current car is a mk3 VR6 and prior to that I had a mk3 GTI 8v which was slow. I do fancy some mk4 action though just to lard about in in relative comfort, plus they look damn good on 18s
Are the 2.0 8v's really that bad? The mk3 was weird with the Digifant injection, really lurchy and surgy, is that 'characteristic' still present? Yes I know they're rebadged normal models and the turbos/diesels are way out of my price bracket (for a decent mileage example). Any horror stories/reassurances?
Note: I was looking for a mk2 (same as some bods on here) but have given up due to the amount of dogs for sale at crazy money, I just don't have the time anymore to get something in smart condition.
My current car is a mk3 VR6 and prior to that I had a mk3 GTI 8v which was slow. I do fancy some mk4 action though just to lard about in in relative comfort, plus they look damn good on 18s
Are the 2.0 8v's really that bad? The mk3 was weird with the Digifant injection, really lurchy and surgy, is that 'characteristic' still present? Yes I know they're rebadged normal models and the turbos/diesels are way out of my price bracket (for a decent mileage example). Any horror stories/reassurances?
Note: I was looking for a mk2 (same as some bods on here) but have given up due to the amount of dogs for sale at crazy money, I just don't have the time anymore to get something in smart condition.
I have a Bora which has the same engine, but of course not the GTi badge.
To be honest, i'd look elsewhere if you want something fast and comfortable. Sure it will be comforatable, but when you regularly get covered in smoke from various TDI's, it starts getting to you a bit.
The engine only produces 113-115bhp, and little more in the way of torque, 125lb/ft if i remember correctly.
I was in a similar situation as you, wanted a TDI but in my budget at the time they had too many miles on them. Have you considered a Polo or Ibiza TDI? 75bhp, but easily tunable.
To be honest, i'd look elsewhere if you want something fast and comfortable. Sure it will be comforatable, but when you regularly get covered in smoke from various TDI's, it starts getting to you a bit.
The engine only produces 113-115bhp, and little more in the way of torque, 125lb/ft if i remember correctly.
I was in a similar situation as you, wanted a TDI but in my budget at the time they had too many miles on them. Have you considered a Polo or Ibiza TDI? 75bhp, but easily tunable.
2.0 GTI was only badged GTI in the UK..
It's the engine from the MK3 GTI, the original 1.8 20V used was less powerful so they reverted.
The suspension/trim/wheels etc is also different to the 1.8T.
I have a pre DBW 1.8T, came with standard Recaro seats that are way better than the VW sports seats that were the standard on later 1.8Turbo's. Car with Recaro's and climate is definatley worth looking for - plenty of choice out there!
It's the engine from the MK3 GTI, the original 1.8 20V used was less powerful so they reverted.
The suspension/trim/wheels etc is also different to the 1.8T.
I have a pre DBW 1.8T, came with standard Recaro seats that are way better than the VW sports seats that were the standard on later 1.8Turbo's. Car with Recaro's and climate is definatley worth looking for - plenty of choice out there!
a friend had one from new
recently three of us took our families to cornwall in convoy
me in my A3 2.0 TDi, another in mk5 Golf (same engine) and him in the 2.0 'GTi'
it was absolutely staggering how difficult he found it to keep up - and given that we all had kids on board, we weren't trying
my car is no ball of fire but I certainly couldn't cope with that lack of pace
(oh and the engine pretty much gave up the ghost at 50k miles)
avoid like plague
recently three of us took our families to cornwall in convoy
me in my A3 2.0 TDi, another in mk5 Golf (same engine) and him in the 2.0 'GTi'
it was absolutely staggering how difficult he found it to keep up - and given that we all had kids on board, we weren't trying
my car is no ball of fire but I certainly couldn't cope with that lack of pace
(oh and the engine pretty much gave up the ghost at 50k miles)
avoid like plague
If you really want a mkiv then look at the Bora's instead of the Golf's. As you'll get more for your money. They had a better baseline spec to try and tempt in the buyers.
At the end of the day though the mkiv in both Golf and Bora form are a barge in standard trim regardless of what model you go for.
Suspension is the total opersite to Audi's and the turn in is abismal. There is plenty of grip but the car spends the first third of the bend deciding whether to give it up or not!
A Bora 4-motion is arquably one of the best q-cars out there and can be had for a lot less than the equivilant Golf.
If you do get one (a mkiv, any model) change the suspension for the adjustable Koni Sport Line kit, change the rear arb for an uprated item and leave the front alone, and fit a set of S3 upper and lower strut braces up front. All these transform the cars in terms of handling without compromising ride quality. You can upgrade the suspension bushes for Seat Leon Cupra R versions if full neoprene versions are too hard for you.
Finally the 2.0 aren't that bad. They have a smoother engine than a mki GTi but are lugging an extra 2/3's of the weight around! Just buy an SE instead. Same car (different front seats), less money.
At the end of the day though the mkiv in both Golf and Bora form are a barge in standard trim regardless of what model you go for.
Suspension is the total opersite to Audi's and the turn in is abismal. There is plenty of grip but the car spends the first third of the bend deciding whether to give it up or not!
A Bora 4-motion is arquably one of the best q-cars out there and can be had for a lot less than the equivilant Golf.
If you do get one (a mkiv, any model) change the suspension for the adjustable Koni Sport Line kit, change the rear arb for an uprated item and leave the front alone, and fit a set of S3 upper and lower strut braces up front. All these transform the cars in terms of handling without compromising ride quality. You can upgrade the suspension bushes for Seat Leon Cupra R versions if full neoprene versions are too hard for you.
Finally the 2.0 aren't that bad. They have a smoother engine than a mki GTi but are lugging an extra 2/3's of the weight around! Just buy an SE instead. Same car (different front seats), less money.
Edited by mk1fan on Thursday 1st February 23:18
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