looking to buy MK4 - things to look out for

[incoming]

hi guys

im looking to buy a MK4 for the misses
its gona be auto... i'd like the 2.0L but would settle for 1.6L

i've been a honda boy for many years and thinking of switching to golfs..

is there anything i need to look out for on 1.6L/2.0L models?

any help would be appreciated

[Stan]

Hi i have a 1.6 and despite the derision for them here, find it to be a good car. (considered to be underpowered and weak gearboxes - probably professed by those who flog the crap out of their cars...lol)
However it greatly benfits from being a manual, and if you were looking for an auto, get the 2 litre or it will be too sluggish.

[GoLfMan]

the gearbox's in the 1.6's have been know to be some trouble.

apart from that check the usual stuff like:
-full service history
-Timing belt (has been changed at 100k)
-uneven tyre wear etc

good luck!

[Golf Loon]

Good cars. Auto in the 1.6 is probably more reliable than the manual!

2L Auto is the go for the Mrs.

[Treza360]

Automatic windows have a plastic clip that are prone to breaking. The replacement clips are metal but fix involves pulling the door apart to get to the regulator.

Reverse light switch on the gearboxes also are prone to failure.

Microswitch used for lock and unlock and indications can have dodgy solder joints. I haven't heard too much about it here but the US guys seem to have issues with this. Expensive to replace but easy to fix if you back yourself with a soldering iron and pulling apart the door and locking mechanism.

Check for general wear and tear on the interior as well as squeaks etc. The black interior plastic paint around the centre lighter and gear shifter can be a bit flaky.

Check the air con blows nice and cold and doesn't take a long time to come through. Might just need a regas or could be a dying compressor.

If it has remote central locking with the switchblade key, make sure that both keys are there. OEM replacements are ridiculous expensive.

Hope this helps just listing things off the top of my head at them moment.
Cheers,
Trent

[incoming]

thanks for the tips guys..

have any of you ever come across a MK4 with cream interior but black leather seats?
even the door trim is cream with black leather insert..
supposedly its stock trim too..?

http://www.carsales.com.au/Tig/UI/PagePopup.aspx?R=7024978&PhotoID=5286996&h_mid=4415219&f_mid=&c_mid=4414491&pid=140973&tabID=304744

[graeme86]

Definitely not German "stock", but dealers here could have had it done when new.

The factory beige interior just has beige leather as well, no black at all.

[incoming]

also what are the common faults to look out for in AU MK4s?
i've been told about the window regulators costing a fairbit to replace.

google search brings up common faults for the euroDM..

and how much does it cost to get another set of keys?

[No457 Snowy]

One you'll become aquainted with sooner or later will be the snapping clutch pedal syndrome. Usually in peak hour traffic, in the rain.


Snowy

[VwEnthusiast]

I got an MK4 1.6 and the only problem i've had with it was the thermostat housing which is plastic. I guess he's had enough after 60,000kms and i started spotting a drop or two of coolant from time to time where i kept it parked. I realised what it was so changed it it runs like a dream.

[Golf88]

i asked the similar thing a few months back when i got mine check this thread i bought a 2l auto and no big issues just dont the coolant temp sensor, tyres, and major service

[Golf4]

I bought a 1.8 (non-turbo) MK4 last year. It drives great but I've done a fair bit of work on it which was partially expected given a pretty good price. I've replaced a few interior bits and pieces that the previous owner damaged but I won't list those.
Here's my list anyway at 107k.

Front struts replaced (sachs super touring)
Brake Switch
Front Disks
Interior roof assembly (fell off one day)
Coolant Temp sensor
Lower control arm busings
Timing Belt, coolant flush

Going to have to get one of the lock modules done as rear door doesn't work with central locking...bit of a pain but its a well known thing all us VW owners put up with.