2002 golf specs

[Andykombi]

Hi all,
Been searching posts here for a while and decided I need to join up. Looks like pleny of good info!
I have been looking for a good Mk4 golf for the missus to ferry the kids around in, looking mostly for good low milage ones.

What I can't seem to find is good info on is differences between models.
What are the main differences between GL, S, SE models etc?

Are the options on the various models worth looking for, or are they all much the same car?

Also how do they later Mk4's stand up with age and klms?
Lower milage cars seem to fall into two groups, very low klm (~50k) and due for work to be done (brakes, timing belt etc). The other group are higher klms (~70-90k) but have had most of this work done.

What's the better car, lower miles or one with the work already done?

I have been looking mostly at 1.6L auto's, but would choose a great condition car rather than choose just on motor/GB type.

I see there have ben other posts similar, but just hoping for a little more detail on what I have read so far.

Also are Bora's in general a higher spec/better car than a golf? Or are they just a golf with a boot? (Sorry if this is a silly question, am new to watercooled VW's)

Thanks in advance.

[sirmoe]

Hi all,
Been searching posts here for a while and decided I need to join up. Looks like pleny of good info!
I have been looking for a good Mk4 golf for the missus to ferry the kids around in, looking mostly for good low milage ones.

What I can't seem to find is good info on is differences between models.
What are the main differences between GL, S, SE models etc?

Are the options on the various models worth looking for, or are they all much the same car?

Also how do they later Mk4's stand up with age and klms?
Lower milage cars seem to fall into two groups, very low klm (~50k) and due for work to be done (brakes, timing belt etc). The other group are higher klms (~70-90k) but have had most of this work done.

What's the better car, lower miles or one with the work already done?

I have been looking mostly at 1.6L auto's, but would choose a great condition car rather than choose just on motor/GB type.

I see there have ben other posts similar, but just hoping for a little more detail on what I have read so far.

Also are Bora's in general a higher spec/better car than a golf? Or are they just a golf with a boot? (Sorry if this is a silly question, am new to watercooled VW's)

Thanks in advance.

The GL missed out on the trip computer and remote central locking - although it was a option.

I think the SE versions are the way to go, 1.6SE or 2.0SE.

[Andykombi]

Hi Sirmoe,
Thanks for the reply. Guess I'll start to pay attention to the options on on cars also!!

[Manaz]

The 1.6L autos are slow, not terribly fuel efficient, and prone to problems I believe. I'd definitely be looking at the 2.0L rather than the 1.6.

The build quality of the Mk4 is excellent, you shouldn't have any trouble with a well looked after example.

[Andykombi]

Thanks for the comments Manaz!
First I have heard of the 1.6 having issues and not efficient!! Am looking a one as well as a Bora over the week end so will see.

We currently have a kombi and 1600 type 3 auto (40 year old VW's) as daily drivers, 1600 auto golf will be super fast for us

[sirmoe]

If I where buying now mate, it would be a 2002 Golf 2.0 SE, you get the flip key, areo wipers and trip computer.

3 things my 2001 missed out on -.-

<2000 have slightly different interior,

[Andykombi]

Cheers again,
Have narrowed my searching for 2002 and later and SE models. There are a few about, so hope I get a good one.

[Andykombi]

Hi All,
Thanks again for your help. Had a few false starts on cars, so had to change what I was looking for to broaden the cars to look at. Decided the later models (2002) would suit better and prefered to get low klms as the priorities.
Have ended up with a nice GL, 1.6 manual mainly due to the very low klm and very clean inside an out.
Anyway have booked it for a thorough service, after that I hope to get some driving in and see how it goes.

Not sure how to post a picture, but here's a link.
Aussieveedubbers - Watercooled VW's - Gen 4 golf info - Powered by UltimaBB

Oh, and can anyone steer me to the best place to source parts from? I need some things like the left front inner guard (plastic bit) and would like to look into some options to add on. Mainly things to protect the car like mud flaps, head light protectors etc. Not sure if wreckers are likely to have those things?

The other question is tyres. I can with alloys (factory ones), but the tyres are low, so I was planning to use the original steel rims that were also part of the deal and use the tyres up first.
The trouble though is they are different!! Two are 175/80 R14, the other two are 185/75 R14. What are the correct tyres for the car?
Also, there is a miss match in tread wear, so was looking to use the spare to try and get tyres with even wear. Is it legal to run two different brand tyres? (4 are Michelins, so assume are originals) The spare is a new Bob Jane tyre.
Or is it just silly to try an use up the tyres I have?

I'm assuming tyres for the alloys (16") will be expensive, and given the use this car will get will leave the rims vulnerable to scrapes from parking.
Cheers.

[audi-tone]

tyres aren't too expensive, i'd suggesting looking here: Option 1 Garage - performance car japanese performance parts Brisbane Queensland Australia workshop drift racing nissan and possibly ring them becuase they stock a whole lot of kumho tyres for not bad money. i think my sister bought a set of 4 humho kh15/17 for something like $360 fitted. place is at hamilton.