MK4 gti golf.... things to look out for.

[leighaus]

Im in the market for a smaller car, and like the idea of a MK4 gti. Ive never really been into golfs in any serious way, asides from frothing at r32s etc.

I was just wondering with people whove been around the mk4 gti golf in particular, what common faults there are to look out for when buying.

We all know every model has its main issues. So far i know the passenger window reg is prone to death, but is there any other points of interest?

thanks guys. Nice forum too !

leigh.

[ohsnap!]

apparantly the woodgrain panels are a problem, my drivers side door pull is cracked like crazy with sections missing and the passenger side is cracked as well.

i've also read about problems with the maf sensor although many people have had success by cleaning it with 99% isopropyl alcohol/electrical contact cleaner/maf sensor cleaner (which you can pickup from supercheapauto for around $20-25). i picked mine up with 105k on the clock and have had no issues.

the glovebox latch is also a problem so keep an eye out for that.

the window regulators were also a problem. i looked at my 02' model due to a fault with the lock module (also a problem) and it had metal clips, i can't say whether this was fixed model-wide or if mine was replaced during a service.

i don't think there are too many other mkiv gti specific problems though, just general things like service history including timing belt change. speaking of which the water pump is also a possible cause of concern as they came standard with a plastic impeller which i think was fixed in later mkiv's.

i've racked up almost 2500k's since purchasing it and apart from a rough idle which was fixed by cleaning the throttle body and adjusting it via vagcom (it's worth getting a vag com cable off ebay as well as a copy of vcds lite), i've had no other mechanical problems so far *knocks on wood*.

[JustCruisn]

Anything made of plastic is an issue.
Water pump & window regulators must be replaced. Check service history to see that these have been done.
Cosmetic things include cracking faux wood grain, peeling soft touch.

Most other things are OK if the servicing is regular.

[h100vw]

Diverter valve will most likely be shot if it hasn't been replaced recently. The rear bush in the front wishbones will be long gone too. Gavin

[ohsnap!]

^ I haven't had any problem with my stock dv *yet* although a tt/forge one is planned.

also there was no mention that the window regulators were replaced in my log book, anyone know if vw aust repaired this problem on any of the mkiv's before selling?

also it'd be worthwhile to find a mechanic with vag com/vcds (same thing) or grab a cable from ebay and run a scan on it before you buy it. you won't be able to do an autoscan without purchasing it, but you can still check individual controllers then just make a note of the error codes that pop up and cross check them on the ross-tech.com wiki. i didn't do this when purchasing my gti but i was extremely fortunate that there were no engine problems!

also if you're looking at 100k+ look to spend about 2k or more on a major service (incl timing belt and water pump as well as standard oil, etc.) from a reputable mechanic. if you want to take care of it yourself you can pick up a timing belt/water pump kit from ecstuning.com for around 250+postage.

[leighaus]

Excellent information guys. Just what i was after. Ive found a couple of GTIs that look to be well looked after. ill have to check things out a bit more thoroughly though. as pictures and descriptions leave a lot to be desired.

Ill most definately be doing most if not all the servicing. Keep a log and receipts and it will all be good.

Ill definately keep an eye out for the water pump in service logs.

In regards to the faux woodgrain etc, are those parts NLA from VW or can you still get them?

[ohsnap!]

i'm not sure if you can still get the woodgrain pieces tbh. i'm hoping i can find a second hand door pull from a regular 1.6 or 2.0 golf and replace it with that as it'll be a problem later down the track. that and some carbon fibre dinoc film and all the awful faux woodgrain will be gone! (and replaced with faux cf instead... LOL)

[bullsta]

chip it!!!!!

[Cookie28]

chip it!!!!!

^^^^ x2

[leighaus]

how much does a chip normally cost? you guys got a decent source/link ? is it piggyback plug and play style, or new ecu master?

[h100vw]

You are looking at $7-900 for a chip.

Some tuners (Custom-Code is one) can flash the ECU by taking it out of the car, others have to replace the chip, which involves opening the ECU and soldering.

Power outputs are pretty much identical regardless of who you pick.

Gavin

[Adzismad2]

What are the increases like?

I drive a 4mo bora but I'm pretty interested in chips and such if its worth it.

[Cookie28]

from what i understand chips are most effective on turbo and supercharged cars, although they do make a difference on NA ones just not as big a difference