GTI model questions

[sierra055]

Hi everyone!
Firstly, I just wanted to thank everyone for a great resource here, it has been really helpful reading everyones questions, answers etc.

I'm looking to purchase a Mk4 GTI, and have narrowed down (thanks to this forum) to a 1999-2002 model as I really want the deeper Recaro seats.

One question I've had, and apologies if it has been answered elsewhere (I did do a search though). Whilst looking at a number of cars, I've noticed that some cars have the 20v badge on the engine cover, while others only have the 1.8T badge. Is there any actual difference, or were all the 1.8T motors a 20v engine? If there was a difference, is it desirable to specifically look for the 20v model?

Thanks in advance!!

[99gti]

Most of the Mk4 GTI's had the AGU 20v 1.8T. There are a few varients, but all are 20v. For the period your looking with the deeper recaros, it's the non-drive by wire model AGU.

I hope this answers your Q.

And - welcome aboard! Good luck with your search.

[ope126]

2003 onwards, the engine cover says 1.8T.
Pre 2003 20 Valve Turbo on engine cover.

Just a cosmetic update.

Same engine though...

[gtimk5]

2003 on models were assembled in Africa??
Welcome to the forum too, ask away, we are ready to help out.
Andrew

[sierra055]

Excellent, I thought that might have been the case, but just thought I'd ask.

Thanks heaps for your answers guys!

[SoVeReIgN]

Ones that have the 20V badge on the rear of the car are only 1.8 (Non turbos) however!

[gpk_gti]

gutless wonder!!!!!!!!!! watch out for that one!

[SoVeReIgN]

Nah I thought the 1.8 was quicker than the 1.6 AND the 2.0L, stronger gearbox too!

- Dave

[gpk_gti]

you are right,but I was comparing to the 1.8t.....

[SoVeReIgN]

haha oh yeah, gutless.

[YellowDieselGolf]

Most of the Mk4 GTI's had the AGU 20v 1.8T. There are a few varients, but all are 20v. For the period your looking with the deeper recaros, it's the non-drive by wire model AGU.

I hope this answers your Q.

And - welcome aboard! Good luck with your search.

No, all 1.8t Aussie golfs have the same drive by cable AGU engine. The beetle and polo turbos are DBW though.

In ~2001 they dropped the recaros, so if they seats DON'T say RECARO on them, they're not. However, the later (non recaro cars) get a trip computer and the generic sport seats are still very good.

2003 on models were assembled in Africa??
Welcome to the forum too, ask away, we are ready to help out.
Andrew

My MY03 was made in Wolfsburg

Ones that have the 20V badge on the rear of the car are only 1.8 (Non turbos) however!

No, the badge says 1.8 and they were only available in very early model years (99ish?)

gutless wonder!!!!!!!!!! watch out for that one!

The 1.8 NA would be my 2nd preference.

As far as things to know about GTI's? MY01 and before have recaros and standard sunroof. Very early models have Montreal wheels. Later cars MY01+ish have an optional sunroof, generic sports seats and a trip computer. Not sure when the montreal II wheels arrived, but they're much better looking

Otherwise, they didn't really change.

[sierra055]

Thanks YDG, there's heaps of great info there!
One of the VW dealers near me have 2 GTi's, 1 99 model with the recaro's/sunroof and an 03 model with the non branded seats.

Being able to jump between the two had me convinced very quickly that I really wanted the deeper buckets. I can comfortably live without a trip computer, but after reading some of the extra gains/abilities of a chip on the drive by wire models had me thinking again. So which models DID have drive by wire? Vortex FAQ show 02+ cars with the AWP motor, but I guess that was US only?

I've got 4 cars that I'm looking at tomorrow, so fingers crossed!

[gpk_gti]

I had the same problem as you,but the recaro's won the day!

[spa]

Yeah, I own an 03 without the recaros, and I reckon they are pretty uncomfortable now that I’ve had it for a while, didn’t realise this when I first bought it though...
But, I didn’t know the older ones didn’t have a trip computer… I’m always looking at mine, what do the old ones have instead on that little screen?

[shami]

Yea mines like that too...crappy non-recaros....

the older ones have nothing on the screen!