buying tips/questions re: mk4 golf GTI

[Smitch]

Hey all,

Im looking at selling my 200kw 1982 Mazda Rx7 that has been the love of my life for the last 3 years. I now need something a bit more sensible.

Looking at MK4 Golf GTI or an Audi A3 turbo.

Hoping to get some info about the golf.

1) How expensive are they to maintain/service?
What is a rough cost for a major 100km's service?
What is a rough cost for a minor service (oil, filters, brakes)?

2)If I where to get one around the 100,000kms mark, what are some things to look out for? Are people still finding them to be reliable at this stage?

3)What are some key things to check (besides the obvious) when looking at buying one? Are there any common issues that have popped up with ~8yr old golfs?

4)What sort of fuel economy can I expect standard? How does this change with basic mods (chip and dumppipe)?

4)In terms of accelleration speed, what do they compare to when stock? What do they compare to when modified with chip and dump pipe (std exahust).

Any input/feedback in regards to the above questions is greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone.
Smitch

[Fizz]

Hey man firstly I'm not sure about the OZ prices but the A3 is way more expensive than the GTI here in NZ. They both exactly the same engine wise 150HP stock so u basically paying for the name audi

Ok maintainance isn't 2 bad, parts are a bit expensive but if you know where to buy thing from you or where to get things done that can save you money being part of this forum will be of huge advantage as everyone here is very helpful and will be willing 2 point you in the right direction with regards to what to get where.

I can't help you with pricing seeing as i'm not in Oz but with a 100k on the clock make sure that the cambelt has been changed that's a biggie!! as it costs a fair bit to have it changed.

Standard you get about 600km on 98 this can change depending how you drive. Chipped it will decrease but only slightly. The more harcore your mods the less economical the car will be. As i said before stock is 150HP chipped you looking at about 180HP ish with everything else stock. Replacing the Downpipe/ exhaust, air intake piping etc. can bump you up to abut 225HP then you have the front mount intercooler and larger turbo etc.

The only way you'll know what they like is going for a ride in a Stock golf then jumping into a chipped one. the difference is dramatic, the car is heaps more responsive as well.

I'm not 100% sure of the chipped figures i quoted they were just estimations but I'm sure one of the other guys will verify or add to it

I hope this info helps

[Smitch]

Thanks for that. It does help.

If someone could chime in and let me know any other things I need to look out for when looking at them and also the $ figures for average servicing that would be fantastic.

thanks again.

[h100vw]

Most VW and Audi dealers have fixed priced servicing or can give you a quote on a standard service without extra work being done. If you update your sig to include your location, you'll be able to get some trusted independent specialists in your local area.

If you can do your own oil changes, you could do it for less than $60 with a genuine oil filter and some decent oil.

A chip on a std car would get you pretty close to 200 crank hp. Changing the downpipe and exhaust won't generate much more outright power but you will get improvements in the mid-range. The turbo just doesn't flow any extra air to go much over 200. A downpipe really frees up the turbo, letting it spool up quite a bit earlier than normal.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=12492

The Audi is more money than a Golf but you would need to assess which you prefer after driving both. Bonus with the A3, is you could have a 3 door if you don't mind having a ten year old car.

gavin

[Smitch]

Thanks for everything so far. I think I would prefer a golf. Can get a better condition, less kms etc then a similar priced audi

you say 200 crank hp. How do they go at the wheels?

oh and Im in Newcastle, NSW.

[SoVeReIgN]

90~95kw at the wheels stock, 110~115 at the wheels chipped. (On real dynos, not fudged figures)

I might be biased, but the A3s (post 2001) come with an updated engine that makes a little more power when chipped (mine made 125kw@wheels with chip + dp, std intake/exhaust ) + Have a nicer interior and weigh a little less.

(My bro has a GTI, I have A3)

And about the money.. The A3s seem to hold their value much worse than the GTIs, can get them for similar money if not less these days. (Not having the GTI badge seems to have affected resale - The only way your normal punter would tell a turbo a3 from a non turbo is really the little T on the 1.8t badge)

But either way, the 1.8t is a bulletproof engine aslong as ALL services have been carried out.

Comparo - Falcadores in a straight line
Standard - They'll struggle against your new bogstock falcons
Chipped - They'll give an SS/XR8 a little scare
Chipped + all other minor mods (exhaust/intake/piping/etc) - They'll do a std SS/XR8 [All in theory ]

[geoff_gti]

Just had the water pump & timing belt changed on mine for a bit over $700, @ 64000km. 2003 model so might not be in your age range but I'd think the parts & service requirements would be the same for the earlier years in Mk4 models.

Is the A3t all wheel drive, or only S3 of that generation? Don't know the Audi models too well but that could explain some of the $ differences. Would rather have the GTI for looks though.

[gareth_oau]

Just had the water pump & timing belt changed on mine for a bit over $700, @ 64000km. 2003 model so might not be in your age range but I'd think the parts & service requirements would be the same for the earlier years in Mk4 models.

Is the A3t all wheel drive, or only S3 of that generation? Don't know the Audi models too well but that could explain some of the $ differences. Would rather have the GTI for looks though.

Hi Geoff,

The A3 was only in front wheel drive, the S3 was the AWD variant, but came out with a minimum of 154KW from the 1.8T.

Audi also did the A4 in both FWD and AWD,in the same engine as the A3/GTI, but the A4 was a sedan

[gareth_oau]

ps Geoff, just bought meself an S3, subject to completing the last few checks, hope to have it here ex Brisbane in about 2 - 3 weeks

[Smitch]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

Im still not sure which way to go, A3 or Golf. I need to sell my Rx7 first anyway. I like the look of both alot. I havnt driven either though.

Can anyone comment on how they compare to drive?

Regards
Mitch

[balkanac]

Hi Smitch, i think you chose very good cars and it doesn't matter which one you go for, they are the same car underneath.
My servicing costs $250 every 6-7k kms from VW becuse of the 4WD and the previous owner. He serviced it every 6-7k kms and it looks very good in the log book. The 60k service is coming up and that will cost me from $1300 - $1500 for new oils in the engine and 4WD system, new filters, spark plugs, etc.
But a GTi should be a lot cheaper to service
Gareth, congrats on your puchase, i hope you bring it to the next cruise!

[Smitch]

Thanks for that, Sounds reasonable.

How do the Golf GTI's and A3's compare in terms of electrics/accessories. Eg: climate control, cruise control, electric sunroof, electric seats etc?

I cant find a definitive list anywhere.

Edit: do they both have ABS brakes?

[glidn]

both cars have ABS

as for cruise control and sunroof, i guess it's a luck of the draw really. I'm not to sure about the cruise control over there. But here in NZ they have about only a handful of GTI's or even A3's with cruise control. Electric seats you will only really find that in a S3 audi not A3 or GTi unless 2004ish onwards i would say.

In south Africa you will pretty much have ever box ticked bar the electric seats, including everything you hope to get in your GTI.

[gareth_oau]

the GTI's can come with optional recaros in leather, they look and feel really good.

Better than the A3 seats methinks

[HOLEIN1]

the GTI's can come with optional recaros in leather, they look and feel really good.

Better than the A3 seats methinks

x2

however goodluck finding one with them, and even then you will find that not too many have the leather in good nick

i was looking for ages and all i found were either the seats with the basic bolstering (ie, not recaro style) or were in terreble condition, hence i settled for the cloth trim