Thiking of buying a Bora - What should I watch out for?

[wagits]

Hi guys, I currently have a1996 Mk3 Golf GL 2 litre manual. I am thinking of trading up to a 2001 Bora V6 6 speed. I have found one with 130k. Just wondering about
Fuel consumption in the real world?
Any faults I should watch out for?
Should I consder a V5, is there much difference in economy/features apart from the 4wd. Do they come out with the same options.
I ask this because I am also considering a 2000 V5 5 speed manual.
Regards

[qsilverza]

The V6 chews threw fuel though that could be the way I drive.

AWD is nice, I highly dislike FWD cars so this was my reason for going AWD, but remember it adds weight but the stabilty through corners is amazing even in the wet especially with a haldex sport controller.

The V6 came out with everything.

If you go with the V5 remember to check if the engine is the updated type.

[wagits]

The V6 chews threw fuel though that could be the way I drive.

AWD is nice, I highly dislike FWD cars so this was my reason for going AWD, but remember it adds weight but the stabilty through corners is amazing even in the wet especially with a haldex sport controller.

The V6 came out with everything.

If you go with the V5 remember to check if the engine is the updated type.

Funny that, I dont think much of FWD cars, but the Mk3 has sought of changed my mind. I think the last FWD car I had was a 1999 Mazda 626 turbo. It would torque steer the left every time I wanted a quick start from the lights. Last time I drove a Bora was actually in the states a 5 speed stick2.8, I actually liked it better than the BMW 328i I ended up with. Only because of the Beemer had more prestige value in the states than the Jetta/Bora. Got rid of the Beemer because I hated the electronic clutch assist.
How can I tell if the V5 motor is updated?

[qsilverza]

mmm not sure but I believe you will FEEL the difference

[AWD]

The manual should have a sticker with the engine specs.

Otherwise (I think) the 125kw engine model starts with AQN, the 110kw starts with AQZ.

Im coming to a V5 after a subaru and an audi quattro - I only ever miss the AWD in the wet.

Btw, I have a V5 125kw and get 11L/100km - short weekend drives to the shops/city only. Happy I didnt get a V6 that would chew petrol for not much more advantage.

[Lorinser]

That's strange

I get 11 litres per 100km in city driving with my V6. Could get even better fuel economy if I was easier on the accelerator pedal.

I haven't driven a V5 but surely V6 > V5. And you get AWD + 6 speed too.

The manual should have a sticker with the engine specs.

Otherwise (I think) the 125kw engine model starts with AQN, the 110kw starts with AQZ.

Im coming to a V5 after a subaru and an audi quattro - I only ever miss the AWD in the wet.

Btw, I have a V5 125kw and get 11L/100km - short weekend drives to the shops/city only. Happy I didnt get a V6 that would chew petrol for not much more advantage.

[AWD]

Interesting... I sure hope V6 > V5.

Only had it about 2 months. It had missed a few VW services in favour of a no name mechanic. So lets see how she fares after a proper service.

Have reset the tripmeter (or whatever its called) but have only put few kms on it. Maybe it needs more kms to work out a better average.

[Mr ©harisma]

Get the 4motion. In stock form the V5 is like a boat, 4motion is much better ( for a stock car ). More power, AWD, Bigger brakes! If something will go wrong with it, it is hard to tell, just ask for the full service history. Perhaps have a look to make sure the sump is ok, and just the usual used car checks.

Thats funny, I get 8 - 9.5litres /100km over a 30km trip each way to and from work.

V5 is a great car when you compare it to a Commo / Falcon / Magna etc and just as quick in a straight line. V6 is for the boy racer in all of us.

[Bora Sport]

As with most cars it is horses for courses. I have a V6 4Motion Sport and I love driving it. I average around 8.5 - 10 L/100 over a range of driving each day. It has gone below 8L/100 on say a non stop run to Brisbane (120k's) 2 adults 2 kids, air con on and speed limit plus 8%.

My mate has a V5 auto and absolutely loves it.

[sukebe]

Wow, you fuel economies are great! I can manage under 10L/100km in extra-urban driving, but get 14-16L/100km in the city. Depends what you call city driving I suppose.... My city driving averages around 30km/h (within 6-7km of Melb, I usually ride a bike within this area), extra-urban around 45-50km/h. On the highway it sits between 7 and 9L/100km and averages about 8L/100km (averaged 8.1 from Craigieburn to Seymour on the Hume Hwy).

Dont even bother about the V5 if you can afford the 4motion - it is better in every way. If fuel usage is a chief concern buy a Hyundai Getz.

[wagits]

I was considerig this car. Has all the amps, sub and nice 4 inch Kenwood head unit. Nice alloys, what do you guys think its worth. 130k's Build date Dec 2000, 1st reg April 2001. Seems nice

[anthony]

Buy either of them.
I have owned 3 of them.
A 2.0 in South Africa
A 2.8 in California
A V5 In South Africa.
And now a Jetta in Australia.
All have been superb cars,with great resale values.

[sukebe]

I was considerig this car. Has all the amps, sub and nice 4 inch Kenwood head unit. Nice alloys, what do you guys think its worth. 130k's Build date Dec 2000, 1st reg April 2001. Seems nice

I looked at that car, but ended up getting a 2002 model with 84k km. Considering the price I know other examples have gone for, I think a fair price for that car would around $17k.

[wagits]

Sukebe, my thoughts as well. I know its sad, but I think with the new model Jetta out plus that in reality Boras have been out since 1999/2000 (8 years old now), prices are starting to come down a bit. Still a beautiful car. Anyway if anyone has a nice Bora they would like to sell for a reasonable price, buzz me must be a 4motion 6 speed.
cheers