First time buyer, need some advice

[dubbed]

Good evening,

This is my first post, so I apologise if it's in the wrong area or been covered before (I've done a few searches but to no avail).

I'm looking to buy a (manual) MKIV Golf very soon. Reason being is that I've always loved the look of them, I want something with European build quality, and I want something that is lighter on fuel than my current awful ride.

I just have a couple of things I need some help with...

I can't afford a GTI (or a 1.8T A3 for that matter) so I'm down to looking at 1.6l and 2.0l Golfs... So more of a stepping-stone before I get something nicer in a year or two. There's quite a number of low km 1.6s around but it's such a quaint little number that bothers me!! But in all seriousness am I right in thinking I should stick to finding a 2.0l for the little extra power? I'm not so much looking for performance, but I don't want something piss weak either. What should I be looking out for in MKIVs?

I looked at a 2.0l MKIV with ~60,000kms recently, but the interior was pretty grotty, the material around the arm rests in the front doors were sagging (common?) and the arm rest lid was very loose - which seems a bit odd considering the low kms. From searching around it seems like a major service is due around this mark (timing belt etc) - what's the approximate cost of this?

I've also noticed a few fairly priced Bora V5s around but don't know if I'm sold on the aesthetics. It'd definitely need dropping and some fat rubber to fill the pumped guards. I do realise the two cars are very similar, but what is the general opinion of these compared to the Golf?

Thanks in advance.

dubbed

[balkanac]

Hi mate, welcome to the forum!!
I wouldn't get a 1.6, they have very weak trannys apperently. I'd go for 2L sport if possible. They have the same interior as GTi, i think (someone please correct me if im wrong). The one that you found with bad interior, someone hasn't been taking care of it. That doesnt happen on 60k. 60k is a big service, it just costed me 1k. Im not sure about timing belts, my car has a timing chain.
Boras are nice, a golf with a boot, so i'd expect the same faults as a golf

[craig_the_german]

Golf 1.6

Hi,
Just thought I might add a bit here.
I bought my MK IV Golf 1.6 manual last August and have done 32000 km in it since then. The only issue I have had is a fault with the engine coolant temp sensor in the week I took delivery of it. Since then 30000 trouble free kms.

My thoughts....if you really wanted a GTI, you would be disappointed, if you want a quality european commuter car, you can't go wrong. I have always wanted a golf and when I was looking around, I could have bought my 1.6 Golf or a Hyundai Getz for the same money...can you compare the two...no.

You will probably find that the suspension is a little soft...very comfy ride, not overly "sporty" though.

As for the gearbox...mine has now done 83000km without any trouble. I think if you drive it like you should and not try to keep up with the GTIs then you shouldn't have too much trouble.

Mine had 50000 km on the clock when I bought it and the interior was unmarked, if the one you are looking at is knocked around, chances are that the rest of the car has been knocked around as well.

I think the timing belt is due for replacement at 90000-100000km (most cars are due then) so I don't think the golf would be any different.

They are my thoughts, hope they help

[dubbed]

Thanks so far guys.

I am getting my old man to look at a GTI in SA this weekend. If it checks out okay I will fly over from Melbourne to pick her up and drive back. What better way to spend time with a new car NSW seems cheaper again but is not as convenient...

If that doesn't work out, I think I will stick to looking for a 2.0l back here. I'm in a hurry to get into one so I can't afford to be too picky!

dubbed

[BL33SU]

u'l regret buying a 2l or 1.6l.. save for the 1.8T

[intensem1]

Is it the silver gti here in Adelaide with tv mounted indash that your looking at?

Im thinking very similar at the moment, 1.6 or keep saving for the GTI.

[SoVeReIgN]

Keep saving for GTI.

You get ALOT for your extra money!

[BL33SU]

Keep saving for GTI.

You get ALOT for your extra money!

yep save save save.. GTi not A3 coz der for gurls

[SoVeReIgN]

yep save save save.. GTi not A3 coz der for gurls

haha for getting girls maybe

[dubbed]

I may have found something... I don't want to spoil it so I will just wait and see before spilling the beans!

PS: intensem1, the Golf you mentioned was the car I was getting my old man to look at.

[dubbed]

I am officially the proud new owner a 2000 VW Golf GTi I am in love with it. I keep taking detours around town so I can keep driving it before going home.

Just a bit of a run-down on it... It's the silver GTi that intensem1 mentioned earlier. Black Recaro interior [standard on GTis?], BOV which is plumbed back into the exhaust, 2" stainless steel exhaust, lowered [I think King springs, yuck], 17" Audi wheels, tinted windows, and in-dash DVD/TV/MP3. I love it. My girlfriend and I flew up to Adelaide Thursday to pick it up and drove back on Saturday. Coming from two Ford Falcons, this thing is so well-built and feels so luxurious. It pulls like a freight train past 140km/h [over-taking] and does it so effortlessly.

As for plans... I promised myself I'd only get some wheels and clean up everything as mint as possible. It shouldn't be hard as it is in seriously excellent condition. The paint is immaculate and the interior is very neat, with some exceptions - I'm missing the sun visor light on the driver's side, I think a flap below the climate control is missing, and the material on the driver's grab handle on the door is cracked.

Fortunately it sits at a very nice and practical height, and the wheels look better every time I look at it. Although I'll get some new tyres on it soon.

But other than that, I am going to enjoy it for now. Sorry for going on but I'm so happy I made the effort to look out for a GTi, even if I had to travel.

And yes, photos will be arranged in due time!

Cheers

PS: Can someone please answer me a couple of things.... Is there a factory intercooler? If so, is it side-mounted? How much boost do they have stock? What can I wind the boost up to safely on stock internals?

[DUB 20V]

yeah they do have a stock smic its on the right side front fender,
with boost you will need a chip to wind up the boost propley or you will have probs with a boost controler,
stock boost is 7-9psi i think

[Rapido]

Stock boost is 8.9psi.
Chipping (APR) will take it up to 14psi.

[geoff_gti]

congratulations dubbed!!