Looking for a BORA

[ToraBora]

Hi!

I have been looking at getting a Bora for a while and finally found one I like - a MY2002 4motion.

Just wondering whether there were any differences between the MY02 and MY03 Bora 4motions?

Does anyone know any problems I should look out for - the only ones I could find on the forum are the intermittent ESP electrical niggles.

Thanks - and looking forward to join the forum!

[goodfella]

I have a 02 build/03 reg V64mo and it has the square shaped headrests, early models had the hoop style headrests.

Had mine for about 10mths and loved every second in it.!!!!

[ToraBora]

Thanks goodfella - That's the only difference I have seen - just wondering if there are any other differences I have missed...

[4mo]

Good choice, i have had mine since new and have found it quite reliable, only coilpacks, sump and recently control arm bushes.

What sort of $$$ are they asking for the 02 (just out of interest as am thinking of upgrading)

4Mo

[sukebe]

I have an early 2002, and a friend has a late 2002. The model update happened around June/July 02 build date. Its not just the headrests, the seats are quite different. The later ones are sturdier with better side support. Other differences:

Older: 10 disc CD stacker in the boot, walnut wood trim
Newer: 6 stack in-dash stacker, darker less offensive trim

There may be other differences but thats what Ive noticed.

Look for a late 2002 or early 03, don't pay more than $20-22k for a mint condition with 60~80k km. I got mine in March, absolutely mint, totally stock, FSH and 6months warranty left, 83k km for $20k. I know another one with identical specs that sold for the same but had KW V2 suspension and Oettinger 17" wheels ($5k parts values)

[moniker]

The earlier ones had boot 6 stacker, not 10

Is the climate control improved on later models?, my 2001 must be the most awkward to use in any car i've had, you cannot see the controls (fan / heat etc) with sunglasses on, even so you have to actually take your eyes off the road and look down just to adjust the bloody thing!

Lucky there is the AUTO setting !

Keith

[ToraBora]

Thanks for all the replies.

MY02 are going for below 20k.
MY03 are going for around mid 20s.

I am torn between getting a low km (<60k) MY02 (i.e. with the less comfy seats etc) or spending about 6K more for a MY03...

I would like to get the MY02 but am a bit worried whether the 6k will end up being lost in repairs...

Just out of interest - what have been the most expensive repairs you have had and at what mileage?

[Lorinser]

I think Sukebe is talking about my car with the 5k of bonus extras

Picked it up pretty much unmarked and in mint condition for 20k - with Oettinger 17s, KW V2s, Kamei grill and K&N filter included. 84,000km on the clock.

Personally I prefer the cut out headrests that come with the older version of the Boras. I haven't seen the difference in the seats themselves though so can't comment too much in that regard.

The factory stereo unit and stacker isn't going to be that good either way (no mp3 play). I ditched the factory unit for a Pioneer touch screen TV/DVD - and that's been my only mod so far... besides winding down the coilovers as far as they can go

The car had a fault with the temp sensor where it wouldn't start if the engine was warm. This was easily fixed for ~$90 including labour.

I'm very happy with the car. I think you should be safe should you decide to pick up a 2001-02 car, as long as it has lowish km. Jetta guys in the US are clocking up over 200,000km on their VR6s without too many issues.

Aim for about 18-20k for a neat low km example. There's a few on carsales.com.au right now that look pretty sweet.

[popeclement]

If it helps your decision I have had my 2001 since Oct 2001 and touch wood at 160000km I have not had anything major except the dreaded window regulator failure on the driver's window. Oh yes I have replaced the battery once! Pads were done at 100k and the original Michelins changed at 80k.

Otherwise fingers crossed trouble free and I do a lot of country mileage too. I have kept the car stock except for the stereo and it is a pleasure to drive - excellent engine/gearbox - a little note-it also has syncro on reverse - work it out.

Have had it dealer serviced which is not cheap or too expensive and overall if I change it might be for an S3 four door.

[FarQ]

I have had my MY03 from new since Jan04. Oil changes every 7500km with 5-40 synthethic. Its up to 57k km and have only had to change the 2 front tyres. My only issue with it is that the front spoiler is a tad low for my driveway & IMO the suspension is a litle on the soft side...

BTW, i reckon the cut out headrests are better IMO, easier to do DVD screen mods!

[gareth_oau]

b4 you commit to a Bora, maybe check out this alternative

http://www.uniquecarsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!unique_content.enquiry?current_rec=47&page_number=5&vehicle_id=5057732&total_rec=80&sort_type=1&make_id=15&model_id=147

its a Golf GTI 2.8L V6 with 4Motion - private import into Qld

[anthony]

Get a Bora.
I bought an early model one in 1999 in South Africa.
Moved to America in 2003,and bought one there.
Moved back to South Africa in 2005,and bought another.
They were all new,and were all fantastic cars,badged as Jetta 4 s.
Moved to Australia,and bought a new Jetta 5 MY2007.

[ToraBora]

Thanks all for your opinions.

I went for a "test drive" the other day - except I didn't drive. The interior is very nice but it didn't feel very quick in first gear - although it seemed to fly in second - or I wonder whether it was just the way the salesman was driving it?

Also it was fairly quiet - not much of a sporty sound - say compared to a WRX...

Has anyone here driven both / owned both (Bora vs WRX).
I took my first ride in a WRX the other day and I could not believe how it went round a corner! I also love the sound of the boxer engine...

Hmm - decisions, decisions!

[popeclement]

1st gear is quite low. Sixth on the other hand is still within the useable torque range of the engine. I have done 2nd gear starts and wound out to around 7000 with ease. It can surprise many.

As I had an Outback, I looked at B4 and WRX before the Bora -all different vehicles -depends on your purchasing mood at the time but the quality of the VW & drivetrain refinemenet, is a cut above the Subs.

Fuel consumption is about the same - slightly higher I believe for the WRX.

I will be upgrading but keeping the Bora as a testimony to its engineering and enjoyment it has provided. The test of a good car is when you can jump in a couple of years later and still feel good about it.

[ToraBora]

1st gear is quite low. Sixth on the other hand is still within the useable torque range of the engine. I have done 2nd gear starts and wound out to around 7000 with ease. It can surprise many.

As I had an Outback, I looked at B4 and WRX before the Bora -all different vehicles -depends on your purchasing mood at the time but the quality of the VW & drivetrain refinemenet, is a cut above the Subs.

Fuel consumption is about the same - slightly higher I believe for the WRX.

I will be upgrading but keeping the Bora as a testimony to its engineering and enjoyment it has provided. The test of a good car is when you can jump in a couple of years later and still feel good about it.

Thanks popeclement - That's reassuring to know that you think the VW quality is better than the Subaru.

I think the second hand Boras are great value for money - and they have the stealth factor...hmm I think I am swinging towards the Bora again.

I want a car that is quick from the lights (doesn't need to be to 100), safe / predictable around wet corners and is reliable. Sunroof is a bonus but I can do without leather / heated seats etc..

Also I love the engine / exhaust note of the WRX. Does the Bora sound better with an aftermarket exhaust?