What are the main things I should look for/be conserned about when buying a 00-02 gti?

[Dubgirl87]

Ok so I've owned a 2001 1.8T Jetta before and had a HORRIBLE experience but I'm thinking of dipping my feet back into the vdub world and buying a gti..,, I know my Jetta was made in Mexico (aren't I the lucky one? Lol) and I've heard they have A LOT more issues than the German made jettas but finding a German made gti in my price range is seeming impossible right now.... So my question is what should I look for or be conserned about when buying another VW? Thank you!

[shgolden]

All Jettas since 1994 have been assembled in Mexico, so luck doesn't come into it. German assembled A4s like the Jetta wagon were just as unreliable as Mexico produced ones. And yes, this is my opinion, but I've never seen any proof that German assembled VWs are better than ones built in Mexico (or Brazil, Portugal, etc...).

[rhodri45]

All Jettas since 1994 have been assembled in Mexico, so luck doesn't come into it. German assembled A4s like the Jetta wagon were just as unreliable as Mexico produced ones. And yes, this is my opinion, but I've never seen any proof that German assembled VWs are better than ones built in Mexico (or Brazil, Portugal, etc...).

this. its still a vw plant, a vw trained set of workers, vw parts, etc.

[Dubgirl87]

Oh ok... I'm just going by who I THOUGHT to be a reliable source ..... Lol.... He had told me my Jetta had so many problems because it was made in Mexico lol.... I know that euros can be picky (I already know about the engine light joke too lol) but it freaked out over anything..... A tail light bulb went out and the whole car would freak out lol.... In a little less than a year I spent over a thousand dollars just in parts on it.... What are the MAIN things to look for when buying one? I know the basics but I just don't want to get stranded with my 3 kids in the car over and over.... (luckily the Jetta usually made it home before she would freak out lol)

[rhodri45]

well the vr6 models have alot of issues with coilpacks @ or neat 100k miles. so if you want alot of work to do all the time, the vr6 is a fun project, but itll never die on you. ever.

the 1.8t is a great motor, super reliable. the 2.0 is the same way.

all vws prior to 2010 have many many many electrical gremlins/issues (my 2012 even still does) but they're all easy to work around. electrical silly tiny issues that just tickle your anger receptors in your brain. other than that, if they're clean they're good. have your local mechanic check it out. if you know about this forum im sure you know about a good vw enthusiast near you

[Dubgirl87]

Ok thank you yea I had the 1.8T before and had so many issues with it within a year of owning the car..... I'm pretty sure it was really dogged out by the people before me.... Not to mention they overfilled the oil by 2 quarts.... Luckily there was a recall on the coil packs so that saved me some money but I had to rePlace (myself) the n249 valve, radiator, crank sensor (3 times), gut out the catalyc converter,mass airflow sensor,ecu, cv axle, motor mounts,ccm,water pump, timing belt and a few other things that I know I'm forgetting lol..... Luckily my father taught me a bit about cars and I watched a bunch of YouTube tutorials to be able to do most of it myself.... It saved me thousands.... I don't mind a few things messing up here and there I just don't want a problem child again lol.

[spitfire1]

avoid a 1.8t, they are getting old and a lot of parts will need to be replaced. get a vr or a 2.0. the vr will need chains and guides at about 100k. coolant leaks and coils are a problem with all vw's. if you want reliable engine get a 2.0. one thing to avoid is auto trans, do not get an auto trans on any mk4, they are all junk.

[Rockerchick]

My 1.8T has been great this past year. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. The VRs and 2.0s are also just as old.

Though, I'd go newer on the GTI so you could get the 180hp 1.8T vs. the earlier 150hp 1.8T. Much better and easier to mod

[buguy]

What year did the 180hp start?

[Rockerchick]

I think it started in '02.

[buguy]

I just did a comparison on KBB and yes, 180hp started in '02. '01 was 150 hp, but also was a bit smaller and about 100 pounds lighter.

[Rockerchick]

If you are looking to mod for power, the 180hp is going to give you a lot more bang for your buck. A Stage 1 tune will put you over 200hp. Stage one on the 150hp will put you near the stock AWP 180hp. I think its the APH 1.8T that you can't go above Stage 1+ tuning either without swapping the ECU. So many pros for the AWP.

[smittyATL]

All MKIVs have the same problems rgardless of engine--emission stuff, window regulators, ABS module, coil packs, etc. 10+ year old cars also have a lot of wear items needing replacement.

1.8T could have turbo issues but can run a long time on factory turbo with good synthetic oil change intervals. I have 145k miles on my original turbo. Timing belt, water pump, etc. is very important.

VR6 can run over 200k miles with original chains with good synthetic oil change intervals.

I've had both and would go VR6 over 1.8T if you do not plan on modifying. 1.8T has maybe 1-2 MPG better for me. Every VR6 I've seen had the leather(ette) sport seats and interior. Both are pretty fun engines. 2.0, no way. Get a Civic instead.

[Rockerchick]

2.0, no way. Get a Civic instead.

I had one for 6 1/2 years. Would I get another? Not now that I've got a 1.8T. But its not a bad motor at all. Pair it with a 5-speed and you have yourself one solid combination. Its not fast, but not everyone needs fast. It will last a long time though.

[smittyATL]

Will it last as long as a Civic though? Will it break less? Will it get better MPG?

[Rockerchick]

Is a Civic a VW? We had a Honda in the driveway for 4 years...was it reliable? Heck yeah it was. Put less into it than I did my NB (which didn't require much really). But it was boring as heck. It was an appliance car and did the job we needed it to do. But driving it for 3 weeks while I got a new car after my accident was pure torture.

Sometimes someone just wants a VW. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a 2.0 to someone.

[buguy]

How do you identify the APH and AWP? I dont know what either of those mean by the way! Im new here!

[Rockerchick]

Here is some info on 1.8T engine codes: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...88#post3948084

[buguy]

Perfect! Thank you! This place is a little difficult to navigate. Loooooots of info here.

[HavokRuels]

Though, I'd go newer on the GTI so you could get the 180hp 1.8T vs. the earlier 150hp 1.8T. Much better and easier to mod

But you get the same exact HP gain on both with an APR tune. Personally I would go with the AWP motor


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