2002-2005 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T?
(2010-05-29 16:17:26) 1. Says: So I'm looking for my first car and I've always loved GTI's. I was able to save up enough dough to chip in with my parents for one. I love the look of the newer 2.0T version but those are gonna end up being too expensive. Does anyone have any experience with this car and would like to give an opinion on it or some general comments? How is it in terms of reliability? I'm still not sure if im gonna go manual or not (my parents want me get an automatic :).Thanks!!2. Says: I am also a proud owner of 2002 GTI 1.8T. I pretty much second everything the previous guy said. You will need to maintain it, which is by far cheaper if you do some work yourself. There will be some jobs that require a mechanic to do it, simply because he has every tool. They are terrific cars, fun to toss around, lively, and a fun car to own. The newer 2.0T's will be more expensive, and since I imagine you would be getting one of the early 2.0T's (06-08), they have a earlier version of that engine (the FSI) and have had some issues and were later revised (TSI).
I would say go for a manual 100%. They make driving any small car with a relatively small engine ten times more enjoyable, and gives you tremendous more control in terms of what you want the engine to do. Plus, if you end up modifying it at all, the automatics have trouble holding more power vs. the manuals.
They did make a limited amount of Golf 1.8Ts, but there are several parts that are not on the Golf, that are on the GTI. The suspension is completely different for one. The GTI's is a sport tuned suspension, and is tighter and thus making the car handle better. The brakes will be bigger on the GTI, and the body on the GTI is slightly different (different front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and maybe bigger wheel bulges). But you can get the Golf in a 4-door configuration, whereas the Mk4 GTI (with the 1.8T) was only available in a 2-door configuration.
With all that being said, I would highly recommend you to go for a GTI. Make sure it has been well maintained, and what has and has not been replaced when you look at one (It makes a huge difference when negotiating price). Feel free to contact me if you have additional questions about any of this. Good luck!3. Says: I am as in love with my 2002 GTI 1.8T as the day I picked it up in May of 2002. They will require some maintenance at this age, so if you are afraid of both getting your hands dirty or forking over money to a repair shop, shop for a Honda or Toyota. The manual transmission is going to get you better gas mileage, improve reliability, and ultimately make you a better driver, as you will be more in tune and attentive with the car. Get a car with as few options as possible, as the car comes nicely equipped in its base form, and leaves a lot less to go wrong. Only buy a used car from a third party that can provide receipts or other proof that schedule maintenance (especially the timing belt for 1.8Ts over 80,000 miles) was done. If you can find a 2001 Golf with the 1.8T motor, that's a great deal because you get the cheaper insurance benefit of a 5-door hatchback, with all the performance of a GTI. Tag: 2002-2005 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T?