Alright, My car is sadly on her way out.

-Leaking/Burning antifreeze.
-Leaking/Burning oil.
-Rotting away exhaust system.
-Power steering pump on it's way out I believe.

I feel like I'm missing one or two things, Can't remember off the top of my head.

But I'm looking at a 2001 Volkswagen GTI.
(http://www.cars.co...=false&aff=kbbfeed)
But, Everyone and they're mother tell me not to. Mostly cause they don't like the car. But I did some research and saw that there was no real issues with these cars, Aside from the GLX version. I looked at the carfax as well and it has an "inconsistent Odometer" So it could have been fucked with. But my real question is, What's you guys experience with the GTI, If you have one?

I'm also looking at a 2002 Subaru Impreza.
(http://www.handhau...d=WwgC5orS%2fDU%3d)

The 1.8T is a good engine. Preppy, cheap and easy to mod if you want more power out of it. Around that mileage, the timing belt and water pump have probably been done, if not you'll want to get it done ASAP as you're playing with fire. If you're getting it done, get a pump with a metal impeller.

The coil packs are often problematic, but are covered by a VW recall.

The people who are telling you to stay away from it (your friends mothers) have probably never driven one, and currently drive Corollas.

You will have a blast driving that car! The Professor is correct... the 1.8T is a superb engine, and it won't be hauling much weight, so taht car will be speedy and fun!!

Aren't those rims from a base model Golf? I thought the GTI had bigger, fancier feet?

The VR6 was the engine to stay away from. It had more problems than an overweight teenager. The 1.8T was the more reliable of the two and was waaaaaaaaay more fun to drive than the VR6 (but the VR6 would fucking rocket away from any VTEC pilots that were dumb enough to try you). Other than that, this iteration of the Golf was actually pretty bulletproof. The other thing is that I don't know very much about VW automatics... I've never heard anything bad about them, but in a car like a GTi, if a kid had it, or someone just out to piss pound it, you have no idea if the car took a beating or not. That's the danger of buying a used sporty car. The automatic will filter the fun a bit in this car.

When you look at this car, get under it, have it put on a lift and check the underneath for repaired collision damage, leaking engine or transmission, torn CV boots, or holes in the body. Carfax is not always the end all, be all they make themselves out to be. Many cars are wrecked, or damaged, quietly repaired out of pocket and sold/traded in.

what chills me about this deal is the fact that they don't give the bottom line price on the car, just a monthly payment... that usually tells me to run away from an outfit like this. However, kid, if you need a car, you need a car... JUST READ THE FINE PRINT. Bring a responsible old fart with you to make sure that you aren't getting the fucking of the decade on this car.

Price is too high, id stay away from 99.5-2001 1.8t's the 2002-2005 are much better

Another thing regarding the 1.8T... You'll have to use 502.00 grade Synthetic Oil for every oil change. And don't stretch them out. The 1.8T is kinda known for its oil sludge problems. Stay away from Jiffy Lube and the such and you'll be fine.

Mechanically, there is very little difference between pre 2002.5 and post 2002.5 1.8Ts (AWW vs AWP). It's the same turbo (K03), just different boost (0.6bar vs 0.8bar, 150hp vs 180hp) and sightly different compression ratios. That being said, once chipped, the power is the exact same. One is just as reliable as the other mechanically speaking. Some very early MK4's (99.5-2001) seem to have some minor issues with electrical, they like to eat tail light bulbs, but other than that they are very bullet proof cars. I did however own a early generation MK4 Jetta and I had no problems at all with the electrical.

Also take the time to inspect the body for rust and the such. I circled the common areas, so check those out thoroughly. Also inspect along the top of the windshield.

click to view

And Sam is on the money, screw Automatic. Especially in a VW. You want a standard.

pre 2001 is 150hp stock 200 chipped
2002.5 + is 180 hp stock 220 chipped

Stock 150hp/155lb-ft Stock Car Stock Car
Stage 2 (93oct/98ron) 206hp/225lb-ft

Stock 180hp/170lb-ft
Stage 2 (93oct/98ron) 235hp/275lb-ft

Posted by Professor Chaos And Sam is on the money, screw Automatic. Especially in a VW. You want a standard.

where did you guys see the asking price in that ad?
i just say the $87 a month.

Buddy had an '01 Jetta with a 1.8T. Awesome car, but high maintenance. Constant check engine lights, vacuum hoses busted, sludge problem, oil pump went bad, cat converter welds busted, brake/cruise switch... and that's just what I remember. Seemed like it was always something. It was a shame because the car was pretty awesome.

Posted by Samurai where did you guys see the asking price in that ad? i just say the $87 a month.

at the top left right after the title.


2001 Volkswagen GTI GLS 1.8T - $5,977

Posted by Professor Chaos at the top left right after the title. 2001 Volkswagen GTI GLS 1.8T - $5,977

that's WAY TOO FUCKING MUCH FOR A GTI WITH 97,000 MILES.
THEY'RE OUT OF THEIR FUCKING MIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get a 1.8T jetta. you'll be paying less insurance than a gti. same difference.

gti made in germany
jetta made in mexico

Thanks for the input.
The price on there is incorrect, It;s actually %5777 now, Not a huge difference.
But being that the odometer has "inconsistent Reading" Gunna try and lower it some.
I originally wanted a standard, But Being that I've never really driven one(I sucked at it) I don't wanna buy a car and have to replace the $1000 clutch. I just need a reliable car(I only really like VW and Subaru)
I'm going to check it out Sunday.

I've read that the VR6 was a nightmare, Good to see this is one of the better engines.

Also, Is there way a to find out the real mileage on a car if the Odometer is wrong?

Posted by Caligula Thanks for the input. The price on there is incorrect, It;s actually %5777 now, Not a huge difference. But being that the odometer has "inconsistent Reading" Gunna try and lower it some. I originally wanted a standard, But Being that I've never really driven one(I sucked at it) I don't wanna buy a car and have to replace the $1000 clutch. I just need a reliable car(I only really like VW and Subaru) I'm going to check it out Sunday. I've read that the VR6 was a nightmare, Good to see this is one of the better engines. Also, Is there way a to find out the real mileage on a car if the Odometer is wrong?

no one is good at driving a manual transmission when they start. it's a skill that is like everything else, perfected. whoever is charging you $1000 to change a clutch is fucking you. OK, let's put this into perspective: Would you rather change a $150 clutch pack or a $1000 automatic transmission (assuming you can find a non-fucked one)
automatics suck. end of lesson.

I started out pretty good with a manual transmission. Just saying.

Im currently driving a 2001 non GTI. If i were you, i would stay 30 miles the fuck away from it, GTI or not.

As a man who likes a good automatic tranmission, stay away from VW auto trannies...they are awful!