buying tips/questions re: mk4 golf GTI

[balkanac]

Hi Smitch, i think you chose very good cars and it doesn't matter which one you go for, they are the same car underneath.
My servicing costs $250 every 6-7k kms from VW becuse of the 4WD and the previous owner. He serviced it every 6-7k kms and it looks very good in the log book. The 60k service is coming up and that will cost me from $1300 - $1500 for new oils in the engine and 4WD system, new filters, spark plugs, etc.
But a GTi should be a lot cheaper to service
Gareth, congrats on your puchase, i hope you bring it to the next cruise!

[Smitch]

Thanks for that, Sounds reasonable.

How do the Golf GTI's and A3's compare in terms of electrics/accessories. Eg: climate control, cruise control, electric sunroof, electric seats etc?

I cant find a definitive list anywhere.

Edit: do they both have ABS brakes?

[glidn]

both cars have ABS

as for cruise control and sunroof, i guess it's a luck of the draw really. I'm not to sure about the cruise control over there. But here in NZ they have about only a handful of GTI's or even A3's with cruise control. Electric seats you will only really find that in a S3 audi not A3 or GTi unless 2004ish onwards i would say.

In south Africa you will pretty much have ever box ticked bar the electric seats, including everything you hope to get in your GTI.

[gareth_oau]

the GTI's can come with optional recaros in leather, they look and feel really good.

Better than the A3 seats methinks

[HOLEIN1]

the GTI's can come with optional recaros in leather, they look and feel really good.

Better than the A3 seats methinks

x2

however goodluck finding one with them, and even then you will find that not too many have the leather in good nick

i was looking for ages and all i found were either the seats with the basic bolstering (ie, not recaro style) or were in terreble condition, hence i settled for the cloth trim

[Smitch]

thanks again,

I see heaps of golfs have wood grain in the dash and doors. I really dont like woodgrain. Has any one successfully/easily replaced/painted these?

Also, When do they need their major services?

and I see many GTI's around the 120,000kms mark for sale at about $15.5k-$17k. This is porbably what Im going to go for. Is that alot of Kms for these things or are they still likley to go strong for a good while after. (assuming everything is in good order and proper servicing done.)

cheers

[SoVeReIgN]

both cars have ABS

as for cruise control and sunroof, i guess it's a luck of the draw really. I'm not to sure about the cruise control over there. But here in NZ they have about only a handful of GTI's or even A3's with cruise control. Electric seats you will only really find that in a S3 audi not A3 or GTi unless 2004ish onwards i would say.

In south Africa you will pretty much have ever box ticked bar the electric seats, including everything you hope to get in your GTI.

In Aus, all A3s after 2001 got Cruise standard, and the leather in the A3 is the same as the GTi if not better?

The woodgrain is touch and go - You either like it or you don't.

[bujna]

Hey Guys,

I'm also new here. Well i've been reading a lot of threads here for a while, i just haven't been posting.

I'm from Newcastle too. I bought my red GTI from northern sydney 6 months or so ago. I can't comment on the higher km cars you have been seeing as mine still only has 77k on it, but it's been solid so far with no issues.

I drive to Newy from Maitland to go to work so i do more highway kms then city kms, and i get a bit over 600kms before the fuel light comes on. It's great considering i do occasionally give it a bit of hell at the lights.

I've been getting it serviced at Klosters VW in Broadmeadow and their standard service prices have been reasonable. The major services are at 30000km intervals and are pricy at about $600, but the in between services have been about $150 i think.

I guess my advice would try to get one that has had a major service done recently so you don't have to worry about it for a while. I bought mine just as the 60000km service was due, and got stung.



It's all worth it though. They are bloody fun to drive.