MKIV 2.0 Auto

**k3nnis** · 13-05-2015, 06:05 PM

Hi all,

Looking to buy a 2002-2003 model of the above car. Is the auto in these ok? Or do they break easily? Also anything to look out for? Kms are approx 160000kms. When are timing belts change needed? I saw some GLE 2.0 sport for approx $5000-$6000

I'm in Sydney. What can I expect servicing costs wise? Or should I be getting a jap? It will be used occasionally for driving to the train station and back and sometimes to work and back.

Thanks,
K.

**epitrochoid** · 13-05-2015, 08:55 PM

the 2.0 is a reliable engine. The 4speed auto is usually reliable, but will benefit from a fluid change as although they are classed as "lifetime" fill, the fluid really should be changed anywhere over 100,000km.
Timing belts are every due every 100,000km. Make sure the water pump has been changed as the plastic impeller does break and the engine overheats. usually done when the timing belt is changed.
servicing costs will vary, but if you find a reputable mechanic who knows about these cars, the costs should not be too bad.
When you test drive one, check the heater!!! They are getting to the age where the cores can leak (My 2004 Bora did).

REgards
Epitrochoid

**k3nnis** · 13-05-2015, 09:36 PM

Thanks for the tips. So when I turn on the heater, if it heats up then its fine?? Are the leather seats in the golf MKIV anygood? And also the sunroof...

**Umai Naa!!** · 13-05-2015, 09:43 PM

Avoid the auto.

I've got two on the go at the moment, that need internal repairs. Not cheap to fix.

**k3nnis** · 13-05-2015, 10:00 PM

How much to fix? Also is it the 2.0 auto or 1.6?

**Umai Naa!!** · 13-05-2015, 10:39 PM

2.0 auto.

Both cars have approximately 100,000kms on them. One of them even had the transmission serviced at 60,000kms.

Hard to estimate costs, as the problems are still ongoing. I was quoted by a transmission specialist about $4,000 drive in, drive out, for a full rebuild.

**k3nnis** · 13-05-2015, 11:15 PM

Ok the ones I want to get are like 160000kms. So hopefully they already replaced the gearbox

**k3nnis** · 14-05-2015, 04:25 PM

Any decent power in the 2.0L sport model? I know it's under 90kW. Can it get up a hill quickly?

**Umai Naa!!** · 14-05-2015, 04:40 PM

More torque than power.

Same power/torque as regular 2.0L. Sport is just fancy interior trims and different wheels.

Auto will make it a bit of a slug.