VW Newbie - 03 MK4 MY02 GTI - Recommendations?

[Scooter]

Hi all,

Going to buy my first Golf and wanted some advice on the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 4th Gen MY02 GTI. It has almost 110,000km and is up for $11,990 (dealership drive away no more to pay blah blah).

Are there any known massive faults with this car? I heard one series of Golf was notorious for it's gearbox issues.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks people.

Scooter.

[noone]

Are you sold on a Mk4? Plans for power or other mods?
If you are thinking of doing a little work to get the most out of it, it's probably worth looking at cars with the work done for a little more.

Mk4's of this age tend to have issues with piping that has aged and needs replacing. Nothing major, but good insurance to do it, ESP if you want to chip it.

[Scooter]

Hey thanks heaps for the reply.
I have a low budget (selling my cx-7 luxury sports is hurting but want a project car). Nice to know about the piping, though I'm uneducated on what the piping is. Do you mean the turbo piping/intercooler/radiator? I want something that is standard so I can learn and modify (legally) myself.

Thanks again!

[VR6man]

Check the servicing, make sure the timing belt has been done

[RolfGolf]

Check the servicing, make sure the timing belt has been done

And if the timing belt has been done, that the water pump has been replaced at the same time - the plastic impeller tends to break on the original.

Wouldn't hurt to get the car scanned for faults with VCDS by a volkswagen tech or enthusiast.

The 1.6 is in/famous for gearbox issues not the 1.8 so you should be okay there ...

Has it been chipped or is it bog-standard?

Depending on the service history, I'd set aside some money for getting things up to standard - ie. it's a 9 year old car so things like the suspension components might need a refresh, discs, brakes etc.

Cheers.

[VR6man]

And if the timing belt has been done, that the water pump has been replaced at the same time - the plastic impeller tends to break on the original.

I forgot about the water pump, only got it done last month myself

[Scooter]

Yeah I saw that one in my research! Wasn't sure if it was a belt or chain. I thought belts were done every 200k???
Thanks VR6man

[Scooter]

That is the exact advice I'm after!!!!! Thanks RolfGolf. I'm pretty sure it's stock. I am hearing a bit about this chipping. I take it there is some legal mod to get some extra performance via chip. I believe the belt and pump has been replaced but will believe it when I see the logs!!! But will be awesome ammo when negotiating price.

Thanks so much mate. I will be checking it out tomorrow. Will post if I get it. Loving vwwatercooled already. So helpful.

Scooter.

[VR6man]

yeah i saw that one in my research! Wasn't sure if it was a belt or chain. I thought belts were done every 200k???
Thanks vr6man

90-100k

[JustCruisn]

Scooter, are you in Springfield qld? If you want a ride in a chipped car for comparison let me know. Be mindful that the dealer is asking top price there. These cars have been selling for less than $8000, even $6500. You would want that car to be 100%. Consider an inspection from a vw specialist or Racq.