2001 Volkswagen Golf GTi 1.8T 1.8 litre turbo
Summary:
Wonderful car, just choose wisely
Faults:
Not much. Water pump impeller was on the way out when replaced. A couple of sensors needed replacing at $100 each. No biggie.
General Comments:
My GTI has been an excellent combination of luxury, performance and prestige with quality that shames almost all modern hatches, including the Mk5 Golf.
I bought it in 2008 and it had only traveled about 60,000 kms - it was literally the best one I could find. The car has been babied and it loves me back!
You've got to keep an eye on the timing belt and water pump, but apart from that these are reliable little gadgets with plenty of grip and go.
If you don't believe me, just look at all the fan sites and forums full of MK4 GTI owners. This comes in handy if anything goes wrong with the car too, as there are plenty of people who know how to sort the car out.
Performance-wise it's no WRX, but then again that's part of the appeal. In Australia the GTI is bought by people who want something a bit stealthy and different, but still quick. Put it this way, you won't get car-jacked (unlike a WRX), and if someone tried you could scoot away without drama.
If you need it to go faster, you can chip it for $1500 or so and have 150kw (200+hp) There's plenty more tuning options available if you want to go even faster.
Some will say it's not as focused as a GTI6 or EVO, but I disagree. This is a machine that has been finely tuned, not as a track weapon for The Stig to thrash about in, but a comfortable, livable everyday car that's a bit different from the norm.
The rRecaro cloth seats are supportive and massively adjustable. The digital climate control was a treat.
0-100 and lap times are important if you're 15 or live in a fantasy world. This is a car that's as impressive driving to the shops at 50km/h as it is on a winding mountain pass.
The ride and handling balance is superb, if a little on the soft side - not such a bad thing on Australia's terrible roads.
I love my GTI. Literally everyone that's seen it can't believe the condition it's in and its quality in general.
But like my line at the start says, it's worth being patient and waiting to find the right gal before sealing the deal.
After that you've got to service it (the car, boys, settle down) regularly and be attentive to troubles so that the relationship doesn't end in disaster.
The 2001 GTI scores 8/10 for me.
+ Excellent quality, comfort, image
- Parts expensive, could be quicker
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th November, 2008
24th Jun 2009, 19:45
Another update, another 10,000kms.
Replaced the front tyres. Discs will need doing at the end of the year.
It blew a window regulator (fixed for <$100) but other than that the car has been perfect. I love it and plan to buy a MkV GTI / GLI as a replacement later.
Thanks for reading.
18th Jan 2009, 21:01
I've put 10,000kms into the Golf since this review, and thought I'd add some more thoughts... The car rocks!
I've had no technical problems with it, the brakes, tyres etc are still fine and I'm still thoroughly enjoying the drive. The car doesn't handle quite as sharp as an Impreza WRX, but for what it is I think it's a gem. I don't know what spec other countries have, but mine has sumptuous black/grey Recaro seats, a sunroof, climate control etc etc.
I recently fitted a Forge 007 diverter valve and K&N air filter so I can hear the turbo a bit better, and it's fantastic - it helps unlock aural gems present in even a stock tune.