Volkswagen Golf MK4 GTI 1.8 Turbo

Having owned a VW MK4 3dr 1.8 GtI Turbo (petrol) un chipped for 4yrs, although it's getting on - 2000 Dec - 140.000 miles.

Driving around town is not what it does best >However to maintain decent fuel eco try not to have a heavy foot as soon as the turbo kicks in the fuel burns having said that it still allows up to 2.2k revs .The turbo will pull like a train this where the fun starts and great over taking. Well balanced in the corners but if you go on the motorway there is bags of performance.

However these cars do want regular service and oil change twice a year(mines had 3) also good plugs £15each and a good air filter maybe a piper cross as it breathes better (more air flow)£40 I have also changed the Turbo inlet pipe £90 as this allows the Turbo to spool up smoothly without spiking.

These basic mods are cheap and do not place to much strain on the engine. Now remaps are great. However be aware of high miles-The bottom ends go then it's game over and the scrap yard is waiting.

What to look for when buying-Front tyres as its front wheel drive so they must be a quality brand. FSH. Bushes .cam belt changed . Earthing points under the battery are in good nick. Clutch change (expensive mine was £800)they have a Dual mass flywheel which gets changed as well.

We bought this GTI 10 months ago and am very pleased with it. It feels solid especially for a ten year old car. The only squeak comes from the seat belt buckle rubbing on the leather seat. Can you say that about an Alfa. Ours is the 1.8 Turbo 150 bhp as I didn't want a pretender to the throne. The 2.0 isn't really a GTI and not badged as one on the continent. I'm more than pleased with the performance and the fuel comsumption can be upto 40mpg if driven lightly - although I still can't get my head around we vw didn't stick a 6 speed box in the earlier ones. The handling is pretty good although it never seems to get rave reviews in this department. Looks wise I think the mk4 is probably the best looking golf but vw should have sported the GTI up a bit with a different grill etc like they have for all other GTI's, even if it's subtle. I love cleaning it on a sunday it looks gorgeous in black. It's been into the garage a couple of times when the engine management lights come on but only for a few split rubber air hoses to the turbo (rubber perishes with age so can't really blame that) and once the passenger window dropped but that's a common problem on MK4's. The previous owner was a copper and loved it, he was sorry to see it go but family commitments got in the way. I wouldn't buy another one cause I love this too much!!!!