VWwA Used Car Guides (Type 1J) Bora 1999-2005

[phaeton]

1999-2005 Bora (Type 1J) 2.0, 2.3 V5 (110kW), 2.3 V5 GLE (125kW), 2.8 V6 4Motion

If you have owned or own one of the models above; please state your experience with the Bora negatives :( and positives :).

Also fill in the below blanks like below ;)


example
Model: Bora 2,0
Engine: 2.0 with 85kW
Year: 2004
Any Problems ?: tyres fell off

[qsilverza]

Model: Bora 2.8 V6 4motion
Engine: 2.8 with 155 KW and 270 NM or thereabouts
Year: 2001
Rating out of 10 = 7.

Problems:

Window Regulators on the front doors, due to the plastic not being upto the job (Should really have been a recall by VW)
Boot Carrier Plate, the plastic bit that moves with solenoid snapped off. Once again plastic not upto the job.
Clutch Pressure plate (Replaced under dealer warranty, clutch was only at half so very likely the way the previous owner drove)
Clutch Pedal Welds snapped because of the spot welds and not fully welded. Leaving me pretty much stranded.(Dangerous)
ESP Sensor on the front left will pump on a fast sweeping right hander when it really shouldn't be.
Knocking on the rear suspension. Likely the top bump mounts, only in the cold.
Brake Light switch.I Replaced from VW. Should also be a recall.
Air-con flapper positioning motor. Can't find home position.


Gripes:
ESP Can't be turned off completely.
Haldex Sports Controller should have been standard.

Likes:
It's a bit of everything, tow-car, town-car,snow-car,beach car etc. has a great soundtrack and it's pretty damn safe not the quickest car around but all the better for me to stay alive ! (I finally managed to get the back out in the rain ! fun fun !) On that note the EBD works really well increases the pedal pressure when the car thinks you need it. It works really well. Also Insurance isn't astronomical. Can be driven frugally i.e. about 10.0 Litres/100 but I am not that patient. Swaybar and haldex are highly recommended ! Even with all the minor problems I encountered with the car, it has been pretty reliable overall and I would recommend it if you had similar criteria to me.

Drive-train is great ! And it should last as it is rated for much more power ! I.E. S3's/ R32's

Modifications:
Swaybar
Haldex controller
HPA Short Shifter
RDA disks and redstuff pads
205/55 R16's RE001's very sticky !

[FarQ]

Any Problems ?: tyres fell off

lol... :biggrin:

Model: Bora 2.8 V6 4motion
Engine: 2.8 V6 150KW
Year: 2003 (1 owner... ME :biggrin: )
Rating out of 10 = 8.

Gripes:
I find the suspension is a bit on the soft side, as it seems to float over dips and rises when going at speed.
Should've had the W8 backlit sunroof control panel (should've got one when the A$ was high).
Bi-Xenons shopuld have been an option in Aus (option available in Europe), since the car pretty much came with no options (dealers must've cried about that!)
DTE should've been enabled in factory (i've since done the mod)
Shifter throw is a bit long for this type of car
Wife only gets about 400km out of a tank!

Likes:
4motion is awesome on takeoff, especially in the wet! Insurance is cheap for a car which cost $50k+ when new (currently about $650 for me)

Modifications:
K&N Panel Filter
DTE mod to Trip Computer
Short Shifter.

[Manaz]

Model: Bora V6 4Motion
Engine: 2.8L 15º V6, 150kW, 270Nm
Year: 2003
Problems: I bought the car second hand (technically third hand). I had some noise from the steering/front suspension when applying lock, an upgraded front sway bar has mostly fixed this, but I think I'll be replacing all bushings when I replace the suspension.

I had the AWD controller replaced with the Haldex sport model at the same time as the front swaybar was done, and it really makes a difference to the car's handling - it doesn't drop the front outside corner anywhere near as much on corners now, maintaining a much more level stance, and the power shift to the rear is much quicker and more evident. A rear bar is next, and then probably a front strut brace.

Speaking of suspension, it's a real mixed bag. Crashes a lot on slow rough surfaces, yet floaty at speed - I suspect the struts and springs aren't terribly well matched, or maybe just not well matched to Sydney's cruddy roads. I'm investigating coilovers as the long term replacement, though if I go that way it'll be the higher-end models with adjustable rebound and damping so I can tune them to the conditions.

Brakes aren't bad, but I'm upgrading anyway to R32 brakes and braided lines.

I may end up having a flash done to the standard chip, gains to 165kW and around 300Nm are possible apparently, as well as tweaking the engine's power delivery. Long term, I'd love to look at forced induction (as much as that might destroy the lovely linear nature of the engine) for more power. 150kW is nice, and surprises a few people, 250kW would be nicer. For the track, of course! :)

The interior is all leather, and is nice. There's some squeaks and rattles, but it is a 5yo car. The seats are a touch narrow for my fat butt (though I suspect my bad hip is really the problem here, as that's what hurts after a long time at the wheel). The gearbox is pretty sweet, though a short-shift kit wouldn't go astray :)

The overall plan is to keep it as a clean looking sleeper.

[tigger19]

Model: Bora 2.8 V6 4motion
Engine: 2.8 with 155 KW and 270 NM
Year: 2003
Rating out of 10 = 7.

Problems:
Window Regulators on the front doors, due to the plastic - it should have been metal to start with (as in the repair kit).
Brake Light switch. I had mine replaced by VW.

Gripes:
Haldex Sports Controller should have been standard.
Suspension is a bit soft - although easily fixed with upgrade.
Short shift and stiffer dogbone helps here too.

Likes:
It's a real sleeper. Great interior. It is great fun in the wet especially once the suspension, swaybars and Haldex upgrade is done and with proper breathing it can put out a great sound.

Insurance isn't too bad either are running costs.
Although like all cars you can have minor problems from time to time, it has been pretty reliable overall.
Has great potential for more power if chipped (or forced induction if you have the cash).


Modifications:
Neuspeed Swaybars (front and rear)
Koni FSD Shocks
Haldex Sports controller
Neuspeed Short Shifter
INA Street Density dogbone mount
BMC CDA Cold Air intake
EBC disks and redstuff pads
17" Siata alloy wheels
225/45 R17's Hankook Ventus S1 EVO K107 - good grip for the price!

Thinking about:
Eibach Pro Kit Springs - for handling but not sure if I want to go lower (steep driveway)
ECU reflash by Custom Code or Revo - but not sure about bang for buck!

Pretty happy overall. :)

[dylan8]

Model: Bora Black Manual
Engine: 2.0 with 85 KW
Year: 2001
Rating out of 10 = 8.

Problems:
Window Regulator on the passenger door
MAF, O2 sensor, Thermo Stat etc etc

Gripes:
Rear ride height compared to the front.
All the plastic bits (windows etc) that just break down in time.
The wooden gear nob when i have a aluminum looking trim else where?
Headlights seem to be a bit average..?
Doesn't indicate when oil is low (only alarms you when is completely run out)
Its never clean!! (not VWs fault though)

Likes:
The sound of the inline four, the amazing fuel economy (still better then alot of new small cars)
Stock sound system, i think its very good for a car of its price.
Great looking car.
Parts are generally cheaper then other European cars IMO.
For a 2 litre it seems to have a fair bit of go.

Modifications:
Audi A8 18" wheels (in storage)
DVD flip out display
Sub and Amp (sold :-( )
Driving Lights (only one left lol)
Tinting
OEM Roof Racks
BBS RS 17x9
Coilovers
Sway bar
Adjustable Endlinks
1/2 Joeymod headlights with inbuilt fogs

Thinking about:
Debadging and filling.
4mo front lip
Euro style number plates.
Bags if i don't buy a new car first

This was my first car, got it second hand with 60,000km on the clock, but comparing to my mates and family cars i think its a winner. Always gets a look in a town full of P platers driving old Commodores, old Falcons, lancers, and excels!

[UG1]

Model: Bora 2.8 V6 4motion Black with beige interior
Engine: 2.8 with 155 KW and 270 NM
Year: 2001
Rating out of 10 = 8

Problems:

Usual problems :S

Brake Light switch (twice)
Passenger side window regulator
Clutch pedal welding
MAF sensor
Coolant temp sensor
Punctured engine sump (twice)
Nice feeling but deteriorating plastics everywhere

Gripes:
Soft suspension - bottoms out easily - punctured sump!

Likes:
Sleeper, good compromise between performance/luxury/fuel comsumption/price.
Good quality soft leather.
Good quality paint. Still looks so good when washed, people don't realise it's 9 years old.
Good touring car, with enough power and handling to have fun.
I like the simple boxy look. I don't like the new Jetta look at all.


Modifications:
JVC headunit with DVD/USB/Asian languages/line-in/matching display colours with dash
12" Pioneer Sub woofer
Dangling Astro Boy
Dodgy CAI job

Thinking about:
R32 Exhaust mod
New suspension, my shocks are shot! (any suggestions? I just want a bit firmer for comfortable street driving)
Haldex controller mod depending on how much it costs

Overall I am still very happy with this car even with the minor problems here and there. I will keep this until it breaks down, or am forced to upgrade to bigger car.

[maca]

Model: Bora V5
Engine: 2.3 with 125 KW and 220nm, manual.
Year: 2001 (MY02)
Rating out of 10 = 8

My first car, dark green with beige leather and sunroof. I miss her everyday!

I absolutely LOVED the sound quality of the stock stereo, I used a cassette adapter for my iPod and it was crystal clear.

Plenty of power, quite torque high up and it sounded loverly. I also loved the fast, real "tick tock" the indicators made. The Jetta's slow pattern puts me to sleep :P

My main issues were standard wear & tear from an eight year old car with 180,000km on it.

The only drama I had was the discolouration of the headlights, which a quick visit to ASV European fixed (at only $220 per side for genuine Hella's with fog lamps). My brake light switch stopped working for one day but never had any issues after that.

The child lock switch for the windows was always in the "locked" position but didn't actually lock the rear windows, and I couldn't activate the lock unless if I manually held the switch down. Another issue was my armrest, the clicky locky thing that kept it in an elevated position broke and I never got around to fixing it. Oh and the rear ashtray; that was alway broken since I got the car but I managed to fix it slightly.

[Gravey]

Model: Bora V5
Engine: 2.3 with 125 KW and 220nm, manual
Year: 2004
Odometer: 118,000km
Length of ownership: 1.5yrs
Rating: 8/10
Problems: 2 coil packs have died - both rev.a, suspension required replacement, centre console latch broken, Air-con flapper positioning motor faulty - causes air flow to fluctuate when not in recirc position. [UPDATE @ 180,000km/5yrs ownership] O2/Lambda Sensors sending incorrect voltages (high fuel consumption, running rough and underpower). Front end needs refreshing (control arm bushings, tie rods, etc, strut mounts), noisy starter moter (needs cleaning/recondition) leaking oil from oil pressure switch and timing chain cover.
Gripes: Rear ride height, soft stock suspension, boot doesnt always open on second click of key fob, not much room in back for passengers (but who cares?)
Likes: enough power to get in trouble, slick styling inside and out, comfortable leather interior, heated front seats, big boot, decent stock stereo - 6CD stacker with 8 speakers, very good braking, good safety rating, 17" Sports Alloys.
Mods: Eibach Pro Kit Springs + Bilstein B8 Shocks, Tyrol Brake Caliper Stiffening Kit, Stage 2 ECS Front Suspension Refresk Kit (Audi TT Bushes), Toyo Proxes4, KVW100 Window Roll Up/Down Flash Load Module (Remote windows, auto window up when locked)
Thinking of: Custom Exhaust

[dylan8]

boot doesnt always open on second click of key fob

hey? i cant do this! did you get a different remote/set up

[Back Door Shenanigans.]

I'm fairly sure after 2002 they came with 3 buttons on the remote instead of the two found on pre 2001. I'm also pissed off at it because it would make the window roll up down mod so much awesomer with one button closing all windows and locking

[Manaz]

I'm fairly sure after 2002 they came with 3 buttons on the remote instead of the two found on pre 2001. I'm also pissed off at it because it would make the window roll up down mod so much awesomer with one button closing all windows and locking

My 2003 model didn't come with a three-button remote. I know of at least two other 2003 model cars that didn't either, so I don't think this was part of the 2002.5 update.

[Gravey]

hey? i cant do this! did you get a different remote/set up

I have a 2-key fob. Its an option in the Comfort Control Module. h100vw kindly made the change for me. One click unlocks passenger door, 2 clicks is supposed to unlock all doors, but sometimes I need to press it again to get the boot. I think it depends on the timing of the second click....dunno its weird. I like it this way for security, even if the boot is a little annoying sometimes.

Reminds me...forgot the remote window mod I've done too. I'll add that now

[Cookie28]

Hey guys I was just wondering if there were any updates made for the 2001 model? Because I've got my 2000 2.0 bora insured for a lot (I'm a p-plater) and can get a 4-motion insured for less than my car??? Could you guys maybe help me with why because I'm kinda confused... :(

[dylan8]

have heard of that before. cheaper to insure and mkv r32 then it is a 2lt jetta, same company, same people getting the insurance.
Not many changes between the models, a/c controls, headrests, tail lights, just minor pointless things.

[Cookie28]

so annoyed :( just wish i had a bit more money and then id consider seling mine and buying a 4-motion which has just gone up on carsales near me... and i dont think the parents would be keen on lending me any more money... although i could pull the safety of awd card :D

[dylan8]

s... although i could pull the safety of awd card :D

good idea, do it!

[Cookie28]

if only theyd fall for it... o well i can always dream

[governor22]

hey? i cant do this! did you get a different remote/set up

did you know you can close the sunroof when you lock the car using key ? Sunroof has to be in tilt though, not fully open. And I don't think you can open it....

might have another play around tonight

[Ace_Dub]

Does the K&N filter make much of a difference? and is it worth getting?

[Syndicate]

Does the K&N filter make much of a difference? and is it worth getting?
I found these
eBay: Chen's Ham and Motorcycle options (http://stores.ebay.com.au/Chens-Ham-and-Motorcycle-options/Car-Air-Filters-/_i.html?_fsub=399624219&_sid=123932779&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322)

about the same price as a stock air filter, and from what I remember same build quality as the K&N's

[VR6man]

Model: Bora V5, Indigo Blue
Engine: 2.3 with 125 KW and 5spd manual
Year: 2002
Odometer: 118,000km
Length of ownership: A few weeks
Rating: 8/10
Problems: noisy starter motor, squeaky brakes

Gripes: soft stock suspension, reach for spare tyre

Likes: just enough power for a family hack, drives smoothly , comfortable leather interior, heated front seats, big boot, decent stock stereo ,very good braking and braking feel

Mods: none yet

Thinking of: Suspension

[Wighty654]

did you know you can close the sunroof when you lock the car using key ? Sunroof has to be in tilt though, not fully open. And I don't think you can open it....


My sunroof will close from any position when i hold the key to lock?

[markc]

Model: Bora V6 4motion
Engine: 2.8 with 155 KW and 270 NM
Year: 2001
Odometer: ~214,000 kms
Length of ownership: 2 years
Rating out of 10 = 6.5

Problems:

- Coilpack died due to flooding in Melbourne in 2011
- clutch pedal linkage broke
- gearbox failed
- clutch failed
- boot latch failed

Gripes:

- Front suspension in squeaky despite stage one suspension refresh kit
- suspension is too soft
- 16" stock wheels should have been 17" (on the non-Sport)
- headlights are pretty average
- general wear and tear on an aging car

Likes:

- brilliantly torquey engine
- AWD grip, especially accelerating out of corners
- one touch close sunroof
- seat warmers
- rain-sensing wipers
- clean console and dash design
- practical with a good boot size
- design has aged well, still looks fairly modern
- reasonably priced (2nd hand)
- low insurance premiums

Mods:

- K&N filter

Thinking of:

- Selling

Overall I've enjoyed the car. Zero engine issues even at these high kms which is testament to regular servicing. Most of the issues I've had are generally due to the high kms and general wear and tear. It still hurts when you have to pay half the value of the car when the gearbox and clutch fail.

[BMan]

Hi All, I just recently purchased a used (I am the third owner) 5 Speed manual, 2004 V5 Bora Sports with 129,000 km on the clock. Factory optioned with Climatronic, leather and premium audio (which isn't so premium anymore).

The car is wickedly fun to drive around and I have very little to complain about. I would like to be able to use this as a hobby car and do it up where I can. The car has full logbooks and has always been serviced at McCarrols VW on the North Shore.

This is the first German Manual I've driven and can't believe how much fun it is to drive.

Will be doing an Audio upgrade shortly.

has anyone tried fitting the iPad mini into these MK IVs?

[Bora99]

Model: Bora 2.0 Type 1J
Engine: 2.0 with 85kW
Year: 1999
Any Problems? I bought my Bora secondhand off CarSales in 2011 (I think) with about 180,000kms.
Passenger window wouldn't go up or down (luckily it was up when it went out). CD Player went in it after I owned the car for a year or so.

Besides costing me an arm and a leg due to my own fault (I was a bit neglectful after hitting a massive roo at about 35km/ph) I absolutely love/d my Bora! Bloody tough little thing. I had to drive her about 1300kms after hitting a roo but got about another 15,000km before engine mounts went and everything else. Got fixed up and then the exhaust/manifold went, welded her up 2 or 3 times until the mechanics said enough's enough you gotta get a new exhaust, was quoted $1300 for a new one and it'd have to be shipped from Europe and that was without fitting it Not sure if he was talking BS just to get me to buy a new car or not ha. She still runs, struggles to start in hot weather but has been retired at around 320,000kms. Had a lot of good times and memories, she was super quick around corners and has been to hell and back.

EDIT - Had the coil pack go on me coming home from Melbourne, RACV put a piece of plastic on it to stop it shorting out. That piece of plastic kept her running for 2 years until some nong who did the plugs and leads took it off! Replaced with one from a wrecker and good as gold again.

I would definitely get another Bora, hell I almost did end up with a second one but I have animals I have to cart around so I went for a Passat wagon this time (after my AU ute of 1 1/2 months blew up!). Seriously think they're very under-rated against your holdens and fords.