Considering a mk4 Golf...

Hi everyone,

I've got an automatic 1997 VR6 Golf at the moment, and Its a great car. However with petrol prices now it is hard to keep it running. Its pretty thirsty, averaging around 12 litres per 100km. I only got about 300km out of a full tank recently, city driving.

Because of this I'm considering getting a later model, but 4 cylinder golf. I wanted to get some opinions, wether this would be an upgrade or downgrade. I have heard that the 1.6 mk4's are slow and underpowered, I don't want a slow and underpowered car. I also don't want to forfeit features like cruise control.

What do you all think of the mk4 overall? What are the engines and build quality like? I like the design of the mk3 Golfs interior, but my car rattles like crazy. How is it on the mk4? If i were to get a 4cylinder, it would be in a manual.

Thanks...

if youre gonna go a mk4 fork out for a GTI. Theyre not that much more expensive. Theyre reasonable on the juice and have all the luxury items too. MK4 interior is a lot nicer than the MK3 i reckon.
what sort of budget are u gonna be playing with?

Getting a mk4 you will notice a lack of power but the GTI would be a lot more economical . With some mods they go reasonable. When I drive the wifes mk3 it feels cramped inside even after driving a mk1. Sort of feels dark in there? The mk4 doesn't have much more rear legroom. They feel bigger though and if you get a good one they feel very solidly built. Suspension is a bit soft for my liking but you can fix that if you think the same. Cheers, Andrew :) :)

I reckon 1.6 golfs go really well for what they are. They are smoother than the 2ltr's cause the 1.6 is still a german built motor. Only problem with them is really just the coolant temp probe and the brake discs shutter if you get them hot. If you have the money for a MK4 GTI though get one!

Agree! My 1.6 went well. The 2L isn't much quicker in accelleration. Don't forget the plastic impella problem on the 1.6 waterpump! Bugger bout that!:D
The interior is way ahead in the mk4s over the mk3.
Don't worry blokes! I am not canning the mk3. They are becoming the next must have after the mk1s and 2s!:)

What is the GTI like on fuel compared to the 1.6?

I don't have much cash to play with, only however much I will get for my VR6. Its a 97 auto, in excellent condition, 140kms on the clock. I don't think I could afford a GTI.

Perhaps I could go somewhere in the middle, a 2.0 or the GTI. I get the impression that the 1.6 arent great with power.

Posted at the same time DJ! see above, cheers!:)

GTIMK5 - Thats nearly on every volkswagen lol. Do you put metal ones back in? Stupid idea i reckon, they get too brital too easy, i spoke to a mate from tafe about them today (works at a vw dealership) and he said he's had them go at 10,000kms.

Hey mk2 GTI, Yes I fit the Kolbenschmidt ones which are steel. Dumb idea, plastic, never realised the mk3s had plastic till Monday either. Why cut costs there and put the motor at risk??
DJ, I found my mk4 1.6 was economical and reasonably powered though you have to use the gears.
Andrew:) :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gtimk5

I found my mk4 1.6 was economical and reasonably powered though you have to use the gears.
Andrew:) :)

---

I am in agreement with this - and when you have sorted the suspension out with something firmer and lower - you will be able to give many a more powerful car a run for it's money on a windy road!

And I have NEVER got less than 500km per tank!