VW GTI pros & cons?

Bosch sucks they ruin the new VWs… and yes 500-1000 is a lot, for that money most cars could run a standalone.

It depends on what you want in a car. I love my GLI. It’s not fast by any means, but it’s fun to drive - no turbo lag whatsoever. I mean, I ran a 14.4 w/it, so it’s not a total dog either, but that was after putting some money into a reflash, exhaust, etc… Anyhow, basically the 1.8T vs. VR6 stock for stock the VR6 wins. Modded the 1.8T usually pulls a good bit on the VR - even if it’s modded. If you’re willing to dump $4000 into a turbo setup for the VR it’ll make like 350whp on a relatively conservative tune and sound amazing and run smooth while doing it. It’s definitely the more refined option. But, if you’re looking to only put maybe $1000 into mods, do a 1.8t w/a TBE and chip and you’ll be in the 14s and it’ll have plenty of driveability. As far as the wiring being a mess and what not, my friend has had more issues w/his Evo 9 than I’ve had w/my VW and it’s 2 years newer. They have had issues w/wiring, but most don’t. I had to get a ground replaced like 2 years ago and that’s my only issue thus far (knock on wood now). Modding them isn’t that difficult either (1.8T at least?). I’ve done almost every mod on my car. They’re all tough at the time, but in hindsight they never seem that bad. If you’re in the market for VW stuff I have some random things I’m selling - including a VR6 w/70k on it or an ABA (2.0L) w/about 80k on it. Send me a PM if you’d like to talk or have any questions - I’m no expert, but if you’re interested in VW I’ll give you some advice.

Also, about Bosch ruining the VWs, the ECU’s are amazing. They’re a great car to learn how to tune on b/c you CAN’T screw them up. There’s so many things the car will just override you on if it thinks you can damage it. For that reason if you have a 1.8t you can learn a little about tuning, but you’ll ultimately end up needing a chip - the chips are $350+ (some of the best ones are in the $400 range, honestly), but they’re well worth it. It’s equivalent to a dyno-tune or something when you really think about it.

All great factors here guys! Th e guy sold the one i was talking about but i still am keeping an eye out around here for one. Both motors would be a lil tricky to mod i take it but worth wild in doing, i am waiting for a guy to send me some pics os a 91 GTI with a 99 ABA 2.0 motor cammed n chipped for a decent price.

i say avoid VW at all cost. the only thing good about VW is driving them. other than that they suck monkey balls. there is nothing good about german engineering. it is a pain in the ass about everything. with VW they go out of their way to make things difficult.

8v’s are slow as balls in comparison to a heavly modded gtp or a stock 1.8t :kekegay: in all seriousness, you won’t be satisfied!

and Bigblock… it’s obvious your hatred of vw is strong, but its’ somewhat justified… i know between my 2002 and jenn’s 2002 it seems that i’m constantly fixing something or fuckign with something (typical HORRIBLE VW wiring from the factory, shitting sensors and fighting to pass emissions) it almost seems like the older cars have less ‘issues’ but i guess i barely drive those :kekegay:… otherwise they are fun cars that when modded would be comparible or faster than the GTP…

otherwise you are going to be strongly lacking power… what did your gtp run? 13.9 or something? my gti was right there with an exhaust and a chip… with a vr i’m guessing you’d be fighting to break low 14’s and any 8v is going to be 15’s+

oh… and unlike what was said… you really cannot tune a newer bosch ecu… electrical tricks and typical ‘mods’ don’t work… so that does suck… you’re stuck buying a chip and making it work or re-inventing your car…

Just depends what you’re used to. They’re not perfect cars, but not nearly as bad as you make out. I find a lot of American and Japanese stuff “weird” work on, but I’m just used to European stuff. As for German engineering sucking, well lets just say I disagree.

Overall, look for a car that has been well maintained and cared for, just like buying any other vehicle. Don’t buy someone else’s problem.

I have a 24v gti and love it, but as sonny said, it can be an electrical nightmare. O2 sensors saying they aren’t coming up to temp and a nasty “alternator workshop” message even after having it rebuilt. Parts are expensive at times ($200 for an O2 from the dealer and $250 for the cheapest alt I could find… fuck that). Given all of that though, I love the drivetrain and the interior.

I know a guy (walt) who is a mechanic in WV and has a 2003 gti 1.8t for sale. Think he was asking 12k for it. LMK or post up because I know sonny and val know him, and I’m pretty sure sailor does too, so someone will put you in touch…

chris

edit: link to walt’s for sale post on vwvortex.comhttp://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3152564

damn walt always has cars for sale.

haha… were putting a suspension on a MKV real soon too!

I am definitely not a fan of working on VW’s! Especially Mk4 and up. My mk3 was actually quite easy and fun to work on though.

My Jetta ran a beat of a 15.7 at the track completely bone stock. I spun pretty good out of the hole but its around a mid 15 second car stock. Which is not to bad if you are just looking for a DD.

is that the black one thats on craigslist it’s from out my way. i see it every now and then.

that is leeland’s car i believe. he bought it from a co-worker for 400 bucks, sold it last night for 2300… if i passed it up for 400, that should tell you something. black w/ white wheels. actually has my old 4k tranny in it that i put a hole through the case and welded up.

Yes. But i didn’t know all of that,lol^^

seriously… buy my car.

What kind of car, and what price?

Is it that minty green Golf I saw?

Silver Golf and no, btw it’s Rave Green.

it’s a 2002 GTI 1.8t in silver… i’ve done all the vw recommended maintenance and have tons of extra parts… depending on what the buyer wants… price from say… 7k - 9k… roughly.

Extra wheels, interior / exterior parts, maintenance parts… same make and model as the green car, it has some modifications, exhaust, suspension… all can be removed or replaced at buyers request.

:blue:

Little too new, so it will probably be out of my range. Sounds great though.

Was this originally about the Silver 02 that was on Craigslist that was being sold buy a couple of techs at Sewickley Audi/VW? I was the original buyer but I gave up my deposit and it’s back up for sale last I checked.

Not sure if you drove it yet but you would need to get the suspension re-worked - it’s popping in the front, probably poor assembly or dirt in whatever aftermarket setup he has on there.

There was at least one electrical issue. The 2nd time I went to check the car out the battery was inexplicably dead. They were looking into it but don’t know if that got fixed or not.

The hood needs a little work, there are about half a dozen quarter-sized rust spots on the front.

Car also needed a new airbag computer.

Car was about what you’d expect for a late model GTI being sold a couple grand below book. The 2 techs selling it seem like decent guys, I just didn’t want to drop 5k on a basically stock GTI and spend a bunch of time on electrical/suspension quirks.

done!!!

actually wasnt’ too bad to lower the car. and the car looks great