MKIV 1.8 or 2.3 ????????

[Dava486]

Hi Guys, I am looking at buying a Mk4 GTI but cannot decide on the 1.8 or the V5. I will drive both before making a final decision, but I would appreciate any tips/advice before I buy. Things I don't know are servicing costs, timing belt intervals, stuff like that. Also anything special I need to be aware of when checking the vehicle over. I know some of this is all pretty basic stuff but I would be grateful for any advice.
Cheers Dave.

[euroslap]

This question come up a couple of times before, I'd go with the 2.3 due to lovely sound of the engine but you'll find most on here are against the V5 due to the petrol consumption. ;)

[dubcruiser]

1.8 everytime. I assume you mean the 1.8T but even if you don't I would still have the non turbo 1.8 over a V5. The 1.8T is a more flexible engine and the economy versus the power from it is really quite good. I get mid 30's out of mine but with a V5 you will getting high 20's maybe low 30's on a run.

Also don't forget to check the Co2 levels of the V5 because I know the V6's fall into the £400 tax bracket when the government change the rulings.

[Crasher]

Yes the engine note and torque delivery of the 2.3 is quite pleasant in comparison to the slightly lag prone and anodyne sounding 1.8T but the running costs are much higher, the handling no where near as nice (much heavier engine) and they are extremely difficult and expensive to get any more power from. Reliability wise they are OK except for burning a little oil as they age.

[v6dub]

Also don't forget to check the Co2 levels of the V5 because I know the V6's fall into the £400 tax bracket when the government change the rulings.

I think you will find that the v6's that where regestered before march 2001 are still only pay £180 per year same goes for the v5, everyone saids go for the 1.8t, that just means they are common, i would go for the v5 sounds good goes well, 1.8ts are good but common

[skymaster]

I owned a V5 for a few years. Drove a few 1.8Ts as well.

The handling on the V5 was pretty awful as standard. You could really feel the huge lump in the front as you tried to lug it round corners. I tightened mine up with a set of Koni suspension which really helped.

I had mine chipped as well and kept it very well serviced and looked after. I still miss that car to be honest. It had the gorgeous 17 inch Santa monica wheels, de locked, VW spoiler etc etc... looked the business. With the Milteck exhaust it sounded superb as well.

When I havea few quid I will track it down and buy it back... just for sentimental reasons. The MPG was dire though, really awful after it was chipped. When I worked in the motor trade I drove countless MK4 golfs..... none seemed as smooth and nice as my modded and well cared for V5.


Why not opt for the uprated 180 HP GTI 1.8T? You get 6 gears and bigger brakes and acceptable MPG...

[dubcruiser]

Why not opt for the uprated 180 HP GTI 1.8T? You get 6 gears and bigger brakes and acceptable MPG...

Which is exactly what I have and it's what I would recommend. You also have to think of the re-sale factor and a GTi will always be worth more than a V5...

[skymaster]

Which is exactly what I have and it's what I would recommend. You also have to think of the re-sale factor and a GTi will always be worth more than a V5...

Mmmm, in red with Santas as well... beautiful car... beautiful car... great example of one... as Terry Tibbs would say.

Seriously though... the GTI badge holds a lot more weight than the V5 badge... the GTI lives on... where is the V5 now?

[dubcruiser]

Mmmm, in red with Santas as well... beautiful car... beautiful car... great example of one... as Terry Tibbs would say.

Seriously though... the GTI badge holds a lot more weight than the V5 badge... the GTI lives on... where is the V5 now?

You hit the nail on the head. They never carried on with the model into the Mk5 did they??!!

My car took some finding. Its a late '03 180bhp 5 door in Tornado with winter pack, sunroof, black leather, centre armrest and 6 disc changer. I added the Santas and fitted a genuine roof spoiler. I had an early 98 S reg 150bhp GTi back in 2002 and stupidly sold it for a V6 4Motion. As much as I loved the car I just couldn't justify the extra expense to run it for not a lot more power. (Ok 54bhp but in the real world its not major)
Don't get me wrong, if its engine noise your after then a 4Motion or R32 puts a smile on your face everytime!!

[skymaster]

Back to the original question though... timing belt intervals. The 1.8t has a number of various intervals depending on engine code. The V5 has a timing chain so never needs a new cam belt. One of the small benefits to the V5 in terms of running costs.

[euroslap]

You hit the nail on the head. They never carried on with the model into the Mk5 did they??!!


Didn't carry on with the 1.8T either did they?

[skymaster]

True... but they kept the GTI brand and the 2.0T was the sucessor to the 1.8T. The V5 just totally vanished. There is no MK5 alternative to the MK4 V5. The V5 was a bit of an odd one in standard spec. More like the old mans golf if you ask me. Of course once modded with some decent suspension etc etc it could become more like a GTI. They were often sold with a nice spec as well. Mine had winter pack, 6 CD, auto dim rear view etc etc... My current Audi A4 SE Quattro is basic compared to the old V5 I had.

[euroslap]

I think the 1.4TSi (GT) engine has replaced the V5's place in the 170bhp variety (I think it's due to tax class). They've as always introduced a new generation of engines for the new model. The V5 also has more bhp than the 1.8T in standard guise. Supsension does definately need uprating but it's also rather boat like and wallowy on the GTi, definately needs uprating on either model.

[skymaster]

When the MK4 first came onto the scene in late 1997, early 98 the V5 was the top model I seem to remember. Sort of replaced the VR6 until 1999 when the V6 4 motion came onto the scene.

[euroslap]

Then the R32's came out and anniversary GTi's like yours came out later aswell. Early V5's were 150 bhp so a later 170bhp mpdel is the one to go for. The V5 is a lovely motor as is the GTi, the reason I like the V5's as I said earlier is the lovely engine note and bottom end pull. Also as you point out due to there being less out there you don't see a dozen of them every day.

[skymaster]

Then the R32's came out and anniversary GTi's like yours came out later aswell. Early V5's were 150 bhp so a later 170bhp mpdel is the one to go for. The V5 is a lovely motor as is the GTi, the reason I like the V5's as I said earlier is the lovely engine note and bottom end pull. Also as you point out due to there being less out there you don't see a dozen of them every day.

Oh yes, the V5 does sound fantastic. It's also silky smooth compared to a 1.8T. Mine was the last of the 150 BHp versions. Had it chipped up to 170 ish and had the Miltek exhaust fitted. It did go very well indeed in my opinion and the sound was awesome!

[euroslap]

One of my mates has got a 170bhp model and had it chipped at Stealth to 183bhp he also had a Milltek fitted and lowered it about 30mm. It's an awesome motor.

There was a phase of quite a few people around the Midlands running Mk2 VR6's. None of them touch my mates Mk4 (barring one that had a charger fitted but that's just cheating :p), the car really is very quick on the road. :D

[skymaster]

Yea, I wish I had bought the 170 BHp model. Some get a good 190 HP out of them which is only 10 less than a new GTI MK5. I did drive some neglected 150s which were dire, really soggy engines. I found that by keeping all the filters inc fuel filter new, and an oil change every 5k it ran like a dream.

[euroslap]

Look at this for £4K, a bit of a bargain methinks. :D


http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+GOLF/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294966995-4294967159/advert.action?R=200848112265905&distance=112&postcode=b44+8ju&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=GOLF&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=

[dubcruiser]

That is a lot of car for not a lot of money. Somebody shall get a bargain with that!

[euroslap]

Unreal for that money isn't it? Leather Recaro's aswell. :approve:

[skymaster]

Well, when you consider how the values of used cars are going through the floor at present it's not surprising to see these going cheap. Anything thats classed as semi 'old' with a big thirsty engine is going to become a bargain in coming months.