Loved my MK4 Golf til it died..... what next?

[Tallulah]

Hi, as the title suggests, I loved my MK4 Golf til it wasn't worth fixing anymore (165k) and needed so much work. Ever since i have been driving an 02 plate Seat Leon which is just falling apart now, indicators work intermittently, central locking is knackered. Have a better job now so can afford to spend maybe £15k on something (obvs 2nd hand). What would people recommend? Are Golfs still as nice to drive several versions later? Quite liked the look of the Seat Arona but have seen some unfavorable reviews so now very undecided. Any input would be appreciated. Looking for Petrol, manual, drive about 8000 miles a year.

[Crasher]

What was the old sheds VIN? Personally I refuse to move forward from the Golf 4 platform (called PQ34) and I am sticking with my 03 Octavia 1U VRS till the bitter end.

[MarkCros]

I would recommend that you pay attention to the Skoda Octavia A5. I've had experience driving both the Skoda and Golf 4, but I would favor the Skoda. Here are a number of advantages I've identified for myself:
The space of the Skoda Octavia A5 is larger than the VW Golf 4, more room for passengers and luggage.
The Skoda has a more comfortable ride, thanks to a softer suspension and seats with more support. It has more features than VW Golf 4 including larger touch screen display.
And now the best part: the Skoda Octavia A5 often costs less than the VW Golf 4.

[swalker]

I would always favor age, one just before a gen change or facelift - you get a better spec car and all the bugs ironed out. lol
1990 Volkswagen Golf Gti For Sale

[Crasher]

My Octavia 1U is getting harder and harder to find parts for, the AC compressor has packed up and getting Sanden or Denso is impossible, the radiator is obsolete, and these are all Golf 4 GTI parts. That Golf 2 looks clean for the miles and parts for those are getting difficult too.

[MarkCros]

I completely agree with you about the parts. But also the body without corrosion in the VAG group of 4th generation cars you see more and more rarely. As for the compressor on your Octavia U1, maybe a Sanden SD7V16 would work. This compressor model is on many Golf 4 GTI's. The Sanden can still be found on the internet.

[Crasher]

Couldn't find a Sanden V16 outside the US so I have ordered a Mahle from a factor supplying company we use in Europe, no not Autod0c

[MarkCros]

Mahle is a good choice. Mahle compressors are used in Audi, BMW, Mercedes Porsche, Volkswagen... This is probably not a complete list. It will work long and well.