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VW GOLF GTI
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Comments
The new Golf is already out in Europe and I visited a dealer in NL in January. It has the same wheelbase as the old version but its wider. I think some of the extra width is taken up be the thicker doors, for safety, but there's a small increase in room. It has an sophisticated, upscale feel to it (remember, VW is now competing with MB!), similar to the new Passat. Its really a car I could enjoy. The new one also has more style, and there will be more engine choices. Price, though, may be a drawback.
- Dana
I wouldn't pay more than around 19,300 for a VR6 without options. I see a 4cyl GTI advertised for 13,917. Check the newspaper in the closest major city for advertised specials. If you're lucky you can get a great deal.
It's fabulous, but I'm already taking it in for its first service, as the alarm keeps going off if I take more than ten seconds to get out of the car after turning it off, and the sunroof doesn't close automatically with the key like the windows do. Small problems. Love the car.
By the way, a couple things I learned: (1) Sorry, DanaR, but advertised prices are the "bait" in barely-legal bait-and-switch methods. There are never any cars at the advertised price. Read the fine print in the ad and you'll see "one in stock." Guess what-- that one ain't in stock after all. (2) It pays to do your homework. I got an initial bid through Autovantage.com ($399 over invoice), and then called all the dealers in the area to see who else had the car I was looking for in the color I was looking for. Then when I sat down to make a deal and he said, "Man, that's a popular car. I've been getting so many calls from dealers on it since it came off the truck," I could reply by listing the five other dealers within 20 miles of my house that also had yellow VR-6's. It killed his bargaining advantage, because he knew I knew I could just get up and buy it elsewhere that day.
So, shop around.
Love the car. It's a hoot.
Check it out!
Jon
- Dana
Jon
By the way, in researching, I've noticed VW's anti-lock brakes are much more expensive than those of other carmakers. Anyone know why?
Thanks to all who reply.
I just test-drove the Golf GL this weekend. I liked the drive but was put off by the rather cheap feel of the inside, especially the back seat maneuvering to get the cargo area available. Call Bozzani Volvo/VW in Covina on Citrus Avenue. The salesman was decent and the dealership might have what you are looking for. Good luck.
And there is one thing I love about the Golf: seamusfurr (above) is 6'2" and comfortable and so am I -- at only 5'0"
carlady/host
I just purchased a 98 GTI for less than $14,000. I was thinking of getting a CIVIC EX 5-Speed but was completely turned off first by the dealer and second the way the car sounds during a test drive. A tin-can that is for sure. I am looking forward to several years of fun driving with my brand new red GTI!
Just thought I'd let you all know.
carlady/host
Are you just throwing around 'K's or are you
serious?
is 12,455 and MSRP 13,495 so if U got the cash
U R better off buying new:)good luck to you.
Any advice appreciated
The GTI comes standard with pretty much everything you could ask for. You get air, a sunroof, and extra little body features which distinguish the car from the Golf. One major difference, in my opinion is the upholstry. The GTI seat materials are much nicer and the seats are a lot more firm. You also get the cool silver-faced gauges with the GTI. For added luxury, you get a leather steering wheel, a six speaker stereo, and a way-cool shift knob. Standard 4-wheel disk brakes also add to the list. Unless you need the extra doors, the GTI is definitely worth the extra $ over the Golf for all it has to offer. For a whole new definition of fun, go for the VR6!
Too bad about the fuel pump. Any word yet? I assume "K" means "kilometers" and not "thousand miles."
Has anyone seen the new Golfs (Golves?) yet? I've seen a promo photo of them, and I don't like them. They're kinda...shocking!
Ginster yellow rules.
boohoo!
carlady/host
This message is for those who are curious about modifying the 2.0 GTI...
I recently finished modifying my 2.0 GTI by
slowly adding the following:
1) Autothority chip
2) K&N intake filter (cone)
3) Eurosport 2.25" exhaust system
4) Eurosport short-shift linkage (50% redx)
The modifications were amazing ITO the performance gains. The following is what I observed after modifications:
1) more torque across the entire curve
2) car revs faster
3) car really pulls when you tap the gas pedal
4) car has much more power at high RPMs (3500 and above)-thus greater passing power.
5) exhaust sounds awesome -- Caution, after long periods of driving, the exhaust becomes gradually and irritatingly noisy!
The above modifications will cost about $540.
At first, I was skeptical about gaining any power from these additions. I did my homework and a lot of bargain shopping and I took the plunge.
My conclusion is that the gains are WELL WORTH it.
The difference in performance from the stock 2.0 GTI really "feels" big (maybe up to 135 bhp@ 5400rpm). The only way to really know is to experience it yourself.
carlady/host
I am also thinking of trading in 14" 5 spoke alloys that come standard with 15" alloys (from the GTI VR6) and getting the aluminium "golf" shift knob. What will be a good choice of tires on my Golf with 15" wheels? Can I trade-in the standard wheels/tires to get the mentioned ones at any of the dealers?
Your comments/suggestions/advice is highly solicited, after all you all seem to be a happy lot with the Golfs.
You cannot swap the stock 14" alloys on the Golf for the 15" on the VR6s b/c the Golf's wheels have ONLY 4 LUGS whereas the VR6's wheels have 5 LUGS.
You're only option is to find aftermarket 15" wheels that have only 4 LUGS!
good luck...
Did you have your engine work done at a local tuner shop or did you do it yourself? I'm wondering whether the prices you quoted earlier were "installed" or "parts" pricing.
Narinder,
I've bought from:
Ray Burnette in Alexandria VA (87 FOX GL)
Autohaus Tischer in Laurel MD (89 GOLF GL)
Martens VW-Volvo (DC on WI Ave) (96 GOLF GL)
Can't complain about any of them. IMHO, Tischer and Martens have better service departments. Tischer had to deal wit the fallout from our 89 Golf having been assembled during the last few months that VW were made in US before they moved to Puebla, Mexico. Boy, talk about some HAPPY UAW folks , the ones who put that car together had something besides quality on their minds. Tischer made that car into a decent, reliable car that we could depend on. Too bad it didn't come that way from the factory ;-(
The best buying experience we had was from Martens, because we used Auto-by-Tel. The only strange thing was waiting for "The Other Shoe to Drop". You know, the Sales Manager coming out to work you over, the nice lady to sell you rustproofing, the service rep to sell you the extended warranty. They DIDN'T even try to pull any of this. I was really impressed.
Second best was Tischer. I did my homework, walked in with the configuration (even color-Marine Blue) and a price on 1 piece of paper. I gave it the first salesperson who approached me and asked if he would sell me that car at that price. He checked, and came back in 2 minutes with "Yes". Done deal.
Third was Ray Burnette. They refused to sell me the 89 Golf at the above price, only to call my wife at home the next day with some story about having talked to Mr. Burnette and he wanting to give us a break because we had bought our first VW there. Yada, Yada. Too little, too late.
I am enlightened!! Regarding the wheels ofcourse! ;-)...How did I miss this detail? Thanks! I guess I'll keep the 14" for sometime.
bnormann,
Thank you very much for your input and personal experiences at some of the dealers. I would appreciate if you could give me name of the salesman...oops, salesperson that you dealt with at Martens. I know its been two years, but do give "it" (remembering the name) a try.
carlady/host
Jon
Imagine our shock when the Sales Manager was as nice and straight-forward as you could ever ask for !?
YMMV. Bruce.
paid $19.9
Very fast. 60mph in 2nd gear!
Outstanding brakes.
Very quiet, engine and road noise.
Steering is precise.(at slow speeds)
Car is well appointed. Leather is very nice touch.
Buttons and switches OK to Good.
Ventilation very good.
Lights very good.
Rims very attactive.
Seats very uncomfortable. Lap section too short.
Still no workable drink holder.
Directional switches clumsy.
Shifts "notchy".
Suspension is terrible. Nds struts/springs and swaybars.(engine outperforms for suspension)
Radio is just ok. I installed a bass tube. It's like night and day. Difficult to locate CD changer. I've got one for $250.00, installed. Dealer wanted almost $600.00!
Tires no good.
Cannot leave tailgate unlocked.
All in all still a very nice vehicle. I'd buy it again. Just save some money to do the suspension right away. Seriously, my '91 GTI corners as well . (Only 14" rims and fr&rear swaybars.)
Check the owners manual re. the trunk latch. I think there is a combination (turn key RIGHT or LEFT ?!?!) that will do this..
You're right the suspension is an underachiever.
i have read all the postings in this topic, but still have a question.
I am heavily weighing the '99 miata against the more practical VR6...my question is:
for those who have driven both, is the VR6 as much fun to drive, as a whole (minus the convertible side), as the miata? i'm caught in a dilemma.
thanks.
i was at a VW/Audi dealership looking at a '98 VR6 and the salesman mentioned that they have a quarter-mile time a few ticks off of a '98 corvette.
can anyone verify this?