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The Volkswagen Golf IV
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Comments
VW, like many other car manufacturers, have set up 'state-of-the-art' plants around the world, with great success.
carlady/host
As I have a good 'connection' with my dealership, I went down there and walked the lot. Lots of Jettas. Lots of Bugs. 3 Golfs. One 4-door GLS, two GTIs (both auto - not for me).
The dealer checked on his computer to locate cars like the one I was looking for. There weren't many around. Needless to say, that's a bad starting position when you want to buy a car, so I 'cooled down' a bit, and did some more info gathering.
It seems that the 2001 models are already on the harbor parking lot, just waiting for September to arrive. Logical? hmmm... Sales policy more like it...
So far as the mileage goes, I'm not sure what you mean - are you getting the better or the worse number? I get around the low 20's in the city with fairly aggressive driving.
Yeah, I was a bit unimpressed with my mileage, but I have heard that it takes a few thousand miles (er, kilometers) to achieve what's advertised.
And you're keeping it under 3500RPM's? I hope you're still breaking it in - you're not doing it justice.
- Anthony
Two of the options I'm considering
adding are the Monsoon Audio System
and the Cold Weather Package. I wondered
if anyone has these options on their own
GTI (or regular Golf???) and thought they were worth the extra cost??
mek3
I know I am very fastidious, so try it for yourself. Take a CD that you normally listen to, and try it on both the monsoon and the regular system. I recommed you try it while you are driving (anything will sound good in an idle car in a show-room), since that is when you will be using it the most.
One of the salesmen told me he preferred the 'regular' system because he liked to listen to music with a lot of bass, and the monsoon couldn't really handle it. hmmm... you know what? he's right!
The monsoon system is very good and powerful (200w) but somehow, does not render the bass sounds that well (saturation). I got the 80w system on the Golf and to me, it does the job. I am no 'stereo fanatic' but again, if you're getting the Golf, the standard system will be just fine. I also think it's easier to change speakers when you don't have the monsoon system.
As far as the cold weather package goes, I agree with mnn (post above)... do you really need it? If you live in freezing climates, such an option is good when your car has been outside in freezing temps during the night... but usually, you don't keep the heaters on for long. It's uncomfortable...
As for not keeping them on a long time, that's what the thermostats are for. I typically leave mine at the 3 setting in the winter. Yes, 5 will get too warm. But that's what the lower settings are for. I find that the seats heat up well before the heater warms up the interior.
After having the heated seats in my GTI, I won't buy a car without them. YMMV.
Jared
'00 GTI GLX
At the end of the day, it's a matter of preference and cost. Hey, the way I see it is 500 bucks saved on stuff I don't really need can be spent on something else which I DO need...
Personally, I also have this odd preference (or should I say 'fetish'???) that small sporty cars are better off without too many gimmicks.
I love the GLX. Mainly, for its engine. But for example, I c(w)ould do without the power seats. All they do is ad $$ to the price, weight, and provide one more thing which can break down. I know some will disagree with me on this. But it's because my idea of a GTI really is 'bang for the buck' at the end of the day... And somewhere somehow, there is a theory of power/weight!
Thanks...
I agree that the GLX could be lighter. But it's not that much heavier than a GLS (which is no lightweight itself).
Jared
'00 GTI GLX
power? Is there a big sacrifice 2dr. v. 4 dr? Is the extra $ worth it for GLX? How are the leather seats v. the velour? Has anyone put 16" wheels on their Golf GLS as it only comes with 15's? Thanks, Eric
Slap! slap! (won't do it again - promise)
:-)
thanx
BTW, I own a Passat 1.8t w/manual, and all of my previous cars have been manuals, so the TDI w/auto must be pretty peppy to satisfy me.
But don't take my word for it. See for yourself, and then you'll know why they're hard to come by.
-jason
Now the big GTI GLS or GLX question. GLS is around 3000-3500 less even with the options. The GLS is under rated to keep people interested in the GLX. The 1.8t actually when tested put 153hp to the groud which translates to around 175 at the crank. The reason they rate it lower is to maintain interest in a more pricy vehical. You buy the GLS you spend $500 on a chip $500 on Exhaust and $500 on a good intercooler upgrade with a blow off valve and still have $1500-2000 left for buying the GLS. Were talking 215-245hp lets see someone get that type of returns out of a VR6 for $1500.00 just my two cents......
I've heard mixed things about the Neuspeed short shift kit. I'd definitely check out www.vwvortex.com for more detailed info before you buy.
Sentra20ser - I also agree about limiting flames for other manufacturers. Yes, it's fun to have a great car, but after a lot of thought it's hard to say that one car is truly better than another.
My local dealer in Oakland says they are getting a black 2001 GTi 1.8t today, I'm waiting for the call
- Anthony
Art
Thanks
- Anthony
Unfortunately, both cars have to be automatics...first, I need it for the long commute and second, wife can't drive a stick...god knows i've tried to teach her...
Anyone have experience with their auto VW they care to share? Thanks.
Thanks,
- Anthony
thanks for the info! I'm definitely considering the TDI however...I'm in California and I'm afraid the smog police would outlaw my car in the next couple of years...
I guess the only way to really find out the auto/power available on the VWs would be to go test one....
Thx
The 1.8T is a great motor with tons of torque and I was surprised to find there isn't any torque-steer. The TDI feels remarkably like the 1.8T though without any discernable turbo lag - though it doesn't have the top end breathing.
The highways are very fast here in CT and I've noticed the less remarkable the car the easier it is to go unnoticed.
I would plan on black or silver or some other unremarkable color with no after market equipment, at least initially and never showing any existance of it on the outside.
I honestly wish there was a Golf GLX - i.e. with four doors - but I guess there has to be a compromise somewhere.
Also, how's the suspension, 2000 and 2001? I test drove a 2000 Jetta GLX and it leaned alot into corners, does the stock GTI do this? How's the new suspension?
Thanks.
I owned a 1978 VW Rabbit for 14 yrs, was happy
with the car but not with the VW dealer.
I would like to buy a new VW Golf, but am wondering about car quality and the service
quality from the VW dealer
thanks for all responses