VW GTI (All styles)

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  • mdrivermdriver Member Posts: 385
    That's why when you buy any car, it has 1 or 2 miles on it. If the GTI quality is so "amazing", why did it finish just about in last place on the JD Power 2001 quality survey? I agree, the GTI looks very well made. But looking well made and not acting like it over several years seems to be a VW trademark.
  • chem123chem123 Member Posts: 272
    The exact reason I own "another hatchback" :)
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    The issues with VW quality control were what finally convinced me to get on the waiting list for the upcoming Mini Cooper. A very compact, high quality hatchback built to BMW standards sounds like a winner to me :-)
  • chem123chem123 Member Posts: 272
  • cupholder1cupholder1 Member Posts: 231
    I took a test drive of the '02 GTI 1.8T.

    Nice car. On the outside, it looks like a garden variety econobox. But on the inside, it is definitely upscale. Good seats, nice finish, etc. There is actually a decent amount of room in the back seat, given the overall size of the car. Nice trunk/hatch space. Looks like a lot of stuff can be lugged around with the seats down.

    The shifter was quite nice... smooth as butter. The clutch was as light as could be.

    The GTI *feels* like a rocket from takeoff. It is very easy to redline this pup. It practically begs to be driven hard. You definitely feel yourself move in this car.

    The one big downside...and this is definitely a BIG downside... torque steer. Man oh man can you feel it when you accelerate hard. I have a '99 Passat GLS right now, and there isn't any torque steer that I can notice.

    Guess I am back to considering the WRX. Faster, no torque steer, more expensive, not as nice on the inside.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    I came away from my test drive with the same impression - okay car, didn't really push my "fun" button, and WOW, check out the torque steer! VW really needs to get a handle on that, plus they need to get serious about replacing the ancient twist beam rear suspension with something more sophisticated - even my lowly ZX3 had a nicer rear suspension.
  • teresitateresita Member Posts: 20
    hello everyone;
    i just went to the vw dealer to get my "02 GTI.
    i was taken aback to hear that you cannot get 17" alloy wheels unless you also get the Luxury Package. I said i don't want the luxury pkg. just the 17" wheels. but they said point blank the 17" wheels only come with the luxury pkg... which means you gotta dish out 1,200 bucks more. I KNOW this is not correct; i KNOW you CAN get the 17" wheels as a seperate option, without the luxury pkg. it is clear as a bell in the vw website. try telling that to the dealer.
    has anyone had this same experience?
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Your dealer is blowing smoke... on the 2002 GTI demo I drove, the window sticker clearly listed the 17" wheels as a separate line item. The $1,200.00 Premium Package includes the sunroof and maybe something else, but not the 17s. I don't know for sure, but maybe VW is REQUIRING the Premium Package before the wheels can be ordered - the demo I drove had both. IMO the standard 16s are better looking, and will give you a more compliant ride over bad pavement. VWs also have pathetically small rear disk brakes, and they look comically small behind the 17s.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    Went to carsdirect.com and it allows selection of the 17" Santa Monica wheels as a separate option, did not require luxury package.
    Decide on exactly what you want and want to pay and tell the dealer to get it or you are going elsewhere. The dealer is lying or uninformed.
  • teresitateresita Member Posts: 20
    thanks guys for the input ..
    yes, the dealers are incorrect on this one ..
    i went to two seperate dealers, both insisted i can't get 17" wheels without the luxury pkg.
    later, one of them changed it's story: saying i can't get the leather pkg without the luxury pkg, that both come together... this might be true but by now i don't care ...
    i'm going to get my GTI from carsdirect.com.

    getting back to the 17" wheels:
    anyone else out there besides silver_bullet think that the 16" wheels are better than the 17"?
    i'd like to get the smoothest ride possible on my GTI ... feedback please.
    thanks to all.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    It all depends on what you want from the car. Esthetically, the style of the 17 vs. the 16 is your call - I happen to prefer the look of the 16, but that's just me. Ride quality is going to be stiffer with the lower profile 17" tires, but handling should be a bit sharper. My demo drive over some bumpy, pot-holed streets with the 17s made me nervous... I'd get tired (no pun intended) of dodging road defects to avoid a bent rim or blown out tire.
  • header2header2 Member Posts: 10
  • header2header2 Member Posts: 10
    I just bought a new 02 GTI with 17" wheels. I thought about 16" for ride quality but is has a sport suspension so it's going to be stiffer anyway. One thing to note you can't use snow chains on 17". so if you plan to go skiing get 16".
    Dealers are generally giving BS about the options. But the GTI manual is pretty scarce so I had to take what I could or else wait for it to be back ordered.
  • teresitateresita Member Posts: 20
    i 've test driven both 16" and 17" and the
    17" felt more solid, like it stuck to the road better (which i like).... is that what you all mean by stiffer handling?
    thanks ...
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    On the left side of this page, you'll now find direct links to Edmunds' First Drive and new vehicle information on the 2002 Volkswagons GTI. Keep your eyes open for other related GTI articles and discussions to be linked to that area. Happy Motoring! ;-)

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards
  • adg44adg44 Member Posts: 385
    The GTI is under the Hatchbacks/station wagons/women's forum....

    We are a sports car! A MANLY Sports car! Not to be confused with soccer mom mobiles and mini vans!

    We should be under the sports cars/manly auto center/speed deamons forum instead....

    - Anthony
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    I also host the Station Wagons and Women's Auto Center message board, but this GTI discussion is not linked to either one of them. Hope this clarifies things. Thanks for your participation. ;-)


    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards

  • chem123chem123 Member Posts: 272
    I like the GTI because its a good sporty car, not a SPORTS car.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    I agree - a "sporty" car. I owned one of the first 1983 Rabbit GTIs in Houston, and I think it was more fun to drive than the current car. My '83 had exactly half the power of the '02, but weighed hundreds of pounds less. It was simple and basic, and not a refined luxo-cruiser like the '02, but it sure was tossable. I think something got lost in the transition.
  • chem123chem123 Member Posts: 272
    Sounds like my 98 Civic DX hatch...modified of course :)
  • batdanbatdan Member Posts: 2
    OK, I got my VW GTI GLS for one year now, and I've
    had my fair share of problems. First, I agree with
    most complaints about this car, regarding overassisted brakes, long clutch pedal travel, not-too-good shifter, etc. Except that I actually like the soft suspension, especially for that regular 4 hr interstate trip. Problems that I had: 1.The airbag light came on; the dealer fixed it three times before getting it right. 2.The cheap door sealant came apart -had it replaced. 3. The major problem, still unrepaired as of yet: There is a certain irregular jerk at idle when the engine is cold, especially in cold weather. The problem is almost unnoticeable in warm or hot weather of after the engine gets warmed up. Also, the rpm fluctuates when this happens. Last year, I remember one very cold day when the car would vibrate really bad. On top of that, after exactly one year of ownership, the car wouldnt't start at all. I had it taken to the dealer who said the spark plugs were to blame and replaced them. However, the shaking didn't go away. The car is 1.8T manual, built in Wolsfburgh. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
  • entoncesunoentoncesuno Member Posts: 4
    just got my 2002 GTI.
    reading this forum and the manual,
    they tell me not to go over so many "rpm's".
    i feel this is a dumb question but can someone
    please tell me what is "rpm" ... and where is the "rpm" meter on a GTI ?
    thanks.
  • cupholder1cupholder1 Member Posts: 231
    Put your car in neutral. Step on the gas... the car will go... vrrrroooom, and this needle will move up to the right... that's your RPM. If you don't know what RPM is, you probably don't drive very fast and won't have to worry about break in.
  • teresitateresita Member Posts: 20
    just bought my 2002 GTI, dark blue.
    i don't have a garage and must keep it parked
    very near trees and dust ... the dealer suggested to get Paintguard, which is super finish protection that guarantees protection from bird droppings, tree sap etc.
    does anyone have any comments on this?

    also, what is the easiest and quickest way to keep the car looking clean all the time?
    are there any tricks to it??
    it's not that i don't want to clean the car,
    i just don't have the time!
    thanks ....
  • cupholder1cupholder1 Member Posts: 231
    Well, it will be tough. You bought a very dark color, and that shows dirt the most. The absolute worst color to keep clean is black. The best is white. Silver is also good. It is going to be an uphill battle for you.
  • header2header2 Member Posts: 10
    RPM stands for revolutions per minute, basically how many times your engine crankshaft turns per minute. The RPM gauge is on the left of the display and at 6000 or 7000 should turn into red. The engine electronics will limit the rpm so you don't wreck the engine, but for the break in period they want you to not to rev higher than 5000 or there abouts. I'm guessing you bought an automatic so as long as you don't stomp on the gas pedal you should be all right.

    congratulations Teresita on you new car, I have the same dark blue, I'm also worried about dirt on the car because there's 2 trees nearby that drops leaves and pollen, etc on the car. One solution is the local car wash every time I fill up I get a carwash for $5. Some people have an aversion to mechanical car washes but I think that the technology is up to date and they do a good job. Don't forget to remove you antenna though.

    Another option is a car cover which I'm looking into. if anyone knows of a good website for VW products let me know please. One thing I read on this site is about the alloy front wheels. These get a layer of breakdust on them from hard breaking that has to be cleaned off regularly.

    My dealer also suggested the paintguard but I believe thats a rip off, a good wax job done regularly should also provide the same protection.
  • civic_cx_92civic_cx_92 Member Posts: 87
    175 hp/180 lb.-ft torque (close to GTI 1.8T)
    about $17,600 MSRP (close to GTI)
    equipped with manual 6-speed transmission delivers 22/28 mpg on 87 octane fuel.
    I was planning to buy the 2002 Civic Si but am now reconsidering.
  • cupholder1cupholder1 Member Posts: 231
    Nissan's base stripper models usually are missing a lot of basics that a VW stripper has - like side airbags/ABS and an alarm, etc.
  • kartezkartez Member Posts: 48
    That is true for most [non-permissible content removed] cars
  • civic_cx_92civic_cx_92 Member Posts: 87
    So it's krout versus rice again?
  • buffdaddybuffdaddy Member Posts: 2
    hey everybody

    i finally ordered my 2002 gti last week. i wanted the 17" wheels and leather. now the dealer is telling my that to order it i would have to get the luxury package. wondering if anyone could tell me if this is the case, because i haven't seen a 2002 without the luxury package yet (of course i've only seen 3 here in ohio..... :)
  • m3fanm3fan Member Posts: 30
    You shouldn't be forced to get the luxury package in order to get the 17" wheels. But leather is a different story. I believe it's available only with the luxury package so I guess you would have to get it.

    read teresita's story and responses to post #315 in this thread.
  • buffdaddybuffdaddy Member Posts: 2
    thanks for the advice m3fan... talked to my dealer and i'm getting the lux package for 500 instead of 1200, so i guess i can live with that. :)
  • kartezkartez Member Posts: 48
    Nope, its just a fact.
  • teresitateresita Member Posts: 20
    hello,
    i too have been searching for a good cover
    for my GTI ... vw sells them for $200, however
    i'd like to know if anyone out there has one already and how good are they?
    what i'm wondering about is what happens with the antenna? is there a hole in the cover?
    if so, doesn't moisture and rain seep through?
    someone told me there's a hole with a sock over it ... how ridiculous is this? and how clumsy is it to get the sock over the antenna??
    does this really work? if anyone has had this cover let me know ...
    thanks ...
    BTW: regarding the luxury package, i had to get the luxury package ... you simply cannot get the leather and 17" wheels without it ...
    however, carsdirect.com had a better deal than the dealer ... so it was worth it .
  • nori10nori10 Member Posts: 24
    Hi everyone, I have GTI VR6 01 and I know I need to change my engine oil at 5000miles, but when do I have to change my trans oil? Also does anyone know what headlight bulb is good for my GTI? I want it more white/blueish, and I've tried PIAA.. but they are no good for me. Thanks!
  • adg44adg44 Member Posts: 385
    That doesn't need to be changed for 100,000 miles, it's a synthetic and pretty good. I changed mine out at 12k for some redline mt90, and I don't think it actually helps at all.
  • nkeennkeen Member Posts: 313
    Any thoughts on the benefits of the 17" wheels over the standard 16"? A couple of days ago I ordered a 2002 GTI with the standard wheels. I made this selection based on cost, perceived susceptiblity to road hazards, adequate snow performance, road noise, etc., i.e. with the thought that they probably represented the better all round compromise. Now I'm wondering...

    Also, there's no choice in the matter for a U.S. purchase, but any thoughts on German versus Brazilian assembly quality?
  • jskhojskho Member Posts: 107
    Considering buying a 02 Golf GLS 2.0.
    Since few people are in the Golf thread, I am posting here.
    Could you share how much you paid for you GTI?
    TMV and carsdirect quoted $200 off MSRP. Isn't that too high? Or should I be expecting that since volume is so small?
  • vikdvikd Member Posts: 187
    Go with the 17's; unless you do plan on utilizing tire chains. I have a 2000 vr6 with the 16's...nice looking but hard to clean and not nearly as grippy as the 17's I used to have on my Integra GSR. Just depends on your driving style.

    What are you worried about the trans. oil for? Sheesh!! Simply follow the scheduled maintenance and youll be o.k. It's almost '02...cars are built to last these days.
  • nkeennkeen Member Posts: 313
    I paid $18,504 for the standard GTI 1.8T (base car + $99 NE emissions + advertising fee + 2%). But a trade was involved, and the dealer knew I had a trade when I settled the new car price. The price I got on the trade was slightly below average for the 4 dealers I visited, but the dealer did move up $400 from the original offer after a few days in order to close the deal. I don't know the business, but they do have to make a living, and I suspect that in many cases,its the trade, rather than the new car price, that gives them that window of opportunity.
  • vikdvikd Member Posts: 187
    ...sounds like a pretty good price. Edmunds has that listed for just under 19k tmv...and you're right, the big money is made on the trade. You read these forums often enough and you'll learn that the new cars are pretty much loss leaders for the used cars. Why do you think the new car dealerships have the used cars sitting prominently up front...?
  • car_fevercar_fever Member Posts: 9
    just want to ask if in-dash CD player standard on the 02' GTIs? and for the owners, do the "symbols" that are placed beside the air-vents illuminate like those on the Jettas? Thanks.
  • sunilbsunilb Member Posts: 407
    how do people like the suspensions on their GTI's? I took one for a test drive, and really like the car overall (it was the 1.8T) but the suspension seemed a bit soft (even with the "sports suspension" and 17" wheels).

    Is this relatively easy and inexpensive to "fix" with aftermarket parts?
  • rickroverrickrover Member Posts: 601
    Sunlib - VW sells Eibach springs for the GTI that you can have the dealer install. They tighten up the suspension while lowering it a little less than an inch. You can make them part of the sale and include them in the lease or finance. They list for $250 without install, a friend got his installed and all for $400 after some "negotiation".
  • rickroverrickrover Member Posts: 601
    I've been able to get a lot more familiar with the GTI suspension in the past couple of days - I leased a 2002 1.8t. The suspension is definately floaty and needs the sport springs.

    I got a killer deal on my GTI - MSRP $21,100 - 1.8t, 17" wheels and luxury package, Reflex silver with black cloth interior, it has the new combination CD/tape monsoon head unit. Cap cost on the lease was $20,200 and had them throw in the VW Eibach sport springs (without install $250 list) and make the first lease payment ($282) 39 month lease. Not one penny out of my pocket to get into it.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    and thanks for sharing the details. We look forward to hearing more about your VW GTI ownership experience. ;-)

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards
  • sunilbsunilb Member Posts: 407
    Rickrover,

    What was the residual on your 39mo lease?
    Also, was the $21K inclusive of TTL or was that before?

    I thought MSRP ~ 18K [base] + 0.4K [17"] + 1K [lux. pkg] = $19.4K [approx. if you pay MSRP]

    Why is this a good deal?
  • sunilbsunilb Member Posts: 407
    sorry, you were right: the base MSRP is $19.5K, making the total ~ $21K
  • rickroverrickrover Member Posts: 601
    The lease was all inclusive, tax, licence and all (including first payment), just sign and drive. I live in Florida so the dealers act as a DMV. They will have my permanent licence plate in about 2-3 weeks for me to pick up at the dealership. I don't have the lease in front of me - the residual was around $13k. Let me know if you want the exact amount.

    They wanted $400 labor to install the sport springs - I can get it done at a good local independent VW repair place for $180.
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