Mk IV Golf

[samcooke]

Seeing as you lot know everything...

Wife wants a Mk IV Golf.

Because she knows what's good for her she has decided she needs one with a moderate to large engine that doesn't burn derv.

So the current options seem to be V5, V6 4MOTION and R32.

Any advice / experience?

The V5 seems to make most sense to me as it's the cheapest and it looks like 2000 on is the best bet as they have an extra 20bhp.

Hoping to see a 4MOTION next week, is the Haldex anything to worry about? What should I look for?

[steve_m]

Haldex needs an oil and filter change every so often, can't remember the interval now.  Should be in the service invoices.

The V5 is pretty thirsty and not much faster than the 1.8T, sounds pleasant enough though.

[robthehungrymonkey]

Hladex only needs changing every 40k (i think), the V5 seems to have dissadvantages of the 4motion (thirst etc) with 1.8t speed.

1.8t can be remapped cheaply and reliably to make it substantially faster too.

R32 is a world away from the others, handles like a completely different car.

[scruffythefirst]

R32 every time.  V5 isn't a nice engine, 4 motion is just extra weight and only kicks in on muddy fields  Depends how often your going to drive it really

[Guest]

I used to own a 1.8t 99.  Granted 150bhp isn't much in a heavy car but they did do the Anniversary GTi with 180bhp if interested.  Mind you, being a limited edition probably means higher prices.

They are bringing out a 1.4 twin charger.  Super charger for low revs and compensating for the turbo lag.  Then at higher revs the turbo takes over.  Puts out 168bhp.  Isn't bad for a 1.4, cheap to insure I guess.

Might help you decide.

R32 is the better option though!!

[JimNoble]

Hladex only needs changing every 40k (i think), the V5 seems to have dissadvantages of the 4motion (thirst etc) with 1.8t speed.

There is no 4motion on the V5. Only the V6 had 4motion.

Jim

[JimNoble]

V5 isn't a nice engine,

I could not possible disagree more strongly.

It's a superb engine.

I drove both the 1.8t (the 180bhp version in an Audi A3) and the V5 Golf before buying the later back in 2001. I found the 1.8t a dull, uncharismatic engine. Very unrewarding to drive.

The V5 on the other hand is fab. Smooth, torquey, makes a fantastic noise; in a word - character.

Sure, the 1.8t's wall of torque would make it a fantastic long distance cruiser. But if you actually want to enjoy driving (rather than just being transported from A to B, albeit quickly), go for the V5.

The fuel economy  s u c k s   r o c k s. Can't deny that. I average about 23mpg. I do quite a lot of short journeys in it though. On the motorway I can average 30-32mpg with a light right foot.  

Jim

[samcooke]

Thanks all.

I majorly dislike the 1.8T's gruff character so am not considering it.

I think I need to have a go in a V5.