You are here: Forums Hatchbacks Volkswagen GTI VW GTI (All styles)

VW GTI (All styles)

1593 messages,  Last post on Sep 12, 2009 at 3:21 PM

You are in the Volkswagen GTI Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen GTI, Coupe, Hatchback

Messages Page 6 of 160 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 160 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#51 of 1593 Suspension Upgrade by wicketkeeper Dec 16, 1999 (9:45 pm)
When the new GTI comes out with the sport suspension, does anyone think that the VW dealer would or could upgrade my GTI's suspension? Would that be better than going to an after-market upgrader? Or is this a stupid question?
#52 of 1593 GTI Search Update by stevem14 Dec 17, 1999 (5:05 am)
Finally got to test drive the car -- at day and at night. Lot's of fun to drive and I'm definitely sold on the GLX over the Integra GS-R. And wow does the dash look great at night! The Monsoon sounds odd -- very tinny and shrill --but that (hopefully) will improve with the break in period. Have actually found a fair number of GLX's in the Chicago area, but the two dealers I have spoken to (including the Autobytel recommended dealer)will come much below MSRP (best offer so far was 22,595 for a green machine with CD changer if I bought on the spot; if it were another color I would have possibly taken it). The search continues . . .
#53 of 1593 stevem14 by nedzel Dec 17, 1999 (1:57 pm)
The dealers will all say that. "this car is so popular, short supply, yadda, yadda, yadda." If you can find one with the car you want on the lot and you're ready to buy, then you're in a much better bargaining position. Don't let them jack up the price for the in-dash cd or cd changer. The cd changer costs $290 at the parts window and the in-dash cd costs $240 at the parts window (or direct from vw at http://www.vw.com). You can install the cd changer with a screwdriver in 5 minutes. The in-dash cd is a bit of a pain to install, but can be done do-it yourself. Jared '00 GTI GLX
#54 of 1593 AMP by irahelic Dec 17, 1999 (10:57 pm)
Has anyone installed a seperate subwoofer amp yet. I did it myself on my old car but i haven't bothered to check the GTI GLX for pre-amp wires (RCA out cables) in the Monsoon.
#55 of 1593 Suspension Upgrade by dhk Dec 18, 1999 (1:01 am)
You could have the dealer do the upgrade, or just go to any VW shop and have them install lowered sport springs and shocks. My son did this on his 91 Golf when the OE stuff wore out, and the difference in handling and "fun to drive" feel is amazing. Believe VW will offer Eibach springs, but there are several brands of springs and shocks widely available in several different ride heights and spring rates.
#56 of 1593 Wait?? by jma Dec 19, 1999 (9:53 pm)
(See Maloner, 11-14-99) Seems as though I've spent half my life waiting for VW to come out with things. In Europe they have the Audi A3, that looks much like a Golf GTI, but AWD and a lot sportier. Now they souped it up as the Audi S3. Come to the US? Never, VW says. VW doesn't want to intrude on Audi's market. So probably no GTI AWD at all for a long time. Maybe I'm just an AWD nut ('88 Audi 90Q, now '93 Mitsu Eclipse GSX). But I'd buy a GTI GLX if I could fix the vague transmission and the body lean/dive. The GTI is otherwise a marvelous car. Does anyone have experience with the Neuspeed suspension add-ons? ==/\/\=i=k=e=============
#57 of 1593 suspension, sloppy shifter by kevinc Dec 20, 1999 (4:40 am)
Hi Mike.. I have upgraded my '99.5 GTI GLX with H&R springs and Bilstein dampers.. HUGE improvement. Cost was $700 for parts plus about $165 for install + align. Neuspeed makes a short-shift kit. It's not cheap as it replaces the entire shifter mechanism. I haven't tried the Mk4 version, but I had one in my Mk3 '97 GTI VR6 (very close to the same setup, also cable-shifted) and it was a nice upgrade, if not very cost effective. I too loathe the cable shifter.. hell my 13 year old Scirocco shifts better. And they call this progress?? -kc-
#58 of 1593 GTI-GLX Search Ended by stevem14 Dec 21, 1999 (4:58 am)
I'm the happy owner of a new GLX and wanted to thank everyone at Edmunds generally and this forum in particular for their help and advice. Using Edmunds I wound up paying about $1,000 under MSRP, and had I waited a little longer, could have gotten my calculated invoice + 3% price, $21,900. But I was very pleased with my dealer -- very straight forward, no attempt at any hidden "extras", and even the finance guy was low key -- only tried to sell an extended warranty (offered 795.00 for a 7 year/100,000 no deductible, which actually seemed pretty good), but was happy to give me the offer in writing and send me on my way to think about it, no hassles. And the car -- wow!! I love it. It is exactly what I was looking for -- sporty and practical. In earlier posts I mentioned my concerns about the stereo, but I have to say I think it sounds great (and so does everyone else who has heard it). I'm sure over time I may develop an ear for its weaknesses, but right now I'm very happy with it. My last car had a crappy stereo at best, so this is a huge improvement over what I'm used to. To folks considering the car: try to test drive at night on a highway without the radio. This car is great at night on the highway -- the dashboard is beautiful, the engine purrs, and the the rear-view mirror automatically adjusts so that you can see what's behind you but all glare is eliminated -- a terrific feature. Plus that quiet engine still has tons of zip at highway speeds so passing is a breeze. All and all a great car and a great car-buying experience -- thanks.
#59 of 1593 '00 GTI GLX, first flat tire by davebayer Dec 21, 1999 (2:26 pm)
So I botched the approach to a drive-thru car wash (I'll never make 'Top Gun' school) and developed a flat on an errand the next day. Was right in front of my office, thought I'd wuss out and let this "roadside assistance" that comes with new VWs deal with it? I also started to slowly do the tire change as I called on my cell phone. Of course, even with all the new car "huh?" experiences, I finished as they arrived. Interesting lessons for anyone not in the gifted elite that does their own mods, who likes to visualize trouble in advance or amuse themselves with the misfortunes of their fellow idiot man: [1] Spent something like 20 minutes on hold to "VW Roadside Assistance". Lucky my cell battery wasn't low. In the end THEY used AAA, to which I still belong. Made me realize that in my fantasies, I thought some German rocket scientist would soar in on a V2. Get over it, and call AAA. They answer their phones quicker. [2] "VW Roadside Assistance" will want your VIN. On a cell phone I read their number off the little sticker they suggest you apply to inside rear side window, then read the VIN off the car. On a land line, have both numbers recorded same place. [3] The owner's manual doesn't correctly describe how to remove the '00 GTI GLX plastic logo do-hickeys from the allow wheels, to expose the bolts. Principle: tapping and listening will reveal what's plastic, what's alloy, to determine what should come off. A phillips head into a hole will pry a gap, then a flat screwdriver can pop them off from the edge. Perhaps my tire mechanic was a great actor, but I felt like much less of an idiot the next day when this equally confused him. [4] Carry flares. Great time to use them. I was parked at night on edge of Manhattan traffic, they gave me much improved sense of security against becoming road kill. These things must be an arsonist's wet dream. You'll use two flares in sequence per location, if anything holds you up on your change. [5] The provided bolt wrench is barely adequate. Luckily I carry a crossbar X from a long-gone 60's van, that includes the needed 17mm size. My top notch tire place supposedly has their power tools set to not overtighten the bolts, but it took me TWENTY MINUTES of obstinate struggling to loosen the bolt that uses the "wheel lock key". Have anyone who changes wheels HAND TIGHTEN these bolts, or you may have to wuss out and wait for help because of this one issue. Also, good time to study what a lame wheel lock comes stock, as has been noted on other lists. Would be a pretty cheap upgrade to go top of the line 3rd party. [6] Owner's manual says to block diagonally opposite tire, but no block is provided. Of course I never considered this till time of need. Buy one and carry it! Didn't need it on level asphalt. Otherwise, provided jack looks cheesy but works great. Remember, a GTI GLX only weighs 2800 lbs. After this, the change was the routine breeze it should be. The full sized spare is awesome, had plenty of pressure. [7] Call ahead to your tire place to make sure they have your tire in stock, in case your tire is a "goner". Mine had one left of my Gislaved Nordfrost 2 studded snows, I lucked out. (Great tire, but if the 99 mph speed rating is an issue for you, go Pirelli snows.) I carry a bike pump. At my tire place, a fellow patron recommended a 12V compressor than runs off any of the many cig outlets on the GTI. On a slower leak, he managed to reinflate and drive for help without changing the tire! Get one with the attachments for basketballs and camping air mattresses. Bonus: Can "top off" any given tire with an additional 4 psi in under a minute, slow but could be less hassle than driving to a filling station?
#60 of 1593 Wheel Removal by debijon Dec 22, 1999 (11:27 pm)
I replaced all 4 wheels with Bridgestone Blizzaks and Borbet alloy wheels (Wheels only $49 per, less than steel with hub caps) from the Tire rack. I used the tool provided for removing the center plastic piece of the VW wheel. Worked well. It is hard to find in the styrofoam tool kit, looks something like a key ring with an extension. The wheels wouldn't have been my first choice, but in retrospect add to the unique look of an already unique car. Bought it for all the typical econ / sport / practical reasons. Thought I would blend in more, but I actually get more people stopping me and asking about my VW econo / sport car than I ever did with my Corvette.   Decided the Sound system is more than adequate at this point, same comments from others re the speaker break in. I will get an in-dash cd, for the convenience    Car could do with a little less body roll, but no real complaints. I probably won't go for lower spring / shock combo as it is already a bit low for driveway bumps etc. 4wd 204 hp would be nice, but again, it may or may not get here and the existing 174hp fwd is a nice combo.    Overall... I got exactly what I wanted. Went through carbargains.com I did notice their price has gone up, I paid 21,900 1 month ago.     Also appreciated this and the other edmunds boards, very informative

Messages Page 6 of 160 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 160 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Hatchbacks Volkswagen GTI VW GTI (All styles)