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VW GTI (All styles)

1614 messages,  Last post on Jun 07, 2013 at 2:31 PM

You are in the Volkswagen GTI Forum.

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

Messages Page 77 of 162

#760 of 1614 REPLY to 204meca by electra_rising

Dec 06, 2002 (12:58 pm)

Meca, I think VW upgraded to metal retainer clips for the 2002 models, so the power window problem may not be an issue for the model you're considering -- still, I'd make sure before purchasing.
 
The brakes on my '00 GTI held up OK, but others have had problems (see prior posts). Brake pads are considered a wear item (warrantied to 12,000 miles, I think), so the bumper-to-bumper warranty won't cover the costs of labor/parts.
 
I don't remember if the passenger window has auto up/down. I recommend consulting the owner's manual. I had no ignition coil problems.
 
So far as window regulator replacement goes, I seem to remember being told by the VW service department that the upgraded regulators will be installed free of charge upon customer request even if there's been no failure, but I can't say for sure. Too bad they didn't just build them to last in the first place...
 
Meca, I urge you to consider all your options carefully before purchasing a late model GTI. My '00 GTI was prone to constant problems (see prior posts), and I don't recommend this car to anyone. Bear in mind that Consumer Reports (2003 New Car Buyer's Guide) gives the the Golf/GTI a "well below average" predicted reliability rating, and does not recommend the Golf, Jetta or New Beetle.
 
Good luck with your purchase.

#761 of 1614 Window Regs upgraded for 03, not 02 by adg44

Dec 07, 2002 (3:59 pm)

It was 2003 when they all came with the new regulators.
 
They are covered for 7 years against breaking on all 02 and previous model cars.

#762 of 1614 used GTI; pros vs. cons by dle01

Dec 13, 2002 (6:04 am)

About a month ago I purchased a used 2002 GTI VR6 with 10,200 miles. I read all I could on the internet, and even corresponded on this site with a few of you all before I bought. I expected to have trouble with the windows, and indeed the passenger window stopped working about 3 weeks after I bought the car. The dealer quickly repaired it with the 2003 metal clip, and was willing to retrofit the drivers window with the new clip until they checked their records and found that that repair had already been made.
 
Otherwise, the car has been an absolute joy to drive and to own. We'll see how reliable it is in the long run, but in my mind the package can't be compared to anything else on the market for my needs. It is more than quick enough to be fun, the styling is understated compared to the competition (SVT Focus, Vibe,etc.), and the cargo area is extremely useful (a critical need for my use). The suspension tuning gave me a bit of concern, but after driving it for a month I think the balance between ride and handling is perfect. I initially considered suspension upgrades for less roll, sharper turn-in. However, I do have to drive regularly on some unpaved farm roads and the stock setup makes this bearable so I won't change it.
 
So, 204meca -- if you are still considering your used 02 GTI feel free to respond with any questions. I made the leap and have no regrets. For what its worth, we also have a 2000 Passat (German built) that has been trouble free.

#763 of 1614 Congrats on your GTI dle01 by 204meca

Dec 13, 2002 (9:27 pm)

What did you pay for your GTI?
 
I am still in the hunt. Have fully optioned Silver 02 GTI (1.8T) picked out with 10,400 miles, but hope to land it for a grand less than the dealers asking price of $17,300. Actually he was asking $21,000 a month ago, so he may not budge much more. But I am going to hold out till the end of the month. I found an 01 VR6 for the same price, but prefer the smaller engine for balance and economy.
 
The 02 civic Si still beckons also, but in the balance I prefer the GTI even though I may have to pay another $1-2K more. Currently I am trying to sell my 97 Del Sol Si, since the dealer offer has been low. The Honda dealer offer $2k more to just purchase the DS than the Chrysler dealer (where the GTI is) offered in trade!

#764 of 1614 02 VR6 by dle01

Dec 15, 2002 (8:07 am)

I paid $20,900 for the 2002 VR6. There was little data available for the 2002 models since so few have been traded in or resold, but that price seemed consistent with what the 2001s were going for. I waited the dealer out for almost a month, and the deal only worked for me when the dealer offered me a decent trade for my Ranger pick-up (which I had purchased used from the same dealer 2 years ago). The used car market is very soft right now, and it seems that you can get great deals on used cars, but it is hard to get a decent trade on your current car.
 
In any event, $17,300 sounds like an excellent price for the 1.8t, especially if it is loaded and in good shape. I bought the VR6 precisely for those reasons, even though the VR6 would probably not have been my first engine choice if I was to buy a new car. I like the engine, but probably would like the 200hp 4 valve model even more. Fuel economy is really the only downside to the "old" 2 valve VR6s like mine -- I've been getting about 21mpg in mixed driving, no more than 26 on the highway.
 
So, good luck with your choice. Sounds like a good price to me and had I found the same car (1.8t loaded)at the same price I would have bought it! My brother-in-law is a Honda guy, and is considering the Civic Si and I think thats a great car too. It is cheaper, but from my understanding is not available with the luxury options that make the GTI even that much more classy. For that matter, I'm not sure the "technology package" was available in the 1.8t GTIs in 2002. I initially thought that the electronic climate control, rain sensing wipers, and auto dimming rear view mirror were mere gimmicks. . . but, believe it or not they all work great and add a very upscale feel to what is still a small and relatively inexpensive car.

#765 of 1614 OIL QUESTIONS by maxxsly

Dec 17, 2002 (10:07 am)

I WAS TOLD BY VW TO USE FULLY SYNTHETIC OIL FOR BEST LONG TERM RESULTS IN MY '02 GTI VR6. I HAVE 8500 MILES ON THE ENGINE NOW, AND HAVE CHANGED OIL TWICE USING MOBIL 1 FULLY SYNTHETIC 5W-30. I KNOW ONCE YOU START USING SYNTHETIC OIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU STAY WITH IT, BUT IS IT NECESSARY TO KEEP USING THE SAME BRAND? THE MOBIL 1 IS A BIT PRICEY $30.00 FOR A CASE OF 6 QUARTS. JUST CURIOUS, I WOULD RATHER HAVE QUALITY THAN SACRIFICE HARDWARE ANYWAY...THANKS..

#766 of 1614 by 8u6hfd

Dec 17, 2002 (2:15 pm)

psst....turn off the caps lock when you post.

#767 of 1614 RE: Oil by adg44

Dec 17, 2002 (5:56 pm)

You can switch between synthetic and dino oil, and you can switch between synthetic brands too. Just make sure if you switch you do once you change the oil.
 
Mobil1 is the best, and it is resonably priced.

#768 of 1614 premium or mid grade gas by sgbassin

Dec 21, 2002 (2:36 pm)

we just bought a 2003 GTI 1.8 salesman said premium only. has anyone put in regular or mid grade with out problems. by the way the car handles and rides
great.
thanks- stan

#769 of 1614 Use premium... by adg44

Dec 21, 2002 (2:42 pm)

It's what the manual says to use, and there is no point in running the risk of hurting your engine, and not to mention poor performance by using a lower grade gas.

Messages Page 77 of 162

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