Looking at mkIV Golf GT TDI 130s and confused why most are simply badged TDI (with red DI), but some are badged 'GT TDI' (with red DI). This seems to be regardless of age or reg plate.
Does anyone know why this is the case, and if there's any difference between the cars? I must admit, I am surprised that you still have to stump up £5k for a <= 80,000 miler with the post 2002 handling improvements.
Cheers
DP
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Badges are easily alerted. My GTi 1.8T came with all silver GTi badges because of a stock issue at VW at the time. Dealer ordered the correct badges and removed/re-fitted so it has a red 'i'. Month or so later it was stolen!
The badges come of easily so don't rely on them as an identifier. I always thought a diesel Golf MkIV with red DI was the 150PS version (officially). The GTI version will have been either 130 or 150PS but the 130PS engine was probably available in other trim levels like SE.
After all the problems I had with a Golf MkIV (had it six months) I am not sure I'd replace the Renault with an old Golf MkIV....
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PS.... from day one my Golf GTI MkIV needed:
- Two new door locks
- New gearbox
- New turbo
- Fix to a squeak in drivers Recaro seat
These were all faults on delivery.... so what happens years later!
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There are several of them in SWMBOs family, and they are pretty well regarded. We're using father in law's 130,000 mile SE 130 bhp TDI at the moment. Apart from a heated seat burning out, and a wiper linkage, it's had servicing only, still absolutely flies, does 50 mpg (real world) and drives pretty much like new.
We know a VW tech as well, hence the attraction of a VW product. I suggested an Octavia, but SWMBO doesn't like it. She likes the Fabia, but it's too small. We both like the Golf.
I know the VW reliability thing is overstated, but I think they're a lot better in general than Renaults.
Cheers
DP
Edited by DP on 05/03/2009 at 21:22
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The replacement Passat (after the Golf was stolen) got new doors locks, new gearbox and turbo from new too ;-) I must be unlucky.
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I am surprised that you still have to stump up £5k for a <= 80,000 miler
The TDi engines have a great reputation for reliability, provided the correct oil is used and cambelts are changed on time.
They are one of the very few diesels that return truly admirable fuel economy and tree stump pulling torque.
They are a bit noisy compared to the common rail engines but ok once warmed up and on the move especially with the six speed 'box. Low speed refinement is relatively poor.
Golfs score very well in terms of interior ambiance and overall quality. Compare the way the glove box operates on the Golf compared to a Focus and you will see what I mean.
If you keep it well maintained and in good nick plus keep the mileage sensible it will still be a good trade in three or four years' time.
I'm no fan of diesels but the VW TDi is one I would consider.
>>I know the VW reliability thing is overstated, but I think they're a lot better in general than Renaults.
From experience of running these two makes, I would agree with you. VWs are easier to fix when they go wrong as well.
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I think the GT thing for the Golf Mk 4 TDI was something dreamed up by the VW marketing bods for the UK market. The GT TDI model didn't exist anywhere else and equivalents elsewhere were simply badged TDI with the I either red or silver. I don't know whether the GT badges were stuck on by VW or by the UK importer. Here in Germany it's very common for people to delete the badges altogether.
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We went in another of SWMBO's family fleet last night - a 2001 GT TDI 115 and have confirmed our decision. A nicely screwed together (this is on 101k and completely rattle and squeak free), gutsy, economical car which still looks great IMHO. We have thought about putting some extra in and finding a mkV, but I have heard too many horror stories to be comfortable with the 2.0 TDI engine, and we want more than the 105 bhp of the 1.9. I also think the mkIV is actually a better looking car, inside and out.
The engine is a big part of the decision to go for the car. I've often sung its praises on here, but the 130 PD unit is one of my all time favourite diesels to drive, and the fact it's reliable, economical, and proven to be capable of big miles is the icing on the cake. It is horribly gruff and rumbly, especially compared to the super-smooth Renault dCi unit (which in fairness to that, hasn't missed a beat), but it's got so much more "balls" to it. I am not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that the last car I drove with midrange clout like that had a Cosworth badge on it.
I'm still confused about the GT badging though. Both GT TDIs in the family are "official" UK cars, and are simply badged TDI, as are the vast majority of those I see on the road. Every so often though, these GT TDIs crop up. I wonder if they are grey imports, Bagpuss.
Anyway, my mission for today is to wash, polish and clean out the Scenic, photograph it, and chuck it on the Trader. Going to try my luck at £4995 ono and see if I get any takers. There's an absolutely identical one on there this week for that money, and lots of similar ones around the same price, so it seems to be about ballpark. It's also the most desirable engine/trim combo, it's in a decent colour, and it has a healthy sprinkling from the options list including the relatively rare panoramic sunroof. We shall see!
Cheers
DP
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VW badging has indeed been very strange: only with the Mark VI can you at last get the 2.0 TDI with SE trim instead of paying extra for GT or GT Sport bits that you probably don't want. With the hatch, you couldn't get the 130 bhp engine (Mark IV) or 2.0 TDI (Mark V) without the GT stuff.
However with the estate you could always get the SE trim: I had a Mark IV 1.9 115 bhp from 2001 to 2004 and my current car is a 2007 2.0 TDI SE estate. If your family fills the Scenic you could look for a Golf estate: I think they did them with the 130 bhp engine from 2002 onwards.
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