Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 2.0 GTI 5d (1998/R) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
One airbag, old design ('92), it shows in the safety. But, it is an evolution of the original that started the craze, still looks good today.
Costs
Go independant! 20K service at a garage, 10K do it yourself, just buy the bits from the main dealer.
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On the road
Driving
This is my 4th 8v GTi, have a read of my write up in the 3 dr section if interested/ bored etc. Anyway, I have also had a 306 GTi6 and 2.0 XSi and the Golf just doesn't handle as well as either of those cars did.
Performance
Horses for courses really. Good round town and upto 4500 rpm, if you regualrly go above this or wear a baseball cap then go for the 16v. Drivers who are "in the know" will appreciate the torque, others will be let down by the 115 bhp.
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Living with it
Reliability
Same as my previous, brake light bulb went, thats it.
Image
Depends on your viewpoint really. I think it looks good for its age and has aged very well. You might look at them and think boy racers car and unfortunately you will probably be right. However, that is due to their popularity.
Comfort
Could probably do with softer springs or firmer dampers as it feels slightly choppy.
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Security and Service
Security
Not good as std, put a cat 1 alarm on it. Worth the £300 cost.
Service
Will not go to the main dealers agian except for parts. Useless and careless in general.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
None
Other
Exhaust bangs on the underside. Don't scrimp and buy cheap rubbish, pay the money for a genuine item.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes