lestippp

This car was mentioned in another thread and I'm just looking for opinions and comments on it.
I owned one up until the start of this year and to date it is the best car I have run (don't get me wrong my current 05 Sti PPP is brilliant and does exactly what it says on the tin and is surprisingly user friendly day to day)! I liked the subtle but purposeful looks, the luxurious equipment levels and interior and I also liked its performance. I never found the handling a big issue either, although it was criticised for not being better! As for the sound of that narrow angle V6...sublime, I hardly ever used the fancy stereo, I was to busy listening to the engine!! Managed to get between 20 and 32 mpg as well although average was around 25, not bad for a 3.2l V6 with 237bhp. I did not have any major issues with the car's reliability but found having to take it to the dealers every 6 months to replace blown light bulbs a bit naff . I still look at them when I see them on the road and only wish they had managed to retain this with the mark 5 model, don't really notice them when they pass by.

Anyway just looking for opinions on either the mark 4 or 5. A comparison of the two would be good, from someone who has owned both?!

Steptoe

To be honest ive owned neither but my missus used to work at a vw main dealer and im very pally with the lads in parts there,apparantly they aren't the most reliable of golfs and prices for genuine parts are a joke,i hear people moaning about prices for jap car parts but would you shell out almost £400 for discs and pads? But they sound awesome and look the part.I'd have one!

lestippp

Your not wrong about part prices but a set of front discs and pads will set you back closer to £700 than £400, so your spot on, the parts are very expensive. Have to say though I had no breakdowns or failures, just wear and tear. The bulbs blowing at 6 month intervals was a real pain at £25 a time to replace. If you had one you would love it and you could get the guys you know to repair it cheap for you!

Cheers.

Matteeboy

Lesti - Check this months Evo mag (the one with the R8 on the front) - they directly compare a mk5 R32 to a mk4 one and feelings are mixed.
If the mk5 looked as good as the mk4, I'd probably have one.

Really did like my mk4 a lot - A well known journo called it a "junior Carrera 4" - not bad!

lestippp

I will get right on it matt, sounds worth a look. I can understand why someone would call it a mini carrera 4, it's so well put together and with the V6 , really is a hugley under rated car! I think it is something to do with everyone expecting it to be a bit quicker than it is but it is quick enough anyway.

Les.

Matteeboy

I guess 237bhp is a bit lame from a 3.2 litre V6 but it's such easy power.

I had to have mine re-mapped by VW for an engine hesitation problem - it was called v4363 and apparently liberated a few extra horses.

Several people who had it done RR'd at 260ish bhp - Mine certainly felt very lively!