Thoughts on 2003 GTI VR6

[Operandi]

I'm looking for something smaller with good MPG but also relatively sporty. A hatchback would also be nice for my mountain and road bike as well as speaker cabinets (DIY speakers).

I've been mainly looking at Focus`s and a couple 1.8T GTIs but there is a 6 speed manual VR6 thats 12 miles from me with fairly low miles and nice price tag.

I don't know much about them, anyone have any opinions?

My main concern is that the VR6 engine might be expensive in the long run (similar to my 99 SHO).

 

[zerocool84]

If you really like that car then sure get it but there are many much better all around cars for much cheaper.

 

[Operandi]

Well its $7,900 with 65k on the odometer and 100,00 transferable warranty (not sure what that exactly entails however) so that seems like a pretty good deal.

I am however open to other suggestions.

 

[hiromizu]

If you like it, it should be nice. Have you looked at 2002 models?

 

[ViviTheMage]

VR6's are solid....1.8T's had sludge issues, not sure what year it stopped, but 3k oil changes fix that and full synth.

 

[alkemyst]

I had a 1997 and liked it...bought it new and had it race-prepped.

Not good on MPG as far as I remember though. It was Candy White/Black leather, everyone loved the car.

 

[T2urtle]

i love the clutch feel on a vr6/ r32 mk4 GTI.

overall the vr6 should be the cheapest to maintain. its chain driven, good amount of power all around. I'm not sure if its the 12v or 24v. You might just run into spark plug wire problems but quick fix if on 12v motor. mods are not that much compared to 1.8T.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I think 02+ are 24V??

When I put in a vr6 clutch/flywheel in my 1.8T ... it felt sooo gooood.

 

[StageLeft]

Seems like a nice price, but I am concerned about VW reliability. Even if the engine is sound, do check on the rest for this particular model.

 

[grimlykindo]

One of my friends has the exact year and model - its a blast to drive (I've driven it many times) - 6 speed 200hp really has awesome acceleration - the 17" stock wheels look awesome too. But the thing has nickle and dimed the poor kid to death! Its always in the shop for some random sensor or electrical issue - its only got like 60k on it and its already cost him a fortune. German cars are known for there electrical issues but the performance and driving experience make up for it IMO. I see you will have a 100000 warrenty - that should help soften the blow of repairs

 

[Spicedaddy]

1.8T 180hp would be better on gas, but both engines are very reliable. Little things like sensors can go wrong, but they're usually 20$ parts that you can change yourself in 5 minutes... Get a USB Vag-Com cable on ebay, and scan it when you get a check engine light.

VR6 will be heavier in the front, so handling is a little different than 1.8T, but it has more torque, especially at low rpms. The sound of a VR is also tough to match...

Personally, I'd go for a 1.8T 180hp and chip it = 220hp, and still excellent MPG. Some special editions (20th, 337, etc.) come with a 6-speed tranny as well.


BTW, the engine changes were mid-year 2002. VR6 went from 12V 173hp to 24V 200hp, and 1.8T went from 150hp to 180hp. Make sure you get the newer engines.

 

[Operandi]

Yeah, I researched the engines a bit so if I go GTI I'm only looking at 2003+ models.

I think I'd rather go with the 1.8T too for the MPG, and lighter front end but this one is really close and price + warranty, and one owner look really nice.

All the 1.8Ts I've found are 60+ miles away and listing for more than this VR6. I'm sure I could get the dealer to go down quite a bit but I'm not sure how much.

The default option is go with a cheap Focus ZX3 and drive that for awhile but it seems like buyers market right now.

 

[ElFenix]

the 1.8T is so good the VR6 is rather pointless, imho. i was shopping these things back when they were new (late 2002) and drove a gf's 1.8T jetta extensively.

 

[DeviousTrap]

Originally posted by: Operandi
Well its $7,900 with 65k on the odometer and 100,00 transferable warranty (not sure what that exactly entails however) so that seems like a pretty good deal.

I am however open to other suggestions.

Private party or dealer? That price is fair, but try to get it closer to ~$7,200. Wholesale is about $6,200 with the average car having 78k miles.

05/14/09 DFW Lease $5,300 82,095 Avg BLACK 6G 6 Yes
05/06/09 MINNEAP Regular $5,900 84,193 Avg BLACK 6G 6 Yes
05/06/09 DALLAS Lease $4,600 105,631 Below SILVER 6G 6 Yes
05/05/09 RIVRSIDE Regular $6,700 68,561 Avg PURPLE 6G M Yes
04/28/09 RIVRSIDE Regular $7,500 79,056 Above BLUE 6G M No
04/23/09 OMAHA Regular $7,900 54,273 Above GY 6G 6 Yes
04/23/09 CINCINNA Regular $6,800 83,436 Avg SILVER 6G M Yes
04/22/09 NADE Lease $6,600 72,936 Avg SILVER 6G 6 Yes
04/22/09 CEN FLA Lease $5,000 72,539 Below BLACK 6G 6 No

As for the car itself, most people already covered the issues. I love the VR exhaust note, but the 1.8T is much cheaper to modify. If you can deal with fixing the small issues yourself the car won't really nickle and dime you, the small electrical stuff is cheap, it's the labor that adds up.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: DeviousTrap Private party or dealer? That price is fair, but try to get it closer to ~$7,200. Wholesale is about $6,200 with the average car having 78k miles.

As for the car itself, most people already covered the issues. I love the VR exhaust note, but the 1.8T is much cheaper to modify. If you can deal with fixing the small issues yourself the car won't really nickle and dime you, the small electrical stuff is cheap, it's the labor that adds up.

It?s a private seller. I'll probably go check out the car sometime next week and go from there.

As far as maintenance goes I?ve done basic stuff. As long as things are fairly accessible and it doesn?t involve ripping the car apart I?m probably ok with doing minor things myself.

I probably won't be doing much modification, maybe suspension from what I've been reading.

 

[LS21]

svt focus
civic si

 

[DeviousTrap]

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: DeviousTrap Private party or dealer? That price is fair, but try to get it closer to ~$7,200. Wholesale is about $6,200 with the average car having 78k miles.

As for the car itself, most people already covered the issues. I love the VR exhaust note, but the 1.8T is much cheaper to modify. If you can deal with fixing the small issues yourself the car won't really nickle and dime you, the small electrical stuff is cheap, it's the labor that adds up.

It?s a private seller. I'll probably go check out the car sometime next week and go from there.

As far as maintenance goes I?ve done basic stuff. As long as things are fairly accessible and it doesn?t involve ripping the car apart I?m probably ok with doing minor things myself.

I probably won't be doing much modification, maybe suspension from what I've been reading.

Any question about any remotely routine work will be answered here.