Buying Guide for Volkswagen Golf Mk4's (Things to Look Out For)

The common "Check Engine" light. Dreadful, right? Must mean the car is dead... Or is it as bad as they say? Watch this video to find out everything that may be wrong with the Golf your searching for.
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[@krapalis]

A golf unreliable? Fuck off

[@FrenchJohn]

I was gonna say that; golf being unreliable? That was a great joke

[@krapalis]

French John when my golf has a check engine light. I just press the gas pedal to the floor and it stops.

[@FrenchJohn]

On Petrol and Diesel, engine light are different and the most reliable golf 4 you can buy is the pd130 ASZ model

[@krapalis]

French John it was golf 3. Now i have an mk4

[@FrenchJohn]

Nice one!

[@iQuco]

Tip one: if the check engine light is on. You're all good. If it's off: slowly walk away

[@Pjmperez01]

Quco i agree

[@iQuco]

Pjmperez01 funny thing is. My GTI doesn't have a single light on. Apart from the gas light 😂

[@Pjmperez01]

Quco Boy, better save money for gas.

[@dollydehart4813]

Well if you keep up with maintenance you won't have a cel bought my gti with a cel for dumb low cause previous owner didn't know the car and it's been off ever since I've owned it. Important thing to replace is coil pack harness.

[@jajai6377]

What truth is there to this? I bought my golf 2 years ago, and the check engine light was never on, it's still running great

[@aidenhirsch2009]

I swear to god. I literally bought a 20th anniversary gti like MINUTES before this was posted. Like, signed the title, drove to a place to eat, and got this notification lol.

[@BWTV]

Aiden Hirsch Hopefully yours is all good then 😂👍

[@BobSmith-mc7uq]

Said the 12 yr. ol...like...like ...like...like...lol...lol.. Aiden...do the world a favor...DO NOT BREED!!!!

[@aidenhirsch2009]

Bob Smith you good man?

[@Reefer-Rampage69]

@@BobSmith-mc7uq fuck off

[@Dbbs3bg]

@@BobSmith-mc7uq learn fkin english bitch

[@generic8043]

This really sums up my Golf IV GTI experience for the last 8 months. - Broken window mechanism - Broken door lock mechanism - Broken startermotor - Broken N75 - Broken MAF - Broken rear mufler But I still love the car to bits haha

[@BWTV]

GENERIC Sounds exactly like mine 😭😂

[@mechatroniker3061]

GENERIC broken buyer

[@stgeorge6947]

GENERIC I would choose a mk 4 over a mk 5 lol

[@brettwebb6163]

ive had 2 golfs and both windows dropped to the bottom of the door

[@SupremeTycoon]

How Many Kms?

[@hossam_lamoza]

I will turn 18 in 2 months and will get my first ever car, I think a VW golf mk4 would be great as a first.

[@doomer8949]

Get the 4 motion or the gti

[@unicorn_jesus6930]

@@doomer8949 lmao I got quoted £2200 for a 1.4.

[@Florian00]

It was my first car and I have it since september 2019, it is a 1.6 SR and it only cost me €1000 and ~€500 in repairs and maintenance to get it running really good. I pay €80 a month here for tax and insurance

[@Panda516yt]

@@unicorn_jesus6930 TF? I am 17 and I am going to view a 1.9 TDI This week... Insurance in UK is only £1,495... PD130 too

[@alexdow3944]

How was your golf?

[@chriscarroll3204]

I bought a golf V5 a few years back. Still got it and it's never failed me. It's so good I went and got myself a GTI as well. Now I have 2 very reliable golfs. Best car ever!

[@excalibur7621]

MK4's design is timeless ! i also have the door lock module rear door issue but it unlocks when i press unlock again.

[@macuse2008]

MK4 was a strange Golf, I think VW was trying to go luxury, but changed their mind and went back to sport with the MK5. Very nice car tho.

[@gravemind6536]

I have that with one of my rear doors but it happens 5 times a year weird but never thought anything of it.

[@gadsdenflyer7353]

I still have my 2002 337 and about 7 years ago had an issue with the hatch. Neither the driver door button nor the key fob would unlock the hatch, and I had to use the physical key to get it open. I resolved the issue by spraying a bit of lithium grease on the mechanism, working it by hand, and wiping off the excess. Key fob and drivers door button now work every time to this day, and was an easy fix. Hope this helps.

[@DoNE021]

@@gravemind6536 Same with my Golf4. hehe Standard problem. I have change door lock on 2 different Golf4, 4times.

[@gravemind6536]

@@DoNE021 I thankfully never needed to replace it since it was so infrequent when it did it on my car.

[@fazfinisher5598]

You said it all at the end of the vid,its 15 plus years old they are quite bulletproof if maintained correctly.Its called wear and tear all the bits mentioned are easily remadid for little money if you've got any semblance of mechanical knowledge,the mk4 is an iconic vehicle show it some love and it won't let you down.

[@sletourneau3]

Truth. Mk4 for life!

[@danl4252]

My mum has owned a 1.4 Golf since new back in 2003 . She still has it and it’s been a really great car. Never failed to start and been great mechanically so far! One of the issues we’ve had is coil packs. When the car was new with less than 500 miles it blew coil packs and the VW technician came and changed them twice and said he’d change the car if it did it again. Then it didn’t happen until recently but has happened a few times in the past few years. other problems we’ve had are as you say really related to door locks and sensors. But these things are to be expected of a car of this sort of age! Brilliant cars.

[@Nevakonaza.]

My dad had a 52 plate Golf GTI MK4 and it was rock solid,not even one bit of rust on the bodywork at all.

[@macuse2008]

These are the simplest and easiest to repair cars in the world

[@siniteanrazvan3298]

I bet you didnt work ok fk8 or earlier civic's or even miata's

[@steveng3770]

@john Morris This is sarcasm^^ I hope you've clearly never experienced a civic or any Japanese car

[@cptbiteme8895]

John Morris I’m glad this was sarcasm😂

[@harleyplanet6282]

Straight Up HAHAHA

[@macuse2008]

I mean it!

[@ravagerslb]

You missed one of the most common faults on a mk4 Golf: water pooling on the door sill after heavy rain, because of a leaky seal on the window carrier behind the door card. Also, the electric window regulators need to be lubricated on a regular basis otherwise they will break. Always do this if you have to change a door lock module or seal the window carrier because of the water ingress problem I've mentioned above.

[@TheMidlandAngler]

Bang the rear door, on the right hand side of it as it meets the rear quarter, in-line with the handle- with your hand in a fist and get your mrs to keep lock and unlocking it as you bang the door and it will open mate 👌🏼😂mine does same in really cool weather!! Hope this helps you out mate

[@BWTV]

Dman C888 Haha I'll have to give this a go 😂

[@jaybullyuk]

Did it work? Haha

[@larkway98]

So i've got my mk4 1.4 16v since may this year and everything you said is so accurate. My golf starts alarming in the middle of the night, when i forget to lock up twice (Locking 2 times turns alarm off) Also i have to refuel oil every 1000 km cause its already at minimum. Just the same doors like on your golf are having problems. The trunk light doesnt always turn on, i will check the lock mechanism like u did and my left rear door wont open together with the rest, but i can still open it from the inside :D Also my starter seems broken bc sometimes the motor doesnt start at first time( could also be the fuel pump) But works perfectly at the second time, usually with the sound of gears grinding against each other, like when you put a gear in without clutching. Ah and also my right tail light doesnt work, just like every 2nd golf mk4 you see on the street. Not a broken bulb, changed it, has to be some wiring problem :( But I still love this car. In case of any grammatical mistakes, im german, im allowed to do that.

[@Paynos]

Or buy a MK4 Ibiza Cupra with the exact same engine as this but with an interior and build quality so cheap it actually rattles your eyes when it comes on boost 😅

[@BWTV]

Paynos Atleast that sounds more exciting 😂

[@Birmingham_racing]

Yeah hated that about my old mk4

[@Be4tJumper]

those cars are pretty rare, good performance for a small car :)

[@sotheabun3323]

Didn't know mk4 golf gti comes in four door..use to own a gti 2 door and never seen a four door😀

[@kingofohio5689]

Paynos it so stupid to complain about plastic interiors if i had a car with plastic interior i dont care

[@kaylakowalewickz]

I had a MK4 as my first car. Stil my favorite, but you literally described every problem I had HAHA

[@IAmMisterD]

Just got an 01 Cabrio recently. My first VW, it's a nice car! Not a fast engine, but it's comfortable and can't help but smile with the top down :)

[@LukeBudd]

I have rust in all three of those places 😂

[@Birmingham_racing]

Luke Budd yeah I had my arches rust on my bora but bought some rust free on gumtree

[@mechatroniker3061]

Luke Budd gute younge

[@briankent5670]

Richard

[@gravemind6536]

I got rust on one wheel arch not a lot though and the with boot handle the paintwork has bubbled but not rusted around it yet.

[@gadsdenflyer7353]

Same here, also rust at the bottom of both front fenders near the doors.

[@Seemann74]

I think the MK4 is the best Golf ever....and oh my good the MK4 R32 is wonderful !

[@iliaslamari7315]

Bushlover1974, Thats bullshit. Everybody knows that the Mk2 golf is the best golf ever. It's reliable, strong, good looking and their are many versions of them built. Maybe you just love the looks of it, but the Mk2 is just a legend!

[@Seemann74]

No you are bullshit.......Try to read it one more time.....I right that i think the MK4 is the best ever, i like the MK2 also, but it is much to old fashion for me. The MK4 Drives better, looks better, much more save, and then you have the Greatest off them all.....The MK4 R32 it dosent get better ;)

[@macuse2008]

MK2 good looking? I bought mine in 1998 and it was ugly then and its ugly now. Don't kid yourself.

[@JamesBodenhamskate]

mk4 is slowest golf

[@DoNE021]

@@iliaslamari7315 Loved my old one "Golf GTI 16v -88" whit 90s fender front and back, lower with Sachs Gas damper/spring, the model without the katalysator. i had little bit over 150hk not much, but little. My GTI 16v model had round 140hk original. great condition, Black metallic. It was sold and then totaly damage after 6month. they needed to cut out the driver. I didn't even recognized the car at first when i saw it, It was bent and crouched roof cutoff, the seats was bent too, and blood all over interior. Damn that car was nice, Out of all 14 Golf i had *Golf* *2* *is* *the* *best.* And yes i only stick with Golf. hehehe

[@Matt09pearce]

My old 1.4 drank more than i do on the first friday from payday.

[@gravemind6536]

1.4 sucked under powered weak engines and crap fuel economy to top it off the 1.6 did about the same as the 1.4 on fuel economy but at least with those you didn't have a sluggish engine.

[@Max34557]

@@gravemind6536 I drive a 1.6/16v and honestly it's great. Doesn't consume any oil (at all), is quick enough and just reliable

[@aaron33456]

I've just got the 2001 gti turbo. Had 1 owner from new and it's clean as 48k miles. Drives like a charm

[@fidodido8733]

Just bought a 51 plate 1.9 tdi and the front arches are slightly rusty. I'll get them fixed up and definitely keep an eye on the other areas you mentioned🖒

[@xxx_trickshot_xxx6989]

I may be a bit late but I just bought a 2000 gls and am looking forward to it

[@michaelrohandodds1850]

Age,maintenance and abuse are the factors to blame, golf are built well, but still need care. Love my R3Toy.

[@chestnut01111]

Had one for two years. 1,6 16v, 110k miles, Thermostat done, boot light switch not working, can't lock it at all, a litre of oil every 200 miles. Best "ordinary" car to drive I've had. So I've bought another one tonight with 192000 miles.

[@JackStrood]

Current problems on my Golf Mk4 1.6 petrol. Bought for £900, need nothing else from a car, love the thing, superb! 1 - The steering wheel is a bit out (might need front bushings need replacing?) 2- Door modules (Left rear needs doing, front passenger redone) 3 - Rear washer jet broken (Need to have a proper look at this) 3.1 - Rear boot module is broken 3.2 - Wiper stays on 3.3 - Alarm goes off when locked (thinks the boot is open) 3.4 - TEMP 'FIXES' pull wiper and re-fit central locking fuse on every use 4 - No rear speakers in back doors (Despite grill panels) 5 - Speedo sensor replaced (the fuel and speed dials bounced up and down) 6 - Exhaust cat has broken (Rattles around, sounds like a bigger engine) 7 - Thermostat was broken (so engine was stuck on 70 degrees) 8 - Rear right tail light bulb (any) keeps on blowing (And reg plate light) 9 - Right wing mirror adjustment motor broken 10 - Squeeky belt (Not sure if cam or aux) 11 - Standard brakes are a bit soft 12 - Wire loom on boot hinge has a tear in plastic and wires, but doesn't amount to any serious problems. Might be joining with boot locking module fault? 13 - 300-350 miles on £40 of petrol, kinda average, but would like better mpg 14 - Cup holders - Installed pop-out cup holders in dash and installed rear cupholders under the rear ashtray 15 - Wheel centre caps keeps popping off and going awol. 16 - Air Conditioning doesn't work at all (AC button is a big tease) 17 - Standard headlights are a bit dim 18 - Only one key 19 - Hot air into the car is hot, but the thrust of air is low 20 - Petrol cap rubber cord deteriorates and snaps off (Very cheap off ebay, same as A3 etc...)

[@frankhoward7645]

0:32. I've owned 3 Mark 4 Jettas and all 3 had the following rust problem (which I assume applies to the Golf as well). Remove a few of the Torx screws that hold the back of the front wheel well liners on and bend the liner so you can see what's underneath. You may have to turn the wheel to full lock. You'll be amazed about how much debris gets trapped behind the liner leading to rust on the bottom rear corner of each front fender. The very bottom of the liner has a bend in it to prevent debris from entering but it doesn't seem to work very well. Remove this debris and do what you can to prevent rust from forming. I perform this task annually as part of my regular maintenance schedule.

[@frankhoward7645]

Smokeout. You can perform the inspection in 5 minutes without even lifting the car. Just turn the wheel to full lock, remove 4 or 5 torx screws holding the rear of the plastic wheel well liner and bend it forward. You might come across a garden in there. If you do, just clean it out with a screwdriver and a hose. After it dries, do what you can to remove any rust that may have formed. (I ground it out with a Dremel.) You might also want to remove the bolt that attaches the fender (wing) to the rocker panel (sill) in order to really get all of the rust out. Some Rust Reformer may not be a bad idea followed by spray paint close to the color of your car. Even if it doesn't match exactly, you'll never notice it at this location. Finally, spray some oil in there to discourage rust in the future. I do this every year.

[@76061044520]

A Mark 4 Golf will only rust if you damage the bodywork or if a lack of cleaning keeps it from draining water...

[@kirkclifford8701]

I have an 01 TDI and the only issues I had besides the original owner never swapping parts out so I had to replace a bunch of old worn out parts, was the ABS sensor, those are obnoxious because I live in Maine and they are super anal about car inspections. But other then minor repairs the body is 95% rust free and at 190,000 miles still goes strong!! It’s a fuel efficient great little car that I love owning despite the war of parts lol

[@gratigo1]

The temperature sensor is another common fault, but a very cheap and easy fix. The lock modules are pretty easy to replace, just a little time consuming. The control arm bushings seem to wear out fast, same with the strut mounts..

[@ChargedWords]

Do you have any advice about the door lock issue? I need to take it for an MOT and it will obviously fail so if I can fix it myself I'd like to. Thanks in advance!

[@notmylexus3685]

I live in the U.S ,but I rarely see the Golf 3’s here. I only saw one yellow hatchback in my middle school 3 years ago.

[@Rabbit-ny9js]

Just Buy a MK2 instead no electronics to go wrong

[@Dbbs3bg]

Fkin right m8

[@briocheman21]

What electronics?

[@hughjazz2408]

Are these things ducking everywhere in Europe. It so hard to find these cars in anything that could be considered food shape. I don’t know where you think you could find a mk2 golf in good enough shape to drive let alone mod

[@Carrascoza]

I had my golf MK4 for almost 9 years, I never got a check engine light,it never let me down, now it's spirit lives on my new VW Amarok

[@GECKOZFTW]

Thinking of getting a Golf VR5. Love the sound. The sound really hooked me to the engine, when my friends were installing a custom exhaust to theirs and they started it without the exhaust on. However, I am aware that the VR5s can be money pits. So I am still rather neutral whether or not to get one. Great video, mate. Just found your channel.

[@BWTV]

You thought about a v6? Even nicer sound and engines are solid. Both good picks though! If they're looked after they won't be a problem 👍

[@GECKOZFTW]

I like the sound of the VR6, but the VR5 is unique and in my opinion, underrated. Most tuners take VR6s because they are more common, and the aftermarket part scene for them is bigger. But the VR5 is just something that I like. It is one of a kind, sounds like an Audi Quattro, and has the potential to be a good sleeper.

[@BWTV]

My Channel Lacks Originality Go for it, I'm pretty sure there's a supercharger build online somewhere to get inspiration from 👌

[@tylerbeard4092]

Sometimes a custom head unit will interfere with the cars ECU signals. Look up "K-line" . Or, unplug the radio from the car, then check to see if that fixes any electrical gremlins that plague the vehicle. My first mk4 GTI--the cd player was poorly installed. It took me forever to figure out the reason we could not do an OBDII scan. Also caused irregular horn on door lock, intermittent honk when parking, irregular auto lock/unlock and more

[@jessebarber79]

Coming up to 200k miles on my 01 GTI and still strong af.

[@DesertWolfFIN]

Bought a black IV golf 03 1.8T GTI, works like a charm, no lock issues, no start up issues, but rust... oh jesus. replacing both front fenders and left side skirt. other than that, i loove this car

[@Nograc_]

I have an mk4 😖 but I love it and will forever

[@WolvesInferno]

Great video. I have a MK4 1.6 petrol Highline Golf. I got her in 2010 and she's still going very strong. However I did have some problems though, due to the previous owner driving the car hard. I had to get both the cyclinder number 4 skimmed, piston rings replaced, cat replaced and yes the central locking packed up on me. I have had zero problems since then. I got the car serviced recently and radiator flushed. Passed NCT just very late last month (MOT to you brits). The car has 112 thousand miles, and believe it or not she does about 48 to 54mpg.

[@flora6802]

If you're lucky (as I was with my Mk4 2002) you can fix the unlocking door by dripping WD 40 down the sides of the button so that it runs into the mechanism. Hey presto!

[@fknhypno7296]

Had a green mk4 golf 1.4l last year now scrapped. Going to look at a beige/gold 3 door gttdi tomorrow wish me luck hope it ain’t a shitter

[@kurbuli]

More faults: Window holders break a lot, but great fix is get alluminium ones in place of palastic; Rear trunk lock mechanism (for hatchbacks) is weak check if its lockable/unlockable with keys; Front hood latch mechanism bends and it might not close all the way; Rear light connectors get corroded often.

[@jordanwoodward593]

youve got too many doors anyway

[@samuelorr8585]

True 3 door is the only way

[@pierremartin1118]

I'd trade my 3 door for a 5 door.. They just look more modern in 2023🤔..

[@Aonedidthat]

Had to get a 5 door because I got a son !

[@raymondrenshaw5245]

Bought my GTI about a year and a half ago and luckily I've never had to deal with any of this, however the comment about it going through oil so quickly is pretty true. The most annoying thing about mine is because it's so god awful hot where I live the corrosion protection that was coated on the frame starts literally melting sometimes and it appears as if candle wax is dripping off the bottom of my car lol

[@hussainqureshi5016]

Iv got a 2002 mk4 golf gt tdi 130, av had it for 4 years, pisses me off so much at times but will not replace it 😆. So far av changed dual mass clutch and flywheel, driver window regulator twice!!, door lock module driver side, top strut mounts, inner cv boots both sides, new key, thermostat and lots of othet little things. On top of that its been hit by idiot drivers twice. But love it to bits, btw love the channel keep it up 👌👍

[@fedjadrndarski5606]

I've changed motor brushes for door locking modules on all doors and it works great and reliable. I have little bit rust just over the front right wheel. Not big problems at all with this car.

[@ScouseMouse95]

The most solid car ever. Thinking of putting bullet proof windows in mine and selling it to Saudi Arabia as a VW Tank. Absolute Go-Kart but can't do corners fast as it will definitely slide and smash into whatever is in your way. Sound on the straight though. 👍🏼

[@kevinrutter6982]

just got a mk4 v5 had about 3 mouths got some faults but fix most of them now Good advice help me out alot fun cars

[@GOODSATIVA]

I have a 2005 silver 1.8 t 37,000 miles and I have owned it for just over a year and I already had to replace the left door aculator (locking mechanism) ,fuel pump, o2 sensor but she is running nice still a 48k no check engine light

[@bustergoldenrod]

My mk4 se 1.6 gets almost 700kms city driving on one tank, gives me no trouble at all.

[@ivanlaki4352]

Haha I have same Golf mk. 4 1.4l and all of the things you said I got them too. For door mehanism you ned to open the door cover, and adjust small metal thing with 2 screws, just tighten them on right position, no problem, its not electronic problem. Rust on all spots you said CHECK 1 door wont open CHECK Drinking oil CHECK(I have done general engine maintenance and it is not drinking single mililiter of oil now) Castrol Edge 5w 30 I also have transmision(manual) problem, it is going rly hard in 1st gear Stupid dimensions of tires (175, 80 14", must order in advance Big noise in cabin on high speeds... But I love the car, I have it for 14years, 2nd owner, he newer left me strangeld on the road, good holding in curves, nice feadbeck from stearing wheal, good space, materials also good.

[@l96nw49]

The door module is such a simple fix you should definitely try it yourself mate I did it myself soon as I bought a mk4

[@Michael-Silk]

Luke p how did you fix the door?

[@l96nw49]

Michael Silk go on BMAC vags videos he’ll show you how to clean it to sort it out or how to see if you need to replace it

[@rwd1973]

I got a 2006 variant 1.6 quite cheap and it had a multiple of small defects and other worn things. Boot handle switch, door lock module (pain in the a** to replace), abs sensors, rear schocks, fuel pump, brake calipers, timing belt.....etc Now after the majority of thimgs fixed it is a great car but not cheap....

[@timpauwels3734]

I had the door locking problem and the leaky sprayer in the back-except that the leaky sprayer shorted the lock sensor, making the car “think” the boot stayed open when I locked the car. This caused it to start randomly going into alarm one night. I had to disconnect the battery so everyone could sleep. Water was also getting in through a leaky window mechanism in the drivers door. Having had the water leak fixed and the back door locks replaced with aftermarket locks, the garage (a certified VW mechanic) could not figure out why the boot was “open”. I got the car back, and within a week the shorted boot sensor had completely drained the battery. Despite my extensive water issues, I haven’t seen rust... Another thing: sometimes in cold weather, the check engine light comes on with an error message that something is wrong with the “Abgas” (exhaust). It normally goes a way after a week, and I have been told this is due to a slight shift/contraction/expansion of the catalytic converter, that is picked up by the sensor. No thermostat or air pump problems yet though. I also had the spark plugs replaced because it started running on 3/4 cylinders due to old spark plugs melting because petrol mixtures these days burn hotter-even Euro 95 apparently.

[@YaMi-cn9mr]

Looking to buy a 20th AE to finish off High school with a bang, pretty exciting!

[@carcassmcmetal6216]

You're young mate, much to learn on looking after and repairing things. Never mind, you'll get there one day...

[@jauhaune]

Crankcaseventilation which may cause the sludging in the oil, waterleakage(i have sunroof), heating of the mirrors is often broken, thermostat and coolant temperature sensor are some of the commons according to a vw mechanic i have spoken to... Ive had it all within the last year

[@frankhoward7645]

I noticed what may be causing some of your problems including the immobilizer problem. It could be the Sony radio you or the previous owner installed. I installed an after market radio in my daughter's 2000 Jetta and while I was installing it, I noticed that there was one wire (I think it was orange) that I couldn't connect to the new radio, so I left it disconnected. A few months later, my local VW dealer had their "Lights Out" promotion where they'll hook their scanner up to your car and let you know what all of the warning lights are telling you. They told me they couldn't read the computer in the car because of the after market radio. They said that the abandoned wire was the radio alarm and because it was disconnected, the computer was confused which led to their inability to get any readings via their fancy scanner. I re-installed the factory radio and the local dealer was then able to read the codes for me. You might consider finding a factory radio at the junk (scrap) yard to see if your immobilizer problem goes away. Good luck.

[@tommietolan]

I have a Mk4 1.4 petrol and everything you mentioned I can relate to with my car.

[@CertifiedShaunKnows]

I am buying one tommorow... i think tjis video is really helpful.. il be playing this while i check it over lol

[@connorschlipp9313]

My first car was a Mk4 golf that I bought for 500 with a blown head gasket. Replaced the head gasket, timing belt and thermostat. Never had any problems with it for the 30k miles I put on it and it had 260k on it when I got it

[@russellbaldry6670]

I have found that the immobiliser problem can be sorted by resetting your key fob chip. Open doors with fob then insert key into drivers door lock,turn to lock doors and hold key in lock position for 5 seconds.

[@MrHussain1998]

I'm gonna get the pd130 when my insurance is due a renewal, I've got a mk5 1.4, can't wait for something a bit faster again

[@ExhaustedOfficial]

Good advice mate, I guess most older cars have problems like this just part and parcel of owning one 👍🏻👌🏻

[@theguybroseph]

Just bought a 2.0L MkIV, been searching for a turbo kit! but cant seem to find one, the 2.0L engine would be a beast with a turbo

[@RobbertHoek]

Ive had the door issue on my Bora - front passenger side, it was a relative easy fix if you know how to use a soldering iron, the biggest hasle was getting the thing out as those bolts that lock it into the door (the two you see when you open the door) are not torx but multi tooth as they are called over here.

[@mark1968]

I drove from London to Istanbul in a 2002 Golf. I bought it at an auction. Quick once over, and then I was off. It never missed a beat. I sold it in Turkey and actually got all my money back. These cars are bullet proof.

[@mitchellneedham2757]

My mk4 is at 350,000 kms and has only had a few of those problems so far. Still going strong though!

[@Bates7430]

I'm taking my BMW Z3 off the road and looking to get a golf 1.9 GT TDI to save on fuel and on insurance. I have to say i'm warming to the idea! Look like decent, reliable, cheap little german hatches.

[@kucinskasz123]

I have Golf Mk4 TDI. I have this car for about a year and I think For my experience steering racks go bad quite often, because I already had it replaced twice now. My neighbor with his mk4 had same issues. And yeah, I already had to replace thermostat and temp sensor. Now I have problems with my suspension, I already replaced some ball joints, now it needs one wheel bearing and strut mounts. Otherwise I really enjoy this car, its AHF engine with 110hp.

[@simonhartman6545]

Check where the ecu sits sometimes the wiring harness often get water damage so a lot of your problems may stem from there

[@ifjimre]

Ive bought a vr5 mk4 and I fucking love it

[@trenoles]

Yeah the locking module on my driver's door doesn't work, didn't think this was a common issue great.

[@WhytyProd]

Bought an 03 golf gti last week. Engine light came on the next day and sure enough it was the secondary air pump.

[@seanlyons161]

Never had rust, door lock modules and reset washer leak are the big ones really. Easy fixes.

[@ModernMessiah]

2003 GTI 1.8t everything that has been replaced on my car: Motor mount Thermostat 3 tires Entire exhaust including flex Light bulbs MAF sensor Rust paint repair Air Pump Abs module 2 wheel bearings Headlights Straightened control arm New key

[@thimoroelofs]

Already have one 1.6sr 8v and yep electrics, they are just annoying door module on the right(for me passengerdoor) doesn't work, same for the rear, the rear doors only open with the button in the interior not with the key. thermostat stays open(luckily no check engine light). But I love it strangely enough...

[@TurboLerssi]

My TDi mk4 two door got a check engine light (in diesel it's the glow plug light) a few moments after i broke the vacuum pump (i didn't know this then) and thought it was fecked. It turned out the rear lights fuse had blown and that caused it. i had no warning about anything else wrong with the engine except low on power and no brake booster. So the check engine light can be anything really, it's more often a sign of small problem than large one.

[@MiksuMike]

Thinking of bying Used GTI for 1st car in a year or so. Out of all cars that i've thought this one seems to be "best"

[@TonyMontana-bm3np]

Young man! THX for video, but.. it's a dream for many, a challenger for a few.

[@GizOfWar]

If you have immobiliser issue sorry electrical contact cleaned into the barrel dont ask how it works it just does deal with it

[@madmaks6024]

I had an issue with my golf last winter when the battery kept going flat (once while driving). I don't remember the exact report but the garage put it down to lack of use (lots of short journeys) and increased power usage from lights, heating etc. And it passed battery and alternator tests.

[@stevenmaginnis1965]

Watch out for peeling soft-touch plastic. I had that problem on mine. I had to sand it and bombard the plastic underneath with interior cleaner.

[@MissCherryKel]

My gt tdi on 2002 plate was the best car I’ve ever had! So reliable. Had it two over years and never had any work done.

[@Douknowgregg]

In the U.S.most states won't allow a vehicle to pass inspection with s check engine light because of emissions. This only applies to cars that are OBD2. atleast in Newyork that is. Obd1 cars are emissions exempt. But it really makes getting older cars completely legal a bitch

[@Richard-ru3qi]

Got the Mk4 R32, I've had all these problems, plus a snapped timing chain

[@Birmingham_racing]

I’ve got a bora same as a golf underneath. So far I’ve replaced or need to replace. the egr (with egr delete), replaced leaking intercooler, temp sensor, thermostat, handbrake, seized rear calliper, abs/speed sensor, boot doesn’t open, bonnet latch doesn’t always close properly, battery replaced, slip ring, clutch replaced at 138k (engines remapped), flywheel, clutch release bearing, slave cylinder, turbo, leaking oil sump, people kept telling me these cars are bulletproof that’s why I bought one lol. I’ve had my car just over a year I’ve replaced most the stuff it’s only 152k now

[@FartRave]

Wanna add one, particularly for the 2.0 gas engine, give it a push and see if it's loose. Bottom engine mount bolt works itself out sometimes.

[@granthawthorne913]

Leaky door seals and broken window regulators are a massive common problem on these too

[@telosfd]

Traditional problem with golf locks. The machine warning lamp on and the rain waters run from the rear doors in the cabin.

[@stonersmurf2597]

Mines on 210,000 and still going strong regular oil change and a service every 4000 to 6000 miles , well worth it I love my GTi

[@nicoladesilvestro3333]

Got a golf mk4 1.9 TDI last summer, it was the 90cv model, I remapped it and is now about 150cv. It has done 240k km and still going strong. Had some problems with the door locking module a while ago, I took it out, cleaned the micro switch and it seems to be ok now..

[@zuma9769]

I do have golf 4 1.6 SR - Saugen Rohres But I just want to modify nice

[@djshumon]

simple faults and are easy fixes,still good compared to other makes of vehicle of this age.its mainly dirt/water that messes up the electronics.

[@unknownguy1123]

The immobiliser is built in the instrument cluster. Sometimes they break down and you have to get a new one

[@vilivilii977]

For these it's common that performace air filters tend to release small amounts of oil which is enough to hurt the MAF sensor

[@jamescooper8864]

My 1.4 drank oil so bad! The EML light come on. Turns out it was a little plastic valve on the charcoal canister (purge valve) changed it for a second hand charcoal canister then the problem disappeared. Just another common fault apparently

[@dangerousdeo5113]

I am hoping to get an Golf MK4 when I pass in September. They are lovely the MK4's are. Will say though cheers for this video really helpful! Now I know what to look out for when I get one. :D :D

[@thehighlander8952]

I bought a 2001 gti in 2002 kept it for 5 years apart from using oil and a lambda probe it never let me down, the problem is they stopped building the mk4 in 2003 that's 15 years ago.😮

[@relax-tn1hx]

With the rust on the arches; take out the piece of foam that sits above the inside of the wheel arches. Yes my one eats brake calipers.

[@nucleartuesday5218]

The VWs from 2004 are all plagued with electrical problems... So if you have a 2004 if there is a problem with it, it is most likely electrical. The VW dealership said it is just something with the year and electrical components giving out for no reason.