Mk4 VW Golf GTI: Is the 'worst GTI' really as bad as people say?

[@UnholyCamouflage]

I love the mk4 design it feels kinda timeless to me.

[@JackScarlett1]

This one certainly looks good. In stock form maybe not so much, but lowering springs and new headlights have transformed it

[@deutsch323]

agree

[@2002mytuner]

I love all my GTI's mk2,mk4,mk5. None of which are stock though. I've had my mk4 since it was new, 100k later big turbo and new trans it's my favorite!

[@JJLfilm]

I agree but I did put a MK5 R32 grille on my mk4 variant because it looked mor modern with te longer back.

[@RedondoBeach2]

Edinjo, I 100% agree with you!

[@dvrklxrd4841]

I have never heard anyone bash on mk4's. At least here in the US.

[@garymathe9863]

Exactly, there's still a nice fan base too. I just got one for fun last year. 15 years old, FTW!

[@danmoney9932]

Not so many corners or roundabouts in the States I guess 😀

[@Jeremy-ff7gv]

cuz u guys are used to the more difficult to steer cars...in europe the mentality on handling exceeds speed😀

[@Timoundryan]

I've never heard anyone complain about mk4s in Germany as well

[@DarkPhoenixTSi]

Well, that's because we got the VR6 as an option in the MK4. I don't think they got that in Blighty.

[@davidcampos268]

Mk4 r32 is still the nicest r model

[@keyo525]

Debatable I think The Corrado VR6 is the most rare (nicest) VR6 model and the first, also do like the MK4 R32 as well though.

[@lazarushernandez5827]

@@keyo525 The Corrado is the sexiest VW to feature a VR6. As to which is the nicest R? I've got a MK4 R32 myself, but each iteration has its unique appeal...including the Golf Rallye. Luv your Dub.

[@JoshKemponcars]

🙌

[@MrZyLeXx]

nah, mk6 for me easily

[@garymathe9863]

Well, it was a manual only (in America), so that sets it apart from the newer ones. The mk5 R32 had serious transmission problems, being the first with DSG.

[@CGOmotors]

The US has a positive outlook on the Mk4 idk what yall are smoking over in EU. The mk5 is still the Ugliest gti ever made

[@Pascal-rs6vt]

I think its one of the best looking except the black rear bumper.

[@Justice-qw7sj]

LOL you americans as they say are dummer then you look you know thats why yugoslavia sold the yugo car to you and after 3 moths it breaks down hahaha :D we europeans know what is good and bad mk4 europe dosent like it because old disel cars are banned, petrol too much money too keep it runing , the mk5 sucks for petrol same reason other reason is because it rusts infact germany is looking to buy the mk2 from owners for a good price good old mk2 never dies

[@gravemind6536]

@@Justice-qw7sj You must live under a very authoritarian government if they can ban cars. The MK4 Golf was the best ever generation of Golf and represented Volkswagen at their highest point.

[@Justice-qw7sj]

@@gravemind6536 take a look at germany for example everything under euro 4 dissel engine is banned so euro 3, 2, 1 all are banned i dont live exactly in eu so we can drive mk4,mk3,mk2 and mk1 but still mk2 was the best even so that germany has a oldtimer rule if your car is 30 years and older even if its euro 1 disel can be driven in germany but only 2000km/h per year thats why european countrys suck there are pluses and minuses for countrys that join the EU

[@Justice-qw7sj]

@@gravemind6536 you can drive the petrol version but im not exactly sure what euro of petrol is allowed, as for mk4 you say its the best mk4 got what 4 milion sales? mk3 had 4.8 million but mk2 is the only golf in history to get 6.3 milion units sold and the mk1 has 6.8 milion units sold thats not a small number for a good car xD

[@franjo160]

Mk4 looks better then mk5

[@JackScarlett1]

I think a modified MK4 does. Brad's car deff looks cooler than mine. But in stock form the MK4 looks like a bus

[@garymathe9863]

@@JackScarlett1 Yeah, it definitely needs the R32 bumper and some lowering, both of which can be done fairly cheap. Then it looks great.

[@dexietyy7922]

Mk2 will always be the best

[@soltea7926]

Naaaaaaaaaaaa don't chat bollocks mate a modified mk4 might look better but spend the same on a mk5 and you're laughing

[@kalvds9345]

Totally, I own both and the Mk4 is way nicer to look at than the Mk 5! Mk 5 is better to drive though.

[@gregturner1861]

Mk4 build quality is very good, solid car most of the mk5 I’ve seen are total rust buckets

[@vdubbed8584]

Mk4 all the way

[@Harman.s.ghotra]

@Troll Hunter if its a normal car it'll rust simple as that.

[@Harman.s.ghotra]

@Troll Hunter so you mean german cars rust more Got it. Because i cant even drive yet...

[@acidoblivion]

GTI mk4 was bad, regular mk4 was good

[@mrcaboosevg6089]

I've got a MK5, had it about 5 years driven on salty UK roads and not had any rust issues. It's perfect underneath thanks to most of the important bits being aluminium

[@jeredhelmbrecht6237]

The MK4 is the best GTI in my opinion! 🔥

[@johnstorms3324]

I am a big fan of the MK4 GTIs as well. The MK7 is starting to grow on me. I haven't driven anything past a MK4 though.

[@jamesrivers4875]

Agreeeee. But def a MK4 R32 over everything. 🤘🏽

[@omarleonrey3459]

How much the mk4 consume using like a daily car?

[@rhysjackson6139]

I own a MK4 golf GTi 1.8t modified and people brake there neck looking at everywhere I go I good comments on how nice it looks and how much they love them can't be a bad car standard gti there abit bland lower it on 18s with blacked out rear windows with ainversery front and rear lip with a nice back box and your on to a winner 💪 there not slow for an old car ethier even I stock form they are quick for 150bhp mines mapped wakes it up alittle bit I think there really easy to work on to I've had mine nearly 4years the most expensive job was changing the clutch and flywheel other than that owes me nothing MK4 is the best in my eyes 👍

[@jeredhelmbrecht6237]

I Miss my 1.8T all the time 🥺

[@luisc5214]

Some people have never driven a VR6 or R32 MK4.... and it shows.

[@garymathe9863]

Exactly. The 1.8T is great for modding, but the VR6 is great even without it, not to mention the amazing sound that a 4 cylinder engine can never match. Plus the VR6 is way more reliable.

[@luisc5214]

@@garymathe9863 Well i think theyre all relatively good engines, the VR's are definitely more of a pain to work on unless its completely out of the car but its hands down nearly bulletproof and capable of tons of boost even on a stock block and yes! The sound and idle with a cam is just amazing.

[@MrWoowootila]

Agree, I bought my MK4 with the VR6, very reliable and sounds great. The power in stock form is very similar to the 1.8T, but I like the smoothness of the VR6 and and currently with 110k it has been a very reliable vehicle.

[@HoweDoYouDo1999]

The 1.8t is amazing for modifying because it has the extra boost to do so but that is mainly because anyone who has one has the extra ego boost of fucking 2 stepping the life out of someone’s ears with little to no effort at all😂

[@d1zguy864]

@@garymathe9863 Yea, buying one of these with the 1.8t for speed is pointless. The whole point is the VR6 engine.

[@arnoldkul3827]

Maybe the mk4 gti wasn't the greatest but still it's way better than the mk3 gti. As it is turbocharged.

[@thrashingjustin]

Teo Nagode the vr6 mk3 is great. But the overall looks of the mk3 is amazing

[@arnoldkul3827]

@@thrashingjustin Yes the VR6 is great, but we are talking about the GTI mk3 here not the VR6. I myself personally prefer the mk4 as I own one.

[@thrashingjustin]

The mk3 vr6 was a gti... they had a golf vr6 and a gti vr6

[@arnoldkul3827]

@@thrashingjustin Yeah but not in Europe, we only had the 2.0 16V 150PS GTI.

[@thrashingjustin]

Teo Nagode lol sucks for you guys. I guess the us actually got a good euro car for once 😂

[@BleeCarswell]

And now I must resist the urge to look for mk4s for sale...

[@simonmaxted1116]

What a load of bollocks. I have had a standard mk4 1.8t for 13 years and it's more than good enough. I've not messed around with the engine or suspension. It's never let me down and its got 150k on it now. On a run it will return 43mpg driving steadily and it had enough pull to get round when over taking. Yes the mk5 has a more modern engine and suspension set up but the interior is just like a caddy van

[@interceptingfist5682]

Only 153,000? That's pretty good

[@maxzhuk3412]

193k miles on it and still going

[@danbrett23]

Just bought a mk4 for £500 and it’s solid and runs ok for an old car.

[@Quattro_Joe]

You do not get 43mpg ever.

[@johnny2831]

and the mk5 looks like shit tbh

[@garymathe9863]

Mk4 is not widely regarded as the worst at all. The mk5 is generally regarded as a big improvement, but so was the mk4. I had a mk5 and it was great value, and I just bought a well-maintained Mk4 vr6 as a weekend car for $4k! Amazing value. Disclosure: I'm 37 now, with fast cars (much faster than a GTI), careless driving, and speeding tickets in the past, so nowadays I care more about the feel and nostalgia of a car than pure power.

[@zedgerton73]

They had to screw the mk5 up when they came out with the gen 1 tsi in the late models with all the timing issues . I mean I had a gen 1 tsi in my mk5 jetta and it was great but I was lucky timing never went on her.

[@kanggoo57]

The worst gti is obviously the 8 valve mk3 gti, its just not even a damn gti. This is coming from a mk3 owner! Mine is a vr6 though :)

[@07kkirby23]

Wrong lol worst was mk4 gti with the 8v lol

[@TorpedoStudios]

Bart Denson was that even a gti?

[@07kkirby23]

@@TorpedoStudios in name? Yes. Heaviest underpowered GTi ever

[@CaptainHector123]

Mk4 still the best looking golf around ...

[@shiftinggears9896]

My mk4 will be finished soon.. Should be around 260-280hp and 300lb just gotta modify a few intercooler pipes, fit fuel pump and new radiator, refurb the wheels and some fresh rubber..

[@BWTV]

I'm glad you had fun in the mk4, you summed it up perfectly saying it was a great starting point for something even better 😎

[@JackScarlett1]

Nice one Bradster, great meeting you. Thanks for letting me have a go in your BOOSTweapon

[@josenaranjo2811]

Big fan

[@TheClassifiedMan]

Knew i recognised that car😂😂👌 love it i’m looking for one

[@AudiophileTubes]

I think the Mk4 is a gorgeous design, and very German looking. It came in many incarnations, including the very sexy and serious looking '337' and '20th AE', with a 1.8T and even a VR6! To me, the '337' is one of the best looking GTI's ever. I think it looks even better than the more Japanese looking Mk5. The Mk4 is also a LOT more reliable than the current GTI's.

[@tomhenderson4412]

I have the 1.9 150pd gti. Paid 700 quid for it. 160k miles she's a dream.

[@dominikkasper1037]

But diesel .... Race car Is ONLY gasoline

[@alex1132000]

with remap and downpipe this diesel makes 200hp and monster torque numbers with still low consumption. so, don't judge diesel, until you drive a really fast diesel)

[@Fillup82]

Same. Mine was 745 quid and it's immaculate 👌

[@MissSindorei]

Got the 1.9tdi pd130.. paid £300 for it .. love her to bits

[@jamesward1487]

All Audi e-tron le mans racecars are diesel hybrids..

[@SoxiArts]

mk5 GTI is clearly the worst..maybe it has 200 HP but the engine is shit and the design is... Awful

[@n1cebassbro]

european civic thats what I call the mk5

[@dazza818]

and yet the mk5 is the golf that turned things around for VW and stopped the G. T. I. decline. 🤔 Yet Honda civic............

[@SoxiArts]

@@dazza818 The Mk4 GTI Jubi with a remap IS way better in my opinion because it is has fast as the mk5 and a lot prettier

[@n1cebassbro]

well , I mean the design of the golf reminds me of the civic design , a design that I really hate

[@dazza818]

@@SoxiArts well general consensus at the time was the mk4 was a fat bloated GTI that lost the essence of what it meant to be a GTI. It was too heavy and had way too many versions. Hence why Honda at the time had a hit with the ep3 civic type R. It was what the GTI was supposed to be. After Mk4 VW went back to the drawing board and came with the mk5 which was a hit and they've been top of the class since. That's the history.

[@zzxBeaTsxzz]

Talks bad on it, dumps the throttle almost shits pants

[@BoogyW0ogy]

I disagree with you on your opinion as the worst GTI. I love my MK4 20th AE edition. You should review a other people gti mk4.

[@AudiophileTubes]

The MK4 20th AE GTI is a thing of beauty! Occasionally, I see this young lady ripping around the Cleveland burbs in a yellow one!

[@bautistavazquez6295]

The 2.0 are so bad but the 1.8t and the vr6 are amazing cars to tune and play with I also enjoy the styling more than the mk5s but mk5 over all way better

[@JackScarlett1]

Couldn't put it better myself!

[@bautistavazquez6295]

Jack Scarlett I am 17 and I got a 1.8 and it’s so easy to diy and cheap its sooo cheap I got a stage 2 tune for 200 dollars downpipe 50 bucks it came with a cold air intake previous owner. turbo inlet pipe 60 bucks I got a super good deal on a upgraded side mount innercooler for 50 bucks that’s all I need to run 18 psi enough to make a senior high school student smile and laugh

[@dvrklxrd4841]

@@bautistavazquez6295 thats a pretty dope setup right off the bat. what tune did you go with? I was thinking of going with APR

[@bautistavazquez6295]

DVRKLXRD naw apr to expensive lookup boost dynamics on eBay

[@bautistavazquez6295]

DVRKLXRD it’s a guy named Trent he does a awesome job

[@_tyler_gti_]

My mk4 is a 100% stock, base model version with the 2.0L n/a engine, so its not even a gti or an r ... and flooring it sounds like 'normal' accelleration... But its still fun to drive.

[@dylanrhodes3664]

mk4 the best looking one the 1.8t is amazing

[@TheChazas]

Should try real Mk4 GTI which is Anniversary Edition 25 or 337, awesome cars.

[@theguertinfam7945]

I have a 337 stage 3 and I promise that’ll make him love em

[@SantiagoUrquijo92]

i have it! stock sucks in driving sensations, with good suspension and stage 2 becomes a really great car! comfortable, good handling... mine haves 210 bhp (1.8 20vt 03s turbo (AUM engine)) and feels great!! and the outside look it's one of the best for me! absolutely timeless! 1.8 20vt awesome engine!

[@Satsumamanki]

You should review the Seat Leon Fr and the Octavia RS, see how they compare to their vw counterparts.

[@JackScarlett1]

definitely keen!

[@andrewwright.]

MK1 Leon cupra has 180hp standard cupra r is 225 standard.... different league imo. Yes interior is from an Audi but all round a better car. Handling is better, breaks are better.

[@johnmoser2689]

I owned a mk4 GTI with the vr6 it was fun but they do need tuned to make them really perform decently The R32 and 20AE were the ones to get

[@Fillup82]

Enjoyed watching this from my mk4 gti 😊

[@Tim4Games]

Never been so eager to see a channel blow up. I can't wait untill the production quality on your vids goes up even further alongside your increasing revenue. So muching f*ing potential. Make sure to keep making videos up to 10k subs, it should only go faster and faster from there on forward. I usually never subscribe to young channels like this one, but I've got a good feeling about this one. I'm rooting for you fam!

[@JackScarlett1]

Damn man, thank you so much. Comments like this are all the motivation I need to work harder. I too can't wait for the production value to improve. Mainly can't wait for the day I'm not doing my own filming and sound work 😂 thanks again mate

[@JoshKemponcars]

I totally agree Tim! 👍

[@jakemiddleton9165]

Handling issues can be fixed with a few modifications it really dose change the feel off the whole car

[@ramarakeshv]

Ive had all the marks from 1 to 5. Had the mk4 fornover 12 years. Upped to kkk03s on it with 200hp. Was really a great car. Soft on suspension and steerage but super reliable. Clocked 550k before i sold it. Unlike the mk5 very expensive to maintain

[@Justice-qw7sj]

you should know then mk2 was the best one i got a 1985 1.6D non turbo 55hp all stock when it comes to fuel you can go exactly 1250km/h yes on very long road and it would cost you 100 dollars of fuel only but gti would cost you 200 or even more its better when its slow and stock the mark 2 and all newer golfs like mk3 and so on are to low to the ground the mk2 and mk1 you could use for a little offroading

[@CmdrHahn]

I love my mk4, it’s the vr6 model and OMG it loves to just ...go. It’s also a lot easier to work on than I thought, it’s like a big thing of legos when it comes to work and mods (at least for me so far) my first mod I want for mine is the Techtronics cams with their upgraded ECU

[@jasonjay7650]

Build quality in my opinion was better than the Mk5 but the Mk5 chassis was superb. I loved my 1.8t..

[@CapitolPilot]

I'm on the hunt for my first gti. I've been looking for a mk6 but at this point in time and where I live it's nearly impossible to find one that hasn't been beaten within an inch of its life by its previous owners. But when I started looking into mk4s I was pleasantly surprised to find a good handful of them that are low miles and stock. So I think I'm gonna go get me a mk4.

[@DelayEdits]

I (15) and my dad decided as a project to track Our 'almost British racing Green' mk4 gti turbo, which was sat at our woodland for many months, after it being rallyed around said woodland. The battery was temporarily substituted for a leisure battery 😂😂 and after 4 or 5 J-turn attempts, the bumpers were knocked off following a tree stump incident. Not to mention, handbrake turns and our friend who crashed into a tree, cracking the windscreen. 2 weeks ago, we decided to track it, cause why not- such a waste to collect rust. After stripping down to around 900-1000kg (not bad for a 'heavy car' ) , the changes we have/will make include: *long paragraphs warning* changing the intercooler, suspension, adding Vented brakes, straight pipe exhaust, forced induction, setting up the current dump valve properly, new braided brake hoses, hydraulic handbrake, replacing the windows with the plasticy stuff which i forget the name of, an r32 body kit, new oil, fuel and air filters, all sorts of different gauges (like for air-fuel ratio and oil pressure), the switch activated fire extinguisher kit thingy (for the engine, cockpit and rear), Sparco white wheels and some 'race tires' , disassembling the engine to clean, the thing that attaches the suspension for extra stability, adding a roll age, bucket seats, spraying the interior an awesome lime/kawasaki Green and most importantly a screw on gear stick extender and an awesome Sparco gear nob 😂😂. We're going to remap it to 210bhp (although with the extras it would probs be about 250 could remap to 400bhp!!!(if we wanted to be poor, that is)). This beast pretty much destroys anything on paper. I guess this could be counted as a sleeper car technically. I know it's really not the most important thing ever but the 0-60 time with 250bhp is around 4 seconds, quicker than my dad's z4m coupe which is 4.4, and with 400bhp, 3 seconds. So quicker than most ferraris, lambos etc.

[@BMX4Life647]

A friend of mine has a K04 Mk4 on an AUM block and it’s an absolute rocket ship.. dunno wether it’s a different suspension setup that makes the difference in the corners because often you’d be lucky to keep up with it anywhere not just the straights!🤷‍♂️

[@buggzieandmuggzie6980]

as a mk5 owner, mk4 is definitely waaaay better. Especially if the mk5 is an fsi

[@marcusgotti8231]

I've had 3, and one similar to the one in the video and I agree with what he said. Fair points we can't deny lol but the MK4 is timeless and on a country road it gives you that old 90s feel

[@newengland9thgen372]

I have a mk4 1.8t gti myself and after some lowering springs, upgraded brakes and struts/shocks as well as bushings, it’s a real treat to drive. I can’t wait to get some basic bolt ons and a tune

[@ultimasteve97]

That guy's Mk4 doesn't look the best example. My steering is very responsive and tight, gear change is direct and smooth, engine is a beast currently running an AMD stage 1 map (gives factory Mk5 R32's a hard time) but with all stage 2 parts fitted ready for an R-Tech stage 2 remap, suspension is spot on (although I'd steer clear of cheaper coilovers to avoid the typical crashy feel you get from them and the limited durability) with KW V3's, Eibach F&R anti roll bars, fully poly bushed all round inc top mounts etc. The only thing I will say is the factory 312mm brake setup is quite rubbish and a minimum of 4 pot calipers and some slightly larger discs would probably a better option if you drive your cars hard. I abuse my car, rally cars probably receive less abuse but it's what it's made for and never let's me down (with 240k miles on the clock too but last 2 owners were VW technicians, I got it with 178k on the clock in 2015).

[@jazztracks78]

I owned a late (2002) 1.8T with the K03S turbo, after remap 220BHP which was very fast.But after upgrading to a MKV GTI i realised what a proper handling car was like

[@scott4207]

Mk4 is an amazing car. Well built, reliable, and looks great. I agree the 2.0l and the 1.8 non-turbo GTi’s are awful engines so stay well clear. But the 150 and 180HP variant are brilliant! And the 1.9tdi engines are probably the best diesels engines out there! You want a car that’s cheap to repair, easy to find spares and will go on forever, then get yourself a mk4 golf.

[@silven412]

In the Netherlands they didn't have the 2.0 NA engine as far as I'm aware, but we did get a 2.3L VR5 with 150bhp which (in my opinion) sounds amazing

[@daniellemmens8880]

Yea we did. We got a lot of them. Just without the gti badge, we've only got the 1.8t and the 2.3 v5

[@nicolaslorenzo9654]

Great videos man. Here in South Africa we got 2 different mk4 GTi's: one with a full silver GTI badge and spokey rims, which had 118kw. And another with a more subtle looking rim and had a red "I" in its badge, this one had 132kw

[@bk_photography572]

Hi bro. Also from SA here. I got the 110kw version pretty slow. Do you know where I can take it to make it faster?

[@nicolaslorenzo9654]

@@bk_photography572 try KSD (koosie swanepoel developments) in the northern suburbs, they're really good with VWs and have produced some dangerous golfs. U can find their number on google

[@originalswolfsburg9889]

Mk5 worst generation ever. Design wise it looks like a Toyota Corolla of the same generation

[@Wazzzer1]

Steering isn't that expensive to sort. TT hubs, ARB, rack, arms and some decent bushes makes it feel like a different car

[@theoldschoolgamer6199]

The 1.8 T and the 1.9 TDI are the tuner's dream car (for a VW fan). Unbelievable things can be done with those. 2.0L is what your grandma would drive...no power, no torque and isn't very fuel efficient (if only it had that).

[@dylanrhodes3664]

The OldSchoolGamer I agree i love my 1.8t 2.0s are weak

[@theoldschoolgamer6199]

They get you from point A to point B...

[@05blkgti]

I loved my 2005 GTI but I traded it in for a new Mk7. Wish I would have kept it. Yes it wasn’t the fastest but I enjoyed the heavier weight, it really seemed to sit down at high speeds on the highway. As was said already, a little tuning and a stiffer suspension really made it come alive. The sound was a lot better as well with a real turbo whistle and no bullshit soundakter or whatever it’s called. Then again I miss my Mk1 the most of all. Oh well, what’s done is done.

[@kishanjadeja6894]

Mk4 is the best... The R32 is a monster.!!!! But they drink alot of petrol. And insurance is a bitch on any gti...

[@-m.d.n-9019]

What's the insurance? Is it on mustang levels or what?

[@556poor7]

I loved my 1.8T MKIV I bought one new back in 2004 looks were a bit bland but with a chip and some simple bolt ons I was running high 13s 1/4, the 115hp 2.slow should of never worn a GTI badge though.

[@kevinmarquez8916]

for such a young channel you are doing amazing your videos are entertaining and yet informative keep doing what your doing

[@zacharydewitt3771]

Killing it! Cant wait to see this channel blow up.

[@JackScarlett1]

Thank you man! More to come 💪

[@jayburns7800]

Audi tt steering rack will help to getting a better feel at the wheel

[@JackScarlett1]

Interesting. How much of a pain would that be to install?

[@MechBeardy]

Its fairly easy for anyone with mechanical knowledge, tho will be quite messy as you'll have to disconnect the power steering lines drain the fluid, and refill once swapped. IIRC. you'll need TT inner and outer track rod ends. It won't work with the traction control, but there's a button to turn it off. As well as improved steering feel it also reduces turns lock to lock, in essence 'quickrack'.

[@JackScarlett1]

@@MechBeardy sounds like a bit of a mish

[@MechBeardy]

@@JackScarlett1Ah fair enough 👍 luckily for you, it won't work on the Mk5

[@jayburns7800]

I know mates that done the hole audi tt sub frame ect swap

[@ShaprTec]

The MK4 GTI in stock form isn't great, it could have been, BUT.... vw decided to put the shockers and springs from a boat onto this car. The stock shocks and soft, unresponsive and lazy. The stock springs and unbelievably high and makes the car look like a boat with the a stupid amount of suspension travel. For handling the lowering springs on stock shocks isn't the way to go, because the stock shocks and still absolutely shit. Best way is to Install the underside of the MK1 Audi TT (wishbones, subframe, support bars, hubs) Then add something called the DEFCON bush insert into to the wishbones along with replacing every single bush under the car with SUPERPRO. The vague steering feel can be cured with a short lock R32 Steering rack, along with a superpro steering rack bush, or a solid aluminium bush if you want extra feel. The offset superpro wishbone bushes give extra castor and better turn in response. For suspension you want the front Shockers from a MK1 Audi TT quattro 1.8t, they are shorter and allow lowering springs, 35mm is preferable. The subframe bushes should be replaced with Powerflex bushes, to stop your subframe moving around like its disconnected from the car. For the rear all you need is a Antiroll bar, really helps the rear stay controlled and planted. This will give you less turns lock to lock with the r32 rack and give you great steering response and track worthy handling. BUT... the parts can be sourced for under £1000, which isn't bad considering you will have a car that handles 1000x better than it did. And... better then alot of cars on the road, possibly on par with the MK5 and MK6 GTI. I did this just because I like the MK4 and it was my first car my dad gave me and he had it from new with under 30,000 miles, it was the 20th anni model too, so it looks better than a stock mk4 and has 180hp from factory.

[@iruleremote5175]

I've had a 1.8T Gti from new and covered 186K miles. Perhaps not as sharp as the MK2 16v Gti but much more civilised. Fitting polybushes to the suspension tightened things up, along with a set of Bilsteins. Steering is fine, but then I don't have any play in mine. Getting hard to find a good one now.

[@OlsunEdits]

I had GTI 2.3 vr5 engine it had no turbo but it was really daily driver

[@cookingupbeats]

I own a MK4 for over 2 years, cost me £500. Mine rattles too much for me. The only improvement it needed was replacing the lower bushes for poly, made a big difference. A mechanic told me he believes it was already mapped.

[@rileydrummond5355]

In the mk4 all you need for steering is a big stiff sway bar in the rear and better springs... I spent about £300 total on these 2 things and transformed the handling tenfold.

[@Chris-dy1cb]

TAKE MY LIKE AND MY SUB. Youre camera work and commentary are pretty excellent for a channel with less than 3k. Keep up the great work Jack

[@JackScarlett1]

cheers mate, shall do!

[@WexfordGamingNetwork]

Stock a mk4 gti is wet, but with the 1.8T , its an amazing starting point for a good project

[@riccccccardo]

Owned one 1.8t for 8 years not the fastest car but it lived its best life on the motorway and was a beast there. I had a k & n cone (never again as it destroyed two air mass sensors!), and an atmospheric dump valve which was not great on standard engine boast. Breaks coming up to roundabouts could be a bit hairy sometimes.

[@colsinclair7793]

Mine is nearly 20 year old and still pulls like new.

[@seanlyons161]

My mk4 Gti 1.8t 180bhp is completely stock zero modifications. But everything works. I’m fully enjoying mine.

[@richboy900]

I like the design and styling of the mk4, my mk7 gtd reminds me of that square stance somewhat. I think the mk4 gti was given a slightly bad or negative rep because of the mk1 focus rs and ep3 type r which both were probably better to drive and more desirable. The mk5 golf upped the game completely and put vw back on the map, probably a better all rounder to the ford and the honda

[@YourMadreKnows]

1.8t and the 12v and 24v vr6 where the only gti badged car rest were just golfs or the tdi and te r32

[@johnparks5247]

I have a 2000 GTI 1.8t on Raceland coilovers and the thing drives like it's on Rails. the steering issue all comes down to how well the car was maintained. and if all you have to do is replace a rack and some steering knuckles all in all it's actually not that bad of a price. I got lucky on mine it was garage kept for most of it's life

[@delanobeek]

Jack, what's the weight of this car. The mk7/7.5 is making same power stock form trying to get an idea of how this feels.

[@anonlincracing2484]

I bought my 1.8 t 20v AGU for £80 it had been left for 2 years because a nurse didnt have the money to get a new turbo brakes all round and was flutering nd dipping in revs the tensioner had exploded the golfs are a piece of piss to work on so 1st got cam belt kit KO4 turbo mamba oil and coolant lines 3inch tip and vr6 maf milteck catless downpipie 4 inch to 3 inch coilovers seat Leon front brakes and cupra R fuel pump 360cc saab injectors v5 vented at the rear stripped interior sold recaros for 160 on ebay bigger intercooler and will be starting it up soon its been 3 years and im hoping my work pays off

[@edwardioo2233]

good vid mate, i used to have a mk4 2.3 v5, awesome sounding engine, no tuning potential, so after a year or so i bought a mk4 gti 1.8ti in stock form few years back, then decided it needed more power and better handling ability, cost me £600 for the car and mods were £1500 ish, awesome bit of kit, now i own a a3 1.8t to get me back and to, to work. Now i'm after a ed30 mk5 gti, so much tuning potential in those things.

[@JackScarlett1]

Very nice mate, you're quite the GTI vet! If you do get your hands on an Ed30 and start tuning it, be sure to let old Jacko take it for a spin 😉

[@edwardioo2233]

Jack Scarlett will do mate 👍🏼

[@calamityyy]

Would you recommend the 2.3 v5 with 170hp or nah?

[@edwardioo2233]

calamity depends what u want from it? If you want power from it then no, but it sounds good, not the best on fuel.

[@calamityyy]

@@edwardioo2233 I want a car that is relatively fast, fun to drive and has a mean sound to it.

[@soky355]

got mk4 tdi gti 110kw ARL 1.9,makes me smile every day :)

[@HTaylor04]

I live in Kent and would really want to meet you but all I have at the moment is a stock 1.6TDI MK6 Golf

[@liamlayton2222]

Nice video! I like this channel as it’s achievable cars and down to earth commentary, you’re onto something! Any plans to do sheds/bangernomics?

[@evanacey1414]

I own a MK4 VW GTI w/ the 2.8L 24v VR6 and 6-Speed 02M manual gearbox, and aside from the R32, my MK4 GTI made the most from the factory at 210 bhp and 200 lb/ft of torque. Mods so far are as follows: 1). 2.5” Magnaflow Catback Exhaust (an absolute MUST for a VR6) 2). I’ve got it sitting pretty damn low on some FK Streetline coilovers.. How low? Well, I had to install some motor mount spacers as well as reinforce the oil pan for good measure, if that tells you anything. 3). Some saucy new 18” rims and tires, wheel spacers, and rolled fenders for perfect stance. 4). New Black Magic Pearl paint all around (car is 100% murdered out)..

[@zedgerton73]

I have a awp swapped gti f21 turbo w/440cc @3bar with catless 3” and a few other mods on a unitronic stage 2+ tune and it absolutely flies for what it is.

[@hb6846]

Having driven both (in stock and modified format) the mk1 tt is the better option to both of these. I am a biased owner though!

[@XnaughtylusX]

i got a mk4 gti turbo - 99. tuned ofc. while my friends in their golf R and all that shit gets destroyed i still keep driving my mk4 with no problems at all. still curious why ppl say its the worst gti ever

[@tedyyyy123]

Some mods and u get rocket over 300hp for less then 3k

[@joshbriggsDayZBeast]

I've got a mk4 Golf GTTDI PD130, i like what you said about the car:10/10 for being Golf xD Pretty much sums it up for me..

[@KP1988]

Im 17 and my aunt give red mk4 golf for 175e but my dad will give volvo 940 se. Hard to choose.

[@jamiekriticos]

Well my one is very quick and I'm happy with it

[@porqupine-ridge]

Greatest VW ever. I'll be buried in mine.

[@JackScarlett1]

A man of conviction! Fair play mate

[@RoyClaessen]

700 quid? The cheapest one I found in belgium is 3500 euro's and it has 215000 km..

[@ygjrry7847]

My step dad has an mk4, I’m thinking of buying it off of him for my first project car. It’s super fun to drive.

[@kevinmiller1108]

At the price point (even in USA where they’re pretty popular) you can put $1000 into these and you’re looking at ridiculous power from a 1.8. And with the VR you’re gonna spend a lot more but Hell, For the 500hp you can easily pull out of it and that perfect exhaust sound it’s still so good on a budget.

[@ianchorne8129]

This channel is awesome, I love all the GTI stuff as I'm planning on getting a mk 5 or 6 as my first car

[@thirteen2342]

I've had 5 different GTI variants over the years & the worst 1 by miles is the mk3

[@jakegonzales9550]

I would to say that the mk5 also has its fair share because of new implications on a new engine platform, i own a mk4 gti, my father owns first gen mk5 jetta, not fun as he says. But we are entitled to our opinions but the video was great and funny too so good luck with the future videos man.

[@VdubInParadise]

I've owned four mk4 cars. Yes they were bunch of buckets...but for me, the engines were what set me to love that generation (1.8t & VR6)....I agree its a pretty terrible generation but the amount of aftermarket support pretty much solves everything wrong with it.

[@thevillageidiot70]

Love your videos! Your channel for sure will grow quick!

[@michaelw6277]

It sounds like it handles poorly because all the rubber bushings are shot and in need of replacement. Have a look at those, should tighten up the steering.

[@whoknows3076]

Can someone tell me if he got to 230bhp with just a remap? or was there other things aswel?

[@JackScarlett1]

Other things as well. Oversized turbo inlet, new exhaust etc

[@whoknows3076]

@@JackScarlett1 Thanks for the rapid reply! All for around £1500? Im interested in buying one now & doing the same if thats the case.

[@JackScarlett1]

@@whoknows3076 yep all the upgrades were around 1.5K. Not bad is it!

[@roba7788]

Not to mention the massive intercooler hanging out the front😂

[@Napoleon-xt7fs]

See if I look up mk4 videos I never see anything about the vr6 2.8L I always see the 1.8L or the 2.0L was it not common or what?

[@242-f5u]

I own that model. I've heard it's rare. I always have people wanting to buy it, particularly car guys (mechanics).

[@HatsuneM1ku01]

Vr6s are everywhere. The early mk4s only had the vr6 or 2.0. Then the other engines came and later the vr6 was upgraded to the 24v Verdi’s on making 195 instead of the 170 the early 12v had

[@projectwhitedemon2203]

I'm in the US and I absolutely love my mk4 when it runs right that is... I'm having to fix a lot that the kid before me messed up and frankly I'm learning VW this is my first and won't bey last

[@stephenmoncrieff2056]

I currently have a 2002 MK IV GTI . It’s a cheap car to get me by until I can afford a better VW . That being said , this has been a fun little car to drive around in . It’s needed a lot of work but there are enough of these around in the wreckers that finding parts is fairly easy and cheap as well . I knew what this car was going in and so far I haven’t been disappointed .

[@20vTurbae]

There are no better VWs my guy, 1.8T all day 🇩🇪

[@keyo525]

MK3 GTI was a real let down compared to the MK2, far to heavy and awful interior, just my opinion though.

[@mindst50mm54]

I was thinking the same. I don't understand why he didn't mention MK3 golf? Don't think he knows much about car history !?!

[@Justice-qw7sj]

agreed mk2 the best car ever

[@omarleonrey3459]

Guys I need your advice, I saw one of this mk4 for 700 dollars but I don’t know if it’s a good car to use daily, I’m in Chicago

[@HatsuneM1ku01]

Yes they are great, too bad your comment is a year old. I hope you grabbed it. Any engine they come with are great too. Even the non turbo 2.0 even though it’s slow it runs and runs.

[@HatsuneM1ku01]

I just grabbed a wolfsberg 1.8t for 600 only problem is an over heating issue

[@_tyler_gti_]

1:51 I have a stock mk4 with the N/A 2.0L engine. 115hp of pure power.😂 But it is still fun to drive, and I love every second behind the wheel, its not even classed as a GTI.(it didnt even come with a gti badge) It moves, all be it, very slowly. Im also looking at a mk5 GTI as my next car.

[@prabvirk1420]

Quick steering rack off an audi tt, cupra r or s3. It makes a difference, coilovers on there wont be much help and the r32 front anti roll bar and a rear anti roll bar and it will be noticeably different. 2.0 GTi are bad but theres nothing wrong with 1.8ts. And when you set them up correctly and have with it a weapon

[@raiderjohn9407]

The mk4 does have a couple lack luster variations, but the fox should pretty good, and I personally have a 2000 vr6 and with a stick drive train and only revving to 3k I hit 60 mph in about 8 seconds, now if it were in perfect condition and I could use the stick better I could probably do a 5 second 0 to 60. I will agree about the handling a bit though, for a sports car its a bit soft, its kinda between stereotypical sport, and average daily driver. Oh, and for a car with around 200hp and 200 ft-lbs of torque it gets up and goes surprisingly well. Now I'm starting to question how stock my car actually is.