VW Golf Mk4 - Hard to believe it's 25 (Full Review)

The 1997-2004 Volkswagen Golf is now 25 years old! The fourth generation, Mk4 (MkIV) Golf was Europes best seller in 2001, and a car that holds up well by modern standards.
Backseat JJs book of the day:
A Medium-sized Book of Boring Car Trivia: amzn.to/39bWtfi
Also known as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the US.
#golfmk4 #vwgolfmk4 #vwgolf
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[@nueu4324]

700.000 km, golf mk 4 1.9 90 hp, driving school car, still works fine as hell

[@OHMk7.5R]

I have a 2004 R32, and it is one of the best cars i’ve ever owned. Amazing analog feel, modern feeling inside, enough room for 4 adults, good in inclement weather. Wonderful.

[@JJonCars]

Awesome car Mike.

[@gravemind6536]

Don't ever get rid of it those things are rocketing in value now.

[@kamtongchan9780]

我的Golf2.0豪華版自動波，2000年用左5年非常好车。

[@stefanbloodworth9613]

Yeah I to have a mk4 R32 bloody awesome car ❤️

[@Lemont321989]

Proud owner of a 2001 Golf Mk4 1.9TDI, 115hp, 112000km / 70000 miles. 5.4L/100km, 53mpg (UK), 42mpg (US) on average, and goes down to 4.4L/100km on the highway. Enough torque to make you smile. I'm not planning on buying another car for 10 years.

[@miketeeveedub5779]

Literally one of the greatest consumer cars ever built. You still see them driving in traffic here in Western Canada. Amazing when you consider the extreme winters and the use of salt to clear the roads. My friend owns two Mk4 TDI's, each with close to 600K kilometers on them both. The R32 variant is legendary as well. They certainly don't build them like this anymore. My Mk1 Jetta GLi coupe is testament to that as well! Cheers mate!

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Mike! Ever since I've done the video, I've seen them every day. I knew there were lots around but it's really amazing for such an age of car, especially due to the throwaway culture. We get rusty cars here too, but Canada is more extreme. So it's really impressive :)

[@emjay1249]

Those older german cars were the best ever built

[@Bmovie5000]

I agree, seems like there are lots of MK4’s on the roads on the West Coast (including mine 😊). On my daily highway commute I sometimes see a dozens of them. Other once ubiquitous models like the early 2000’s Honda Civic seem to be fading fast.

[@mursalinkabir7626]

I have a Mk4 Golf 1.9 TDI PD - just hit 204,000 miles. It’s just stayed in the family and never given us any major issues, I honestly love the car and can’t fault it in anyway! By the way great video 👌

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Mursalin. That's decent miles, and I'm sure there are loads left in it!

[@traversrudd4976]

I have one too, 2003 estate also TDI PD had it from new, now 365000 miles, no issues to speak of

[@jpgenovese]

Proud owner of a 1999 Mk4 :) Engine still going strong! Beast Model.

[@AudiophileTubes]

One of the best VW's ever built! My daily driver for the past TWENTY years has been my 6-speed manual 2003 Mk4 GTI VR6, and it is built like a Panzer tank! No major repairs, only minor, including a failed cooling fan, MAF sensor, and a rusted exhaust part. More reliable than our Japanese cars too. Never even have had to change the manual transmission oil at all. A joy to drive, and still puts a smile on my face after all these years! The dealership employees get a kick out of this car each year I drive it in for a full synthetic oil change.

[@Lurch-Bot]

I have a 2001 12V GLX and I love it. If you've never changed your timing chain, you should do it ASAP. Mine failed at 126k. Fortunately it let go right as I disengaged the clutch so the damage was minimal.

[@shahramtondkarmobarakie1824]

being built like panzer is more of an insult to reliability than a compliment

[@georgeellinas2147]

@@shahramtondkarmobarakie1824 Nitpicking now. We know what he meant, clearly. The Mk4 is the best made VW generation by far. You see them all over the place in Europe, especially Greece. More than other generations of VW's. That, in and of itself, speaks volumes.

[@danmeredith7762]

I currently own 2 of them. A 2.3 V5 for the weekends and a 1.9tdi PD150 for the daily workhorse. Between them they have nearly every modern luxury you could ever want, heated seats, climate control, cruise control, xenon lights, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto wipers, headlamp washers, heated windscreen washer nozzles, rear parking sensors and electric sunroof. I've also added double din touchscreen's, reverse camera and auto light switch. Upgrade the suspension to Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks with 17x7 wheels and they handle pretty well. Oh, and the VR5 sound is incredible!

[@JJonCars]

They're basically like new/modern cars then! A great combination. And even your daily workhorse has got some good go in it :)

[@gpubenchmarks7905]

Chip remmap arl to 180+ hp

[@Mr.P001]

Very nice sounding pair

[@williammatthews9131]

Hiya, bought my 1.9tdi 130 estate five years ago for £520...96000 mile..seller stated had engine fault...moved it off his drive...done 1 mile test drive, got Aa to tow it home...fault was blocked in tank fuel pump...one new pump later was running like a dream:) used it for weekly drive to Dover and back as worked on ferries...round trip of 480 miles ...never missed a beat...have done 3 Western Europe tours in it...Belgium, France, Germany, Andorra, Spain, Switzerland etc...all approx 3,000 miles each .Still returns high 50's fuel economy ...currently on 207,000 mls...previous Mk4's include 2.0 Bora auto, 1.6s 8v auto, v5 150bhp version...v5 averaged 32mpg !!...no intention of getting rid of current golf, brilliant workhorse...only change I made was leather heated seats as it has the beige interior...so seats got grubby quick...use it for transporting tools/fuel in Jerry tanks to my aeroplane(profile photo) so it's well used!! Thinking about getting Darkside developments to do some engine/clutch work...only want it upped to 200bhp so it will remain driveable normally and not crazy power.. Pity they stopped making them...mk5 was a let down..and can't see the new one with digital dash etc lasting as long....new version is throw away item now :(

[@JJonCars]

Hi William. Well, that was a bargain - can't get cars for that any more haha. Sounds like the perfect car for what you need. 200bhp would certainly plenty - do you think it would stay reliable?

[@ivanmifsud6972]

I cant believe this brilliant car is 25 years old!

[@fastrace14]

I have to say the MK4 golf out of all Volkswagens has probably aged the best, and is still an everyday usable runabout.

[@benfel9403]

Our household is still daily driving a 2003 V6 4 motion, just passed its mot with no advisories! The mk 4 is such an epic and Iconic wagon! And for me the V6 is one of the sweetest sounding engines ever produced.

[@WoodsLeader]

My first car, a 1999 MK4 110 1.9TDI, with 247.000KM. 17K of those are mine, in less than a year. It's a great car, handles very good with aftermarket suspension and 17'' rims with 225 tires. It recently broke down but it's just a issue with the coolant circuit. I'm really in love with it, I hope it stays with me for a long time.

[@user-fl2ug7sr3t]

If you're only driving 17 thousand kilometers a year maybe you shouldnt be driving a diesel.

[@vulfajer1]

Why, is he polluting your environment ?

[@SuspiriaOG]

I have a Mk4 GT TDi PD130, black with all of the extras - Cruise control, panoramic sunroof, only had 2 owners since new, I bought it from my Dad last year and can honestly say it’s an amazing car! Just hit 120k recently and it’s only just getting started, I’d be happy to never own another car in my life, my goal is to keep it on the road forever!

[@JJonCars]

Almost a completely modern car with that spec James! And yep, only just run-in at 120k, you'll be able to keep it for years and years :)

[@SuspiriaOG]

@@JJonCarsI’d happily let you review it if you’re ever in the Darlington area! As said it has everything, and with me not having owned a ‘modern’ car I’d love to see if it still holds up in other’s eyes

[@hitachi42inchtvsarepowerco79]

I’ve got a 2003 golf with 152k miles that’s exactly the same as the one in the video but mine is black, I only paid £350 for it so as you’d expect it’s pretty rough but the engine, gearbox and clutch are still perfect and it still drives really nicely, like you said it’s pretty quick too considering it’s only got 100hp, I absolutely love the car and I’m going to fix it up and keep it going for as long as possible, great video always nice to see other mk4s still on the road! 👍

[@Azilla00]

I got a 1.8 20v for £200 3years ago and it’s only needed the odd bushing here and there, a starter motor, pads, discs and tyres! Passed every mot with flying colours, I’m just going to keep it until it’s dead

[@Azilla00]

It’s a 1998 one with 126000 on clock

[@vp5633]

I’ve had 4 golfs, 2 MK4, 1 MK5 & now a MK7! My 2nd MK4 was a GT TDI with 189K miles, absolutely bulletproof - bought for £600 & put 30K miles on it within 18 months, loved every mile

[@asianskywalker]

mk4 was anything but reliable. Plagued with loads of problems.

[@alexvelinov153]

Mine is 1.4 Petrol engine, the smallest one you can get but I love the car. I repainted her a few months ago and now it looks like back in the time when I bought it. It was some 15 years ago. I love it to bits:) and it's just a piece of metal:) but I enjoy it every minute. My has a history, she travelled all over Europe:) I'm sorry I can't add photos here:) Maybe we should communicate in VW Club or something:)

[@JJonCars]

For us car people, the "it's just a piece of metal", just isn't quite true is it :) Please do send those photos through to [e-mail] would love to see them

[@Devilson2612]

Hi there! I have a Mk4 2.0 that I live so much... It has almost 300.000 KM on its lifespan and it was the last car in my family, wich was bought by my mom. Sie did die shortly after it due to cancer. This car has protected me ever since and never let me down.

[@JJonCars]

Sorry for your loss Daniel. Cars can mean a hell of a lot to us.

[@GamePlaycuVlad]

My father bought our first mk 4 Golf in 2007 with 270.000KM and we sold it this winter when the car had 500.000 KM and everything was working perfectly fine, it was just the rust that made us sell it. Engine and suspension were in perfect shape.

[@JJonCars]

Amazing :)

[@Hannover54]

Thank you for your extensive and detailed report, which I can agree with on all points. I myself own a Golf Mk4 1.4, built in 2001, which I saved from being scrapped. This also proves to be a reliable everyday car due to its robustness, which can be repaired with manageable means. I would be happy to receive further comments on the subject of Golf Mk4. Regards Hanno

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Hanno! Maybe will do another Mk4 video at some point.

[@MichaelGreen-p2h]

I’ve got the 2003 vw bora 1.9 tdi sport …pd130….it’s a 6 owner car and when I bought it it was a stinking rotten coastal car that wasn’t maintained or ever cleaned and was used for taking dogs to beach ….I bought this car for £500 with 214000 miles on it …I bought it just when Covid came along in lockdown…and my mission was to deep clean it …..service it …engine flush the oil…coolant flush the coolant change all filters included cabin filter…it never had a radio so I got an original one off eBay £25…all the shocks and springs were rusty…leaking …so I replaced them with brand new bilstien b4 absorbers…eibach pro 30mm springs…the wings were rotted out so replaced with brand new ones …the list goes on and on…anyone who doesn’t know or understand just how much of a gem these cars are would think I’m stupid…the car now has over 260000 …doesn’t burn oil…pulls like a train …it’s comfortable…warm…and returns 53mpg…I know this car will support my life for another 10yrs

[@JJonCars]

You sir are what the car world needs, you're like the RSPCA for old Boras :) Great work and it's nice to see a car kept on the road instead of being scrapped

[@namAlexander]

you cant beat doing your own repairs, I've got a leon mk1 pd150 and caught the wing issue early i used hammarite underseal inside on edges behind inner arch covers, right at the bottom of the wing is the issue i don't no why at its dry there but can develop a rust hole even if you have a side skirt on and there's good drainage

[@TheWolfHowls]

I have a 2001 GTi Mk IV 180T 150BHP. In bright Green metallic. Got 151,000 on the clock. Never had a problem in the 21 years I've had it. Recently replaced the radio/cd player with a more modern one and replaced the rear light assemblies. Radio fitted in perfectly and has a retro look that blends right in. It's my third GTi and I'm not looking to change it while it still goes:-))

[@Joseph_Porta]

I have a 2002 1.6 16V Golf 4 with 193K km. It's my first and only car and I do love it. I will not exchange it for newer low quality cars of today.

[@Danny-204]

I am the very proud owner of a 2001, 3dr V6 4motion. I have owned her for 16 years and have no plans to sell her ever, she is in almost show room condition, everything works perfect and she is very well looked after and lives in the carpeted and heated garage, I try and drive her as much as I can, and she is never driven in the rain, unless I get caught out, The only thing I have up rated is the suspension and anti roll bar, because even the sportier versions of this car still were a big soggy in the corners, I recently fitted bilstein shocks and H&R fast road spring and she is much better now.

[@JJonCars]

Lovely car and sounds like you're taking the absolute best care of her! Interesting that even the sporty models had the roly poly handling. You've got a modern classic on your hands there.

[@kuankuan8068]

I remenber my dad bought a MK4 in 2006.It is my whole childhood memory.

[@mick1189]

I own a 2001 2.0l version of the Golf 4 with absolutely no extra options, bone stock. It is my first car, and I have owned it since 2019. My car and I have been through thick and thin, and it is my most priced possession as a poor student.

[@sgtmaexx1709]

I got a 2000 Golf IV 1.4L 16V as my first Car, you really dont think about it being 22 years old even tho it has 230000km .... its a lovely car and i dont have any problems with it, also this "basic" feeling is good... nothing fancy just some big buttons for a few things. Lovely.

[@JJonCars]

Great first car!

[@Censuwine]

I've owned one from new since 2000. It is the Variant Tdi version model with 110 bhp. I've only done 178,000 kms so far but most of them have been in gridlocked city traffic and it never missed a beat. I simply can't find an excuse to get rid of it for a new Golf. Out of all the cars I've driven over 40 years (including Mercs, BMWs, Audis and all the Japanese) the VW Golf Tdi stands out as by far the best.

[@richweston6202]

My mk4 1.8T currently has 223k, I bought it in 2004 original turbo, engine has never been apart! I love it and still use it daily.

[@Iser1999]

I have petrol 1.4 engine mk 4 golf from 2001 with close to 300.000km and it's probably the best car I could have got as a beginner. It is very surprising that a 22 years old car is still so common on the streets, and I did not have too many issues with it. Usually when something breaks, the parts are so easy to find and so inexpensive I couldn't believe it. Shocking really

[@alangodsman338]

I had a 1.6SE new in 2001. I loved it. Had some issues at 50 to 60k due to an oil leak. Damage caused by the dealer to the oil cooler. Once fixed it gave me no more issues all the way up to 130,000 miles after 4 years. The auto box in this generation was I believe a four or five speed box with the top engines. The DSG arrived in 2008 with the Mk 5. The Mk 5 was a disappointment in comparison. It wasn’t a bad car just not as good. The Mk 6 is the real successor to the Mk 4 in terms of quality. I’ve got a Mk 7 now. I’ve now had 7 Golfs. Great cars. The Mk 4 is still my favourite.

[@JJonCars]

Impressive. Even though the dealer did their best to wreck it lol. I think I'll try and cut that out about the gearbox haha, not sure where I heard that. Cheers Alan.

[@JJonCars]

Ok, so you could get the DSG gearbox in the R32 Mk4, but only in Germany haha. I'll chop that bit out as it's not really relevant to 99% of the Mk4s sold.

[@Pixleyjamaica1983UK]

Nice one I have a Mk4 black 1.9 PD 150 with only 64k immaculate also have company car but love the golf. Pulls so well and left unmodified and serviced to the best standard. She is a keeper

[@JJonCars]

Sweet, sounds a minter!

[@MrsAnnotations]

In 2020 i bought my first mk4 1.6 from 2001. It cost 500e and it barely had anything to fix. I drove it for 2y and then switched to mk5 because i needed a 5 door car. Needless to say i miss mk4. So i decided to buy mk4 1.8t from 2002 in a very good state and now my mechanics are working on rebuilding the engine so that the car would be as new. Got some silver anniversary console trim with handles, new shift and some gadgets. I cant wait until its ready to drive! ❤ its my favourite car!

[@JJonCars]

Brilliant! It's always nice to go back to a car you love. And you've upgraded to the 1.8T :)

[@kelvynmoore4882]

Owned a mk4 1.9 TDi from new. It did 228,542 miles before I moved it on. Nothing failed. It was serviced as per the book. It still lives but is SORN. No expense spared on maintenance. Now have a mk7 2.0 TDi. At 79,684 miles the only non-maintenance item has been the EGR valve. VW dealer replaced it free of charge, even though the car was 9 months out of warranty. Can't beat a Golf.

[@Hugo-x9r8w]

I have a 2000 Golf variant 1.6 320.000 km and no real problems. A great car.

[@AmpiMari]

Still own my 2003 tdi 1.9 and it never failed me, reading around 210000 km. Now, remaining being flexible :), the backseats removed, its camparized with bed and kitchenunit. Can do everything from the inside. Fully revealing its potentials. Love this car.

[@scottchampion3511]

I’ve got a mk4 gt-tdi 150. Currently on 187k miles. It’s got aftermarket suspension which fixes the boat like handling. I absolutely love it.

[@RoyalBlueTechnik]

Thanks for this video!! I’ve had a 2002 VW Golf GLS TDI since 2005, it has the ALH engine originally with a automatic transmission but switched to a manual. Ordered a new manual transmission from California and we fit it to the car with minimal issues. I also had the rear axle beam replaced with a new GTI rear axle beam. Changing this along with installing stainless steel braided brake lines made the handling around corners and the braking feel like night and day. It was a excellent first car for me, easy to maintain and service. The quality of the interior and overall utility and mileage you can get from a tank of fuel is still unmatched to this day I believe. I used to regularly get 1000 km to the tank, one time I got 1200km+ to the tank. I still have this car to this day in my workshop, just waiting on a turbo upgrade… I plan on giving it to someone else who can care for it and appreciate it as much as I did. Hopefully for another 15 years or more!! For reference the car is a OEM+ build, nothing aftermarket.

[@JJonCars]

No problem :) That's great, sounds like you built a nice Golf. OEM+ is the best way 👍

[@dulkedusan5034]

l recently purchased one in nz.Girl was selling and it wasn’t starting.The ecu was burnt.l fix it and it is amazing.2003 1.9 tdi 100 hp.221000 km.Its the best engine in vw.Only l don’t like automatic. But l gonna drive that car forever.

[@RobertDavisAdman]

I bought my Silver 2004 Mk4 2-door, 1,8T new. It is just as beautiful as ever And I love it. It has a little over 120,000 miles on it. I’ve always gotten a lot of compliments on it and still do.

[@JJonCars]

Wow, long time to own a car! Cheers Robert.

[@stelioskostaras9717]

I got a 1.4 16v mk4 and i love it. It's my first car by the way. Mine also got the optional panoramic sunroof. Plus it's a 3 door and for some reason i think it makes it look a bit more sporty. I also got the optional back spoiler. Almost 20 years later and it only has 91k km on the dash since my dad was taking good care of it till i get my license

[@JJonCars]

Brilliant first car :) They were too new and fancy for me to afford when I was starting out driving! I agree, the 3 door does look more sporty - which is why it's a shame manufacturers have pretty much done away with the 3 door design.

[@jimdriver7331]

I have a very late 2003 ( first registered january 2004) Mk 4 golf GT TDI 150. Truly excellent all round car, quick, comfy, practical and economic at average 53 mpg. Had it two years, bought a 2017 GTD 18 months ago, now for sale as prefer my old faithfull !!

[@calamityyy]

I've had 4 Golfs. 3 of them were a MK4 and the 4th a MK7. That's how much I love these cars. 1st one was a 1.4 with 75hp, 2nd was a 1.6 with 105hp, 3rd was a 2.3 VR5 with 170hp (great engine note!!), 4th was a MK7 GTI Performance with a DSG (insane car). Now I drive a Polo 1.2 TDI, great mileage on that one. Love VW's, might get back into a Golf in the future..

[@rasmusbilow615]

I have a '01 1.6 Petrol MK4 and its +160.000km, and I've done test drives and inspections of every common car brand imaginable. And owning my mk4 Golf now for 7 years, it keeps impressing me for every year that goes. Never had any points made in the MOT, or had any major problems with it. Its everything I could ask from a car of its age and I never want to get rid of it. If something breaks, you can fix it yourself, VW original spare parts are cheap and easy to find, fuel consumption (according to my OBD reader in ideal conditions) is 52mpg!! And living in Sweden this car goes through a lot climate-wise as well. I love this car and next will be a 1.2 mk7 Golf since I believe its the most similar model compared to the mk4!

[@rasmusbilow615]

correction: 160,000 miles !!

[@JJonCars]

Very impressive. Your climate is even tougher on cars than ours and rust is a big killer here. Glad you agree on the Mk7 being the true successor to the Mk4! :)

[@krecik2336]

I had one of these, a 1.9TDI-VP with 110hp, had 413.000km when I sold it. It was a mistake to buy that specific one, it was a total lemon, I even had to replace a head gasket, but I was 18 years old then, it was my first car and I was super hyped up about it, you learn on your mistakes. None the less, I loved how great the quality of it was, nothing rattled or squeaked in the interior despite it's age and mileage, barely had any rust, it was super comfortable, plenty fast for what I needed it to do, it sucked up potholes and inperfections of our rubbish rural roads in Poland like it was nothing, but still handled pretty nicely in corners. The only thing I missed in it was a 6th gear, at one point I traveled a lot on motorways and at 130-140km/h it started to get a bit loud, since it was nearing 3000rpm at those speeds. And while driving at 100km/h it used less than 4l/100km, loved that. If mine was in better shape and was more reliable, I totally would've kept it to this day. Replaced it with an Astra H, which I don't regret, also a great car in my opinion, but I sure miss my old Golf despite it's many issues mostly due to the previous owner's neglect :)

[@JJonCars]

Amazing that it got to such kms when the previous owner mistreated it :) I've bought lemons before, all part of the car owning journey I think. Yes - a 6th gear would have been nice, I think that is one of the few things that shows the cars age. I'm hoping to get an Astra H (and a G) at some point on the channel, would love to review one! Dziekuje Krecik

[@Tigelinus]

Here in Germany it's just called Golf 4 (without MK). Mine was built in 1997, 1,6 l engine, petrol, 100hp, 255.000 km. A few years ago, I had to get new car real quick, because my old one (Mercedes) just broke down. Good friend recommended a local dealer and told me to check that black Golf 4 built in '97. Long story short: it runs and runs and runs. New brakes and other bits and pieces here and there, just the normal stuff. Other than that, all fine. The only thing that I'm not happy with is the wind noise on the autobahn once I'm going 120km/h or more. Tis a compact car, nothing fancy, but extremely reliable. Possibly the best work horse car ever. I've never been a VW fan, but if mine breaks down one day, I might get another second-hand Golf 4. p.s. lovely dog

[@JJonCars]

Awesome :) Also I think you might be the first person to mention the dog 😂

[@Lurch-Bot]

They're getting rare in the US because most of the ones sold here had the awful automatic transmission and 1.8t which threw timing belts like crazy, especially when you got cheap and put natural oil in them. Then the turbo only lasts about 5 minutes too. I bought a 12V VR6 with a manual transmission and I'm still driving it in 2023. I've seen a Mk IV Cabriolet but it wasn't well done. The GTis and GLXs have much better handling than the standard models. Steering, suspension, transmission and brakes are all performance oriented. It really makes it a different car. My GLX feels more like an R32 than a base model.

[@JJonCars]

Funny how different the market is in the US and what cars VW sell there. VR6 is a sweet car.

[@JohnEavis-bp8oc]

I own a Mk 4 TDI auto estate, 2003 reg, 152k on the clock. I love this car and aim to keep it for as long as possible. It’s a pleasure to drive in every way and like you I love the indicator tick tock.

[@Shahinc0]

I have a VW Golf MK4 2002 TDI 130 HP. When i was at University ( 1999 - 2004 ) i saw this car and i said one day i will own one. Since 5 years im using it. I bought it (save it) from scrap yard and for this 5 years i had 2 times Europe tour My wife Me and our Cat. :)

[@JJonCars]

I know what you mean - when I started my first proper job, a colleague had a 2002 one that was at the time I think 7 years old, but to me it seemed brand new.

[@teodorvalev6570]

I have one MK4 gt (i dont know the difference between GT and GTI but its gt) golf 1.9 tdi 90hp with 370K kilometres and its driving really well i love it

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Teodor. Didn't know about the GT trim - apart from on the GT TDI. That's decent KMs!

[@tolees1757]

I enjoyed very much your review! Subscribed! Keep up your reviewing style, i love it! I own a mk4 golf 1.6 SR 8v colour anthracite blue with LPG installed currently at 493.000 km. The car is being taken care of religiously, i am still on stock engine and it burns zero amount of oil. No real issues except for the gearbox being not so smooth as in the past but still running strong. I think i will be the one to die first and then the car hahaha.

[@JJonCars]

Thank you! And I think you are winning on the most kms! This is it - look after these cars, and they will keep going! So good work Tolees, on your maintenance. Maybe update me when you get to 5 or 600,000 km :)

[@davidfrau4517]

Holy hell that is impressive for a gasoline engine with LPG fitted! Wow!

[@Andy-hw8pq]

got a mk4 coupe from 2000 with 1.4i engine and i can tell you it feels pretty sporty to me..really planted around the corners and you’ll be pleasantly surprised once you push it . 262.000 km

[@jermainerobinson7098]

They seem to get better with age l would say an absolute bargain today as they are not that expensive still look good. When they first came out the journalist was quite hard on this car l would say its stood the test of time by looking at some of the comments below, it looks like they could run for a long time. Quality motoring.Thanks for the review very professional keep them coming 👍🏾👊🏽

[@JJonCars]

Absolutely - the contemporary journalists just wouldn't have known how solid these cars would prove to be. Thank you!

[@bigseladventures4640]

I owned an mk4 VR5 good acceleration ,fuel economy and the sound was beautiful...currently running a VR6 24V its just too beautiful... no issue on the engine yet...cheers mate.

[@harrypalmer1]

I've got a 2002 GT TDi 130bhp, in the popular blue. I've had it 10yrs now, with two previous owners. 134,000 miles. Love it - its design has aged so well. I've had to replace all the central locking actuator units, but they were only £25 each on Ebay, and luckily one of my mates is a car nut, so fitted them for me. One rear door was particularly bad - nothing would open it, so had to watch a few KZbin vids & drill a few holes to get the door open. Can get up to 65 mpg I think. Would like to keep running it till it's banned, but it may give up the ghost before then. I'd like another TDi, maybe a Seat Leon mk2, but the DPF is an issue as I don't do enough mileage.

[@janniss6401]

My Parents have owned a 2003 Variant 1.9 TDI with 130hp since 2006 (it has about 170k miles on it). They still drive it, but I've pretty much inherited it from them, and I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. The car has never given us any issues out of warranty, other than the rear hatch that refuses to stop rusting in new places. There are so many memories attached to that car, for example it's the first car I ever drove myself

[@JJonCars]

Cars will do that to you. Us petrolheads get attached! Here's to many more miles! (and a new tailgate?)

[@OuttaHere7]

Great car! Mine is 2000 Mk4 TDi still going strong. Original owner, it’s a keeper!

[@JJonCars]

You're the original owner? Wow!

[@TheGreatestPlayerInTheWorld]

I own a 2002 1.6 golf in silver automatic I’ve had it 5 years it’s only done 24 thousand miles I only use it for driving in town but a great car just wish it had cup holders 😅

[@TonyKuehler]

Bought early production Mk4 Jetta TDI, March 1999. Silver with beige leather, yes, combination offered during early production I believe. Currently approaching 420,000 mi, just back from 4500 mi round trip road trip with daily runs around 80 and occasional cut and runs at 100 and beyond. I have been religious about maintenance, using Mobil Delvac 1, until about 350,000 and switched to Liqui-Moly products. Original exhaust, catalytic converter, struts; new axles and all front end components also at about 350,000, along with new clutch and dual mass flywheel; rear seal appeared very tight and dry. My dad used to say buy it nice and keep it nice. Anybody with a Silver ALH TDI, respond. You have a gem.

[@JJonCars]

Your car is a lucky car to have you as an owner. I've done a separate review on the Bora (Jetta) if you've not seen it :)

[@DeanFriederich]

My mother drove one of these when I was a kid. What a nostalgic review! Thank you!

[@JJonCars]

Awesome, no worries!

[@DeanFriederich]

@@JJonCars 😊😊😊

[@shiftinggears9896]

I have owned my mk4 1.8t for 13 years. I bought it with 50k on the clock and she just rolled round to 136k now. Also been running stage2 250hp with no issue's. It's a great car with no rust too.

[@bradleyclarke3869]

i have a mk4 1.9tdi. my first car and love it! just got over 250000 miles. always looked after it.

[@JJonCars]

Great first car. Only just run in with a quarter of a million miles :)

[@Over10rDPrime]

Proud owner of a 2000 1.6 105HP EDITION mk4 petrol It has cupholders 😂 I've been driving it since 2012 and it's my first car ever and I'm in no rush to change it. The only downside (aside from ignition coils and electric windows) is the plastic that has become brittle and breaks easily, but that's just its age doing its thing. I've clocked 306000 km on it

[@ohno1one]

I drive a beat up on the outside golf 4 from 2002 and it's got 256 thousand kilometers on it and still going strong

[@NousagiMechanic]

US owner here, currently up to 3 Mk4s at the moment (1.8t Jetta, 12v VR6 Jetta, and a 2.0 3dr Golf). Absolutely love all of them, some of the most reliable cars I've ever seen.

[@JJonCars]

Very nice collection Robert!

[@christophercrew3829]

I have a 2002 mk4 golf se 1.9tdi pd130 estate. Its sitting on 230k miles and still drives impeccably. Love my wagon!

[@spudnuts7650]

I own a Leon FR 150 tdi… owned it for 9 years, drives so well, never had a problem with it. Great video! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@JJonCars]

Nice one - would love to get one of those on at some point! Cheers!

[@aladinhadzic334]

Ive got a 1.6 16v mk4, runs as good as ever, in the last 6 months Ive put 10000km on it, never an issue. Its closing in on 250000km. Gives me the best smile every time I floor it in 2nd gear :) Couldn't have wished for a better 1st car.

[@davepithouse2020]

I had a mk4 tdi estate. I bought it for £750 with 144,000 on it and sold it with 197,000 for the same price 😊! It was a great workhorse and never missed a beat! The 1.9tdi engine one of the best engines ever made! 👏

[@jeffmorgan8244]

Our TDi is now 20 years old and we’ve had it for the past 19 years. No rust with 160K on the clock - love the car 😊

[@JJonCars]

That's a long time to own a car :) They are great cars, still see them everywhere

[@r7coo]

One of the greatest cars ever made, I had two gti's. The interior quality was leagues ahead of the opposition. I just bought a new 7.5 last week , it very good compared to a mk 8, but still not as nice as the 4.

[@JJonCars]

For sure. The 7 is a good spiritual successor to the 4 I think 👍

[@ThizIzNery]

My golf is year 1999 and well maintened i own it now for 10 years and i still not planing to give it away ,365.000km passed , my golf is 1.9tdi 110ks , and has armrest 😊🎉

[@Azilla00]

I’m currently driving a 1998 mk 4 1.8 20v gti, paid £200 for it 3 years ago, passed mot’s without a problem. It’s tatty but drives fantastic!

[@M4rkiii]

About three months ago i found a literal gem and quickly sold my existing car. So now i own a 2003 Golf mk4 Hatchback with the 1.6 FSI engine. Its only driven 89000km (55 302miles) and almost looks brand new. It has cruise control, heated seats, cup holders and everything but what really catched my eye was the red fabric interior. I have never seen one like that. God i love that thing.

[@JJonCars]

Never seen a red fabric interior one! Sounds great, super low kms.

[@ronaldbennett6669]

Another Mk 4 owner here. 1.9 sdi estate with 53k on the clock. I've owned it from 3k miles, 17 years. It's been garaged most of it's life, oil changes every 3 thousand miles. Got to be one of the best in the UK. Never sell it, the last of the well built Golfs.

[@JJonCars]

Wow! A hidden gem

[@ow3nc]

I personally think the mk4 was the best out of all Golfs. I had a second-hand mk4 Golf TDi 1.9 estate in 2019... it had 119k miles when I bought it. Never had a problem with it, although the power steering rack started to leak while I was driving all the way to Poland and back. It still survived even though I had to keep topping up the fluid until I got back home and repair it properly. Later I sold it to my uncle who needed a car at the time... it had about 145k miles on the clock when I sold him it... and he still has it now! These early 2000s Golfs are great, practicable cars!

[@JJonCars]

I agree, I think it is too - I don't think that VW have built one as robust since. They might have gotten better to drive and more refined etc, but they won't be able to do the mega miles that the Mk4s can do. Ever since I did the vid, I've seen them everywhere, still such a common sight and that can only mean one thing really.

[@ow3nc]

@@JJonCars Indeed, I still see these particular models all over the place, and especially in other countries like Poland and Germany. Ok, to answer your question regarding what I have now (from the other video ;)) ... I now have a 2003 Fiat Seicento. Yes, you will be shocked I know, but check out a KZbinr called Miller Corner and you'll be convinced what a fun little car this is. :) I use it for every day use and I have actually driven abroad in it too (Have a guess where. :)). As long as you don't abuse the acceleration, it runs pretty good and it's actually pretty fair on the mpg as well. I only recommend the 1.1 FIRE engine though, avoid the smaller 0.9 litre model.

[@jamesireland7371]

I’ve got a 2003 1.4 Match with 120k miles on it. I’ve had it for 5 years now and it has never missed a beat. Bought it off a family friend who had owned it from new and really looked after it. It has no rust anywhere (which apparently is rare for mk4s). It did cause me a few issues in 2019 but since then I’ve only had to service it and mot and get the odd rattle fixed. A family friend has a 1999 1.4 which she had owned from brand new and it’s still going strong aswell. Also know someone with a 2002 1.9 TDI 100bhp (same engine as the one your reviewing) it has 130ish k miles on it and again it’s still going and just passed it’s mot last week. My mechanic has a 2002 GT tdi 150hp one and he’s had it for years and had very few issues. Hopefully see these on the road for many more years to come

[@JJonCars]

Nice one James. Since I drove that Golf, I really have been seeing them all over the place. Clearly they have their issues like all cars, but VW must have been doing something right for there to be so many still about all this time later. That's great about the 150 GT TDI, as I've heard they can be more problematic. Cheers!

[@tillywatterodt5992]

i drive a 2002 TDI with over 600000 km here in Canada. Perfect for -50 to +40 C. I'm the first owner.

[@davidevans4089]

My favourite Golf, thanks for the video.

[@AudiophileTubes]

Just got back from Greece, and I was blown away at how many Mk4's I saw parked, or on the road there! You literally see one every 2 blocks or so in Athens! It's uncanny!

[@JJonCars]

Nice, I'm going to Greece fairly soon, I'll keep my eye out :)

[@Ultra-ib2ok]

Greek guy here, owning a Bora Pacific with the *mighty* 1.4 powerhouse 🤣 I can confirm, MK4 Golfs here (and even Boras) can be literally found everywhere you try to look... No surprises tho as they are built like tanks. Mine has almost 70k kms on the clock (only used in highways), lpg converted, and it still feels like a new car.. Minimal outside noise, excellent build quality, solid feeling and still runs on factory shocks... And it still feels planted in the corners. Not gonna mention all of its crazy features, just gonna say that with the 1.6 engine upwards, lpg and cruise control conversion, it can still be pretty much relevant today.

[@wezdarsit]

I have a mk4 golf tdi 220 thousand on the clock got it 6 years ago with 120 thousand only routine servicing brilliant car I don’t want anything else take it abroad just eats the miles 👍😊

[@simonarmstrong3105]

Currently own a 1.4 petrol as a first car, only done 72k miles and I'm absolutely loving it

[@JJonCars]

Good first car!

[@Blackmamba12345]

My father bought one brand new in 1998. I learnt to drive in it in 2008 then he gave it to me in 2016. We now keep it on SORN however we may scrap it in the next scrappage scheme.

[@B3NNi420]

I own a 2001 tdi with nearly 300k miles. Get about 45mpg average. It makes a fantastic daily commuter car.

[@JJonCars]

Awesome. Just about run in now I think :)

[@Zxkyyy]

I have a 1.8turbo petrol 150bhp 130k miles. Always wanted to get a mk4 golf and finally when the insurance was cheaper i did it. Owned it nearly a year now and going down the modding route. Absouletly love the car and I can't ever see myself selling the thing. Love the amount of glass and how much you can actually see out of the car, the centre console is ever so slightly faced towards the driver which is another classy feature which i love. Spend some money and get the performance sorted on the car, worst comes to worst engines cost £200 or less these days.

[@JJonCars]

Nice one Zaki. Does it feel quick the 150? You're right about the angled centre console, cool feature :)

[@Zxkyyy]

@@JJonCars the 150bhp is very good for day to day life. Easily keeps up with a lot of modern hatchbacks still and faster than some cars you wouldn't expect. Plus the mk4 has years and years worth of modifiction forums and simple bolt on mods. Can easily get it to 250bhp+ without forging any internals. beautiful thing too

[@jonytube]

Fantastic review, spot on. (I'm a huge late 90s/early 00s VW/VAG nerd and fanboy, continue reading at your discretion, skip to the end for me ranting about the mk4) I own a quasi-fully specced (mine lacks heated seats/headlight washers but here in Portugal these are not a necessity) PD115 Highline 3 door in Black Magic Pearl. She came from the factory with some great options as Climatronic, Sport suspension (basically they're just 1.5cm lowering springs), Gamma CD reader, Sport steering wheel (3 spoke), half-FIS, plus leather seats and inserts. We've had several VAGs, most of them from the 90s, and to me the Mk4 Golf is the embodiment of what made VW the gold standard for, well, cars. I love how sober but still charmy everything is about the mk4. Everything flows nicely and is quite understated, both inside and out. The proportions are stunning, even more so on the 3 door spec. I love the attention to detail such as the bonnet struts, those small creature comforts make it feel just that tad more luxurious. I love the lack of pretentious and pointless body molding. I love the Mk4 Golf, it will go down in history as one of the best cars ever made - it does not need to be an obnoxious hypercar to do so. There's tremendous beauty in simplicity. Pretty much everything about and from this car is rock solid. Each button is tactile and solid. The inputs are simultaneously firm but comfortable. Sure, the hidraulic steering is heavier than pretty much any electric steering of today but is still absolutely manageable. 25 years ago there were pretty much no 25 year old cars running, 25 years from now there will pretty much be no modern cars running. But here we are, 25 years after the Mk4 has been made and it's still a common sight on the road. That said, and I cannot understate how much I love the mk4, whew. Here's a rant. Who's the BOATY MCBOATFACE? *looks at mk4* YES YOU ARE. Jeezless fuck, those VW enginerds absolutely really were on a roll. A body roll. Haha. Get it? Because every. Single. VW. From. That. Time. Drives. Like. A. Boat. No exception, no ifs, no buts. Seriously, on another note, who the fuck designed the center console? It's just a sea of plastic wasteland. You can't store jack shit in it, you can't lay something on it as it will fall off as you drive and the pathetic coin tray doubles as a 2 inch deep sideways small smartphone pocket, if God forbid you didn't option yours with the armrest. Speaking of said hand rest, why is every goddamn mk4/passat/etc armrest button latch broken? What cheapo material did VW make it from? It's quite astonishing really as that and the glove box latch are broken in seriously 9 out of 10 Golfs out there. At least my glove box is still reasonably intact, apart from the god-forsaken maddening creaking symphony she makes at the smallest bump. How does a solid plastic tab creak is beyond me. I've taken the whole assembly out to figure it out and maybe apply some deadening foam tape but the noise comes from a piece of plastic that's not structural nor load bearing. It's baffling. Speaking of plastic, the center console again because she is held in place by 4 screws. 4 puny T20 screws that hold a millimeter thick tab against a metal bracket. VW ENGINERDS! WAS IST DAS. How can they make cars that literally can make it to the moon and back TWICE but not fucking put thicker plastic on load bearing areas is beyond me. My final point which might be highly personal is about the driving position. Is it just me or does it feel like you're skewed to the center ever so slightly? Like, a couple degrees at worst. It does not really get in the way but I'm curious as if others feel the same about this.

[@jonytube]

Also, why does no one talk about how good VW gearboxes are? Seriously, even after 220K miles mine feels reasonably crisp. They have a lovely throw and weight to them. The first time I drove a mk4 I hadn't driven any VAG in over a year and going thru the gears made me grin ear to ear. I forgot how good those 02M felt.

[@JJonCars]

Ahahahahaha, thanks João, you made me laugh! I love a balanced review, especially from a self confessed fanboy, makes it even more real :) I suppose they were so focussed on building something to last, they kinda forgot about the handling. Do the factory lowering springs/sports suspension make little difference? I agree that somehow the car has charm - despite it's quite sober design :) About gearboxes - I think I was quite surprised that the gearbox was so pleasant to use, as when I drove the 2019 Arteon for the channel the manual gearbox in that was very resistant, you had to force the gear stick in each time. Don't know if that's just the Arteon (presumably not as they share all their parts between cars).

[@jonytube]

@@JJonCars about the gearbox, the only recent vw I've been inside of was a T-Roc and I didn't like the shifter all that much tbh. My mum drives a 2020 Hyundai and it's a step up in quality in pretty much every way, including how the gear changes feel. As for the springs, not really, I think they're only for aesthetics as 1.5cm isn't nearly enough noticeable, despite making a tiny diff in making the car looking more planted. I've read lots of forums and the like about how to improve its handling and the general consensus is to throw in S3/TT sway bars as it would drastically improve body roll. I can't attest to that as I've yet to do it but it's definitely on the to-do list, it does make sense that it would have less body roll. I've driven a similar spec PD130 Audi A3 from 2002 (which shares the same platform as the golf) and it does feel a bit more planted, but the owner could have done suspension mods that I wasn't aware of.

[@SavedbyHim]

Had my 1.6 for 11 years. Great quality car, glass headlights, very spacious and comfortable. Put Audi TT wheels on it which improved the handling. Never had any major issues, had to replace the Engine speed sensor, oxygen sensor, did the clutch and the water pump. Brakes only done twice in 220 000km. Sold it when it started using oil at 300 000 km

[@JJonCars]

Very impressive :)

[@jim8171]

I bought one of these this year as my first car, I love it. Its a 1.6 petrol and the previous owner took decent care of it so its got no rust or anything like that, just a bit of messed up clear coat and a RPM dependant whine which is maybe alternator or water pump related but it runs stops and looks honestly quite good doing it and the best part... £300. What a car.

[@JJonCars]

Bargain :)

[@Henner01]

I had a rmk4 golf 1.6 16v 105hp with 205.000 km on it and recently baught myself a mk4 204hp v6 4motion with only 103.000 km. Was a real treasure to find. Ijust love the mk4.

[@JJonCars]

Oooh, V6 4motion :) Lovely car.

[@flora6802]

Great video! I've got a 1.9 Golf S from 2002 and am thrilled and amazed to discover that it is ULEZ compliant! NOx emissions of 0.047 (= Euro 6). What a blessing because I live in the centre of Edinburgh and had been dreading having to part with my lovely car after 17 years of happy driving. I am so happy I happened to come across the website where you can check a car's compliance. Just imagine how upset and sad I would have been if I had bought a "modern" replacement only to discover, too late, that the Golf Mk4 was compliant! L

[@JJonCars]

Wow, that is surprising. You are lucky there, I'd have been certain it wouldn't be ULEZ compliant. Your car can live with you for years more now. Cheers :)

[@mattscars]

As a VW lover I really appreciate the mk4. To me it is the last of the "solid" Golfs and I doubt the later versions will be around in the numbers a mk4 is at 25 years old. I had the same car in your review LN53YAA - 1.9 TDI Match - from 82k to 127k. No real issues just had it serviced annually and maintained any running repairs such as bushes. Recently had a PD130 version with 182k and it was bloody brilliant and I regret selling it last year. I hope to get my hands on another one before their values appreciate out of reach for a daily car.

[@JJonCars]

Great stuff Matt. Now is definitely the time to get hold of one before they become too expensive or all the decent ones have disappeared.

[@chugnorris7091]

Daily drive 2004 TDI PD. 350,000km. Had since new

[@JJonCars]

🙌 Mega KMs!

[@patro9555]

I have a 2003 two door five speed manual 2.0 golf. Best car I ever owned and most reliable too. 190k miles. Best looking golf they made so far…

[@nathaneal2542]

I bought 2003 mk4 2.0 lit engine at 100km in 2022. It has better comfort and better features than some modern cars, am so happy to get this car as my first car and don't plan on selling it. It's an amazing car that I count myself lucky to get it when i was ready to own a car.

[@JJonCars]

Great first car :)

[@pathurley86]

Have a 2001 3 door GTi, parked it up last year just after passing 200k miles. Keeping it as a future “classic”. Always pretty solid, only a few wear and tear issues while I’ve had it, almost 14 years as my daily drive.

[@JJonCars]

Sweet. Got to love the 3 door :)

[@adamgenereux4514]

I have an 02 mk4 2.0L manual. Its my first car and man its amazing. The manual feels crisp and im able to work on the car fairly easily. Oh and dont even get my started on fuel economy. $60 for a full tank that lasts just over 2 weeks daily driving. Plus with some easy modifications these cars can still look amazing.

[@adamgenereux4514]

Plus whenever i think of volkswagen i immediately think of the mk4

[@JJonCars]

I think the Mk4 is what pops in to my head too :)

[@arsonw1288]

I have an mk4 Golf 1.8 AGN 125hp and it has about 72000 miles all I can say is I'm satisfied with the car because its really easy to maintain and drive, in my opinion, the suspension feels harder but that's because I use 16-inch wheels with small tires for a better look, overall the thing I like the most is the weight of mk4 in petrol versions it has only 1195kg so it feels like you are almost flying on the road, another thing I love is the combination of small weight and 125hp engine when you are starting to move, you can squeak the wheels and drive away like a maniac or you can easily play with a clutch for smooth drive off without any resistance (I'm sorry for my bad English I'm from Czech so it's not my main language)

[@JJonCars]

Very good English :) The weight is surprisingly light. I always thought the Mk4 looks quite heavy, but compared with modern cars it isn't :) So you are right, it does feel quite fast - even with 100hp.

[@Azilla00]

Your English is fantastic! And I have the same one, AGN 125hp! Don’t see many Over here in uk, usually 1.8t’s or 2.0’s. Mines the 1998 with 126000

[@siemensnavelman2867]

I have owned several Golf's 4 in the past. My new Skoda Fabia 4 reminds me of this model again. It has the same dimensions and is very similar to the Golf 4 in terms of experience.

[@Cryzark]

I owned a 2003 1.6 Petrol Golf. I bought it for £600 at 130k miles in 2018. One of the interesting features in this golf is the little sun mirror you get at the center top of your inside windscreen, its very cute. Unfortunately, the repairs outpaced the cars value and well I didn't want to put a £1000 worth of parts into a car that's now at 160k miles. I actually don't miss it as I upgraded directly to a 2015 2.0 liter TDI MK7 Golf. Which has been absolutely the best car I've had thus far.

[@JJonCars]

Ah, you upgraded to the true successor of the Mk4! :) Sounds like the right call in the end 👍

[@futreno]

@@JJonCars concuerdo contigo MK4 y Mk7 👍👏

[@bertusboshoff6957]

I have a 2003 Golf Estate TDI with +- 305 000 km on and no issues. It's got stage 1 plus software on and is fairly strong. What an amazing car for it's time with all the features and comfort. Leg room at the back is a bit cramp. That's the biggest problem when transporting people in the back. Only other issue is the locking and unlocking of the doors. There were some times that the left rear door refused to unlock. This would go on for weeks. Then work again. Other than that, it's fantastic. After the software I don't glow before cold start, even in winter. I've started it at - 1.5 *Centigrade without struggling or glowing it.

[@JJonCars]

Agreed, the leg room is not as good as some hatchbacks. Great car though