WAS the Mk4 GOLF GTI the worst GTI OF THE LOT?

[@ryanclark9415]

The mk4 was soft driving but the teutonic, solid feel and upscale cabin and other accoutrements made it special and it looked more premium than any of its competitors. The blue back-lit instrument dials and red action indicators were also a showstopper as well.

[@planesailing6919]

Spot on!

[@mrh5312]

Agreed, loved mine. Having had the mk4,5, and 7 I can say with some confidence the mk4 was a more solid build. I feel it drove the best as well imo despite being low on power. Really enjoyed that car.

[@RedondoBeach2]

The MKIV was and remains an excellent GTI. I'm the original owner of a 2004 GTI 2.8L VR6, 6-speed manual, and it's still my daily driver. Great car!

[@katzehvh]

mk4 will always be my favourite, regardless of what people are saying

[@andywright3255]

Wow

[@Maurice_Moss]

Even the 2 litre? 🤣

[@katzehvh]

@@Maurice_Moss with a few exceptions 😸 i was never a gasoline fan anyway, i'm doing fine with my good old tdi

[@fideltrujillo5012]

I love my mk4

[@johna.4334]

@@katzehvh The global warming eco-wackos here in California would disagree with you ;~/

[@Zero_Ninety]

MK4 Golf is a fine car in standard trim but it always seemed like they weren't that bothered about the GTI at the time.

[@sixsilverstringsguitars8998]

I remember going to the VW dealers for the launch of the Mk5 & expecting something utterly amazing ... expecting a ‘better’ golf than the Mk4 ... I was gutted to see the french quality interior, the badly styled lights & frog like face ... they did drive much better but the styling and interior was a huge step sideways for VW ... so I kept my Mk4 after that

[@Blueguitar007]

Mkiv headlights are best even than new

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

I had a PD GT TDi 150 from new. WK02 ZDJ. Bought on a company car scheme and I did lots of motorway miles. I loved it because it covered the ground so effortlessly at considerable speed. It was badged as a GTI and had the same wood interior. I never noticed the soggy handling because I was so tired after a long day at work the last think I wanted to do was to chuck it into corners. Terrific stereo.

[@EtonieE25]

Well it’s July 2022 and my totally reliable daily drive, never let me down, built like a Tiger tank, 19 yr old 180k mile TDi mk4, with ice cold A/C is still going strong and just won’t die 😆😆

[@same687]

Gti PD150 was the one !! I was 21 , it was mapped to the hill , indigo blue , beige recaro leather , 3 door , santa monicas , 2002 badged gti , Fantastic memories of that car !!! Covered ground so quickly with decent economy , even now , not many cars live up to my memories of that car !! Had a anniversary 1.8t after that , was gutted it didn’t have any go at all !!

[@Djwatzy]

Always was the handling with them. Diesels were great engines and that seemed more important to VW at the time, and for good reason because they sold so many of them!

[@jrushen4235]

I totally agree. The GTD was nearly as quick with much better fuel economy when you pushed it. Even raced them and won in the VW Cup.

[@ramarakeshv]

I had this Mk4 1.8t for 12 years. Was a great reliable car did over 300k miles on it

[@PSNxFTWxRAGOI]

I don’t believe the reliable part 😂 I have a mk3 and a mk4 and they’re not reliable

[@ramarakeshv]

@@PSNxFTWxRAGOI I had it when it was decent and reliable. Never broke down even with such high mileage.So yes it was a great car i miss it

[@bompsychompsy]

@@PSNxFTWxRAGOI The key was you HAVE to do all the required maintenance.

[@RedondoBeach2]

@@PSNxFTWxRAGOI What problems did you have whit he MK4?

[@ianjenkins4641]

When the GTi became a trim level

[@Cous1nJack]

This. And it was under the v5, v6 4mo and r32. It wasn’t ever supposed to be the halo.

[@2728Alexis]

The MkIV was a decent car - the Seat Leon Cupra and Cupra R showed exactly how to create a GTI out of it. But because they wanted Seat to be the sporty brand they purposefully made the VW versions luke warm.

[@thevdubber6918]

I can vouch for that as my mk1 Leon is a better all round car, handles a lot better and feels more sporty. And they are easy to extract more power completely changes the car.

[@stillbreeze99]

Think the later 180 bhp models had better power to weight than the mark 5, but to softly sprung.

[@mrstanhope1516]

You was very kind, thought it would get a roasting. I've had my Bora V5 for 14 years and should probably trade it in. On 177k miles so want to get up to 200k miles first. Quality interior is a highpoint and a nice place to be.

[@EPICCLES]

The v5 sounds incredible tbf, could be interested if you sell ahahah

[@everythingtechnew7400]

My first brand new car was an S plate Diesel Golf in red. I remember the waiting list was so long. I loved it & still love the styling after all these years. I’d driven many makes but the build quality was ahead of its rivals massively. Everyone I knew loved that car.

[@kdevitt]

I think the Mk4 has aged far better than than Mk5 to be honest. Its a very classy looking car, and as you mentioned the interior is a very high quality. They're probably pretty colour sensitive though - a reflex silver one looks pretty plain, whereas a Black Magic Pearl or Jazz Blue one looks far better, and the anniversary ones definitely look special. Think you've over-egged the handling characteristic issues to be honest though - I find it predictably chuckable in corners ad a comfortable mile muncher.

[@polopowered]

The Mk4 interior is on point. My Bora PD150 interior was lovely.

[@paulwedderburn5702]

I own a MK4 GT TDI 150PD which is my only car and is driven daily. Recaro heated electric memory seats, xenon headlights, V6 front spoiler and reversing sensors. I love it.

[@Kajacot]

I recently got a MK4 TDI 1.9, and it's my first MK4. I have to say, for the price in the states, and the gas mileage of the TDI, I love it. Does the suspension leave something to be desired? Sure. But I just can't stand the look of the MK5/6, and the 7 is out of reach financially. All the early 1-4 are good looking. The boxy design is wonderful and the car looks older than it is from the outside, but feels newer than it is on the inside. The interior of the MK4 rivals American sedans from the 2010s. For Christ sake everything feels nicer than even the nearest Dodge Dart. Overall, it's a lovely car and checks all my boxes, a bit heavy if anything, but so am I.

[@Maurice_Moss]

The 2 litre version was truly baffling, it only had 10hp more than the basic 1.6 engine. Makes you wonder what VW were thinking 🤔

[@simbo52bn22]

I had a Mk 4 V5 170 manual back in the day - was it a sports car? Not at all. But the sound of the V5 and that cabin were both first class - loved it.

[@brendanroberts1310]

I had a V5 mark 4 as my first car. Was gutted to see it go.

[@remfanuk1970]

after my mk3 vr6 i got a mk4 gt tdi pd130...how luxurious! and quick too...loved the engine.

[@jamesrichardson4604]

I've owned my mk4 golf gti for 18years, never let me down . Mines tastefully modified, hybrid turbo running approx 300bhp, koni suspension 18" bbs alloys. I show at a few vw shows this year tatton Park recently, was much admired with it's gleaming diamond black paint. Bought when I worked for volkswagen dealer with 50,000 miles, know on 174,000miles and still going strong. Love your channel Andrew.

[@ms-jw3oy]

I've got a mk4 gti with the 150bhp engine. It's got the TT front wishbones and anti roll bar, poly bushes, uprated shocks and lowering springs on it now it handles like a gti should. With a remap to take it to 190bhp its a fun car. Very different to my mk5 gti though, much more raw and mechanical.

[@bompsychompsy]

YEA! You actually felt like you where connected to it. After that they all got too bougie. I think it was the last drive-by-wire GTI. I think the MKV was electronic.

[@ms-jw3oy]

@@bompsychompsy true the later mk4 were electronic throttle. The agu was the last cable throttle gti

[@MrAndreCoutinho]

Good stuff!

[@peterbarber8053]

Think the mk4 made most sense as the diesel GT TD 130 or 150. No pretence at being a GTI just decently quick and comfortable.

[@volkswizard]

Very true, I'd say 130 over 150 as it was nicely balanced, 150 was a bit OTT and quite rough with it. Also they had cam issues much sooner than 130.

[@Mr330d]

Some 150’s were badged as GTi from factory though

[@dmc12345678910]

@@Mr330d my pd 150 is badges a GTI with a red I, lovely engine and great economy but the suspension is too soft.

[@relaycampervan]

Well built with good interiors for the time but the 2.0 was a dog of an engine. The 20V Turbo was ok but felt slow to me. Lacked torque. My wife had a Bora 1.8t 180. That car was nice but still felt slow.

[@roccomcg6910]

Had the basic dull mk4 2.0 gti 115bhp ...The trick to this car was just to think of it as a solid well built reliable comfy daily driver ...Calling it a GTI was like trying to convince us Katie Hopkins is Margot Robbie!

[@6th.replicant577]

Meanwhile, anyone who actually enjoyed driving bought the cheaper Leon Cupra R: 220bhp 6-speed gearbox 4-pot Brembo brakes Higher quality springs and dampers Faster steering rack More effective aero 18in wheels (standard) Digital climate control (standard) And a better stereo! But, no gas strut for the bonnet. Oh no!

[@jamiebishop9512]

100%

[@Blackmamba12345]

And a rubbish image (Seat vs VW).

[@tim1polman]

But 4 motion iirc, wich the gti wasnt. So the Leon Cupra R was also quite a bit heavier. The Leon could more be compared to the S3. (Of the 2, i'd take the Leon all day long) Incidentally, i've nicked the brakes of a leon cupra R and put them on my vw Corrado vr6. 😜 (vented discs on the rear, hurray!)

[@sixsilverstringsguitars8998]

Brilliant video ... I owned three of these back in the early 2000s .... at the time I thought they were fantastic cars. Compared to everything we’d been used to at the time they seemed ultra modern & the blue dash & lit up buttons did indeed sell many of these cars. Still a great looking car ... but yes, the handling was awful & needed mods to make it ok

[@richweston6202]

Great video! I've had a 2000 plate Mk4 1.8T since 2004 and I've been using every day since and still am today! It's been mapped since 90k ( 200bhp) and is currently on 215k the engine has never been apart It's running It's original turbo and sounds sweet!. I'm running an eibach suspension kit and It's an absolutely Brilliant car I still love driving it today!

[@Birmingham_racing]

The non turbo versions were a massive step back. Even 150bhp turbo was surprising considering the Ibiza cupra r, Octavia vrs and Leon cupra had 180bhp. They gave the cupra r 210/225bhp. I like the mk4 as a daily warmish hatch but should have been quicker considering it's a gti

[@danl4252]

The MK4 will always have a special place in my heart. I grew up in the back of one as a kid. It was the first car I ever remember sitting in at 3 years old. My mum had the car for 17 years and sadly then traded it in for her first non VW. And I’d never driven it. I wanted one so I bought a 2.0L to replace my Volkswagen Up. Had it 3 years nearly now and it was the right choice as I do a lot of motorway driving and I find it quite comfortable. Although I would like to find a MK4 with a bit more power and do some chassis modifications and make it a bit sportier! If I had the cash and didn’t do lots of miles id be keeping an R32 tucked away and use it and weekends and trips away! The MK4 is arguably the car that got me interested in cars. I now work for Volkswagen group as an apprentice at SKODA!

[@jasonlanham3770]

The MK 4 Anniversary should have been what the standard GTI looked like.

[@volkswizard]

Too true, I said that at the time. Thankfully that was the case with the Mk5!

[@jasonlanham3770]

@@volkswizard imagine what the anniversary would have looked like if that was the case!

[@nobodyshero200]

I always thought these were rubbish. But I saw one in a beach car park with a surf board in the back last month. It looked so cool.

[@JamesGadbury]

Great video - thanks! Totally agree about the handling. I'd love to know what owners recommend to improve the wallowy handling. I have a V5 MK4 Golf. The handling is scary! It's comfortable but if it hits a bump, then it becomes very unsettled. I wondered about some OEM spec Bilstein dampers. I don't want to lower or make the ride more harsh, just give it a bit more control. Front shocks are not that old but the back ones could be ancient!

[@volkswizard]

Just get the best Bilsteins you can afford, keep the original springs so no lowering and you will be amazed.

[@thewalkerxx479]

Oh thats weird, mine doesnt do that at all. Its very planted and super predictable a bit under steery yes but we've got the vr5. Its an highline model not the gti btw.

[@JamesGadbury]

@@volkswizard thank you for the tip 👍

[@JamesGadbury]

@@volkswizard Great tip, thank you! Since we last commented, my Golf V5 failed the MOT on a leaking shock absorber and broken spring at the rear. I put a pair of OEM B4 spec Bilsteins on, a bargain at £75 for the pair! New springs too, kept it standard. The comfort and handling is way improved, better than its ever been in the 8 years I've owned the car. Got a front top mount to do so will also get a pair of Bilstein B4s for the front. Love getting these things sorted, has rekindled my love for the car!

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

Hi Andrew, I had a new Mk 4 V6 4 Motion in Reflex Silver in 2002.complete with fake polished wood interior. Not a bad car, more a cruiser really, however you have summed it up really well. All I will say is the my Mk 5 GTi with DSG that followed was a complete revelation.

[@axe2grind244]

Crazy talk. I’ve owned 4 generations and I’ll take my 24v vr6 over all of them. Lose some unsprung weight and tighten up the shifter and it’s a fabulous GT car that’s sounds amazing. The leather, dash, trim, headliner etc are all still perfect even after 20 years and 130k miles. Plus it has the best fender flares out of all GTI’s so obviously it’s the best.

[@rogerea337]

The mk4 gti was a joke here in Mexico, this was a 2.0 with 115 hps. There was a 1.8 turbo later.

[@volkswizard]

2.0 115 was a joke here too!

[@nicosanca]

Hi Rogelio. Here in Argentina we got “your”mexican (was made there, am I wrong?) 1.8T 180 bhp GTI and Bora (Jetta). Very good car.

[@rogerea337]

@@nicosanca Tengo entendido todas las generaciones del golf han sido ensambladas en la planta de Puebla, México. Aunque no todas las versiones se han vendido aquí. Por eso ahora que terminó la producción del GTi de 7ma hicieron evento de despedida de la línea de producción del Golf con mariachi y aplausos. Actualmente tengo un 2019 1.4 manual.

[@nicosanca]

@@rogerea337 provino de Brasil también. De hecho aquí no se trajo el MK5 hatch, solo en sedan (Vento), y se realizó un facelift al MK4 proveniente del país vecino, que fue un fracaso. No recuerdo del todo bien, pero incluso versiones como la 1.6 del MK4, se trajeron de Brasil.

[@futreno]

@@nicosanca la producción de México y Argentina fueron lo peor. Brasil en cambio 👍👍

[@Greenmould]

Loved my mk4 1.8T. Had to sort the soft suspension and slightly underwhelming 150bhp though. As far as I was concerned the NA 1.8 and the 2.0 gti were NOT gtis.

[@b1nolans]

Bought one of the first new mk4 tdi pd 150 to be available in Ireland in late 2002 ( wasnt badged a GTI here in rep of irl .red TDI rear badge) 3 door reflex silver in a similar spec to the car in the video.absolutely loved that car . Of all the performance vw.s we've had over the years it's the only one my wife still talks about . Quality piece of kit .great video Andrew. Bring back a lot of good memories with our one.

[@stevesje71]

Option available at the time was sports suspension with lowered ride height you probably won’t read that in your script but it’s confirmed from VW

[@iancopley2947]

Yes, looking at the ride height I think this is 'standard' spec vw suspension. I think he should redo this with an Anniversary Edition.

[@iancopley2947]

...which had 'sport' suspension and better cast wishbones.

[@bora01vr6]

To this day my 2001 Jetta 2.slow has been my favorite car and I’ve owned many cars now to include 350z ,wrangler , rsx-s, civic si, integra, corrado vr6. It was dead nuts reliable and the gearing was super short which made it fun to drive.

[@Scala598]

Had a v6 4 motion over a gti which apart from a very nice engine + 4wd got you independant rear suspension instead of the torsion beam. Still my favourite car for soaking up the miles in comfort and speed. Just don't mention the fuel economy 😂

[@AudiophileTubes]

Still have my venerable 2003 GTI VR6, and it is built like a Panzer tank! I've owned the car for 19 years now (original owner), and it's been the most reliable car anyone in my family has ever owned by far. I just change the oil once a year (full synthetic), and the engine keeps purring like new, and it still has the original timing chains. Only mechanical issue i've had is replacing a failed MAF (oxygen sensor?), and a failed cooling fan, both in recent years. I can't kill this engine! I feel like I have the best of both worlds in this GTI. It's fast and fun enough with the 6-speed manual, and even luxurious with the leather interior and quality upscale cabin, and so smooth and torquey. I can tool around town in almost any gear, and it still manages to pull 34 MPG highway. And it was manufactured in Brazil. It just oozes quality and craftsmanship. What a car!

[@daviddaly1137]

I have owned many Golf GTIs including MK1, MK2, MK3 and Mk4. My son has a MK5 ED 30. My present car is a 180,00 mile 2002 MK4 GTI 25J (Anniversary) and I shall keep it forever. I dislike later Golf models because they have badly styled front and rear lights. The body panels are no longer smooth. They weigh a lot more. Even worse the latest versions are not available as a 3 door hatch!Without doubt this car is the best GTI I have owned and I prefer it to my son's MK5 ED 30. In standard form it has lowered/stiffer suspension, 18"wheels, better brakes, better seats, better aerodynamics, 6 speed gearbox and, with 132 kW, it performs well. I have fitted SACHS Race Engineering coil-over suspension, and the handling and road holding are outstanding. I have ported and polished the cylinder head, and the motor now develops around 160 kW. There are things I don't like. VW should have made the 25J a real enthusiasts car. The engine should have been a BFV unit. It should have been stripped of all the non-essential systems. A real enthusiasts car does not need: air-con, hi-fi system, central locking, electric windows all of which add weight and reduce acceleration and braking performance. The ESP works, but I would have preferred a mechanical LSD. But more importantly as I am keeping the car it is still rust free. My son's MK5 needs new front wings as the original ones have rusted through!!

[@liamjohnhawkins4212]

Still own a 1998 mk4 I bought in 2000. Was so soft. H&R springs & bilsteins plus a remap. Transformed.

[@22Jeffers]

Got myself an anniversary. Suspension is much more balanced. Firm yet forgiving.

[@roberthamilton2334]

Thinking about purchasing one too, what do you think about the anniversary, did you go diesel or petrol and would you recommend them considering the extra expense?

[@22Jeffers]

@@roberthamilton2334 I went Petrol. Not sure they’ll ever make big money but I’ve seen a steady increase in value over the last 6 years. It’s worth double now it was when I bought it.

[@Wolfpack310]

Mk 4 was a big step upp on the interior

[@volkswizard]

HUGE step up on interior but it's a GTI!

[@Wolfpack310]

@@volkswizard I hade one 1998 1.8t 150hp black 3 dor. And one 2001 "v6" 4 motion 15years old but worked like a dream .. Huge difference but I was happy whit both. The 1.8t I imported from Frankfurt Germany it had full oettinger exterior, fron grill front lip, trunk wing , rear diffuser. Exhaust system . It was lowered and had the tune some 200hp everything oettinger. I bought it that way the car was only 1.5 years old att that time going from 92 mk3 vr6 to that was wow what a machine .it had a very nice sound system build also. I was very young to.

[@aygwm]

Do you love peeling soft touch plastic? We got you fam

[@i11usiveman97]

I always wanted a Mk4 GTI (1. 20v T) but couldn't afford one so I bought a Polo 16v with 100bhp which at the time (2001) was quite pokey. When the Mk5 came out it blew the Mk4 away but I have soft spot for the Mk4.

[@bompsychompsy]

The MKIV was the only BRAND NEW car I have ever owned. I still miss it to this day, but I would NEVER spend as much as I did for that car now.

[@janiikavalko6223]

Competition had 200bhp, this "GTi" family car power levels. People were still hypnotized to buy this warm hatch, and payed off car journos chose this "best hot hatch" which was a biggest scandal of car magazines ever.

[@ingopaul67]

8v, 115 hp, what a joke. Together with the over subtle exterior its almost like VW were embarrassed by the GTI.

[@daviddaly1137]

While the Focus rear suspension would help ride quality it may not necessarily improve handling and road-holding. When LOTUS Engineering were asked by General Motors to identify the best handing and road-holding front wheel drive car they identified the SAAB 99. This has a dead rear axle properly located via Watts linkages and a Panhard rod. It is a shame that the structure of more recent cars is not strong enough to support the loads generated by such a rear axle.

[@rasherbasher8203]

A great car but a s#it gti. Still we got the r32. I loved my mk4 👍🤪

[@robdelany7636]

I have had a Mk3 GTI. A brand new Mk4 GTI in 2003, a Mk6 GTI, and now own a Mk7 R. Ther Mk4 was luxury road warrior comfort with a bit of semi fun. I now have a Mk4 25th anniversary and it's way more fun than I remember with a few lety downs. Great car though and a fun toy to own for exclusive/ family asie/ fun.

[@hoffyc.h393]

I a few days ago Bought the Golf 4 1998 Highlane 1.8 liter 125hp, a fixer upper car with beauty points but works very fine :)

[@joshlismore]

The rear anti roll bar upgrade is so good at transforming the handling it'd make you wonder why it wasn't stock from factory.

[@Hoxtonligger]

I have A 2003 Interior is the same except who ever ordered the car wanted a sunroof even though they had ac but decided not heated seats ..... must of been hot all the time.

[@maxmeier532]

How come the mk4 R32 is so hyped if the chassis of the mk4 is generally bad.

[@RedondoBeach2]

The hype around the MKIV R32 is attributed to a few factors. First, it was only produced for model year 2004. Second, a very limited number of the 2004 model year were sold in the United States making them increasingly rare. Third, the exhaust note is like no other. Fourth, the 2004 R32 is simply beautiful. Fifth, the all-wheel drive system likely over shadowed, in a good way, the complaints many people have about the chassis. I personally have a 2004 GTI and have no complaints about the chassis. The reason why is that these cars are GT cars. They were never designed for the high performance demands of tracking a car. It's a matter of managing expectations of the chassis. I would not want to buy a 2004 R32 today. The cars have been on the road for 20 years and many have changed hands several times, with untold poorly executed modifications along the way. The time to buy this car was when it was new, and subsequently never sell it, only hand it down to your grand children.

[@FacPhoto]

I had the 1.8T 150 and absolutely loved it. Very refined and solid. Would eat the miles.

[@Veiee]

For me the only mk4 is the R32. Best golf ever

[@briancraggs4235]

My brother has just bought one, I had a drive of it and its fantastic. 😍

[@johnstannard8366]

Yes that thing used to turn heads!!!!

[@Veiee]

@Dogs Are Incredible b7?

[@RedondoBeach2]

Approximately 6 months ago I saw a 2004 R32 allegedly in impeccable factory-like condition advertised for sale, for more than original MSRP. The rarity of the car in the United States, and its outstanding design, make it highly desirable. To be clear, I doubt most 2004 R32s are worth anything close to that specific car's advertised sales price. If it was in as good a condition as the seller claimed, it was a unicorn among unicorns and should be in a museum. Honestly, I would not want to buy one at this point. After 19+ years, the chances of finding one in good condition will be near impossible. Finding parts to maintain the drivetrain will become increasingly difficult. The best thing owners of these cars can do is park them in a garage, and that's regrettable because they're certainly meant to be driven. The most unfortunate thing about these cars is that the type of people who buy them, typically like to tinker with customizing features of the car rather than keeping them in OEM or OEM+ condition.

[@SibongakonkeWenzile-bl7mh]

Hi ! I m driving golf GTI the lights turning signals n the hooter not working what could be the problem

[@SibongakonkeWenzile-bl7mh]

Golf 4

[@TheJamesvgnr]

When you gonna do the Mark 2,and will it be the 8v? ;)

[@mww558]

Why didn’t you feature an anniversary or R32 model instead of this….the low mileage is exemplary but other than that it’s just a mk4!

[@5pintwonder869]

Mk3 was worst

[@smal167k]

My 150 gt tdi remapped to 185hp is still worth keeping despite everyone else leasing something much better. Still enjoying it today 👍

[@makjac46]

Round a bouts make you sick? Try slowing down a bit ! Might work.

[@stephenriley5448]

I've got the five door version of this car. I have fitted leather Recaros to it and it has a few engine mods. Great car to have a blast in.

[@boothy6957]

Great videos keep them up. Just bought the small wings for my GTi as upgrading to 19s. How difficult are they to fit? Any help would be appreciated

[@Hermetic_]

I recently test drove a Mk8 GTI manual. The gearbox felt notchy and somehow artificial. I dunno, but I was not in love driving it. I remember liking to shift in my Mk4 TDI…am I just looking back at my Mk4 through rosey colored lenses?

[@rotlobster74]

Great video Andrew - I used to have a pd150 mk4 GTi at the same time my partner had a mk5 gti, the mk5 was much nicer to drive but the mk4 felt like a luxury tank in comparison, build quality, reliability and interior of the mk4 was a step above. Currently in a mk7.5 gtd which I like to think takes the best from both cars and puts it together

[@markday5797]

Loved my MK4s I had a diesel 2dr. 2 GTIs miss them. But my present MK7.5 is the best one so far. To bad VW messed up the screwed the MK8, IMHO.

[@rayliu7762]

Definitely sorted out mine by lowering with Eibachs and changing the dampers. Felt much better when those were done

[@andrewmcivor42]

I remember liking the look of the Mk4 when it came out - it looked less "bloated" than the Mk3 & I still think it looks good today. I had a lift in a V5, many years ago, cracking motor. Also briefly drove a 1997 Audi A6 about 14 years ago, that engine wasn't particularly inspiring (compared to the 2.0 16v Honda VTEC engine I had in my Accord at the time), but the Audi is much heavier, to be fair, the one I had a loan of was pretty tired too. Certainly looks like a cracking interior (apart from the wood, obviously 🤣) & I agree, it would make a great project for someone. Personally, I'd have a Mk5 or 6 (easier to live with as a day to day "runner"), but I can understand the appeal of the Mk4. Someone down the street from me has an 03 plate Mk4 R32, which looks absolutely stunning. As for the blue backlit instruments? I had them on my 06 plate B6 Passat estate 2.0tdi, they looked lovely & I actually missed them when I replaced the Passat with my Mk7 GTD - and that was only in 2017!

[@mikerogers7983]

Great vid Andrew. Would be good if you haven’t already done so do reviews of the mk4 v6 4motion and r32.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Mike! Mk4 R32 vs Mk5 R32 is one of my biggest videos, annoying as it's from around 5 years ago! Need to revisit one soon I think. V6 4motion would be good, I need to buy one for myself, onto Autotrader right now!

[@tomwignall3256]

Should have got an anniversary on the show :(

[@volkswizard]

Not really representative of 99% of the Mk4 GTIs (it's too good!)

[@jellekorthuis9018]

Owned a 1.8T GTI for 2 years. Ran Stage 2 on stock turbo and stock injectors, made 240whp and 310wtq with fat wheels and coilovers. This is what the GTI should have been. MK4 GTI 1.8T are dirt cheap these days and for cheap you can go Stage 2. I am talking about Turbo Inlet Pipe, Intercooler and Exhaust. For 1000 quid you can go Stage 2 and squeeze out 220-230whp for what should have been the GTI. But completely agree, in stock form it is a slow car. Suspension is awful and wheel setup makes it look like a tractor

[@Sam-kn7oi]

I have never had a gti mk4. Yes the gti mk4 was probably never worthy of that badge. However, I feel that it made up for it in different areas, the quality feel inside, the driving comforbality and reliability. My dad had a 2.3 v5 170 which was fully specced, that was a special car, one car I really do miss. Up until earlier this year I had a pd130 gt tdi, which I replaced with my edition 30. The pd130 comes close to my favourite car I’ve had, apart from handling it did everything so well. I miss it now and I think I will forever. There’s a reason why you still see so many mk4s on the road.

[@thewalkerxx479]

I currently own the mk4 vr5. Love the reviews you've been doing!

[@Blueguitar007]

Was that 2.0 8v the same 2.0, I have in my 2006 mkiv golf?

[@qcope]

Thanks for this trip back in time. I had a MK3 8v and followed with a MK4 1.8t. I loved them both. You are right about the suspension in the MK4. I was doing a crazy amount of motorway miles though at the time.... and what I really remember, is the interior being a very pleaseant place to spend too long in. Perhaps that's not what a GTi should be remembered for. Tornado red is the right colour for this car.... and every GTi !

[@IntoTheWhite04]

My old mk 4 1.9 TDI with 177k miles on the clock and essentially falling to pieces still drives better than my new golf 8. Same HP but so much more power.... The build quality feels much better too

[@katzehvh]

the torquey tdi combined with that relatively light chassis makes it a really fun car.

[@matthewsmith2787]

Still have my uncles 1998 Mk4, it still works a dream and solid

[@pearlprints5019]

Body rool. Poly bushes will change that alot. 1 step futher also put some coil overs on it. My god changes everything with these 2 mods

[@johnmcfall375]

Just bought a 2002 v6 4Motion in reflex silver with those Santa Monica’s. 70k miles 2 owners with a folder full of history. Absolutely love it. Can’t be far off a modern classic. Let’s hope the prices continue to rise 🤞🏻

[@volkswizard]

Very nice! I am jealous but V6 4mo makes more of a case for itself than the GTIs, they were the ones I never wanted to sell

[@johnmcfall375]

@@volkswizard being a Volkswagen after sales manager since 2004 I always had a soft spot for the mk4 👍🏻

[@gileswalker7]

I had an 01 GTI 150bhp - in metallic black but with Xenon’s, Santa Monica’s, rear spoiler and full recaro leather interior. It was rad BITD. Cost about £23k new (was a company car). Thought I was awesome until my mate turned up in the EXACT same styled car but V6 4motion. Lol. We had fun out in our rides with companies paying our fuel and tyres 🤣

[@volkswizard]

Good times! Black with xenons, Recaros and santa monicas was a thing back then, remember them clearly having an appeal nearly every Mk4 lacked but at a price!

[@OkayKeeb]

the mk4 gti had the vr6 and the r32, and it was better looking than any of its successors. it was an icon of the 90s. dont be ridiculous.

[@leshack3552]

What dampers would you recommend for the mk iv thanks

[@volkswizard]

Best Bilsteins you can afford, maybe with Eibach springs or just keep the standard ones if they are any good still. Don't go coilover whatever you do.

[@leshack3552]

Thank you so much. Love your videos. Looking to sort my golf and buy a r32 next year.

[@Ma1Lm4N360]

Get the right engine and spec, 1.8t engine is a gem, and with small upgrades can handle a treat. Better build quality and way classier design than the cheaply made and ugly mk8 let's be real

[@GTI_CHHA]

Another great video. Made me re-live my Mk4 TDI 150HP (ARL) ownership experience. No GTI obviously, but easily as fast in real world driving thanks to the 320Nm of torque (which was a record back in the early 2000s!). I would be interested to see a V5 or V6 4-Motion review... ;-)

[@davidhall7744]

The Mk4, for me, was the most cohesively designed Golf, still looks fresh today in my view 👀

[@Ryanux]

Nice video, thanks ! Love the mk4 design wise, one of the best with the mk1 and mk7

[@volkswizard]

Glad you like it!

[@borisstupar5147]

Agree Ryan, best design ever!!

[@joshselby1129]

Sort the bushes out, either with just new ones to replace the 20 odd year old ones, stiffer ones such as the solid wishbone bushes from a Audi TT/R32, or polyurethane ones. Replace your front strut top mounts with the slightly stiffer ones from a Leon Cupra R and an overall suspension refresh, with Bilstein B4 sport dampers and Eibach Pro Kit 15mm lowering springs, and some decent tyres (Michelin Pilot Sport 4) and I find my Mk4 GTI great fun on a B road, despite being a 150hp with the 5 speed. Shifter feels much better after fitting a short throw shift tower and solid shifter cable mount bushes, feels like a rifle bolt.

[@-Dash-]

I had them all and the only one I kept is the Mk2 16v... Personally I say the Mk3 was the worst of all as it didnt go well, didnt handle well, its my least favourite looking and it rusted. The Mk4 was a lot better than the mk3 all around in my experience.

[@bompsychompsy]

Yea Im not sure why he doesnt emphasize the nightmare that the MKIII was and how much of an improvement the MKIV was.

[@aygwm]

Mk3 is way more reliable

[@stuartmcnairn8202]

My current daily is my mk4 Gti PD 150 that I bought new in July 2002. Jazz blue 3 door. Now done just over 302,000 miles. It's now an anniversary rep on the outside and has an R32 full black leather interior. Looking to replace all my suspension from the anniversary stuff I had fitted about 10 years ago

[@DarrenJMHughes]

Great video Andrew and I am really enjoying the series too. Where can one see all of the models of the GTi - museum??

[@RogueBrit]

The NA 20V was actually a Highline in Germany the sticker in the boot even said so

[@RickGTI2019]

I can’t find one here in the USA. I’ve tried numerous times and ways, ie. Carvana, carmax, Craigslist, etc.. and no one sells privately anymore. UGH… anyone out there have any fresh ideas ?? I did enjoy your video, great job. Thanks, RickGTI…..🇺🇸

[@bettersteps]

I purchased the 2001 4dr 1.8 manual GTI new. I loved every single day of ownership. It was beyond fun, reliable and was fantastic on the road. Its design was conservative, yes. But, it will age well and look fantastic for many years. Sold it to buy a new 2013 2dr manual GTI and still love it. But, I did cry for a full hour when I finally decided to sell my mk4. I really did. I still miss that car to this day. What a great car.

[@mikejackson6511]

I used to have a 51 plate mk4 V5 170bhp i loved it and used to pull like a train and left a few turbocharged gti for dust.

[@bompsychompsy]

My fav and the last good looking GTI to be produced. The MKV was the beginning of the generic pinched off turd look.

[@chriswolf1277]

Had my arl pd150 gti for over five years now and have spent thousands on it I drive her hard but she wants for nothing and is my daily with an oil burner TT snug in the garage though in the next few years their roles will be switched I’m sure.