Why the VW Bora is more than a 'Golf with a boot'

The saloon Mk4 Golf. Or is it? The Bora was released back in 1999, and is a more unusual version of the well built and well sold Volkswagen Golf.
This is a 2003 1.9 TDI ST model, with a few subtle but welcome modifications.
Also known as the Mk4 VW Jetta in parts of the world such as North America.
To find out more about this car, and what the owner is up to check out his instagram
/ benjourniee
​@benjourniee9285
Modification work carried out at Al and Sons, and Evolution Auto Centre in Fareham, UK
#bora #vwbora #volkswagen
***************
If you'd like to see your car on JJ on Cars, email me at [e-mail]
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[@mattalki]

Here in the USA, the Jetta outsold the Golf by about 5:1. Golfs are much more rare. We also didn't get too many engine choices (2.0L 115hp, 1.8T 150hp and later 180hp, VR6 174hp and later 201hp, and the TDI engine at 90hp and later 100hp). I actually bought the Golf because it's a lot more practical and because you don't see them nearly as often. The current Jetta has been massively decontented and is not nearly as nicely made as the mk4 was. They stopped selling the Golf here for the mk8 version (only GTI and R came to the states) because of slow sales. It's weird how different the thought processes are between UK buyers and USA buyers.

[@JJonCars]

Wow, 5:1! It is funny how different we are between US and UK/Europe. I like that your thought process is the same as mine - to go for the more unusual/rare option - I'd probably do the same and get the Golf in the US instead of the Bora. Cheers Matt

[@RandomlnternetGuy]

For sure. Ive only seen two 2-door TDI golfs ever.

[@gersonrendon2188]

It's the same in Mexico, although the Jetta has been around since the 80s, and it has been too way more popular than the golf. Actually here in Mexico the Jetta is so darn common that many people use the word Jetta or Jettas to refer to the brand itself. During the year 2006 and up to the 2011 I believe there were actually two versions of the Jetta being sold: there was the Clásico or Jetta Clásico which was a mk4 with a facelift and also the Bora which was the Mk5 with the 5 cylinder engine sold for a premium over the other one since it was really the newer car. If I'm not wrong the Clásico was still for sale up to the year 2015. So while the mk6 was already 4 years old or so, VW decided to keep on selling the mk4. That's how the Mexican market used to work; if you could sell a sedan with good interior room and for a low price you could get away with selling the same thing for years and years.

[@mjh5947]

I'd agree with that. I think I see more mk4 Jetta TDIs than mk4 golfs, though since I have one I tend to look for them too. Oddly I think the golf became more popular in recent generations, though I wouldn't be surprised if the ratio isn't any more even than it was.

[@zsoltpapp3363]

I dont get it why would anyone buy a useless 4 door sedan instead of a mechanically identical hatchback/liftback/estate. Maybe some ppl just dont like the hatch looks.

[@professionalvr]

Last year I bought my first car - A 1999 Volkswagen Bora, 1.9 TDI, 90hp. And it's the same colour as yours. So far I'm really pleased with the performance. It's a really nice car to drive - handling is really nice. Gear shifting is really smooth. I was surprised that the car has considerable torque. There aren't any rattling noices, coming from the suspension or interior. The seats are really comfy. Another feature that I like in my Bora is the big trunk. That's a handy feature for me, since I'm an archaeologist and have to carry a lot of equipment from site to site. If someone is looking for a realeable first car, I would recommend the Bora.

[@hanidbashi8709]

Can you tell me about the petrol (gas) consumption

[@antoinemercier4757]

Bora as a first car is also my project! At what age did you get it and more importantely: how painfull was insurance?

[@antwonefernandez7554]

Great video. I had 2 boras and loved them. Just felt they had a touch of class over the more common Golf. Sadly you don't see so many on the roads now. Excellent video, thanks

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Antwone!

[@Sad.YTbruh]

Golf 4 is actually the best golf and much better looking. And turns much better

[@tparm]

South Africa, 2.0l 2003 auto, bought in 2006 and I still drive it today. Over 230000Km on the clock. No modifications done. Everyone had the Golf and nobody wanted the sedan, but I just fell in love with the sedan, simple as that. Cannot tell you the number of offers I get for her. Last of the solid body VW's built.

[@babybluemaxer]

I've had my 2005 1.9tdi 130 Bora highline for just shy of 3 years now. It has leather heated seats, cruise control, electric front & rear windows etc... the necessities. I've tinkered a fair bit with the engine & she's currently in having a respray at the Bodyshop. She's done 25k in my ownership & generally been an absolute joy to own. I can't wait to keep her for the next 25k. Thank you for the video. It was an enjoyable watch.

[@JJonCars]

That's great that you're taking care of the car. The highline version is the one to have, makes it a very modern car Thanks for watching :)

[@user-pm8jn8bq9d]

The Bora is a really good car. My dad has Bora Sport with 2.3 VR5 150ps 4motion with 6 speed manual with all the extras that this model can have... It even has full height MFA, Original VW navigation, electric seats and everything. And it is still fully original. For now it has 250,000km on the odometer and it's still running perfectly. He loves it! He looks after it, changes the oil regularly and if he notices something weird- he repairs it.... It's the best car that he ever had.

[@JJonCars]

Very nice car! Good to hear your dad looks after it!

[@benjourniee9285]

Thanks for having my bora on the channel 🙏 hope you had fun 😀

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Ben! I definitely did, thanks for sharing your car with the channel 👍

[@souly2213]

Hey good sir, can you please tell me from where did you get poly mounts for the engine, if you ever did? Thanks a lot!

[@benjourniee9285]

@@souly2213 darkside engine mounts . And powerflex dog mount .

[@benjourniee9285]

@@JJonCars no worries. Get e46 auto sport soon on the channel

[@kufmike8171]

The bora is such a great car. I own one and I enjoy its performance so much. Nice review, no hypes

[@xBurko]

VW Bora was the first car I remember my Dad having, such a solid and reliable vehicle!

[@rileyreeves8829]

I’ve currently got a bora as my first car and love it! The fact they are more rare than the golf I like and I prefer a saloon over a hatch back

[@JJonCars]

Great first car Riley 👍

[@antoinemercier4757]

Bora as a first car is also my project! At what age did you get it and more importantely: hos was insurance?

[@jamesellis4920]

Love my Bora. Really couldn't recommend it any more. My old girl has done 224,000 miles. Bought her at 81,000 miles

[@hottuber2688]

Fantastic car. Having driven both the golf Mk4 and the Bora I found the Bora to be a much better car.

[@lukeshaw960]

Brilliant video been thinking about getting a bora and this has made me realise I’m making the right choice

[@JJonCars]

Good luck in your search Luke 👍

[@sennabryden3004]

I have a 2002 2.0, 5 speed gas with 319000 km. I bought it for cheap from the original owner, it was very well kept. I’ve done lots of maintenance as well as adding roof racks, lowering springs and bilstein shocks. It has a couple quirks, but it’s a tank and I will keep it as long as I can!

[@JJonCars]

Nice! Bet it's great with that suspension. Thanks for keeping another one on the road 👍

[@PauloSantos-yu1tn]

I had 2 golfs mark 4 and then I buyed a bora. The best car that I ever had. The car just works. Full power, stable. I just can say good things

[@stuarthall2523]

Another good comprehensive review. Years ago my wife had the Jetta, 1.5 petrol engine, which was a very good car and surprisingly economical. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Stuart! :)

[@greymatter5255]

Back in 2001, my father bought a white 1.4 16v 5 speed manual Bora as our family car. I was 4 yo at the time and I remember sitting on the kitchen table with the rest of my family debating what colour my father should order it the next morning! 20 years and almost 400.000km later (389k kms as we speak) she's still with us and she has become my first car the last 5+ years. It's a very relaxing car to drive or to be driven. Rather quiet cabin and comfy seats. It has 6 slot CD player (optional extra), 6 speakers, A/C, abs esp etc etc. We never had any major mechanical issues with her, only after the 300k km mark, the oil consumption became more apparent and since then, you need to add 300 to 500ml every 1.5 to 2 thousand kilometers, but after all the abuse I can forgive that😅 It's as economical as your right foot is, extremly practical even for a family of 5 (like mine) plus the boot its massive for its size, very stable on the road, better handling than the mk4 golf (my aunt has one with silly amount of kms as well) and overall a great all-rounder. In an ideal world I would put the 1.8t 20vt under the hood to make it more alive but financially makes no sense at all! Other than that I love it as is.

[@JJonCars]

Wow! A proper family member :) Maybe the 1.8T can go in if the engine ever dies.... but it probably won't. Cheers!

[@nakkimies5029]

my 1.4 has 360k behind and still running like a dream

[@Doddsycraft]

Got myself the 2.0 petrol Bora 2 months ago. Love it, been amazing fogr those long motorway journeys!

[@drivenltd2020]

Absolute stunning car. This example is very similar to the one i had only i had Montreal alloys and us spec rear lights. It even has the same headlights.

[@thedelorianman6327]

Just got started restoring a black mk4 bora it's alot of fun

[@tietewiet]

I'm driving my 2.0 VW Bora for 20 years almost without any problems, with more then 320.000 km. My daughter ask me when do I buy a new car but the car keeps on driving..😁✌

[@isaacsadovich7072]

I've got the Highline version of this, absolute weapon currently sat on 120k. Drove from Southampton to the Scottish Highlands and back without a sweat!

[@ivansimonovic2006]

Driving the estate Bora, been in our family for over 12 years now, with 336 thousand kilometers on the clock, barely had any problems, definitely a reliable and practical family car.

[@JJonCars]

We didn't get the estate Bora here, cool car 👍

[@israelchike964]

Please I want to buy it

[@stefanolibardo]

I had buy a 1999 Bora 1.6 8v with gpl....with 210.000 km....have somethig to replace from last owner, but is a great car, make for long journey. The sensation is more strong than a golf iv.... and i ever loved the "jetta" version of golf mk2/ mk3 and i prefer this look than golf iv. And is a good start way to tuned a car. I love my new car

[@khdudeblack]

i got the 1999 1.6 sr petrol 4 speed automatic engine with 100 bhp, i'm really happy with it except for the fact of back in the day the ac was optional .. and mine doesn't have it so it's a little warm in the summer other than that it runs very good and you need very little maintenance over significant long period of time whilst daily driving it

[@Panosser]

Good video about the Bora ,in my latest comment about my Golf ,i was between golf and bora to buy in 2003 i see bora inside and boot was perfect but in 1,6 engine the specs in Greece had less equipments no armrest no bucket seats no fog lights empty almost like golf ,the only good was the clima the alloy wheels sport steering wheel no esp no cruise control all u can that time was to pay to get all the extras and wait for months to get the car, but i choose golf after and i was install cruise control- armrest- fog lights inside the lights bucket recaros -alumimium pedals and many more things ,and now you see the new cars had them all from the factory .

[@JJonCars]

Thank you :) Climate control/AC is very useful in Greece I imagine! Sounds like you've got a nice sorted Golf for yourself, so not a bad choice certainly

[@benjourniee9285]

Thank you bro can't wait for you to get in my e46 325i auto sport. 🙌

[@gamingdragon6462]

the funny thing is im in the USA in PA and there are Jetta's everywhere and vary few golfs. good video and i also have a MK 4 jetta TDI 2004 with the bew and i love it.

[@JJonCars]

The opposite way round for you :) I would probably buy a Golf instead of a Jetta/Bora if I lived in the US and was choosing between them, again just to be different haha

[@ImperfectCarnivoreUK]

My Bora was definitely more than just a Golf with a boot. It was red with a sunroof. It was gorgeous and I miss it. It's gone to Practical Classics for a restoration and a new owner.

[@JJonCars]

Red is such a great underrated colour for cars these days. Guess you're happy at least it will continue on in a new life!

[@davidevans4089]

Always liked these, wouldn't mind one oneday.

[@Mr.P001]

Thanks for a trip down memory lane. We have always had VW Golfs in the family having owned a MK2, MK4, Mk5, Mk6 & Mk8 and I currently have a Mk4 R32 but I really wanted to at least try a Bora especially with either a V5 or V6 petrol engine.

[@JJonCars]

No problem - interesting that you went back to a Mk4, though I don't blame you for the R32 version :)

[@Mr.P001]

@@JJonCars The Mk6 was the wife's car and the MK8 my daughter's tbh.

[@user-ic2xr3nq8x]

I drive Bora 1,6 16V 105 PS Highline in Germany. At first I can’t believe a car in 2001 has seat heating, ESP and Xenon. Now it is 183000 Km, and everything is still good. I love Bora more than Golf, because it has more space in boot, and the face is more beautiful. Another reason is that Bora is famous than Golf in China, so many Chinese people know VW from Bora. That’s why the FAW-VW produces the Bora Classico (also in South America) and Bora HS (it is really like golf 4) after 2005 ,and new Bora (only in China) after 2009.

[@JJonCars]

Oh, that is interesting, thank you. In China I think they like saloon cars more than hatchbacks? I remember seeing a lot of VWs on my visit to Beijing. The Highline is a very nice car!

[@CosmicCoconut92]

I'll add to the mileage tally. Ive got a 54 plate A6 with a PD130, 288000 miles and counting. It starts in half a second, gets me 55mpg and drives like its done half its mileage. A truly incredible bucket.

[@LucasDaFeiraoficial]

congratulations for the video... i'm brazilian and a little while ago i bought my car a vw bora and it was the best purchase of my life ! ps: 2.0 manual gear 130hp and it doesn't even have sport wheels and still needs to do some touch ups on the paint ...

[@JJonCars]

Awesome - sounds like a good project!

[@MrMoz0887]

Got a pd130 of this, remapped to 180bhp and it makes me smile when I put my foot down. Apart from the rust coming through now it's a brilliant car. Currently on 182k miles and just does what it needs to do

[@hottuber2688]

I have one of these. I drive it every single day. Great commuting vehicle. They will become highly sought after because the represent the pinicle what VW Made and engineered in the late 1990s. They are well built and easy to work on. Mine is a diesel 1.9 pd130 in black with highline leather interior.

[@ronniecorbett7392]

Always thought the Bora had better handling capabilities than the Golf 4's I've had. 2x pd golds, 1x Golf 4motion. And 1x 90bhp Bora (pre pd) 1x pd100 Bora and now a pd115 Bora. Loved all 6 of them

[@dawiz1150]

I snagged a mk4 jetta with the 2.8L VR6 (174hp). It's very fun, quick, and sounds suprisingly good for a compact car. It only had 130k miles when I got it 2 years ago but I'm determined to drive it to 300k

[@JJonCars]

Very nice.

[@sebastianprieto4684]

Have one, 1.8T highline, low with longbeach wheels. Awesome car.

[@MattysCars]

My parents had one of these on an 06 plate about 13 14 years ago. I remember hating it for being so dull. But maturity made me realize that it was a solid car

[@JJonCars]

I feel the same way. I've got respect for well engineered stuff, even if it's dull

[@ahumeniy]

My MK4 Golf (2003) did came with the cupholder and the handrest. Maybe earlier models or cheaper trim levels didn't have them.

[@mikenolan8247]

I currently own a 2005 bora 1.9 tdi pd 100 :-( the highline spec. I purchased the car in 2019. I use it for Commuting to work 5 days a week, I get around 55mpg, (my other car im lookey to get 34mpg). Its a very clean car inside and out for its age no dents or rust and Just hit the 100k mark. I have only changed the clutch at 85k and I service it twice a year. It starts first time every time. She's starting to get some age related issues, ie door not locking. But other than that she churps along very comfortably, not the fastest bora I've owned but definitely the cleanest.

[@JJonCars]

The Mk4 Golf I reviewed was the PD100, and I thought for that amount of horsepower it actually didn't feel too slow! Not a speed machine but surprisingly OK. But the Bora is 100kg heavier so that might make a difference. 55 mpg though is decent.

[@stevemcevoy5628]

Had a Bora 2.0i petrol jazz blue for over 10 years done over 2,20000 miles with the original clutch crazy , great cars I always had VW's since I I was 17 nearly 50 now

[@JJonCars]

That's mega on the original clutch!

[@Birmingham_racing]

I used to have a bora pd130. Only went as far as cone filter, egr delete and remap. Standard suspension was soft but made a comfy daily with enough power to overtake. I miss mine sometimes

[@JJonCars]

Awesome. If you're gonna do distance, you'd want that soft suspension. I bet it felt punchy.

[@Birmingham_racing]

@@JJonCars enough power to overtake without an issue with 300 ft lbs of torque

[@pug2052]

Got a bora at the moment we’ve had it for over 10 years nice to drive comfy just note they did do a 1.4 petrol in the uk I’ve known somebody who’s owned one

[@christopherbate6248]

I have a Vw Bora pd 130 1.9 tdi SE ASZ engine 588k miles and just keeps giving I’m hoping I can get it to 1m miles. I’d imagine a top end rebuild and new rings might be needed to allow it to happen . Really comfy to drive excellent torque still pulls perfectly its great for long journeys good MPG ( best 68@55 mph constant) . CD player stopped working so got an adapter that’s changed the CD function to Bluetooth with a USB cable to charge my phone too . Had a small diesel leak on the tandem pump outer plate cover for over 10 years that I fixed recently using some locktite flange sealant . Clutch pedal weld snapped @310k got it welded up that’s the only time it’s been unable to be driven. Over the years have replaced the alternator pulley ,alternator belt tensioner ,alternator belt battery x2, baked headlights and fitted new lenses, coolant pipes , hinge on the boot , few broken wires in the rear boot loom ( caused number plate light to fail ) , window regulator front OSF , locking clip in the Center console a few times, rebuilt rear callipers , rear exhaust , new flywheel/clutch @ 295k, rear door actuator NSR , OSR wheel bearing , Tyres ( lots of ! ) new springs and struts OSF/NSF ,disks+pads all round , anti roll bar bushes , track rod ends + ball joints (several times ). engine mount , gearbox torque converter mount and short side driveshaft . Soon to do new subframe , rear spings/struts , rear brake pipes cam belt+ water pump ( not replaced for 175k has slight leak on pump causing slow loss of coolant over months , powder coating alloys, draining the intercooler and cleaning the EGR valve. It does have an occasional limp mode problem when cold for the last 10 years it’s could be one of many things. 1. The turbo actuator valve sticking( overboosting) 2. A coked up turbo 3. Faulty mass airflow meter 4. The wiring to the unit injectors could be contaminated with oil . No problem after restarting car or when warmed up . The injectors may be getting a bit worn smells quite diesely on cold starts they have never been changed .Locks going a bit crazy sometimes won’t unlock unless key is used to open doors ( comfort control module possibly failing ) All work carried out by myself. Starts first turn every time.

[@JJonCars]

Your car must be one of the luckiest cars around to have you as its owner. A lot of people would have given up a while ago. So good for you for keeping it on the road :)

[@javiersoberanisramos808]

My personal favorite generation of golf and its variants, Here in mexico we got it from 1998 to 2014, it had 3 different names; first it was called Jetta, later Jetta clásico and at the end of production Clásico, the MKV was sold as Bora here. It got a restyling in 2008, we call it mk4.5 and you could get it with almost no equipment and no airbags but always the same built qualty and materials. Here It was available with the 2.0 8v gasoline, the 1.8T as GLI and a rare 1.9 TDI.

[@JJonCars]

I love it when they keep building an old model, but with a new face :) Thanks for that interesting info Javier and strange to hear the 1.9TDI is rare, as that was super popular over here.

[@javiersoberanisramos808]

@@JJonCars Yeah, People over here prefer gasoline over diesel cars unless is a commercial vehicule or truck

[@Lee-os1no]

I love boras, iv always thought of them as a passat that's been on a boil wash, shrank n shrivelled up a bit to a more compact size

[@JJonCars]

😂 Brilliant. The shrunken baby Passat.

[@edwardspiteri3023]

Got a Bora 1.4 cc 16 valve petrol! This car is impressively powerful with a good fuel consumption. German technology at it`s best!

[@israelberrios2050]

I currently own a MK4 golf and it's a version that comes with the 2.0 gas engine and it came with the armrest but not the rear cup holders, also it came with sunroof and ClimaTronic system it's a bit thirsty but it's comfortable and it feels planted enough on the road but soft on the streets

[@jappie1783]

Same here, have a 2.0 bora highline, on the autobahn it feels realy planted (last week i went to austria and it gets to 200 km/h relativly easly without much vibration) and its still soft enough to get over street bumps, always think that theres a hole in the gas tank the 2.0 petrol loves to drink

[@israelberrios2050]

@@jappie1783 I've always thought that he survives just by drinking extra gas and oil 😅

[@ajturley6592]

First car was a mk4 Jetta with the 1.9 ve tdi. We did loads of work on it. Had 200k when I moved to the UK, ran and drove like a car with a quarter the miles and years. Loved the car so much I bought a 130pd bora. It's a work in progress, but the engine is completely solid. Like the bora front end more than the golf.

[@JJonCars]

Good luck with your project!

[@user-gz7we3dj1y]

It is real good i need some parts

[@benluiheitzmann4852]

I have a mk4 Bora, in Australia... started out as a 2.8L 4motion 6sp manual, its now a 3.2L (from a mk5 r32) with a few other minor changes. I have more plans as money allows. I actually always wanted a mk4 r32, but here they are very expensive. Bora's at the time were a fraction of the price. Even after the conversion it's much cheaper and a bit more special. It's still far from fast but it's fun to drive, makes a good noise and I think they look better then the golf mk4. I'm not too sure about your comment about the Bora being heavier, as most numbers I've seen at similar trim levels show the Bora as slightly lighter, but I could definitely be wrong.

[@JJonCars]

Very very nice - I'm all for something different and rare. 'R32 Bora' 😎 I'd seen it mentioned a few times about the boot/trunk adding weight to the car, and the places I usually go to for weight info suggest it's up to 100kg heavier. Which does I admit, seem a lot for a boot, but 🤷‍♂️

[@chrstphrr]

@@JJonCars really digging into specs (ultimatespecs seems to be best for comparing variations side by side easily), the difference in weight is just a bit less than 100kg: - about 65kg between FWD Bora or Golf cars with the same engine/gearbox - about 50kg between 4Motion with the same engine/gearbox Like the American commenters, I'm in Canada, and the Jetta (Bora) here sold heavily in the mk4 era. And, heavily diesel models, as well. It is baffling to us that a car that barely weighs more than a supermodel stuffed into the boot, and is only 9" longer in the back shunned for the hatchback in the UK.

[@filippoboschini8659]

I've got a 2005 Bora at home, with 325,000km and it still runs great. It's like yours but mine is entirely stock. It's Silver and has golf mk4 rims that were shared with the Bora. It has the 2.0 TDI engine with 105 hp and hasn't got cupholders in the back, it has a whole A/C unit! It's un awesome conditions, because it has faded headlights, some small dents and a little error on the driver's seat. Suggestion: could you even review the Fiat Sedici? Would be very nice, as my grandma owns one.

[@JJonCars]

Not too many Fiat Sedicis around in the UK, but if I can find one I certainly will :)

[@evertonsalesman4730]

I have a 2001bora and i have a problem i park it for a while and when I ready to start it the engine only turn over but not starting what could be the problem

[@benparsonson5387]

I have a similar one to this. Pd 150 with 136 thousand miles on. Runs well and very strong mechanically, although they are a pain to work on hate it for that.

[@geronimo4296]

im pleased to see that this car is also appreciated in the US, here in latam it's a very loved classic, with 1.8T with 170hp being the most iconic for it's power/price relation

[@geronimo4296]

US, i mean UK, sorry!

[@florinflo9293]

180hp*

[@darrellsmith8197]

2002 Jetta 165,000 mi. excellent running car well built and I have an 2011 Jetta also,2002 is the favorite.

[@warrenbuffet1910]

I have 1.6 16v 110hp for daily love that car

[@JJonCars]

Perfect car for Warren Buffet :)

[@laszlo_kovacs]

I've got the Spanish brother, a toledo 1m. Currently I have the 1.6 16v but i love it so mutch that my plan for 2022 summer is either to swap the 2.3 Vr5 in it or just get one with the Vr5 (potencially the 170hp variant with the 20v head) than pour about the equivalent amount of money into it as i bought the car for (suspension, electronics, a fresh paint job, costume intake and exhaust, and a proper dyno tune)

[@JJonCars]

Mega! And quite rare. At least, I never see the Toledo in the UK.

[@surreal_g420]

Got myself a Bora 1.6 16v as my first car. Kinda slow, wish I could've got my hands on a 4motion or 1.9 TDI but it's okay I guess. It is really a rare car, I think i'm the only one in my town who drives one so thats a plus. It drives like a mix between a golf 4 and a passat. All in all a really solid car.

[@antoinemercier4757]

Bora as a first car is also my project! At what age did you get it and more importantely: how painfull was insurance? How slow is the 1.6? Painfully slow and just annoying or does it still have a little kick?

[@mohammadjamil3841]

Driving bora till now since 2004 60000 miles only

[@JJonCars]

Nice, low mileage 👍

[@JaydenHektor-sg4xx]

l want so Bora en l like dis car so much ❤️

[@allwinds3786]

My 04 Jetta 2.0 gas, has 278,000 miles gets 32 miles a gallon and has been very reliable after replacing most of the vacuum lines and engine management computer.

[@einpercy825]

I like the Bora. Probably my favorite VW from that time, except from the Passat W8 maybe. But I would not mind one with the VR5 engine.

[@JJonCars]

I saw a W8 Passat at a car show recently. What a strange engine :)

[@jarrodhurst6580]

I'm from Australia and I have the 2.3L VR5 170HP really good car

[@vwaudiwelder]

Wowzer those are cool RECARO seats you have in the rear there. I have only seen different ones in the USA R32. My TDI Jetta is going strong at 362,000 miles and with fuel now over $6/gallon I just dumped in my first gallon of thinned and twice filtered jet black waste motor oil. I will increase the ratio of this free sweet black nectar up to about 30% maximum and see how it does.

[@JJonCars]

The owner put those seats in, so they're not the standard ones, think you're right that they're out of an R32. Agreed they are cool though! Good luck with your fuel experiment 😄

[@uziii4856]

Bought my bora about half a year ago and it’s been absolutely fantastic, it’s the 1.6 version and only 106k km

[@JJonCars]

Nice one, that's low kms :)

[@antoinemercier4757]

How is the 1.6L? Does it feel really slow or does it have a little punch?

[@fredonline]

What's your opinion on the wind deflectors? Would you consider having them on your own vehicles?

[@JJonCars]

You know, I don't really have one! I've never had them on my own car, and I wasn't paying much attention to them in the Bora. So I still don't know how effective they are. Next time I drive a car with them on, I'm going to actually test them out 😄

[@frankhoward7645]

4:11. You're looking at a problem that plagues all of these cars. Watch the electrical wire when you close it. You will see that it kinks every time. Eventually, this leads to the insulation (around the wires hidden inside) breaking off and the copper touching the copper in the other wires. I've seen them so bad, the copper actually broke. Not too difficult to repair if you're any good with a soldering iron. 5:39. While this car has the largest boot I've ever seen for this segment, unfortunately it has the smallest back seat. Compared to a Mazda 3 or a Civic or a Corolla, it's quite a bit smaller. I wouldn't think of putting an adult back there for an extended trip. Children only. Regardless, I really appreciate your review. Good job!

[@JJonCars]

Interesting design flaw. But at least it's not too difficult to repair :) Yeah, the backseats would be ok for smaller adults or children but you're right, not as spacious as say the Auris which I found had loads of space in the back. Cheers :)

[@i3d3]

I bought a Bora 1.6 16v highline as my second car just a couple months ago. Cheap to insure, and has very nice specs compared to a lot of Golfs IV at this price range. Love the car, but this one isn't in a very good condition. I'm thinking of buying a second one next year with maybe a better engine. I'd love to find a relatively cheap 1.8T but those are rare and pretty expensive, so I may just go with a 1.9 TDI. Also thinking of buying a Golf IV Variant and swapping the front-end for a Bora.

[@JJonCars]

Nice, Highline is ultimate Bora. Ah, a Bolf! You should build one haha

[@gvidobarscausks9272]

My daily drive is VW Bora 1.6 SR and i wouldnt trade it for any other car

[@asdasd01]

You said that it is silent for its class, but currently driving VW Vento I would say that it is pretty loud. Wind, tire noise are quite noticeable, especially on motorway. VW did some additional sound insulation for the model?

[@JJonCars]

Which Vento do you have? (model year) Because this car was modified I have to say it was difficult to make a proper judgement on it, but based on the Mk4 Golf being fairly quiet, and the fact this car has a boot/trunk which should help with sound from the rear wheels.

[@cg-ji8ul]

My opinion the really rear version is the 2.8 4 motion, only seen a handful in the uk

[@JJonCars]

Yes, very cool car

[@imtiazmullick7533]

Do you know if a Golf transmission would fit in a 2003 V5 automatic bora?

[@JJonCars]

I don't know the answer for sure, so I wouldn't like to guess and give you the wrong answer 😄

[@straus1777]

I drive 4motion bora wagon with the 1.9tdi 150hp engine, mine does 9l/100km when I don't push it, with some pushing it goes to 11l/100km

[@JJonCars]

That's... quite bad for a diesel!!

[@tommorides8086]

Ive got one of the last ones built/registered, 2006 on a 55 plate 83k miles. Highline spec, got everything, except nav, the head unit has been changed at some point. Wouldn't have anything else.

[@JJonCars]

Sweet. The Highline spec seemed really impressive for its day.

[@tommorides8086]

@@JJonCars I'd put an OE unit back in it, but cant appear to find any. Its a shame because on the MFD the menu is there to access it. Its been a great car to me, ive done everything possible to it aswell, i wont get rid of it. Been asked to sell it a few times now, but i cant justify it. 67 MPG +/- on a 120 mile run fully loaded with luggage, roof box, people. Usual driving 60-70 mph too. Of course many different variables come into play, but on that run with the tank full to the click thats what it returned when i got to the destination, believe it or not.

[@MartinJones123]

Hello, I've just come across the Bora and wondering whether it will be reliable in V5 and V6 form? What are some problems I can expect with these engines? I'm in Australia so we didn't get the diesel or 4 cylinder Bora...

[@JJonCars]

Hello. I will hopefully be driving a V5 soon, if you can hang on a while, there may be a video on this topic. Right now off the top of my head, I don't know the ins-and-outs of the V5 engine, but I will soon :)

[@MartinJones123]

@@JJonCars I'll subscribe

[@SangalDigital]

was the pd 115 faster than the vp 110 diesel?

[@JJonCars]

I can't imagine there'd would be much noticeable difference with 5hp. But I haven't driven the two back to back so can't say for sure!

[@nakkimies5029]

how should i tune my 1.4 petrol bora or should i do anything to the engine

[@JJonCars]

It's usually quite hard to get more power from an N/A petrol engine without serious work. So I'd just get it serviced and look after it :) Or try and find a turbo petrol or diesel bora and get it remapped!

[@jonharvey3676]

Nice bs free video. Bora boot, despite smaller aperture than hatchback is far bigger. Had both; '53 reg Golf GT-TDI and Wife has '04 Bora SE TDI. Bora is the nicer car.

[@JJonCars]

Thanks :)

[@diedrickprinsloo6633]

Its beter looking then the golf had a 2.0 5 speed was lovely

[@panzerargentina]

I am from Argentina and there are many boras here. and they are extremely durable cars, some 1.8t have a bad reputation because criminals used it to escape from the police. in the week they give me one with 47,000 km It's my first car😄👍

[@JJonCars]

Haha, I like that bit about them escaping the police. That is very low kms, and a great first car!

[@panzerargentina]

@@JJonCars This is the music that criminals sing and talk about the bora in their lyrics, the bora is a criminal culture in Argentina because of its great power When I buy it I'm going to listen to this song haha kzbin.info/www/bejne/f57GdXebZbVgr9k

[@stanislavstefek1485]

I just got my driving license and a friend of mine is selling 2006 1.9 TDI VW Bora for (after conversion) £700 and I'm thinking of buying it. I think, it would be a nice car for 2-3 years until I finish school and get a job. Any pros and cons? or what should I watch out for? Thanks.

[@JJonCars]

Hey there. When buying a car at that low price, you do have to be careful that it is in good working condition, or it can be possible to buy a money pit. If you trust your friend then it could be a good purchase. I don't know the ins and outs of these cars in terms of what to look out for, but if you look online for Mk4 golf buying guide/forums I think that will help a lot. I say Golf because they were more popular so there will be more advice for those, and they are a similar car of course in terms of engines and reliability.

[@stanislavstefek1485]

​@@JJonCarsHi, thanks for the advise. I'll check the forums.

[@Sad.YTbruh]

My golf 4 has the same cup holder

[@Sad.YTbruh]

I have 6 speed too

[@Sad.YTbruh]

From your car i just want the recaro seats

[@Sad.YTbruh]

I think you have the bora highline.. the same as my golf 4 because the extras are all the same

[@davidpech6199]

why is it Bora "ST" ?? never heard of ST model before and i seriously cannot find anything on the internet. So what is the difference between a regular Bora base model and this bora "ST"??

[@JJonCars]

It's just some sporty trim level, perhaps only sold in the UK? It was only sold with the PD130 and 150 engines and the 1.8T petrol. It has rain sensing wipers, and some other gadgets.

[@adamcotton9657]

so nice not having a DPF to worry about great mpg and torque 225lbs standard and can be brought up to just over 300lbs.

[@JJonCars]

yeah for sure, good old days of no DPFs :)

[@davefeil1522]

4:31 Hey that's me!

[@davefeil1522]

Lil pro tip to anyone wanting to daily one of these, get Bilstein B6s on all 4 corners, keep stock springs, and get a good rear sway bar. It'll do 6 hour road trips comfortably and handles so nicely

[@SY-ml5nl]

@@davefeil1522 silly question but what benefits does the b6 shocks have over the original shocks? Basically why is your setup better? Thanks

[@davefeil1522]

@@SY-ml5nl So from what I understand, these cars are under-damped from factory, and the B6 is the exact right dampening for the stock springs. I assume it also gives you slightly more grip, as the suspension is more accurately tuned together? Don't quote me on that, I don't have lateral G numbers or anything. Also shiny yellow shocks look cool lol

[@SY-ml5nl]

@@davefeil1522 haha, that's great pal thanks. I appreciate your help and all the info you gave

[@davefeil1522]

@@SY-ml5nl I do my part to try and keep these things on the road over here. Love my MK4s

[@davidbarclay2032]

Had3 dark metallic blue Boras on our drive at one time, my wife and two sons all had them. I would too but they were’t on my employers car list, had to drive a BMW an Audi.😤

[@JJonCars]

Ah nice, a whole family of Boras, must have looked like a dealership on your drive 😄

[@bromix0]

Over here in Serbia (And the Balkan peninsula in general), the Golf is seen as this huge cultural staple. Everyone and their dog has one and sings high praise about it as if it was a car gifted to mankind by God himself. I, meanwhile, am a bit of a contrarian and do prefer the sportier look of the Bora rather than the egg-shaped MK4 Golf. That's why I'm saving up to buy and tune one to show to the region I live in that the Golf's elongated and admittedly cooler brother can beat out most of the VW lineup.

[@JJonCars]

😂 A gift from God, love it. They're not quite as well loved over here, though I do still see plenty of them around. I'm 100% with you on being a contrarian, I nearly always prefer the unusual/rare option.

[@jessygrapendaal1050]

Volkswagen bora 1.6 sr, 1999, 379000 km

[@larky6201]

That bottle would fit

[@christiann7320]

I’ve got a sharan 1.9tdi same 130horse engine. 330k km. Nice car, but it isnt as comfortable as it seems in long drives. Plenty head and legroom but seatbacks are not that comfy. Pretty reliable otherwise, had to fix injector wires and thats about it

[@JJonCars]

That's a shame, I always assumed the Sharan would be a really comfy car!

[@christiann7320]

@@JJonCars it really is, apart from the seats. Albeit i havent gotten the chance to see how the other seats are as I mainly drive the long trips alone. Maybe the driver seat is worn out (lombar support does nothing, and the bolster on the bottom left where you get in the foam is pretty sad) so maybe its just mine. Although its not bad for 330k. Do you have experience with other Vw seats? Not those in the bora or any other fancy option seats. Base or semi base model ones. I found my 2018 Honda HR-V not as spacious especially for my feet but seat was very comfortable even after 1800km no backaches.

[@JJonCars]

@@christiann7320 Not too much experience of other VW seats. I think the Arteon I drove was OK, but they were fancy. Usually with base model seats the problem at least for me, is lack of lumbar adjustment

[@michellehavik2023]

i had a bora stationwagon with a v5 engine 150hp model from 2000. in green metallic. werry nice car but i sold it in 2018. why? it was a really nice car but i didt like the engine maintanance. i did everyting myself. but every thing as plastic and the cooling system blow every day.... the parts then in 2018 were ONLY DEALER parts back then to buy and what was this type of engine expencive to repair.... i own now a golf mark 4 with a FSI engine and litterlty full spec! 3 door and have EVERYTING exept a auto gearbox and sunroof. I put in a Bora/golf IV r32 dashboard with alluminated airvents, the sport instrument cluster, a perforated leather steeringwheel and highline sport leater interior. everyting is black and oudside i is the LB5S collor and original xenon fittet. i put the original '"gti" 16 inc wheel because they are fun to have. engine and car itself hit almost 290,000Km and YES its stil drives AS NEW no engine problems oil problems all GOOD! no engine fault codes notthing! i bouth it in december last year, pimped it max out only with vw parts and maintaned it FUL! everyting is replaced to get the full trust of a volkswagen and indeed it do.

[@JJonCars]

Sounds like a great car you've built in that Golf. I can picture the green metallic Bora wagon, and I like what I see! :)

[@JaydenHektor-sg4xx]

wat se car is die is dit ñ 1.6 off is dit ñ 1.9 l like dis Bora

[@DaveSmithVX]

My pd100 is the most hilarious thing I’ve ever owned

[@JJonCars]

Haha, in what way?

[@valtteri7196]

I am going to buy bora and i will say that the only reason right now why i will get bora and not golf is that bora is cheaper in my country than golf

[@JJonCars]

I think they are probably a little bit cheaper here too. People tend to prefer the practical hatchback of the Golf over the saloon boot of the Bora. Valtteri... Finland? Guessing from a certain F1 driver...

[@danielkalfsbeek5946]

I bought a Bora cuz it’s a way nicer car then the golf. And in my country everyone has a golf😂 and a small group has a Bora so it’s more special. And that fits me cuz I’m special 😅

[@JJonCars]

I know how you feel 😄

[@dado380]

All four country you just mention for Bora wind or Bura are wrong.Croatia and Italy are only one where you can see and feel real hurricane force bora gusts.

[@JJonCars]

I should have known this haha, the footage I used was of Croatia.

[@goodsoup1564]

Canadian car Alh tdi … 660,000kms …

[@JJonCars]

Wow!

[@Levi-wp7uh]

Just like with the renault thalia, a clio with a bigger boot

[@JJonCars]

We didn't get the Thalia here in the UK, as with many saloon versions of hatchbacks. That's what made the Bora unusual in that we were actually able to buy it 😄