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My point was that diesels make the best sense when you drive lots of miles, because the lower fuel cost per mile adds up faster. If you only drive 10k or even 15k miles a year, then the cost of fuel is a fairly insignificant part of your total cost of ownership. And, it doesn't matter so much that a diesel-powered car like a VW Golf TDI can last for 500k ... Read More
I randomly picked 2003 Golf and came up with a total of 20 complaints. And you are comparing that to 969 on just the brakes of the 2010 Prius. I will be surprised if CR has the nerve to rate the new Prius even worth looking at. I also found recalls for all VW cars from 2001-2006 and it was for a total of 13k vehicles. You own a Rabbit and ... Read More
Debating the merits of Prius and Golf TDI can be enjoyable. However their are diesel haters that lurk on this site. They attack posters off site that they do not agree with. Probably teenagers that somehow sneak past the folks here at Edmund's. Just to clarify a couple things. The 2nd generation Prius that included MY 2004 to 2009 did not arrive here till October 2003. So those models have been ... Read More
I have just bought an automatic 2003 VW Golf 2.0 Generation. As I am not familiar with this car, just wanted to check with others whether the following is "normal"?; - When idling, it revs at around 1,000 - Seems to switch into 4th (top) gear at around 60km/h where it revs at around 2,000, but when going at 100km/h, the rev counter starts to get towards 2,500-2,750 - Once going, ... Read More
Any competent mechanicaly-minded persons with a swivel-head ratchet extension should have no troubles replacing sparkplugs in a 2.0L VW engine. The maint points are; *) Do not pull on the sparkplug wires to remove them from the plugs. *) Clean area where sparkplugs are BEFORE removing so no crud drops into engine. *)Aluminum heads tend to seeze to the sparkplugs... be careful and use some kind of lube while removing. *)Use ... Read More
Hi Everyone, Just want to thank everyone for all their help in the past! Is replacing the spark plugs on my 2003 VW Golf 2.0L engine a big deal? Can I have my parents small town Mechanic do it who doesn't have really any experience with VW's? He's VERY honest and VERY reliable unlike most of the guys I've found around here in Chicago suburbs. Plus he's a TON cheaper. He ... Read More
You did not mention which of the 3 gasoline VW engines you have in your Gulf but my answer below goes for any of them. Along with TimingBelt, there are a number of other things that should be changed at same time. (they may not go another 100K miles and if they fail, you have to do the TB all over again) These other items include; *)TB tensionor/pully *)WaterPump (some folks ... Read More
Hi, I put a LOT of miles on my call (all highway). I have a 2003 VW Golf with 109k miles on it. It's timing belt time, right? Dealer said to do it at 105k miles. Question: Do I have to have the dealer do it? My guys at Merlin said they can do it (one of them used to work at VW), but was honest and said he's only done ... Read More
No, not really. The early New Beetles and Jettas built in Mexico had some problems, but by 2002 and 2003 -- when it was possible to directly compare Mexican Jetta sedans versus German Jetta wagons -- there was really no difference in build quality. My Golf TDI was built in Brazil, and I don't have a single complaint about the build quality. The engine was from Germany, the manual transmission from ... Read More
We had a diesel Rabbit back when... Anyway, I am thinking of "trading in" my 2006 Chevy Uplander minivan for a diesel Golf, maybe a 2003? As soon as I can scrounge up a used Chevy Astro van (mine died and I couldn't get another right away) I would like to ditch the new minivan and get a diesel VW. It's been a long time since I've driven a VW, and ... Read More
The rear suspension is one of the main differences between the Mk4 and Mk5. And yes, it adds to the cost. Yet I wonder if more than 5-10% of buyers are even aware. I don't see VW going back to the older conventional rear suspension. But that is what I have, and I don't mind. I just know better than to push cornering beyond the limit. Do you corner quicker than ... Read More
Have you contacted the VW advocacy line at all yet to complain? If we can get 50 people, we can get a recall...
The blue-tinted sidemirrors were standard on some VWs in the early 2000s. I am not sure when they were dropped... but I know that my Daughers 2001 Golf has them and my 2003 Jetta does not. As for the sound you are hearing... Are you sure it is not the serpentine belt sqeeking a bit? Perhaps if we knew which engine you have, we could be more helpful.
I have a 2003 VW Beetle and have the same problem. The dealer replaced the motor once 2 months ago and the wipers still quit. They quit the other night in a heavy rain storm. Do you know if VW is aware of this?
The intake manifold, etc. got all carboned up on my 2003 Golf TDI at 40,000. Over $1,000 to fix. I wouldn't buy one again, even though it has gotten close to 55 mpg at times. Oil changes are far more expensive than with a gas engine, and everything else service connected seems to be too. The timing belt is but one thing that must be done that isn't cheap. Given all ... Read More
I can't directly address the quality of the 2007 Rabbit, because my daily driver is a 2003 Golf.... same car, previous generation. Never had any parts fall off, trim is all still where it belongs, no internal flooding. Just over 212k miles on it now. But today I took it to the shop for a clutch master cylinder, or at least that's what I think it is. I should get it ... Read More
I think when the VW plant in Puebla first started up, there were some problems. But at least since 2001 or 2002 that plant has been assembling cars with very few glitches... or at least no more than the Jetta wagons that all came from Germany. Also, for what it's worth, my Golf was built in Curitiba, Brazil, and has been exceptionally trouble-free. Agreed. I have a 1997 Jetta Trek (209,000 ... Read More
Has anyone else had problems with the windshield wiper motors on their 2003 (or other model year) VW Golfs? Mine has died 4 times while driving in rain/snow/ice. Most recently it happened during the ice storm on Friday as I was driving across the Delaware River. VW dealer wants to charge me $90 to diagnose the problem and the VW advocacy line says another 50 people have to contact them with ... Read More
I've had a similiar problem with my 2003 Golf. (The warranty just expired as well...) Suddenly, on mornings, cold mornings, it will not turn over or even crank. But, it will start up later in the afternoon, just fine. I took it to the dealership and they couldn't find anything wrong with it. They kept it over night, said they ran diagnostics on it, and found no problem, they cleaned the ... Read More
I have cruise control question. I have a 2003 Golf TDI, and the cruise control can no longer keep to speed on upgrades. When I press the "accelerate" button, nothing seems to happen. The cruise works fine on the level and regulates the speed just fine downhill as well. It is as if the accelerate part of the control is missing. Anyone else have that, and does it mean replacing the ... Read More
Did you ever find out what the problem is? The reason I ask is that I am having the same problem...I have a 2003 Golf (automatic) and sometimes when I accelerate, the car jerks forward. There is no pattern as to when it happens, but it usually happens within 5-10 minutes of driving. I have taken it into the dealership a few times, but of course, they can't replicate the problem ... Read More
So I guess what you're really saying is that you want a car with more features than your Honda has now. You want to upgrade to a more technologically advanced vehicle with absolutely awful dealer service and reliability. Why not look at the other Japanese cars if you're happy with the reliability? If you need space and ease of entry try the Scion XB. My father in law has had 2 ... Read More
Our family friend is a dealer for VW and he literally showed me the inventory list of some modified,some fully loaded rabbits ranging from $16k-$19k. Believe or not they are all sold out and most of those rabbits are all coming from Wolfsburg Germany. That means people already placed their reservations months before the launching date last month. I think VW doesen't have to be reasonable to put a $19k price ... Read More
I am driving a 2003 VW Golf and just had its 40K service today. My little car is completely trouble-free. I spent a few extra dollars to add a nice ski/bike rack on the top and it looks great. Can't wait to test drive the next generation. If I followed the Consumer Reports's suggestion, I would have never got this car. It's obvious to me that "Reports" always favors those Japanese ... Read More
Not so much based on nostalgia, based on experience. My parents had 1978, 1980, and 1982 Rabbits over the years. I personally owned a 1982 Hatch, a 1981 Pickup, and my current 1983 Rabbit. I've also had VWs from as old as 1966. I have owned the Gen 1 "Rabbit" ( Golf elsewhere ), as well as Gen 1, 2, 3, and 4 Jettas, most recently a 2003 Jetta. My wife ... Read More
I get a kick out of this forum...which car is better...and I like your response. Very diplomatic and aware that everyone can be right, based on diversity of opinion, etc. I for one agree with your submission as I worked in the former Yugoslavia during the bosnian and kosovo wars. VW is durable, because that is what all the bosniaks and albanians told me and drove - and the roads there ... Read More
I've been doing a lot of research on purchasing a used VW Golf. My father had a VW Rabbit way back when, and he loved it. Ive had many cheap cars, mostly domestic, which were the kind you pray before turning the key. I will be graduating from college in a couple months, and I need a car for a commute to work. I am leaning toward the VW Golf GL, ... Read More
You just made my point (Hondas are more reliable, but VWs are more durable)- You've owned eight Hondas in 14 years. I owned a 1987 Golf GT for 16 years and 624,000 miles, a 1975 Scirocco for 6 years and 200,000 miles, and I now have two Jettas: a 2003 Wolfsburg and a 1997 Jetta Trek. So that's four VW in 23+ years. I tend to keep my cars a lot ... Read More
I have a 2003 Golf TDI that I had to bail out this weekend. It's the first I've noticed it. The driver's side floorwell in front and back are both soaked and full of water. I can watch it pool on the back floor. There are no obvious signs of any leaks and I do not have a sunroof or any signs of rusting. It started to smell dank, thats how ... Read More
Does anyone have a VW Golf that collects water in the rear passenger floor when it rains? I have a 2003 TDI that collects about 2 cups of water in the footwell when it rains - whether the car is parked or moving. The dealer here is worthless, but that is another story. JL
I have decided to wait for the new generation MK V Golf TDI. The MK V Golf has been out in Europe since 2004 so hopefully all the first year glitches are gone unlike the situation with the MK V Jetta which was introduced here before it appeared in Europe. Hoping the TDI's fuel efficiency won't be as compromised as the new longer, wider, heavier, 16/17" tire clad Jetta's is. As ... Read More
That year is fairly stable and should also have a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty if my memory serves me. Check with a VW dealer. The thing to look for is record of oil changes at 5,000, 10,000 and 15,000 miles, the only service required.
I have a 2003 Beetle, similar problem. The first time the light came on VW did a diagnosis and said there was an intermittant problem with a temperature sensor. I replaced the sensor. Two weeks later the light came on again and the gas gauge stopped reading accuratly. I figured I could live with that since another diagnosis was going to cost me $120.00. Drove the car over the next several ... Read More
I use Castrol Syntec 5w-40 for my 2003 Wolfsburg and my wife's 2003 Jetta. Unfortunately, you have to either get it at the dealer, or special order the oil. There are other synthetics on the VW 502.00 spec that you can get at the local auto parts store - i.e. Valvoline's 5w-40 synthetic can be purchased at the Auto Zone. Here's the VW 502.00 spec for the oil: http://www.vw.com/SP/pdf/oilchart.pdf
Looking good! Now, VW, just get the build quality up to at least average. My 2003 is working well, once the ignition problem was fixed. Now the "door open" idiot light is constantly on. Oh, well, it is fun to drive. As for the reliability, keep your fingers crossed. If Chrysler can make the reliable PT Cruiser in Mexico, maybe VW can get their act together there, too. ... Read More
We have a 2004 Passat V6 GLX bought new in July. Last weekend the engine/emission light went on for no reason and then went off again. I think the gas cap may not have been screwed on tight and this triggered the emmissions control warning light. We tried this and the light stayed on for a day and then went out again. We also have a 2003 TDI Golf with 43,000 ... Read More
It has rained most of the past 14 hours.I went to use my 2003 GLS TDI Golf and found more than an inch of water on the driver's side and the headliner wet on the driver's side for about 1 inch behind the driver's side visor. I have an appointment next week to get it fixed. If the rugs get soaked will they mildew? Will VW replace them? There was too ... Read More
I am thinking about buying a Golf GL Auto. I like the car, but I am a little scare after reading about the realiability problems of wv in this forum. In the other hand, I have check out several websites and all talk about a good or fair realiability for the golf. For example: http://autos.msn.com/home/reliability_ratings.aspx?src=LeftNav http://research.cars.com/go/crp/safety.jsp?makeid=48&modelid=- 445&year=2003&myid=&acode=&crpPage=summary.jsp&am- p;aff=national http://www.autoweb.com/content/research/vir/index.cfm/vehicle_num- ber_int/1013342/Action/Reliability http://www.epinions.com/auto_Make-2003_Volkswagen_Golf/display_~r- eviews What do you think? Do you believe that reliability ... Read More
I personally would not want the wagon, but I know the wagon is better built than the Golf. (this is not having anything to do with it being built in Germany) I also think from a "limited" edition point of view the wagon might well have higher resale down the line than the Golf (% wise) . I am a 2003 VW Jetta TDI (4door) 5 speed manual owner. Which ever ... Read More
of the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show: 2005 VW Golf. Thanks for your comments! ;-) Revka Host Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
From Edmunds' coverage of the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show: 2005 VW Golf. Thanks for your comments! ;-) Revka Host Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
hello, iam in the market for a golf gls 2003 and have found that nothing in its class can match the features to price ratio. however,i was concerned about some issuses that have been a problem for golfs in the past such as oil consumption problems with the 2.0 engine, and the windows falling down into doors, have these been fixed for the 2003 golfs? and i have also heard from ... Read More
I bought a 03 GTi, no complaints except for the window clips that broke and the long time it took for the dealer to get new ones, I have a friend who works in a dealer in san francisco and he told me that they had them in stock, when I rang up my dealer to complain, like magic the dealer suddenly got them in stock and i brought my car ... Read More
The facts for the Prius as stated above are for the 2003. I guess you guys did not read Edmunds front page today! The 2004 Prius is 55/55 mpg with auto while near zero emissions! Amazing!! I too have a Chevy 4x4 and I completely disagree. The truck amazes me, even pulling 5000 lbs. Throttle response is beyond there. Now I test drive a TDI, hit the gas...nothing happens....when the car ... Read More
hello, iam considering getting a 2003 golf gls with the 2.0 engine and auto. i have compared this car with others in this class and for the features to price ratio nothing else compares to it. also the golf is way cheaper to insure than the other cars i have been researching such as honda accord and civic among some others. should i get this car compared to a corolla, or ... Read More
Well, in Canada the projected sales for 2003-2004 are 50000 units. Canada is in North America, isn't it? Those numbers would translate into 500k units in the USA, IF people would buy Echos in the same numbers as in Canada. And as I said, comparing both cars is like comparing apples and oranges. I've owned three different VW Golf's and 1 Passat and I know the Echo is in a different ... Read More
Hello all. I had been considering the purchase of a Golf TDI for the 30k+ miles that I put on each year. This forum has been very informative. I am in CA, and I recently hear on the TDI club website that the TDI would no longer be available in CA in 2004 due to emissions requirements. I emailed my local dealer, and got this response: "My name is Jason and ... Read More
ould someone tell me what thier manual actually says. The VW service Manager said sysnthetic oil every 5,000 miles and a timing belt change every 40000 miles. However, I have heard from others first oil change at 5,000 then every 10,000 miles and timing belt at 100,000 What does the manual say ?
hello, i have been thinking about byeing a 2003 golf gls with auto trans but was concerned about previouse problems with this car such as windows falling into door andmajor oil consumption issues regarding the 2.0 engine in the gls have these issues been resolved with the 2003 golf gls or are they still haveing problems. i also have been considering civic, elantra, and toyota corolla but i really want the ... Read More
Is invoice a good price for a 2003 Golf GLS 4-door 5-seed TDI with 300 miles on it? Wouls you wait for a 2004 Apparently they have had it at this dealer since March and the 300 miles are test drive miles. Do test drive miles matter on a diesel? Could it affect breakin? Waht should one watch or be concerned about for a diesel? What are typical VW service costsand ... Read More
#659 The minimum CZ (cetane rating) for the ALH engine is 49. (Technical data, Engine data, pg 00-2, VW Golf, GTI, Jetta 1999-2003, Jetta Wagon 2001-2003, 1.9 Liter 4 cyl 2V TDI...CD Bentley) It would be worth a check in the state or states that you buy diesel/operate to see what is the minimum product delivered standard. With that information, you can decide if the extra cost and performance of fuel ... Read More
I am new to everything. Mainly this discussion board, manual transmissions and TDI engines. I purchased a 2003 Golf TDI GLS and have had only one problem: After filling up the tank (14.5 Gallons), I drive about 400 miles (mostly city, some highway) then the tank is near empty. That is only 27 mpg! The ratings say I should be getting 42 mpg. I figured that I must be doing something ... Read More
I have had my 2003 TDI Golf GLS 5 speed for 3 weeks/2,000 miles. 46-50 mpg on the highway and 41 in the city. It is very quiet on the highway and would cruise at 90 if that were legal. I put on a leather steering wheel cover (Wheelskins)and will change the shift knob. Is this a job for the dealer? I also need to get a roof rack. I have ... Read More
I have owned my 2003 TDI Golf for one week. On my trip to NYC from Worcester, MA I got 50mpg and I was caught in a snow storm the entire way. The VW tracks fine in a blizzard. I was using the Michelin all-season tires as I have not purchased snow tire yet. We also own a 1992 Subaru AWD Legacy wagon which we bought new. It is now in ... Read More
I have owned my 2003 TDI Golf for one week. On my trip to NYC from Worcester, MA I got 50mpg and I was coaught in a snow strom the entire way. The VW tracks fine in a blizzard. I was using the Michelin all-season tires as I have not purchased snow tire yet. We also own a 1992 Subaru AWD Legacy wagon which we bought new. It is now in ... Read More
and congrats on your new 2003 VW Golf! "Can I get an aftermarket, or better yet, a VW armrest?" While you're waiting here for feedback, you may also want to check out our VW Owner's - Accessories & Modifications discussion. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your VW Golf experience. Thanks! Revka Host Hatchbacks & Wagons
I just purchased a 2003 Golf GL 2-door and I have a few questions. 1-The manual says 87 octane fuel is o.k. but the brochure I have says premium recommended. What does everyone here use? 2-Can I get an aftermarket, or better yet, a VW armrest? It would really increase the interior comfort. 3-Do all Golf's come with the first aid kit located in that rear compartment? Mine didn't have one ... Read More
Rather than just rehash the known facts of this fiasco, Ms. Jensen has shown that VW has committed the clissic bungled PR. February 2, 2003 A Black Eye for VW and Audi By CHERYL JENSEN WIDESPREAD failures of a crucial engine component have left owners of 2001 and 2002 Volkswagens and Audis stranded and stewing while the companies scramble for replacement parts. The problem, faulty ignition coils, potentially affects more ... Read More
pkradd, I don't think you have a clue about the scope of this problem for VW until you read this article from the Boston Globe Quote No easy fix for failing ignition coils in Audis, VWs By Royal Ford, 1/26/2003 One man, looking to escape his monolithic SUV but wanting to tackle slippery New England weather with all-wheel-drive, opted for an Audi A4. A Cambridge couple, baby on the horizon, looked ... Read More
See the following: 04 FEB 2003 VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI TO REPLACE ALL IGNITION COIL PARTS ON 2001, 2002 AND SOME 2003 MODELS AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Audi of America, Inc. today announced a customer service action in which the companies will ultimately replace the ignition coils in all 2001 and 2002 model year cars equipped with certain engines that have been experiencing a higher-than-normal failure rate. ... Read More
No easy fix for failing ignition coils in Audis, VWs By Royal Ford, 1/26/2003 One man, looking to escape his monolithic SUV but wanting to tackle slippery New England weather with all-wheel-drive, opted for an Audi A4. A Cambridge couple, baby on the horizon, looked for a good price, reliability, and a touch of sporty performance and chose the Volkswagen Passat. The Passat also caught the engineer's eye of a Marlborough ... Read More
The R32 will be the first VW to get the new DSG sequential shift transmission, appears to be more sophisicated than BMW's SMG... Wolfsburg. Volkswagen presents a world-wide technical innovation: the sporty and economical direct-shifting 6-speed automatic gearbox "DSG”. This especially dynamic form of power transmission with integrated dual clutch will be used for the first time in the Golf R32 in the first quarter of next year. Its use will ... Read More
I am planning on buying a 2003 VW Golf w/ TDI 1.9L Engine, 4DR, manual (the most basic w/ the TDI). I live in N. Little Rock Arkansas, I was wondering if anyone could tell me how low they got their price on this car. I know the MSRP is around 17,500 or so. However, I'm sure you bargained and got it down some. Please reply..Thank You
There is dealer near Boston that is selling 2002 TDI at $1150 under invoice and 2003 at $100 over. They have at least 9 2002 Golf. It is not uncommon for a VW dealer not to have the exact car you want but they can usually get one. Fair price is between invoice and MSRP in my opinion. There is $1250 cash to dealer incentive on all 2002 TDI so if ... Read More
Current model Golf was introduced in North America in 1999 as a 1999 1/2 model. The new Golf MkV is expected to show up in 2004 as a 2005 model. If you are waiting to buy the next platform I would not wait. The problems of a first year model are a tradition at VW and the 1999 1/2 and even the 2000 models are not nearly as good as the ... Read More
Next platform is scheduled to be introduced in 2003 so it should be in production and available in North America in 2004 or 2005. Here is one article http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=4528&sid=178&n=156 The US typically receives new models 1 to 2 years after they are available in Europe when it comes to VW.
In response to your statement of "higher octane for the turbo" I am guessing that you mean the 1.8T in the Golf. The 1.8T is available in GTI but no longer is available in Golf for 2002. Expect a redesign on the MK4 platform (current Golf) in 2005. The new Golf will appear in Germany in 2003 and in the past the US has received new designs 2 years after Europe. ... Read More
does anyone have cost figures and/or performance figures for neuspeed supercharger conversion on 2.0L or upsilon chip on tdi? i was thinking 1.8t 4dr golf, but to my great dismay, have learned they are discontinuing this option.:(:(:( also, did i hear correctly that VW is launching the golf V in 2003??? if so, any info? hopefully, if true, the rear seat gets a little more legroom. thanks in advance for any ... Read More
Of course the golf V hasen't been released in Europe yet, the last time i checked my calender it said 2001. The golf V isn't scheduled to be launched until 2003 with a US launch either 6 to 8 months later--not right at the beginning of 2003. The latest the Golf V would come to the US would be 2004, when the Jetta/Bore model will be redesigned for Europe. Yes I ... Read More
From what the July 2001 edition of Automobile magazine(volume 16, #4) is saying, there is going to be a significant redesign of the Golf/GTI 2003 models(still a ways away though). VW's reason most likely for pulling the 1.8T from the 4 door was probably because in the 2003 models the 2.0L's horsepower is going to be increased to 136. The magazine is also stating that a 230HP V6 is going to ... Read More
Did anybody see this on the "future predictions" site here at Edmunds? Hubba-hubba: 2003 Golf (Sport Hatchback) An article by George Karcher in the January issue of Automobile magazine reported that VW plans to add a high performance, all-wheel drive version of the upcoming fifth-generation Golf sporting a 300-hp W8 engine. The same engine might also find its way into the next-generation Jetta.
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