1998 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Discussions

Volkswagen GTI Maintenance and Repair

• VW reliability vs. Subaru, Mazda

  Written by: paimon on May 5, 2008 5:07:46 PM

  Be warned: Back in 2000, I bought a new GTI which was nothing but problems: clutch went out at 40,000 miles, glove box hinge broke twice, power window went out three times (the same plastic retainer clip snapped each time), both headlamps and most other exterior bulbs burned out, CD player went on the blink, AC would stop sporadically, turbo valve malfunctioned, etc. I had all maintenance done at the dealership ... Read More

VW GTI (All styles)

• I too am interested in Winter traction...driving.

  Written by: jwb18t on Nov 30, 2007 4:30:00 PM

  Wondering what your thoughts are regarding winter driving with the GTI. I would have snow tires mounted for the winter like I do on my 2 current vehicles(2007 Honda Ody and 1998 Honda CRV). My last VW/Audi vehicle was a 2003 VW Passat GLS Wagon and it handled very well. Any insight is appreciated.

Mazdaspeed3 vs. VW V GTI vs. Civic Si

• Re: just sold my GTi [washtim]

  Written by: carfanatic007 on Mar 17, 2007 11:01:17 PM

  This post actually bums me out. Even though I own a Honda now, I have owned more VW's then Hondas, a 1987 VW GTI, a 1998 VW GTI VR6 and a 2001 VW GTI 1.8T. (The worst of the bunch). I actually loved VW's until the reliability issue roared its ugly head. That is why I will probably never own another VW.

• Re: Parking Lots: For Groceries or Autocross? [doubleohseven]

  Written by: carfanatic007 on Oct 9, 2006 1:21:36 PM

  For every ones information, I have owned 3 VW GTI's in the past. A 1987 GTI, a 1998 GTI VR6 and a 2001 GTI 1.8T. All three were fun cars initially. However, all had reliability issues. I think the main problem with VW's in general is the amount of electronic gizmo's they put on them. They always seem to go first. The 2001 GTI's power locks kept going out. Replaced engine ... Read More

• Stats from M/T

  Written by: carfanatic007 on Sep 5, 2006 11:22:26 PM

  Get a FREE Price QuoteFind a Local Car Dealer 2006 Honda Civic SI 2006 Volkswagen GTI Powertrain/Chassis Drivetrain layout Front engine, FWD Front engine, FWD Engine type I-4 alum block/head Turbocharged I-4 iron block/alum head Valvetrain DOHC 4 valves/cyl DOHC 4 valves/cyl Displacement 121.9 cu in / 1998 cc 121.0 cu in / 1984 cc Compression ratio 11.0:1 10.3:1 Power (SAE NET) 197 hp @ 7800 rpm 200 hp @ 5100 ... Read More

Volkswagen GTI Maintenance and Repair

• Re: GTI reliability.... [carfanatic007]

  Written by: allhorizon on Jun 29, 2006 2:35:12 AM

  I'm sure that the GTI is a fast little car but I wouldn't call 200 hp with 207 lbs torque a "high performance engine". Many cars available today have much more HP and torque. I have owned a 1998 GTI VR6 and the 2001 GTI. The VR6 was far superior to the Turbo 1.8. The only thing nice about this particular model is that it is made in Germany vice Brazil. ... Read More

• Re: GTI reliability.... [carfanatic007]

  Written by: jitteryjoe_246 on Jun 13, 2006 3:24:51 AM

  I believe we have been talking about the new 2.0T FSI engine on the mkV GTI's... For a four cylinder 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque are performance numbers. There aren't that many cars running four bangers that can hustle to 60 in 6.7 seconds (ok, so the srt4, evo, and sti are freaks). Sure there are lots of v6 and v8 engines with more hp ... Read More

• Re: GTI reliability.... [allhorizon]

  Written by: carfanatic007 on Jun 12, 2006 9:43:23 PM

  I'm sure that the GTI is a fast little car but I wouldn't call 200 hp with 207 lb torque a "high performance engine". Many cars available today have much more HP and torque. I have owned a 1998 GTI VR6 and the 2001 GTI. The VR6 was far superior to the Turbo 1.8. The only thing nice about this particular model is that it is made in Germany vice Brazil. ... Read More

VW GTI (All styles)

• Re: electrical reliability [gpan]

  Written by: upndwn on May 27, 2006 9:09:13 AM

  I have leased the following: 1995 VW Cabrio 1998 Passat 1.8T 2001 GTI 2003 Passat 1.8T Wagon We have had no significant electrical problems with the 4 cars. The GTI had the electric window lifts fail @ 18,000 miles, inconvient, but warranty repaired. Passat Sedan had a fuel pump problem, covered. Passat Wagon had heated seat and fuel pump problems, covered under recall program. Overall, I find the cars to be ... Read More

• i just bought an 03 GTi

  Written by: matthop on Feb 7, 2003 9:24:56 PM

  hi, Im a new VW owner, I just bought a '03 GTi with the 1.8t, I like it alot. Im comming out of a 1998 Caddillac Seville STS. I have about 450 miles on my GTi and i have a rattle comming from my passenger door. Other than that the car has been awesome, its quick and fairly good on gas. My insurance however did go up about $400 a year ... Read More

Honda Civic Si vs. VW GTI

• Any relevant comparision of numbers?

  Written by: moparbad on Dec 11, 2002 6:49:49 PM

  How different is the quality anonymous? 2.0000001 problems per car is higher than 2.0, yet it is not a big difference. FYI. A 1998 VW GTI was the MK3 platform not the current MKIV. Not relevant to the current GTI.

• JD Power APEAL

  Written by: moparbad on Dec 6, 2002 10:50:47 AM

  http://www.jdpa.com/studies/pressrelease.asp?StudyID=563&CatID=1 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout. 2001 Sporty Segment- winner is VW GTI quote- Volkswagen models continue to do well in the study, with the Beetle setting the APEAL standard for compact cars every year since its introduction in 1998. The Jetta ranks highest for the third year in a row in the entry midsize car segment, and the GTI ranks most appealing in the sporty car segment. 2001 winners in ... Read More

• But aren't your anecdotes here

  Written by: gee35coupe on Dec 5, 2002 7:19:24 PM

  just as valid as this one http://www.myvwlemon.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro&BypassCookie=true and http://redstorm91.myforum.net/index.php3?more=432 and http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_16816.html or check any other reliability survey. You buy a VW you take your chances. Si's have ABS,and EBD, side airbags are available if you want em(the only option), cruise, keyless, and 5 star safety front and 4 star side without side airbags. So much for tin can. How is the GTI a stellar success if VW can't sell more cars ... Read More

VW GTI (All styles)

• Correction to: European vs US specs

  Written by: germandriver on Mar 16, 2001 12:43:37 PM

  Sorry, but the spellchecker massacred my note. It should say: I am currently posted in Germany and got a new VW GTI when I arrived in 1998. I love the car, but expect to have to sell it before I leave because it has European vs US specs. I'm holding out hope that it might be possible to drive the European spec car in the States. I'm told that while the ... Read More

• Written by: seamus3 on Dec 8, 2000 8:17:53 AM

  here's the deal.i have a 1996 subaru legacy sedan. i have put in h&r springs, braces, both front and rear and a k&n filter. it's fun to drive around but it lacks that real pull. i have been considering a 1998 gti vr6. nobody in the subaru part of this place would give me an impartial reason why not to buy a vw. i was hoping someone here could do the ... Read More