Used 1996 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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1996 GTI 5 speed - awesome car
jennP, 09/22/2009
1996 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 GTI (5 speed)last year (2008)with approx 95k miles on it. I love this car! She won't quit! Had one problem with her where she died on the road: turns out with the ac on full blast (soon after starting) in high heat of South FL, blew the coil circuit. VWs are notorious for electrical problems as they age, but they are usual suspects as with any car: coil/coil circuit (ie...wiring), ignition switch, spark plugs (do not use platinum 4 prongs-they don't last). If you do a little research to pinpoint the usual problems - you'll be able to get her in prime shape inexpensively (VW Depot in FL are the best).
always in the shop
kaceyb23, 07/01/2002
1996 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There is no car, for the price, that is so much fun to drive in my opinion. Unfortunately every time I start it up I'm scared that something is going to fall off. Over $7000 in repairs in less than 2 years. No, I'm not kidding. Fun but costly. BUY THE WARRANTY!!!!
mpg commuter
modern commuter, 10/13/2008
1996 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I needed a good commuter for my new job which requires I commute 100 miles per day round trip. I decided on a 96 GTI 2.0 because MPG is as important as being fun to drive. It turns out I am averaging 30-32 MPG. I was lucky to find an unmodified, well maintained w/ an almost new interior for it's 13 year/123,000 age. I love this little car, I find myself not wanting to drive my 06' SS/SC. The 2.0 engine mated to the 5 speed is wonderful, the car is as tight (structurally) as a new car. I cruise at 70-80 mph without any drama. I more pleased than I expected I would be and parts are cheap. I high recommend 2.0 GTI's for anyone looking good MPGs, excellent hauling space and a fun daily driver!
Electrical and other problems
nomorevws, 12/17/2007
1996 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car and think it is fun to drive. It looks so cute and gets a lot of comments, even now that it has 100,000 miles on it. Unfortunately, it has taken a lot of money to keep it running. The brakes needed replaced entirely, costing over $1000, at 60,000 miles. The license surround broke the day I bought it. The exhaust needed replaced twice in 4 years. It had a persistant oil pressure problem that couldn't be figured out by numerous shops. Warning lights come on when it gets wet and shops can't seem to fix it. The car nearly caught fire when the electrical system melted, costing about $2000 to fix. The water pump, thermostat, and harmonic balancer just quit. I won't buy another VW.
Lower your expectations
Ravi, 03/28/2009
1996 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As much fun as my car is to drive, I've had ongoing problems since purchasing it as a 2nd owner initially with 95,000 miles. I have invested $$ to keep the car up to par, but to no avail as minor and major issues keep cropping up. Repairs as well as parts can be expensive so beware if you are financially strapped. It's unfortunate that Volkswagen which wrote the book on quality has now lost that winning formula.
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