Used 1998 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 GTI, so we've included reviews for other years of the GTI since its last redesign.
Great little car
guymeister, 01/24/2012
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought mine new back in 1998, expecting to keep it a few years. Almost 14 years later it's still going strong and I still like it. The good things about it are that it's fast, quick, and nimble. The seats are form fitting and keep you from moving around. Repairs have been rare, but fairly expensive when they came. The strangest one was the replacement of the thermostat, which 1 garage couldn't even find, and that the dealer replaced for $450. In general, though, it's been very reliable. The only down side to it is that you feel every bump in the road. That gets annoying after a while.
Buy It Unless You Are Broke
GTIUNV, 03/08/2007
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
All I am going to say is 170,000 miles of FUN! That is right, 170,000 miles and all it took was regular maintenance. If you buy it you will need to put money in it (don't buy it if you are broke). Maintenance is pricey, but you can do most of it yourself. BTW, this is one of four VWs I have had.
Fun to drive
slimsalmon, 03/11/2008
1997 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car from 19K miles to 240K. Overall this car is extremely fun to drive and handles exceptionally. The drive train is solid and at 240K miles my car still doesn't show any signs of weakness or burn any oil. I still haven't needed to replace the clutch or do any transmission work either. The dash and controls are built well and aren't cheap and plasticy like many cars that came out during that time. However, there has been a TON of stuff that needs constant attention outside the main drive train which seemed like it was built so cheaply it was designed to fail.
my review
nic, 07/09/2002
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
very simple. this car has been great, but that maybe because i don't drive it very far on a daily basis.
The German Escort
sethjvm, 09/19/2002
1998 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car is essentially a German version of the Ford Escort. It's: *cheap *small *good fuel economy *hatchback *should be fairly reliable
5 Years of Fun
TAN1848, 06/28/2002
1997 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5 Years of fun so far. Nothing to report bad but the body has begun to start making creaking sounds. Thier is 55,000 on the OD and it is time for the timing Belt replacement, Tires and Hoses. I have heard that power steering may become problem in future?
don't get this car!it happens everywhere
John7000, 08/15/2002
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car brand new in Bangkok Thailand and after 30000km just when the car is out of warranty, it start to fall apart. We never drive it hard because of the traffic and then the transmission fail (140,000bath to fixed which is about $3,200), and then the abs fail every month, electrical gone nut.....we have to service it every months!!!
Fun Car to Drive
VW GTI, 09/05/2002
1997 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is great to drive, the handling is great. The biggest complaint I have with the VWs is the electrical. This is my third VW and everyone of them has had electrical problems, nothing that's to troulesome, just annoying. The rear wiper is flimsy, the side molding came off, again just annoying. Also, like other VWs with abs brakes mine has malfunctioned. Would I recommend the vehicle, easily 'yes'.
Still fun to drive after 5 years!
johnincary, 09/07/2002
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second GTI, after 92 GTI 16v. Compared to old GTI this one is much better in every way, except that is's heavier. The VR6 is still very fun to drive and stealthy looking as always - attracting no attention so fast driving is still possible. I have no mechanical problems to report. Do get 16" wheels and tires and better suspension - this car needs firmer suspension - everything else on it is fine.
GTI's are fun for everyone!!!
Billy Miller, 04/17/2002
1997 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very dependable car, fun to drive, pleasing to the eye, and everyone else seems to love it too! I've had a few minor problems, but never anything major.
Pretty Nice GTI
Good til Caught FIRE, 12/24/2003
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 Driver's Edition 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased it new 5 years ago and I loved it (91,000 miles). It's sporty, quick in comparison to other cars in it's class ('97). Nice standand features. Fun to drive. Biggest draw back... the engine caught fire and was a total loss !!!
Fast, fun & frugal
username1, 01/17/2004
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased from a friend. After fixing some neglected items, (Brakes, shocks, plugs) the car runs and drives very well. A speedy economy car that catches unsuspecting pick-up, SUV and Minivan drivers by surprise with outstanding in class acceleration, brakeing and cornering. The ride is firm and sporting, perfect for this cars mission. Sporty and practical.
VW's have a following
Mr Tim, 04/10/2004
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 Driver's Edition 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
VW's have a huge following for one very important reason. they are great cars. Get in one, and as soon as you turn on the engine you will notice something different. the car gives a little feed back. This is the 2nd GTI VR6 I have had, and my 5th VW in all. All my other VW's have been flawless as well. Do your maintenance, avoid the high prices for repairs by the dealers, and you will love your VW for a long long time. This GTI has 145,000 Miles on it. It has the original clutch, timing chain, everything. I am 27, which means I bought this car when I was 22. So no this car has not been babied.
I'll Never Sell this Car
Chris, 06/26/2006
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 Driver's Edition 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car to death. I bought it brand new from the dealership and I've driven it only on real nice days in the summer. This car has great power, handles very well and is a real head turner with its bright blue color. I've only experienced minor problems with it but who doesn't with any car.
114k and still running strong (sort of!)
ercdvn01, 04/16/2003
1997 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for a little over three years and I have put close to 70K on it since then. I had to get a new cat back exhaust around 50K. The only thing since then was a timing belt, tune up, and wheel bearings at 112K. My latest problem and the biggest so far is that my reverse is totally shot! I can't complain too much about the car I have been pretty rough with it over the past three years and it has held up pretty good. I just wish it had more power!!!
Never get bored to drive a GTI
allinthegame, 05/09/2003
1997 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for 4 yrs now. got it used with 20k on it. always fun to drive. I like the feel of the car. feel like driving a real car. Only thing I dont like is the spares are expensive. Always dependable, no major problems, I can take the car anywhere without thinking about whats going to happen to the babe...
vr6
vw4life2010, 10/29/2010
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love my 98 gti vr6 only thing i think it really needs is 2 be lowered and bigger sway bar front and back
A car with character.
ginstery, 11/07/2013
1998 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car, it's just fun. As much as the rust and minor issues annoy me, in the end it puts a smile on my face every time I sit behind the steering wheel. You feel the road as you drive it, and with that you gain a connection with the car, as if it's an extension of yourself. As much as I'd love a brand new clean car, I can't help but think it just wouldn't be as much of a joy to drive. 150,000 miles, 10,000 of which are mine, and many more to come.
2 Years
jes1000, 10/09/2002
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought used with 25k Miles. Side door moldings fell off twice - design flaw. Cruise control switch failed twice. Great performance and handling - very reliable - lot's of fun to drive. Second GTI for me.
speed demon
haloneo, 12/22/2002
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is good for long drives and short and it has many possibilities for upgrades
My GTi
powerVR6driver, 12/26/2002
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A fun car to drive. Takes you where you need to go and quickly. you really get what you pay for, faster than many cars out there.
VR6 it baby!
Jassdog, 01/02/2003
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car out of loyalty to the VW marque. Felt it was the best option for me as I have no kids to tote around. Performance was excellent, handled decently, and stopped well. Build quality was high, but had problems with the pinch protector on the power windows, and the seat leather on the bolsters wore out after 1 year. Sold the car due to insurance cost (age and sex plus VR6 made it fairly expensive), and the somewhat poor gas mileage. Would recommend as a sporty, fun commuter if you can resist the desire to speed!!
Fun - But expensive to maintain
Larry Williams, 01/27/2003
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Don't misread me, this is a FUN car to drive. This car is fast and handles like a slot car. The hatch is HUGE, and I've carried items of unbelievable size back there. Reliability is only so-so. I've had numerous problems with the radio, the leather has peeled away from both doors numerous times. On the more serious side, I've spent over $2000 in the last two years replacing various items that have failed. (Ignition coil, fuel injector, thermostat, etc.) Routine maintenance will cost you a bundle. If you are on a tight budget, I'd advise looking elsewhere.
A Fun Little Ride . . .
Storm33, 07/11/2003
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a certified pre- owned from a dealership in Ann Arbor, MI with only 22K miles. I was looking for a pre-owned Audi A4 for a work car, and the salesman said if I was looking for something fun with reasonable fuel economy I should try the VR6. I test drove it, and decided this would be a great little work car for about $10K less than the car I came in looking for. I'm not really pleased with the level of road noise and rattles, etc., but overall it's fairly comfortable and lots of fun to drive! I've put 25K miles on it in a year, and have enjoyed most of those miles.
VR6 Fun
byersb, 07/12/2003
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my third VW and second VR6. The 98 GTI with the VR6 is so much fun to drive. And the sound of the V6 makes you drive without the radio and yearn for the light to turn green. There always seems to be a few minor rattles inside of all the VW's I have owned, but outside of that, the car is a blast to drive. The brakes on the VR6 will stop you quickly. The 11.3" rotors upfront hint at what this car is built to do... shock and amaze BMW's, Mustangs etc. And to round out the package, you get the utility of a hatchback. I consider this a true SPORT utility vehicle.
Fun to drive!
velodiesel, 10/11/2003
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my '98 GTI VR6! The build quality is good, but VW needs to tighten things up. Many rattles and squeaks developed over time which became increasingly annoying to me. I most likely would not buy another VW, as there are much better values out there to be had, especially from Nissan.
Reliable - Blast to Drive!
PerryG, 11/04/2003
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new and have nothing but a positive experience to date. The car has been very reliable. There have been a few problems which are common to all GTI's such as the window regulator failing and the coil pack (which should be covered under recal). Besides performance its amazing just how much you can fit inside the hatch - how many cars can you fit a 27 inch tv still in the box?
driver's wanted
B, 06/27/2005
1998 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the funnest car I have ever driven, fuel economy, looks, all round great car. I have not had any problems with her nor do I expect to! If you are looking for a fun inexpensive car that will last for a long time look no further. VW's are the best.
Love the VR6!
Downsy, 01/30/2004
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The VR6 makes this car so much fun to drive. The engine has a large, wonderful range of torque. It is very responsive both in the throttle and handling. The light weight makes it a joy to whip around. The fuel economy has been fabulous. I get 27-28 MPG consistently with mostly highway driving. The biggest complaint I have is in reliability. I have replaced the AC, generator (2), clutch spring, radio antenna, crankshaft position sensor, and fog lights (3). Also, the power windows stick from time to time and it burns oil. When it runs, it is a lot of fun and I am having a hard time letting it go.
Most Fun you can Have with $6,000
2lowVR6, 01/01/2006
1998 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my '98 GTI VR6 for one year now and have loved it! When purchased it had just hit 100,000 miles but was well maintained. I have since put 40,000 more on it without the first bit of trouble. I did however have a minor accident a couple months after buying it causing me to replace some suspension components. I chose to upgrade with Bilstein struts and lowering springs. I also added an intake and chip. Even with the mods & 17" wheels I still get around 25 mpg city / hwy. I would suggest this car to any sport enthusiast. However bear in mind it is not the quietest car inside or out. So if you dont mind the occasional squeak GO FOR IT!
Think twice before getting sucked in!
Beefy-T, 03/13/2003
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased a GTI in 99' and it gave me nothing but problems. The car is fun to drive(needs stiffer suspension) and does have many features not available on similar priced cars; however, reliability is horrible and the cost of maintenance will make you want to kill yourself! The majority of the car is made in Brazil not Germany (shoddy workmanship)and the engine is expensive to maintain ($400+ for a tune-up and $40+ for an oil change). I spent over $6000 in two years, thank god for the extended warranty. (there's a reason Volks extended their warranty)
Golf GTI
.::JANUS::., 08/12/2006
1998 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. My older brother gave it to me for my 16th birthday. It already had 88,000 miles on it but it still runs really well. The only thing it really needed was a new throttle body and some wheel bearings. I love the interior and it gets great gas mileage (between 29 and 33 mpg).