Used 2000 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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2000 GTI VR6
This is a great car to drive, the VR6 is a excellent. The backseats are almost worthless though. I have kids, so I am getting a larger car, however I am going to keep the GTI. I am going to keep it because when the back seats are folded down you would not believe the utility it has. I have used it to haul 6 full sized railroad ties, 1/2 a pallet of landscaping bricks (a 3/4 ton truck can only carry 1 full pallet), 4x8 peg boards, and I have two 80 lb. Labrador Retrieves - both can sleep comfortably in the back. I bought it with 60,000 miles, and I have put about $2,000 into it, and the used VW warranty has covered about $3,000 in repairs. The car has been solid since 80,000 miles. I have 91,000 on it now.
GTi 1.8 Fun Car to own
It is a very fun car to drive, I have had it for more than 8 years, and 145,000 miles, still on original clutch. Never take the car to dealers, always work with local VW mechanic. Maintenance is a little bit high, but it is worth it. I have changed the ECU to after market, the car goes 20% faster and save more gas.
- GLX VR6 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $1,500527 mi away
215K plus miles
Over 215k miles. I bought the car with 20K miles. Replaced two sets of spark plug wire/ignition coils (70K & 150K), clutch (170K), replaced various cooling connectors (180K), front brake rotors (180K), control arm bushings (210k). Now needs a water pump and thermostat. There are several interior items worn out. The cd changer has an electronic tick when hot. The center arm rest/console hinge broke, along with the stick shift console housing/ash tray wrap-around. Vanity mirror light is dead. Cigarette lighter is dead.
Extremely Unreliable
This is, by far, the most unreliable car I have ever owned. I feel compelled to warn people about buying this car. Here's just a small list of the litany of things that went wrong with the car: both electric windows fell off their tracks (expen$ive to fix), the rear window's tube for wiper fluid broke and leaked all over the interior of the car, the catalytic converter malfunctioned (emissions and performance were screwed up), the hatch lock would not lock, the glove box broke--twice, the handles for the seats constantly fell off, the wiring was constantly malfunctioning, the taillights burned out every 3 months on average, brakes torn up, etc. And I'm leaving a lot off this list.
VWs need some quality control
I took a trip from Texas to NY and was impressed by the ride quality, the effortless way the engine pulled the car through mountains, and that I was getting 30+ highway mpg during the trip. In NY I stopped at a toll booth and rolled down the window. The window actually fell into the door and was rattling around. I found a VW dealer and they fixed it for free even though it was barely out of warranty. Nice but a window regulator shouldn't fail after 24k miles. The passenger window failed at 30k miles. VWs like the GTI and Passat drive beautifully but are also high priced for their categories and the quality and reliability should match the price. Unfortunately, that is not happening.
Real Trooper
Wonderful little car. Quick, agile, and the sound of the VR6 engine is just beautiful. Pretty solid; I ran it into a ditch pretty hard, tow truck pulled it out and I kept on driving it, ran brilliantly. Even after 150,000 miles it still feels far more solid than my grandmother's Ford Focus. Feels just as good doing 130 as it does 25. Not a head turner, but hey, it's what's on the inside that counts.
My first VW
The GTI GLX is as sporty and luxurious as you will find for the price. The VR6 engine is powerful even when carting around four adults, but the transmission needs some improvement. I think the handling in this car is very good and the ride is stiff. I have serious complaints about the power window regulators. Both of mine snapped causing the windows to fall into the door panel, luckily this happened on good weather days. I was later told by the service manager at my local VW dealership that this is a widespread problem with all 2000 GTIs. Bottom line: This car is definitely a good value.
I love it!
My GTI has been a delight to own; it drives like a dream, gets very good mileage, handles very well, and I have a very spacious cargo area. I can also get into parking spots SUV owners can only dream about. It is the perfect urban vehicle; I love it! My only complaint is that I had to replace the battery when the car was only 2 1/2 years old.
Get one... If you can afford it!
Love to drive this car! Unforetunately, too many ticky-tack things detract from it's appeal. For instance, my instrument cluster and speedo have been replaced 3 times (under warranty), and still isn't calibrated correctly. Also, I've replaced the cruise switch, the driver's side side airbag and seat belt, the pass. side window regulator and the Fuel Pressure Regulator. The latter two came out of warranty, so I had to pony up way too much money for a 3 year old car!
I Love My GTI!!
I loved the heck out of this car. If it weren't so small and I didn't have a family now, I would keep it FOREVER. It has been so good to me. It handles really well and feels solid. All the bells and whistles made it really comfortable. The only downside: parts for VWs in general are super expensive. And the engine light comes on for the slightest problems. Oh, and the seats don't recline.
Good until 10,000 miles
Car has all the features, except realiability. Great car until 10,000 miles, then just seems to fall apart. From developing excessive idle shake (deemed within specifications) to the air conditioning compressor dying, to the windows rolling down, but not up, this car has been nothing but trouble. Lately have had to deal with numerous check engine lights (emissions and electronic power control) and the car has less than 30 mi.
Fun to drive, but costly to maintain.
I would never think of getting any car other than GTI, but the reliability of this vehicle is a nightmare. Expect to spend at least 1000$ a year when your warranty is up. The last thing was emission system failure that costed me another 400 bucks. My wife drives a Lexus and I never spent a single dollar on that car despite it's twice older than my GTI. Now I don't believe any more in "German engineering".
So close, yet so far...
This is my second VW and I had some high hopes, considering I spent $26k. At first it was incredible, but that was short lived. Now, I'm going on my 3rd year of ownership and I cannot wait to get rid of it. 5 window regulators have been replaced (4 drivers side and 1 passenger side) and an airflow sensor and the car only has 40k miles. Too make creaks and rattles to mention. Now the front suspensions makes noises when I turn under breaking. After dealing with VW for the past 6 years and 2 cars, I WILL NOT be buying another VW or an Audi ever again.
GTI hard to beat in it's class!
Basically flawless. What a great little car with surprising amount of room. Amazes others with it's quality feel and performance. Like so many of the car mags have said, "feels like a car costing $10,000 more." and "rivals BMW for it's fit and finish." Embarrasses it's competition for safety, amenities, fit and finish, standard equipment, and the like. The VW GTI is simply hard to beat.
Dealer upgrade all VW needs
My GTI GLX has been an absolute pleasure to drive. The dealership experience however, is not. The metro dealer, Jim Ellis, can not get a car in for an oil change without an appointment at least a week + in advance! Since the VR6 engine has a unique oil filter design, and the Jiffy Lube types struggle with getting a domestic car's oild changed without forgetting something, the dealer is it. I have had good luck at Harrison and Heritage VW stores, however. I'm now in need of a larger vehicle and will likely consider Honda or Nissan as their dealer networks are much more robust.
Last one for me
The car was great until 10k miles. I have had the windows regulator replaced 4 times and the car now has only 40k miles. VR6 is a killer engine, too bad the rest of the car sucks. Looking at the consistent problems with the GTI's from the other reviews, this will be the last one that I purchase
Great Car
I love this car, my only complaint is the milage, but this can probably be expected because of the powerful VR6. My next car will be a TDI, hopefully VW will trickle down some of the GTI options to the TDI golf!! that would be Great.
A step above the normal
There are economy cars, there are economy cars with sport, then there is the GTI 1.8T. This car is a step above the others in it's class. BMW fit and finish, quiet, smooth, and options you can't get on some of the competitors luxury cars, never mind their "economy" cars. Need relatively low budget transportation, but want to feel like you are riding in a higher class car, this is a SERIOUS car for you to consider. Do yourself a favor, spend the extra grand or two over the competitors cars in it's class. Or better yet, drive their under $21,000 cars, then drive a loaded GTI 1.8T.
Would buy again!!
Having owned a few problematic VWs over the years, I was pleased to be reminded of how reliable these cars can be. I purchased this VW at a time when I wanted an Audi, but could not afford one. I was surprised to find that the build quality as well as design and function of the car was on par with that of Audi.
Great performance--Poor Reliability
I've had this car for a few months, and I'm already planning to sell it. It's fast, cool, and fun to drive, BUT it's very unreliable. Here's a rundown of the problems I've had over the 5 months I've owned the car: the passenger-side window fell off its tracks completely, the hose to the back winshield wiper stopped working, sprang a leak and ruined the interior cloth panels covering the ceiling and side of the car, a seat handle keeps falling off, and the glove compartment hinge snapped. Of course, its warranty just expired. Grand total to have this fixed? $900-- ouch!
A Good, Fun, Comfortable Car
Overall, we love our GTI. It's a lot of fun to drive. We had horrible experiences with the windows falling into the doors, but this seems to have beeen resolved (and VW gave a 7 year warranty on it). Now that we're out of the bumper-to-bumper warranty little things are breaking, and it's happening a bit more often than I'd expect, but not so much that I wouldn't buy another GTI.
Candid Review of My VW GTI GLS
This car is horrible. The reliabiltiy and quality is not commesurate with the selling price of this vehicle. Yes it is fun to drive and has a certain appeal to it, but it has been one expensive problem after another, with no end in sight.
Fun to drive every single day
The GTI VR6 is truly a great car. I used it for my daily 1-hour commute to work and it's fun to drive every single day. Excellent styling, oustanding engine performance, actually the car is probably overpowered if you observe speed limits. Handling is really nice and you often fit in a parking spot that other cars don't. Nevertheless, it's no problem to transport a larger amount of boxes/suitcases; after flipping over the rear bench the car seems like a small delivery van. I am not terribly happy with MPG (about 24 on the highway) and the small gas tank.
All cars will have their trouble...
Any car you buy will need to be kept up. I agree the windows are a pain, but easily fixable. I have over 30K on my GTI and have had nothing but fun times, as long as you take care of a car, it takes car of you. I do have to say after owning a honda, the gas milage is a little sad...
should have bought the 1.8T
console controls are poor and hard to read. Suspension is soft, had to ugrade to make car live up to it's hype. Road noise coming through.
I love my GTI VR6!
This is my favorite car ever! Fun to drive. Never left me stranded. Had my window drop, but got it fixed. I get 24 mpg in the city, too..but it's a V6...what do you expect? If you want better gas mlg, get a 4-cyl. I was going to get the Acura RSX Type-S until I drove this car! Tight, fast, comfy, safe. I don't see any reason to get any other make but VW...now that they have the Toureg!
Poor reliability spoils GTI fun
While I enjoyed the performance, comfort and styling of my 2000 GTI, I cannot recommend this vehicle due to constant breakdowns. Reliability was very poor. The power window "retainer clip" broke three times, the glove box hinge broke twice (cheap plastic), and virtually every exterior bulb on the car burned out within 24 months. A valve blew in the engine, the clutch went out at 40K (a thousand bucks to replace), the CD changer went on the blink and on and on and on. I spent countless hours in the service lobby regretting my purchase. Don't get taken in by the plush interior -- this is a cheaply built car. Have a look at the Impreza, RSX or Sentra...
2000 VW GTI GLX VR6
This car is amazing, and I found a really good deal on it.. Mine is fully loaded with air conditioning, power sunroof, 6 CD player, power windows, cruise conrol, lether seats, you name it. It is unbelievably fun to drive and superfast! Of course, I have the standard version!
Best Car I've Had
I LOVE this car. If the new GTI offered 6-cyl., I'd get a brand new one. This car is so fast and so affordable. It has never left me on the side of the road, nor has it ever required ANY major repairs. I only have regular maintenance: oil, tire rot., wipers, tires, etc. I got a K&N air filter and it's even faster. I LOVE IT!
Golf
I only had the car for a few days and I love the way it handles.
Fun, But...
The 2000 GTI is a great car in many respects. The finish is far beyond what one would expect from a car of this sticker price. And the drive is an absolute blast -- the high-end torque is awesome. I love the feeling of moving the car from 60 to 80 mph. However -- the maintenance kills you. I don't even have 40,000 miles on the car and I've easily paid in excess of $8,000 to maintain the car (and that is excluding oil-changes and the like). So, used-car buyers, beware. I've had to replace everything from the oil-pan to wheel-bearings to ignition coils. All in less than 40,000 miles and I car for the car, i.e., I'm not a crazy or aggressive driver.
VR6
This car is great. Even after 71000 miles I still enjoy opening up on some deserted back road. She has lost a step or two since she was new. The windows gave he alot of trouble, finaly they got it right with the new regulator clip. No problems since. We'll see after another 70000.
VR6, great engine.
The VR6 is the reference in Europe for sporty small cars. VR6 is a fantastic engine, leather seats are great, many bells and whistle. Problems are window regulators braking, noise in the sunroof rails, suspension too soft, clutch too rubbery. Overall a good buy.
Why buy a GTI
The GTI is one of the most funnest car i have had the privillage to drive. its such a quick car i cant tell you whats its like to fly from one light to another its awesome. If you have the chance to test drive one or if you know a friend that has one you can feel that it is truely a "pocket rock!"
Fun car nice mods
The car is super fun to drive. I just put coilovers on it and lowered and stiffened the suspension. The car really picks up at the 3000 rpm range and rockets up to the 6500 redline. This is a great little car for a first time car or for a second car to mod. Typical VW electronic issues but they work. I really enjoy driving it and hope it last.
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Roomy Pocket Rocket
Almost flawless. A fun to drive, roomy pocket rocket. Amazing power whether climbing mountains, or cruzin' has power to spare.
Not Bad, Not bad at all..............
As always I am a high matainance person when it comes to cars. I am picky and a pain in the ass when it comes to choosing one. I love this vehicle, european design with smooth acceleration to boot (not DAS BOT). This car is a gem and i hope it serves me well.
Luxury in a hatchback - not a contradict
I am still impressed by the way my GTI can move. The V6 engine really shines. Lots of power to spare if I want to punch it. Great fit and finish - everything is "bolted down" pretty tight. Especially nice knowing I can turn a corner or stop on a dime without something rattling loose. A lot of car in a great little package.
007
I have never owned VR6. I was quite impressed by its performance, luxuries looks and comfort ability. I have read many reviews on this car and it seem to have repeated failure in windows, rattling and other minor thing that speaking for my self are failures that could happen to any car. Although I have been lucky so far (knock on wood) 40k+ and only had a problem with side air bag. As far as the tape player goes and the complaints I read, people that is just ridiculous. So you got a tape player its a good thing not a bad thing. Any ways the car handles great for what it is, breaks are good enough.
Fun Little Car
The car is a blast to drive and looks great. I'm just glad I got a warranty with mine, In the 6 months I've owned the car, it's been in the shop 5 times. I needed the Water Pump replaced, 3 different window problems, window switch, and a new Oxygen Sensor. When the car is running right, it drives like a dream and looks just like a brand new GTI.
GTI GLX is overpriced junk
I recently sold my VW after driving it for over 30K miles bacause it's rusting the suspension is worn out, unless VW intended the car to drive like a Buick after a year on the road brakes needed to be serviced side windows repeatedly break, dealership repeatedly failed to fix them RATTLES! Pick a spot and you'll find noises when driving. What the hell is rattling in the roof? GOLF? That's funny. A golf bag doesn't even fit in the trunk.
LOUD, FAST, AND RARE
Its an excellent car!
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