Used 2002 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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The Best/Worst Girlfriend You'll Ever Have
I bought my 2002 VW GTI 1.8L turbo used with 50,000 mile on it. It is a rocket ship of a car: fast, nimble, quick as a cat. This car is a blast to drive. You can mod the car to make it even faster raising the HP from 180 to 240 with a new ECU chip. But, all this being said, this car is the best/worst car you'll ever drive for this price. It requires dedicated maintenance and $'s to keep it in top shape. You'll grown as you pay the $1500 shop bill every 6 months, but when you rocket out of the parking lot you'll say, "Yeah baby!" The best/worst girlfriend you ever will have! She'll rock your world and drain your wallet at the same time. And you'll just smile.
VW Mk4 Gti 1.8t (TIPTRONIC)
So, I bought myself an 02 GTI about a year ago with 73,000 miles and it was a one owner car. Interior and exterior of the car was excellent. Sadly, 1 month after buying the car...the glove box door broke. The next month, my car started to make a horrible noise. Took it to my trustworthy mechanic, and he said that the waterpump had gone bad. Along with that I had the waterpump, timing belt, etc..replaced; $1,000. Later on, my heater blower, windshield wipers, and turn signals ALL went out...in the middle of winter. Come to find out after replacing a few things it was the relay switch; $35. Still not finished, after dealing with that. The check engine light came on, needed a NEW TRANSMISSION.
- 1.8T 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $9,4951,521 mi away
- 1.8T 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,2001,763 mi away
Love the 337
Bought a slightly used 337 while I was looking for a 20th Anniv. model and have never regretted it. It replaced (directly) an '89 GTi 16V and I have to say the build quality of the newer car FAR exceeds the old. The North American 337s were built in Brazil, so they do not suffer many of the Mexican GTi problems (windows do not fall out, etc.). Handles incredibly well even in stock configuration. The Audi-sourced brakes and 6-speed make excellent additions.
Best Buy
I went looking for a used BMW M3 or Audi S4 and was dissappointed by availability around $30-$33k. Walked into VW and saw the newest 200HP VR6 and immediately asked for a test drive. Sadly, only a 1.8L Turbo was available. Within 2 hours, I had signed to buy the next VR6 coming into the lot thinking, "well if the 1.8 hums, imagine how a v6 will perform!" I was not at all dissappointed by my decision especially considering I was ready to buy a used car and walked away with a brand new one.
Silver Bullet
Having driven a 1997 Mits Eclipse GSX (AWD, 210hp, Turbo) for 5 years, I was a little skeptical about jumping to a FWD, 200hp, 6-cyl car. At the suggestion of a friend, I took the GTI VR6 for a test drive and was pleasantly surprised by the car's performance and the total VW experience. It far surpassed my experience with Mits, Subaru, and Mini Cooper. After 5 months, I have few if any complaints and the car gets more and more fun to drive. Overall: Super fun drive, great interior and exterior and overall great package at a great value. My biggest complaint with my Mits GSX was its reliability and so far my GTI has been A+.
24V 6-speed GTI
I love this car. Great power across the RPM range and a lot fun blasting through curvy country roads. I strongly sugest test driving one if you are thinking of an RSX, WRX, or Sentra Spec V (what I was deciding between).
200HP love it
The 200 Horsepower VR6 is great. The 6 spd manual seems easier to use and shift than a 5 spd I test drove. I bought my car with all the goodies. (It was the only one avail. in DC area at the time) This car has loads of personality and I love that. The car also gets 21 city and 30 Highway which I think is very good for a 6 cylinder.
People mislead you
I have owned my Gti from 2002 and I feel for the performance the maintenance and repairs have been reasonable and minimal. First place in Europe the timing belt must be replaced in 6 years or the required mileage (I think 60,000). I read here someone complained they had to replace their belt sooner - time or mileage - the truth is in the details. I had to replace a few batteries, a water pump, and a clutch (I was racing on the autobahn). Water pumps are easily broken in any vehicle, my fault the clutch as I had tuning up in my VW and off I'd go after some European idiot in his underpowered Audi, BMW or Mercedes that came up and sat on my rear bumper. Eat my dust was my motto. A good auto.
Purchase with EXTREME caution
I bought my 2002 GTI back in 2006 with 39k miles on it. I decided, despite the car having a MIL light on (check engine light) that it would be worth the purchase because of its factory warranty.. This car has been an absolute nightmare starting within the first 2 weeks of ownership. List of things I have replaced over the years: MAF sensor, clutch (at 40k), 3 (YES THREE) throttle bodies of the course of 6 years, Coolant temp. sensor, hazard switch, ignition switch, two sets of coil packs, large engine cooling fan, upper and lower control arm bushings, struts are bad (at 130k miles..) the list goes on!! Know what you're getting into with this model year! I still have this car though.
I Love This Car
I can't say enough about this car! It is pure driving pleasure for under 25K. It handles like a true sports car and when you hit the gas, watch out because you will redline FAST and the front wheel drive will pull you to one side if your not ready. Also, its fun to watch all those kids in souped-uo Civics drool! Get One!
BEST IN IT"S CLASS
I had a Acura Integra LS 2dr 97 , for 5 years. I wanted to trade the car in for a car with more horses and that has a manual trans. My first choice was an Toyota Matrix XRS, Till I saw the car up close, I said " what the #$$#%!. M y friend suggested to try the VW 1.8T , The TURBO is amazing .. and it has 180 horses stock!!!!... This is a must for all!!!
A beautiful beast of a car...
This is pretty much one of the more amazing vehicles I've driven. It's an attractively designed, well-modeled, performance oriented machine that's ridiculously fun to drive. To top it all off, it's boosted. Granted, the turbo isn't huge, but it feels like a kick in the pants and pushes you down the road like you wouldn't believe. There's not a rice- racer on the road that can take this car, stock. Too sweet. The only car that I've driven that surpasses this is the Audi S4, but I'm not sure the difference is worth another $20k. For a fun, safe, reliable, and above all boostable car, this is definitely worth a very long look.
337 Edition is for real
I actually had to go to Vegas to get my 337 edition but it was WELL worth it. The extra 30 hp is a huge difference. The six speed manual is perfect and this car turns heads. The 18 wheels and 40 series tires grip the road like crazy and this thing is a little rocket. I love everything about this car, the recaro seats really hold you in place when cornering hard and this car loves to be pushed to it's limits. If you can get your hands on one I would suggest you do it.
Fun as He . ..heck
Great car, nice size and great to drive.
Former Honda Man
Was looking for something to replace my worn out CRX. Looked at the new Si from Honda, cool shifting as smooth as butter. However, the GTI 337 performance, style, and interior quality is superior. Is this a fun car or what. The cool factor is way up there. I also got real lucky in obtaining this awesome ride. First to test drive, by chance and my mind was made up already. Will be a classic.
Terrific Car! Have no fear.
I was looking for a commuter car since I travel nearly 90 miles a day. I wanted something safe, had lots of comfort features & fun to drive. The GTI has all of this and more. It has wonderful saftey features (6 airbags), can come with leather, sunroof, telescopic steering wheel, and is very fast. I have all the options you can get on mine & I can't be happier. I definetly recommend the 17" rims. It really enhances the handeling. Also, I'm 6'4" & the telescopic steering wheel helps a lot. I have plenty of room. Finally, the inside is so well built. 1st rate quality everywhere you look. Go test drive one!
He's Oaky~~~
I had some problems in the beginning where Brake light will be keep coming on. This is fixed now. It was a bad brake fluid sensor. If any of you are from NJ I definitely recommend Three County VW for service. I didn't like any of the dealer in Allentown area. back to the car. Car is Ok except the Monsoon stereo is bad. paly with balance where front left spk has no bass compared to the right side. My fried did fixes using service bulletin VW put out. it still didn't fix the problem.
VW GTI 1.8T
It is a great car. It is very fun to drive and right now is the most fun car to drive under 20,000. The cup holders are in a wierd place (in the way of the radio), but that is about the only negative thing I can mention about this car. The turbo kicks in at 30 RPM and realy kicks you back in your seat. A must buy in 5 speed.
VW GTI - 2002
A fun, fun car that is practical at the same time.
No Brainer
This vehicle is an absolute no brainer. I have driven sport utes for years and after finally accepting that I simply do not off road, I opted to purchase a hatchback. The cargo area is huge after you flip the back seat bench and fold the back rests. Far and away the biggest bang for the buck in its class. The VR6 is an amazing engine, well worth the upgrade from the standard 1.8T. The motor is simply STRONG. Close your eyes, sign the contract and love yourself for years to come. This is the best car I have ever owned!!!
1.8t speed super awesome car
I picked up this car used from a good friend of mine. This car is SUPER fun to drive. The car corners excellent. Very few mods can make it a very fast little car. Many mods are available for them as well. Such as interior, mine has imported blue Recaro GTI seats they fit right in the car. The car looks extremely sporty inside and out. Fuel economy is excellent as well if the car is driven right it'll get above 30 MPG. The blue and red gauges are very very attractive looking as well and give the car and upper class feel.
Can't quit driving!
I love my car! Traded in a 98 Nissan Pathfinder for this car that fits my needs more. I got Tiptronic and luxury pkg, although I was planning on just buying basic + cold weather pkg- now I'm hooked on the sunroof. This car handles great. The quick pickup is something else- it's truly a pocket rocket! I test drove Acura RSX w/ manumatic trans, but that was boring. This car is so much fun to drive- it picks up my mood! Sure, the cup holder's in a stupid place (over stereo) but I forgive it since I like other things so much. You can buy a cupholder tray that fits in your armrest from VW accessories web site, which I promptly did :-)
disappointing
Well I only have 1234 miles and I am already having problems. From day one I noticed that my driver's seat keeps reclining very slowly all by itself. I keep having to adjust it forward. I also have popping noise coming from my left tie rod when I am backing out of parking spots. I have a leak in the weatherstripping around my passenger door. And last but not least, my freakin window popped off of the track tonight. I would doubt that a Hyundai or a Daewoo would even have this much trouble in the first month. This truly breaks my heart, because I absolutely love this car. I pray that these are the only problems I have. We'll see...
The GTI 337 Experience
Dreyer & Reinbold was the only area dealership not charging a $1-2K gouge fee. Jason, my salesman, actually knew as much as I did about this very limited 25th European Anniversary Edition (1 of 3 delivered to Indy dealerships). Followup service has been outstanding. The driving experience has been equally impressive. Despite the draw-back of turbo lag, the car's overall performance overshadows in every way that of my '94 300ZX NA. "Car nut" friends who drive it expecting to be underwhelmed by this small-engined VW, come back w/ huge grins, proclaiming it to be one of the most exciting and impressive cars they've driven.
Great Little Car
Runs great. Easy to chip. Early models had rough idle that took out the coils. Many complaints about window regulators. Otherwise a real treat.
The best new car mod platform under 20K
I went with the GTI over a WRX because aside from performance, I also wanted an understated exterior and some luxury inside. Chip it for $500 and you're over 200HP at the flyhweel. Seriously, even non- performance oriented people should do this. Air filter, turbo back exhaust, dv valve, inlet pipe, maybe some intercooler piping...about $2K installed for all of the above. Shocks+Springs for about $750 installed will satisfy most. Bilstein Sport/H&R Sport keep a near stock comfort level. A clutch and limited slip (awesome upgrade) for about $2K installed. Audi TT front brake upgrade (same as off the 337 model) for $550 installed.
The 337 - best GTI ever.
I have had my GTI 337 for over 2 months now - it's everything I had hoped for. It beats my ex-323i hands down in the FUN catagory. Great Gas Mileage + Fun to drive + Style = One great VW! Get one if you can! (only 1500 made.) Can't say enough about this GTI :-)
yee-freakin'-ha!
I just took delivery of my GTI, and man, this thing is fun to drive. On top of it being very quick, it also stays glued to the road, and all of the controls are easy to figure out and easy to reach. On top of that, I'm a professional drummer, and even with as little as the car seems to be, I can fit my entire drumset in the car with ease. How many cars are that fun to drive AND are practical too? Not too many. Man I love this car...
Best VW so far
Have had since new, fun to drive, handles great around corners good power at high rpms and good gas mileage. Sixth VW owned this is the best car so far. The GTi has had some things break but nothing major. Will be on my third set of tires. Still has the new car appeal after 7 yrs and has an excellent resale value. Some of things that need improvement are the cup holders location and peeling from the audio unit. Seats are still firm but fading. Over all the car is great and would recommend this vehicle. Will pass this vehicle to my son and purchase a new model.
GTI GLS
For drivin' fast, you can't beat it, but sluggish in the corners and too many squeeks and rattles. Lots' of goodies, very comfortable ride. Easy to customize and bump up the power - large aftermarket following for bolt on performance.
Poor man's BMW
I teetered back and forth between the BMW Z3, the AUDI TT, and others. I was going to put my money on the BMW, that is, until I drove this little number. I went to the dealership for a test drive, and went home with it that day. This car is so fun to drive. Handles very tight. It's definitely a German car. It performs almost everything you ask of it. Yeah, it's small, but I feel safe. It's got 6 airbags for gosh sake. The monsoon (upgraded) stereo blows. If you like listening to music, and consider yourself an audiophile, you're gonna have to get an aftermarket system. This car can also be electronically tuned to gain around 40 more horses and 70 more lb-ft of torque. That's a TON!
Turbo Love
If you want to drive a stealthy car that blows the doors off of all civics, focuses, and celicas... this is the car for you! It has awesome utility + performance for a very reasonable price. I love this car!
So far so good
I bought this car (my 5th VW, 2nd GTI) for a month. So far, only door panels have rattle noise sometimes. This car is almost perfect despite the noise.
vw turbo gti
every car manufacturer has its problems, the ones you will get with your volkswagen are not big enough to worry about, its a great car.
MY LITTLE GTI
GREAT CAR I HAVE OWENED 6 NEW VW AND THIS ONE IS THE BEST OF ALL GREAT POWER AND GREAT GAS MILEAGE 32MPG.@85MPH TO WORK I YOU WANT A SMALL POCKET ROCKET THIS IS THE ONE TO GET.
337 is worth the wait
I purchased my 337 and immediately had to drive it from Florida to California. The car to say the least was a blast to drive. The gas mileage was awesome and the performance was well suited to 130mph+ excursions in the desert. The funny thing about this car was the amount of people that ask me about it. I would often come out of the gas station to see people looking at my car....Its kind of flattering.
I'm a believer....
Only considered the GTI 1.8T and RSX Type-S for my work car, LOVE both, but it came down to the VW having more equipment for $2K+ less. More airbags, bigger tires/rims, longer warranty, better sounding stereo (so sorry Bose), arm rest, cheaper to insure, more hatch/trunk space, etc. Wanted silver 5-speed with leather, but all have been sold in this region, had to settle for cloth and AT, but not disappointed, Tiptronic is a great compromise. I think the RSX is quicker off the line, but the 1.8T really pins you to your seat once it fires up. I think the GTI feels quicker than any of the Type-S's I drove. Both sweet cars, but VW is better for the $$$.
awsome
fast, fun to drive reliable i love it
sleeper
Car runs like a dream this is my 4th GTI and best so far. Ample power, great fun factor
For young, for old and all others
Ihave had my fire red 1.8T GTI for about 4 months. I have my 17 inch rims, black interior with all possible options. Great handling, reliable and comfort. And on the top: people really tell me it looks great. For some reason this is an eye opener - I often relize people are checking my car out on the street. Ecellent value considering I paid 20,175 - the dealer shaved off for me almost 1800 - basically free sports package with 6-cd player.
Silver Bullet
I finally received my VW 337 last week. It's a powerful piece of German ingineering. A lot of torque and good acceleration. Nevertheless, there is a small turbo lag. Overall it's a fun car to drive...too bad there are only 1500 of them!
Incredible! 337 is the GTI done right.
Loads of torque. Not like the RSX. I am not fond of spending the majority of time at 6000 rpm just to have 75% of the torque availible in the GTI at 1900 rpm. The 337 behaves as if it is an extension of your thoughts when driving it quickly through twisty uneven pavement. It tracks with the accuracy of a roller coaster. Road noise is limited even with the 225 40 18's and lowered suspension. Two words sum up how the 337 feels, Billet Aluminum. I am now a believer in German engineering.
Pure FUN
Just an amazing car to drive!!!
Well balanced fun
VW has provided a fun to drive GTI that is truer to its design roots than any car from the manufacturer since the early 90's 16v models. If it makes the car go faster, stop quicker or corner better its in the no option package. Except for the 18" BBS alloys the car does not shout look at me. With no striping, hood scoops, or special edition badging the car is more invisible. Sort of an anti mini cooper S.
A wolf(sburg) in sheeps clothing.
VW is very conservative in their HP rating on this vehicle. Take it to any diagnostic garage and let them do a dyno on it. You will surprised by the "real" HP rating. Then add on the VW dual exhaust system and give yourself another 5% HP boost just for kicks. The 17" wheel option is a must for this car. One thing though, why doesn't this car have GTI badging on the front grille? Hint, you can order it from Europe and put it on yourself. I did, and now everyone knows whats in ther rearview mirror just before I scoot around them.
Outstanding!
I have always liked VWs and this is my first. I am not sure what I was waiting for! Its quick, great on gas, has lots of room and looks great! To anybody in teh market for a "Hot Hatch", look no further! The Celica, RSX and Focus SVT don't have a chance!
Excellent so far
I've had my 2002 GTI just over 5 months now and must say I'm impressed. The only "problem" I have is the left tie rod popping as descibed by Russell. This car feels like a much more expensive car. I owned an Infiniti G20 before the GTI and must say the VW seems to be built just as well. We'll see how the GTI holds up over time. My G20 was still solid (no squeaks) after 125K miles. The power of the 1.8T engine is unbelievable. It's nice not to have to downshift to get in the power range - just step on it and it goes...FAST!
wow, I cant believe I got one
Lady luck gave me a big fat kiss when I landed this puppy... Every dealer except Advantage VW were jacking up the price of the 337 by as much as 3000. I got it for the MSRP. They are selling just the contract to buy one on ebay for 6100! Anyways, it runs great as expected and it looks cool as heck, my only complaint is the turbo lag at low RPMS. I guess I could fix that with aftermarket stuff but I dont think I will mess with anything..Its great the way it is.
DO NOT BUY THIS CAR
This car is the worse investment I have ever made. Bought it used in '05 with 18,000 miles on it for $18,500 and have put over $9,000 in it on maintenance. Currently it does not run because the car leaks water very badly through the ceiling. I had to replace both axels, the clutch after about 2,000 miles in my ownership, i had suspension problems, turbo/exhaust problems, leaking all over the ceiling. About 20 different hoses and gauges replaced, no exaggeration. It was on 2010's Consumer Reports worse car list. Timing belt was replaced a lot sooner than is should be replaced because of issues, the Catalytic Converter was replaced, all of this because of the cars build quality.
Best in its class
I have never seen a car in this class to have such stylish interior. It feel like you are in those expensive german cars. The performance is great and driving the car is so much fun and you will never get enough with this car. Once you experience its luxury its hard to go to other types of cars in its class.