"I Am Looking For A GTi - What Do I Need To Know?"

Chat about your MKV (6N2) Polo GTi
MaxZ
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"I Am Looking For A GTi - What Do I Need To Know?"

Post by MaxZ »

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This thread was created to give more advice for people looking at buying a GTi.

The Mk5 GTI has a 1.6 16v 125bhp Engine, with VVT. It came in either 3 door or 5 door hatchback versions. There were originally, for UK use, produced 500 cars in each colour/door variation, i.e. 500 Red 3 doors, 500 Red 5 doors. The statistics show:

In 2000, there were 1335 produced of the three door and 685 of the five door.
In 2001, there were 904 of the three door and 445 of the five door.
In 2002, there were only 19 of the three door and only 9 of the five door!


Specification:


A base model GTI came with the following:
Xenon Discharge Headlights with automated washer jets
Red Stitched GTi Steering Wheel
GTi Gearknob
GTi “1” Seats
15mm Lowered Suspension
6CD Changer in the boot
Heated Rear Window/Heater Electric Mirrors
Electric Windows

Early 2000 models came with manual air-conditioning, supplemented with a sunroof. At a certain stage, Climate Control (digital control over the cabin temperature) became standard.
All red rear "GTI" badge on pre-alignment models. Red seat belts too.

As an accessory some GTis were equipped with heated leather interior, which came in either black or beige colour. It’s estimated to raise the car value by about 500 pounds. (As an optional extra was about 1200 pounds at time of purchase)

If the GTi came with leather interior, the steering wheel/gear knob/seatbelts are different from normal GTi interior, as they are all black, with no red.

In Europe, GTis had an optional extra of ESP, however it wasn’t available in the UK.

GTi has a Thatcham Approved Category 2 Manufacturers fitted alarm.

The car has 16.5cm front and back speakers. Some GTis came with optional Satellite Navigation, which is worth quite a significant amount of money.

Vehicle Weight

Unladen weight - 2390lbs/ 1084kg

Gross vehicle weight - 3285lbs / 1490kg


Buyer’s Guide

Common Problems


Check the Faults Thread, if you haven’t already.

Gearboxes & Clutches

Tend to be the weakest point of the GTi. These are prone for going wrong, especially if driven very harshly. Expect the higher the number of owners to mean the car has had problems, often leading to it being passed down.
Typical mileage for gearbox going wrong is about 60,000 miles. Some last less, some last longer, it all depends upon how the car’s been treated.

The best way to look out for a dodgy gearbox, is to feel the transmission, to see if there are any difficulties selecting gears. If when driving, there’s a strong whining noise, it needs to be looked at. The most common problem is the 5th gear bearing.

Again, a car running significantly more power than standard is more likely to give the gearbox more trouble. If you see a car with no performance modifications or one with, go for the one without, as it would mean the gearbox would have been placed under less strain.

Expect a gearbox rebuild to cost around 600 pounds. If it does need to be carried out, replacing the clutch is strongly recommended.

Clutches tend to have similar lifetime, i.e. 60,000 miles.

Replacement options are either Valeo, LUK or Sachs Clutch Kits. Valeo are the OEM option, however they also offer an aftermarket version. A clutch kit generally costs 100 pounds, if you are given the option of “refurbing” the clutch or a new one, go for the new one.

Engine

Tends to be the most crucial element of the car. GTi, by the owners manual, should be serviced every 6 months, 5000 miles (for an oil change) or 12 months, 10000 miles (for an inspection service).
Typical cost of small service is 100-140 pounds. The inspection costs roughly 200 pounds.

The cambelt is a known weak point in the engine, and needs to be replaced every 40,000 miles or 4 years. If it’s not attended, it could result in bent valves, requiring an engine rebuild.

Another small weakness in the AVY engine, is at about 70-80,000 miles, the oil stem seal valves have been known to go. This is a rare occurrence, and could cost around 300 pounds. Check for white smoke upon start up from cold.

Pedal Box

Due to poor welding at production, VW have made a recall of all GTi pedal boxes. You can ring up your local dealership and they would be able to find out for you if yours has been dealt with.

Other Faults

Just as any MK5, the GTi tends to suffer similar electric faults. The window motors are prone to breaking, so check all windows work, before purchase. A new motor is about 100 pounds.

The central locking pump can also be likely to fail, if it has been exposed to unnecessary moisture. It’s located behind the First Aid kit in the boot, check for any signs of water. A new pump is 160 pounds, however can be picked up from scrapyard for about half that.

Air-Conditioning needs to be regassed on average every 2 years. Make sure it’s working, as a regas generally costs around 100 pounds with purging of the system.

A new compressor from VW is 300 pounds, so is a hefty expense, it would also need to be installed, expect labour charge of 100 pounds. Therefore it’s important to check that air-conditioning works.

Faulty ABS sensors/Dirty ABS sensors can lead to the ABS light up on the dashboard. This could either be the sensor, or the actual “system”. A new sensor is about 20 pounds + fitment.

Ignition management light – could be up on the dashboard, as the GTi is meant to be run on Supreme Unleaded. Putting 95 RON would lead to lambda sensor giving erroneous readings.

Corroding Alloy Wheels – Due to water getting under the lacquer. GTi has Split Alloy Wheels, so refurb is more expensive than that of 1 piece alloys. Expect to pay 60 pounds a wheel, or you can do it yourself. There’s a guide in the DIY Section.

Leaks in the boot/washers – hoses are common for breaking, cheap to repair just need to identify it.

Grab Handles Peeling – These can be bought new from VW, 30 pounds for inside and outside grab handles for both sides. If buying from a dealer, make sure they replace them. The same could be applied to the aerial base and the chrome door catch.

Rear Spoiler Bubbles – Common VW fault, not just on the GTi, would need to be resprayed. Typical cost of 100 pounds.
Corroding Roof Rails, Corroding Boot Handle, Corroding Under Rear Lights – Typical problems, can be sorted out at a bodyshop for a small price.

Other Information

The GTi is group 12 insurance, so relatively high compared to other cars. Do not expect insurance to look kindly on you, especially if you are a very young driver.

Performance modifications can and will lead to gearbox problems. The GTi engine is also not very tune-able, so gains are scarce from Induction Kit/Exhaust/Remap/Manifold. Do not expect more than 150bhp from a tune N/A engine.

If the GTi doesn’t have Xenon Headlights, it’s guaranteed to have been in a head on collision, walk away.

Look at the panels in the sun, you will be easily able to see if any have been resprayed, if the car has suffered any accident damage. Also make sure with a VIN/HPI check.

As mentioned before, check the number of previous owners. The more there have been, the more likely that the car has been passed down with ongoing problems.

In terms of speed, the GTi will never be considered a “hot” hatch, but rather a warm hatch. It will be quicker than a VTR, but not a VTS. The curb weight is 1070kg, which puts the car at 116 bhp/tone.

The GTi tends to be very thirsty on fuel, if using it for town driving, expect MPG of around 32. If taken on motorway it can achieve 42-45MPG driving very sensibly. If you stick it at 75-80mph, your whole tank (37 litres, without going in the RED) will last you around 280-320 miles.

The car needs to be serviced with 10w40 oil, preferably Quantum Synta Silver, which is available from your local VW dealership.
Last edited by MaxZ on Tue Mar 31, 2009 11:04 pm, edited 6 times in total.
ModifiedMadness
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Post by ModifiedMadness »

Also has heated mirrors which work when the rear screen is on
MaxZ
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Post by MaxZ »

I didn't really want to add anything that the GTi has as well as the other models, but might just stick it there for the sake of it.
Dee-vub
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Post by Dee-vub »

Sticky???
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Tim_GTi
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Post by Tim_GTi »

Another great guide mate, nice one
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Post by Mouse_GTI »

All red "GTI" badge on pre-alignment models.

Seatbelts too...

Some all black, some all red*, some black with a red stripe*

*not available with leather interior (not 100% confirmed)
bbspolo
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Post by bbspolo »

So in short dont buy one there s**t! lol :cry:



But once u have one u will find it very hard not 2 love it even with all its faults!! :D
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Post by Tim_GTi »

bbspolo wrote:So in short dont buy one there ****! lol :cry:
Every car has its faults!!!

Its good that someone has taken time to put details of all of them in the same place. I'm sure if it was done for other cars, the list would be just as long if not bigger
bbspolo
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Post by bbspolo »

I know mate it was a JOKE! :)

And im a fine one 2 talk i wouldnt sell my gti for all the tea in china!
And i also have a e46 330 cab and a escort cossy!
But nothing puts a smile on my face as well as my gti!


O and big thums up for the guide nice of u 2 take the time 2 make it for all the gti new people! :D
georgemk5
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Post by georgemk5 »

Cor this couldn't have come at a better time! Thanks for that :)
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Tim_GTi
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Post by Tim_GTi »

bbspolo wrote:I know mate it was a JOKE! :)
Thats arite then :D

Just didnt wanna give first browsers the wrong impression!
Luke'sGti
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Post by Luke'sGti »

You've missed out that Silver Gti's are better in every way than the other colours :lol:
GeeTeeI
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Post by GeeTeeI »

A very good guide there, found the part about the indoor handles particuarly helpful as I need to get mine replaced. Cheers.
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Post by D77 »

Luke'sGti wrote:You've missed out that Silver Gti's are better in every way than the other colours :lol:
i hope you mean satin silver :D
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Post by Tim_GTi »

D77 wrote:
Luke'sGti wrote:You've missed out that Silver Gti's are better in every way than the other colours :lol:
i hope you mean satin silver :D
Thought the GTi only came in relfex silver? :wink:
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