SOT: Considering a MK2, 3 or 4 VW GTI for my new DD, Give me the good, the bad, and the ugly... Options

[Gint]

I don't want to spend a fortune and I don't buy new cars anymore anyway. I like the fact that I can get into cars I've always liked without losing my shorts or spending a a ton of cash. I have a 914, a 4WD truck and a DD (the DD will be replaced with this car) so absolute dependability isn't the most important factor as I can deal with one car having a little down time.

I've been wanting to get an old water cooled VW again for quite awhile. While I'd prefer a MK1 Scirocco or GTI, they aren't exactly plentiful anymore. So I'm looking at the later GTIs. Of course a Scirocco wouldn't be out of the question either. But I can go as late as the early MK4's GTIs. I've heard different things about the reliability of these cars, but I respect most everyone's opinion here and know a lot of you guys have probably owned a few of these. So give me the run down on the different years and their strengths/weaknesses?

[Gint]

What are you guys doing to your cars (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) just kidding.. I have a 2000 Audi TT that I have done a quite a few mods on. There are certain things you can almost count on as you get more miles on these cars , the problems are all documented and if you get on the VWvortex forums you will see how to diagnose and repair and mod almost everything.. I consider most of them to be regular maintance for these cars.. but some thinks electronics should last forever.. as mentioned coil packs cause many people hardaches, but if you replace all 4 somewhere around 70-80k you wont have any problems. This is a known wear item, if you dont replace them all at the same time you may have problems again.. cost on all 4 last time I checked was a little over $100. and of course replace the plugs at the same time... if you wait till one goes out the car will run like crap erratic idle spit and sputter and throw all kinds of codes... also when you change the coil packs check the aluminum mating surface(valve cover) for corrosion , this is how the coil is grounded... many people chase this simple problem... No one has mentioned the Timing belt... it is a must to change on the 1.8 turbo cars... Actually you change the timing belt, the water pump (with metal impeller) tensioner, and idler, all at the same time again 70k is when you want to start thinking about this, there is a really nice write up on the vortex... and the parts arent all that expensive ... most shops charge about 900 parts and labor to do this. I think parts are about $250-300... you must check injector seals also again a common leak area... very cheap and easy to repair the injector seals. I have over 100K on my TT and wouldnt hesitate to drive it across country tonight... the windows as mentioned earlier can be a problem if it is below freezing and you use the windows the ice can stick the window and snap plastic pieces in the door. I have head of them falling off track, but usually they act funny before this happens so you may have some warning that the parts are wearing and you should look into it before it falls out... I havent had any window problems in my TT.. I have a boost controller and water meth injection forge blow off valve,MAp bypass,it has the sport springs. you cant beat the sound of that turbo. oh and the power is nice too and All wheel drive.. Even thogh it shares the same platform as the golf and drive train as many other dubs you might check out a TT they usually arent much more than a VW, and thy arent as common, but I am biased ... I dont regret mine one bit....The TT has been my baby for the last 4-5 years, of course my new obsession is the 914 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) so it hasent had its usual mods or upgrades lately

Thanks Wayne. Good info and practical advice. I might be getting too old and fat to get in and out of a TT every day. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)