1998 Volkswagen GTI Reviews

I have had no problems with the car except the power steering pump started squeaking, but it was an easy fix.

There is a minor rust spot under the hatch, but it's nothing.

It is a great car. I drive it everyday. I love it!!! It runs great after 103,000 miles!!!

It is really really fast for a car that can hold 5 people comfortably. The back seat is very roomy. It drives thru the twisties like a roller coaster. You can't throw it out of a turn, and I get 32 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the interstate!

The trunk is HUGE for a car it's size. We golf all the time, and it can fit at least 3 golf bags in the trunk. I recommend it to anybody that likes to go fast while saving gas and stowing a lot of stuff in the trunk.

Since I have owned the car I have had to replace the rear pads and rotors front pads and rotors last week. also the transmission oil cooler hoses. and the water pump. it has a slight head gasket leak and will need to be replaced soon.

I love the car. the vr6 engine responds amazingly and is very quick the car handles amazing. the interior is very comfortable. the car is very reliable and depenable. it also handles very well in the snow which we get around here. its quick sporty and just a fun car to drive.

Ignition coil pack melted 3 times. I think I finally have a good one now. The first coil pack was intermittent for several years before it failed.

My catalytic converter was melted due to the bad coil pack and was replaced. If your coil pack is shorting out... your spark plugs won't fire and the extra fuel is sent through your catalytic converter where it burns and melts it.

Left front wheel bearing made noise and was replaced at 120000 miles.

Right rear strut leaked and was replaced at 90000 miles.

Left door trim falling off. Easily fixed with 3M doubled sided door trim tape.

Interior door leather peeled away near window on both doors.

Parking brake line rusted and was replaced.

Radio volume control doesn't work well. When you turn the volume down it may actually goes up. This problem began early and I regret not having the dealership replace it.

I am 40 years old and have only owned 2 cars in my life. A 1988 Mazda 323 hatchback and my 1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6. The Golf has had more mechanical problems than my Mazda ever did, but I expect it will last longer because it is structurally more solid. The Mazda lasted 12 years, but was very rusted. My golf is now over 9 years and is still pretty solid.

Being a German car, parts are expensive.

I love this car and many people have asked if I wanted to sell it.

The car is fast, tight and comfortable. Especially for my long legs (I am 6 foot 3 inches tall, mostly in my legs).

The 1998 model has the center rear brake light positioned in the top of the rear window. This partially obstructs your view when looking in the rear view mirror. I can see the car behind me, but I never see the persons face in the car.

I have had the car for a little bit of time now, and the only thing I have had go wrong, that wasn't my fault, was the clutch was worn (I also believe that the car was used for auto-cross previously). I replaced this at 96,000 miles for the cost of 1000 (500 in parts and 500 in labor). Other than that; oil change, coolant flush, and transmission flush.

I say above things not my fault, because recently I slid into a curb in the snow. This did some significant damage (note my car is lowered with Bilstein struts and Neuspeed springs). The extent of the damage was the transmission. I should have waited on that clutch, because I need a new transmission. This is not because the transmission wasn't operable, it's because I broke a ear on the transmission that can't be welded on or repaired for safety's sake (last thing I wanted was to have to drive down the road and have the stupid thing fall out), so I need a new transmission as well as some radiator stuff, and a new driver's side rim (was only a black steel rim; I have 16's for summer). The suspension is good (somehow didn't get hurt), all aftermarket parts survived (cat back exhaust, suspension, intake). There are a few other things that aren't so major that also needed to be fixed.

All the mechanical work is going to be about 4,100 (note, I spent 6500 on the car). I was mad, but I wouldn't have had it fixed if I had not felt the car to be worth getting fixed. Also caused some body damage on the front bumper. Nothing major; just ripped off a black plastic part that is easily replaceable.

Overall, if you don't hit a curb, you're OK :)

I would recommend this car to anyone looking at one. Things on this car don't really go wrong on their own unless running high miles, and that would be pretty normal.

And on another note, 0-60 in about 6.8 sec is a good upside. Also the fact that the car has a chip in it, removing the rev-limiter and top speed restrictions helps (revs 7300 and I have had it to 130, and let me tell you, getting to 130 didn't take long, but overall pull slows about there).

As far as road holding, I have taken it around 90 degree angle turns at 40mph (for those of you that don't get that picture, picture a full blown right hand turn at 40mph), and the car doesn't slide out from you. I've also heard that the throw in the stock shifter is kinda long (I have short shifter, so I wouldn't know).

And on that note, I have not much more to say, other than if you're looking at getting this car, then just be prepared for a slightly more expensive repair cost, and a heck of a fun time driving :)