1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 review from North America

Molding on the exterior part of the doors started coming off around 100K mikes.

Electrical connector (barrel connector) had to be replaced around 50K miles.

Mil light around 80K miles to have the tach and speodo sensors replaced.

Both power windows have had problems, first the passenger side. I heard a grinding sound (similar to metal grinding metal) when I brought the passenger side down sometime around 40K miles. I had to replace the power window motor which was very pricey. The same thing happened to the driver side around 90K miles.

Upper radiator hose needed to be replaced in the 110K mile range.

I purchased this car when it was about 15 months old. I planned on getting a sedan when I went to the dealer, I drove the GTI because a friend of mine had one at school at it was pretty slick. All it took was one drive and I was hooked. I have been driving this car for about 10 years now. I have driven across country, back and forth to work, left in the garage for a few weeks at a time... you name it and the car handles like a champ.

I did replace the rotors from the solid kind to the cross drilled and slotted variety. I also added a cold air intake. Minor modifications.

I drive fast, corner hard, and brake hard. The GTI has taken everything I can give it and the car just takes it. I keep the oil changed, the coolant topped off, and have kept up minor maintenance through the years. Parts are expensive, but given the durability it is a small price to pay.