2002 Volkswagen GTI review from North America
"A superb death trap"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Driver's side seat frame broke at 3000 miles.
Transmission started acting up around 3000 miles. Impossible to quick shift, hard to get into 1st, 2nd, 3rd is crunchy. Sometimes hard to get in reverse. Suspecting shot synchronizers and maybe 1st gear. Dealer tried adjusting the shift cables, but no luck.
Turbo sometimes cuts out in 1st around 3000 rpm. Car feels sluggish even with the turbo on, not the same feel as when I first bought it.
Engine misses at idle.
Exhaust makes popping noises in the morning when cold. Supposedly OK (according to one technician) and worse in VR6 models.
Steering column clicks if at a stop sign and you jiggle the wheel a little. Took in for service, replaced under wheel shelf (whatever that is) and tightened something. Problem subsided for 2 days... it's back.
General comments?
Superb interior, great power (when it works), good handling. Reliability however is the worst in the market. Stay clear of this company, the cars are no longer German. If you still have the urge to buy one, look at this website first: http://www.myvwlemon.com.
Recommended reviews
| This car has taken more of my time than it is worth |
|
| Great to drive, when it's not always breaking down / in the shop |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 17 miles |
| Most recent distance | 11140 miles |
| Previous car | Mitsubishi Galant |
| Date of Entry | 24th April, 2003 |