2003 Volkswagen GTI review from North America
"Love the car and would buy it again even with the issues"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
1- Brake Light Switch.
2- Coolant Temperature Sensor Replaced.
3- Two Headlights.
4- A/C control lightbulb.
5- Driver front wheel bearing.
6- Radio Antenna Replaced.
7- Waterpump replaced.
8- Weather Stripping on Roof Replaced.
General comments?
I've loved this car from the first day and still love it after 3.5 years.
The engine is very smooth with unbelievable torque throughout the RPM range.
The handling is great, except for the body roll. I put a rear sway bar on, and it’s cured the issue. Not only does it handle great, it now FEELS great (without the body roll).
There is a sense of class and quality when examining at the car. I love the look of the stock 5 spoke 17 inch rims. I'm still not tired of looking at my car. It has aged extremely well in my opinion.
I cannot find a fault in the interior. It feels like a much higher class car. Quality materials are everywhere, and they've held up well for 3.5 years. People still get into my car and mention how it smells like a new car. Makes me smile every time!
I can't stress the utility of this car. I've been everywhere! I’ve used it for Road trips and camping trips. I've carried skis, bikes, 4 sets of tires, tables etc. This car does it all!
The only downside is the amount of issues I’ve had with the car in first 2 years. The good thing is the last 30000km has been trouble free and I've never been stranded or towed.
I'll be keeping the GTI for another 8 years. I’m eyeing the 6th generation GTI as its replacement.
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| 2002 - GTI GLS 1.8 turbo diesel I want to say that it is a fun car to drive and gets exceptional mileage at more than 40 mpg |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8T Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 12 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 67500 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Tercel |
| Date of Entry | 20th February, 2006 |