1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 review from North America

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.