Mk4 Golfs - were reliability issues resolved?

[craigowl 0]

Going down to one car ownership soon.

Considering Mk4 Golf PD TD130 among others.

Were reliability issues like the collapsing side windows resolved latterly do any of you guys know?

 

Also, will late GT diesels have better suspension/handling than when model first came out and was heavily criticised?

 

Also, any other comments on this car would be appreciated.

 

Regards,

Iain

[Kevin Bacon 5]

The window issue was a problem pretty much throughout it's life AFAIK but it's not THAT frequent a problem. I know of a 2000 MK4 that did on the passenger side and also a 2002 one. Some nylon bushes in the window mech give way and the glass could drop into the door.

 

It's not all that bad though because the windows in the MK4 are a joy to work on (especially if you're dynamatting!). You literally unbolt the whole assembly as 1 unit and slap another in, takes minutes. Really really good doors for ICE :D Plenty of MK4s in the breakers if it ever happens....which isn't as frequent as it's made out to be.

 

Other weaknesses on the 4 are rear top mounts and front ARB bushings. Both cheap and easy to replace.

 

Other than that, bulbs tend to blow in the centre console for the air con etc and the rear of the car can get rattley with age, but other than that, they're OK.

 

Worthy of note though, Bulkhead sound deadening seems to be sparse on MK4s compared to Corrados and the diesels and N/A motors can boom into the cabin a little....

[g-master 0]

Yeah the later models should have metal regulator clips the early one's had plastic, had one go on me! now have a new reg which comes with metal clips! Also one thing to check is the maf this tends to be a common problem, new maf is about £65 for Bosch one.AFAIK the Pd150's had the sports suspension not sure about the 130. Best bet is get some Eibach springs with Billes B4's shockers these work very well and retain comfort. Door's can suffer from dropping on 3 dr model has the doors are quite heavy! Apart from that great cars get a remap too mate can't go wrong!

[craigowl 0]

Thanks, kev and g-master.