Volkswagen Golf has long become a cult and leading model for the German concern. After all, since 1974, the Germans have sold over 25 million Golfs, and this means a lot. In addition, the Golf is not only one of the most popular and widespread cars, it is also the founder of the class of the same name - the “golf class”. But the conversation is not about this, but about the fourth generation VW Golf in the hatchback body... Why about him? Yes, because he is really very good, that’s all!
Volkswagen Golf 4 is a car with a classic, interesting and stylish design that is not outdated even more than 10 years after its appearance. A truly universal model, because even now the Golf IV looks at home on city streets, on country roads, and even on light off-road conditions (after all, there are versions of the Golf with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive). Depending on taste and preferences, the Volkswagen Golf IV can be a three- or five-door hatchback, and for those who appreciate practicality, a station wagon. But regardless of the body type, the fourth Golf is very good in all respects, and the all-galvanized body made the assembly of the “German” close to ideal, since in this way the designers were able to minimize the joints between parts.
The interior of the fourth generation Volkswagen Golf is now obsolete, although there are no complaints about its ergonomics, practicality and functionality to this day. The dashboard has a classic look for Volkswagens, it is excellent to read at any time, and its information content will give odds to many more modern models. The steering wheel is comfortable and pleasant, but at the same time quite massive. The center console is without any special frills, but everything you need fits on it: air conditioning and music, keys and buttons, and other controls. The finishing materials in the fourth Golf are not the best, but they high quality: nice to look at, pleasant to touch.
Volkswagen Golf 4, like a true “German”, is perfect for both the driver and passengers. It’s comfortable to sit in; the front seats have a noticeably pronounced profile that holds you well in the “saddle.” The rear sofa can easily accommodate three adults, and none of them will feel out of place. Well, everything is going great in the fourth Golf, but the luggage compartment lets us down: the volume of 330 liters is too modest compared to the overall impressions of the German car... Although, if necessary, the useful volume can be increased to 1185 liters. But, stop! There is also a station wagon that can offer a more spacious “body”, with a volume of from 460 to 1470 liters, depending on the position of the rear seat.
If a car is good, then it is good in everything. So in plan technical characteristics The IV generation Volkswagen Golf has a wide range of power units, about which you can say without a twinge of conscience: “Yes, you can have fun here!” A total of eight engines were offered to choose from: five running on gasoline and three running on heavy fuel. Their power varies from 68 to 130 horsepower. In tandem, four transmissions could be installed to choose from: a 5- or 6-speed manual, as well as a 4- or 5-speed automatic. Well, it is necessary to consider each of the power units.
The base gasoline engine is a 1.4-liter, 75-horsepower, which is only available with a manual transmission. Such a “fiery heart” is clearly rather weak, because with it, to reach the first hundred, the Golf requires “eternal” 15.6 seconds, although 171 km/h maximum speed look decent. The next in the hierarchy is a 1.6-liter engine, the output of which is 102 horsepower. With it, as with the previous one, a “mechanics” can be installed, but an automatic with 4 steps is also an option. The 102-horsepower Golf 4 with a manual transmission has good dynamics characteristics: a hundred behind in 11.9 seconds, the limit is 188 km/h. A hatchback with an automatic transmission is slower in acceleration by exactly 1 second, and in general - by 3 km/h. At the same time, this Golf cannot exactly be called a leader in efficiency: in the combined cycle it consumes 7 or 8 liters of fuel, depending on the transmission.
A 105-horsepower unit of the same volume as the previous one is next on the list. Although it has an increase of 3 forces, it does not solve anything here, except that the maximum speed is 4 km/h higher, while the other indicators are similar.
The engine, with a volume of 1.6 liters and an output of 110 horsepower, is another representative of the fourth generation Volkswagen Golf power range. It is paired only with a five-speed manual transmission. The dynamic performance of the engine has been improved better side, but not significantly - gaining hundreds is 0.2 seconds faster than the previous one, and top speed equal to 194 km/h. For 100 km of travel, such a unit requires only 6.5 liters of fuel when driving in a combined cycle.
The most powerful and voluminous in the gasoline camp is the 2.0-liter, the power potential of which is 116 “horses”. This “Golfoma heart” comes with both a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual transmission. The first one goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.4 seconds and tops out at 190, the second one is 1 second and 5 km/h faster.
That's it, the gasoline engines have run out, now it's the turn of three diesel units. The weakest, both among diesel engines and among the entire power line, is a 68-horsepower engine with a volume of 1.9 liters (by the way, all of them with this type of fuel have this volume). Yes, despite the decent volume, the dynamics characteristics of this Golf are simply terrifying - in the 18.7 seconds that it needs to accelerate to hundreds, you can do a lot of useful things. And the maximum speed here brings tears - only 160 km/h. But the dynamics are compensated by efficiency: in the combined cycle, the 68-horsepower diesel Golf requires only 5.2 liters of fuel mixture. This engine is paired with only a 5-speed manual transmission and nothing else.
Next in line is a diesel engine with 100 horsepower. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission with 5 gears. Its dynamics are not impressive, but it is worth noting that it is 5 seconds faster than the weaker one.
And finally, the last and most powerful power unit is a diesel engine with 130 horsepower. Transmission types are similar to the previous engine. Yes, with such a “fiery heart”, the VW Golf 4 looks like a dynamic and quite nimble car - 100 km/h is reached in 10.5 or 11.4 seconds, depending on the gearbox, and the maximum speed here exceeds 200 km/h Phew, that's it, done with the engines!
It is logical that it is impossible to say exactly how much it costs today new Volkswagen Golf is the fourth generation, because its production was completed 9 years ago. But the fact is that this “fruit” is very widely represented on the secondary market. Golf 4 in good technical condition can be bought for about 180-200 thousand rubles, but for a copy in perfect condition you may have to pay about 400-500 thousand Russian rubles. So, for a good quality German car, even 10 years old, you should shell out money!
The 4th generation Volkswagen Golf was first presented to the public in 1997 as part of the In general, this car model is one of the most famous and has been produced at the facilities of the German concern for several decades. Today's article will be devoted specifically to the fourth generation Volkswagen Golf 4. A review of the car is further in our article.
Design
The appearance of the compact German hatchback has remained unchanged for years. And once again, Bavarian designers decided to follow a familiar path - without experiments and unnecessary innovations, they successfully refreshed the appearance of the car.
What’s interesting is that the Germans manage to modernize the design even with minimal changes and make it relevant for at least the next 5-6 years. The Volkswagen Golf 4 was no exception. Owner reviews also note the versatility of the car's appearance. Today it is a purely women's compact car, and tomorrow it will be transformed into a real men's sports car. At the same time, it is enough to equip the Golf with new wheels and a couple of aerodynamic body kits. To confirm this, we post photos for comparison.
It would seem that such different cars. But they were assembled on the same assembly line. So the Germans got it right with the design. Volkswagen Golf 4 is a kind of construction kit that anyone can transform to suit their own style and character.
By the way, the 5-door hatchback is not the only body version for the Golf. In 1999, Volkswagen developed two new modifications of the car: a station wagon and a 3-door hatchback. Thanks to this, the company has expanded its circle of customers by another order of magnitude. Now the Golf is a large one with a spacious trunk, a small women's runabout, or a formidable sports hatch (by the way, in the German domestic market there were bodies for the Golf of the convertible type). But for the most part, the Volkswagen Golf 4 was suitable for young people who like speed and compactness. The Volkswagen looked like a kind of small animal, a predator conquering night streets and wide highways.
Finally, we note the fact that the Golf’s body was entirely made of galvanized steel. This meant that even under the most severe climatic conditions, the car was 100 percent protected from rust. Until this point, German manufacturers only covered the metal body with a layer of galvanization. With the fourth generation of Foltz, it began to be made entirely of galvanized steel. To make sure that a hatchback is immune to corrosion, you just need to look at the condition of the car’s metal with your own eyes (fortunately, there are more than one generation of such Golfs left in Russia). Even since 1997, not a single car has yet become rusty, and this is without post-sale anti-corrosion treatment.
Reviews, dimensions and capacity
Volkswagen Golf 4 has quite standard dimensions for its “golf class”. The length of the car body is 4150 millimeters, width 1735 millimeters, height 1440 millimeters (for the Volkswagen Golf 4 hatchback). Reviews note that thanks to such a small size, the car can easily maneuver even in the narrowest streets. This is a big plus. But there are small problems, car owners say. The total ground clearance of the car is 13 centimeters. As for the trunk volume, despite its small body, the hatchback can fit up to 330 liters of luggage (almost like some full-size sedans). With the rear row of seats folded, the volume increased to a record 1180 liters. For the station wagon, this figure was 460 and 1470 liters, respectively. Judging by the reviews of car enthusiasts, the Golf station wagon could serve as a real cargo-passenger minivan, as it can accommodate up to 4 passengers and at the same time has one of the most voluminous trunks.
Volkswagen Golf 4 - photos and interior review
The environment inside the car is very cozy and ergonomic. The compact 4-spoke steering wheel fits comfortably in your hands, and on the center console there is a cassette recorder and control buttons for the heater and climate control. The front panel is not overloaded with unnecessary buttons; the instrument panel is very simple and easy to understand. By the way, here in the “base” there is already a black and white digital computer (like the one that was installed on the “ten” at one time). For its age, the car has a very bright and interesting interior. True, by today's standards it would seem very old.
In top trim levels, the Golf was lined with leather inside and equipped with electric heated mirrors and electric windows. True, there was one drawback in the cabin, which concerned different levels location of the gas and brake pedals. True, over time you quickly get used to this feature.
Volkswagen Golf 4 - technical specifications
The range of engines for the fourth generation Volkswagen Golf was more than diverse. In total, the buyer was asked to choose between five gasoline or three diesel units. The power range was also different. The weakest engine developed a power of 68 horsepower, the most powerful - up to 130 horsepower. A choice of gearboxes was also provided. In total, the Golf was supplied to the European market in 4 gearbox versions. Among them, it is worth noting two automatic (4 and five speeds), as well as two manual (5 and 6 gears) transmissions. As practice has shown, the service life of each of them is about 200 thousand kilometers. Only after this mileage does the gearbox undergo its first repair.
By the way, changing the oil in the transmission was also not often required. On a manual transmission the oil lasted up to 60 thousand kilometers, on an automatic transmission - up to 40 thousand kilometers. Relatively speaking, replacing the lubricant was required every 1.5-2 years. The manual transmissions were equipped with a very reliable clutch system, which also lasted 150-200 thousand miles without any problems.
Acceleration dynamics
A wide range of engines made it possible for each buyer to choose exactly the car that would best meet his requirements. Thus, the Golf with the weakest engine made a dash to “hundreds” in 18 seconds and accelerated the car to 169 kilometers per hour at maximum speed. A hatchback with a top-end 130-horsepower engine reached “hundreds” in just 10 seconds. At the same time, the “maximum speed” of 4 was 190 kilometers per hour.
Fuel consumption
It is worth noting that even the most powerful engine had low fuel consumption. On average, he spent about 8 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. The most economical and low-power engine consumed no more than 6.5 liters per “hundred”.
Cost on the Russian market
Serial production of the 4th generation Volkswagen Golf was officially discontinued in 2004. Since the new year, it has been replaced by a newer hatchback, Volkswagen. Therefore, you can purchase the fourth Golf only on the secondary market.
Its average cost ranges from 6 to 10 thousand dollars. What is noteworthy is that even with its considerable age (10-17 years), this car is able to compete in terms of durability of parts and components even with the new Priora or Grante. What is most valued in a “German” is the body and engine - they are almost eternal and will serve until the needle on the odometer shows 1 million kilometers. And it’s not in vain that the Germans make the highest quality cars in the world.
VW Golf 4
Background
VW golf 4 was born in 1999 and successfully continued to be produced until 2003. This car is suitable for everyone, since the VW Golf 4 has many varieties.
Compared to the previous generation, this one has richer basic equipment, the optics are also different and it has gained weight.
Golf 4 body
Four types of bodies were produced: Hatchback 3-5 doors, station wagon and convertible
Golf 4 body Excellent protection against corrosion as it is galvanized. When purchasing, pay attention if there is a lot of rust and the gaps are set incorrectly, then the car has been in an accident.
The only thing worth noting is that door locks sometimes need to be lubricated because moisture accumulates there, especially in winter, and they begin to jam.
Salon
Here we cannot fail to mention the quality of the finishing materials: pleasant soft plastic, which does not make sounds even after long use.
Everything in the cabin is accurate and coordinated: an informative dashboard, a comfortable steering wheel, a comfortable seat with many adjustments.
The database already contains: everything disc brakes, brake force distributor, air conditioning, 2 airbags, etc.
Additionally installed: cruise control, climate control, rain sensor.
The cabin will be comfortable for the driver and three other passengers; the interior is very roomy, not counting the trunk.
But for those who like to carry junk, the Golf 4 has a solution - the Variant, that is, a station wagon, which has a more spacious trunk and also folds down the seats.
Golf 4 engines
There are a huge number of them here and there is something for everyone. Starting from 1.4 and ending with 3.2 liters. There are both petrol and diesel engines.
Diesel:
1.9d (68 hp)
If you take a diesel engine, it’s not a bad 1.9 (68 hp), but it won’t please you with its dynamics: 17 seconds to a hundred, but it’s economical, perhaps an excellent purchase for those who only drive around the city and rarely go on the highway.
This diesel engine is very economical and consumes 6-7 liters in the city, which is very economical, but taking into account traffic jams it will be 8-9, but still not bad.
Gasoline:
2.0 (115 hp)
A good motor, according to the owners' reviews, which is capable of running a lot. Its dynamics are average - 10 seconds to a hundred, but it will eat 10 liters in the city without being a glutton.
Those engines that are more powerful are often V 5, which somehow does not really inspire confidence in the engine, this design is not very balanced, so malfunctions are possible over time.
For turbocharged engines it is important to use good oil bad oil can ruin the turbine.
This model was equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions and 5-6-speed manual transmissions, the latter being installed only on powerful versions.
All boxes are reliable, but it is better to choose an automatic with more powerful cars. The Golf 4 had both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Front wheel drive versions are more reliable.
Suspension and steering
Golf 4 suspension comfortable and balanced, thanks to it comfort is achieved, and excellent handling; the design is reliable, but the struts are the first to fail; they do not live up to 50 thousand km.
Steering is carried out using a steering rack; it is quite durable and can cover a mileage of 150,000 thousand km.
Bottom line
You can now buy Golf 4 from 150 thousand rubles, if you are lucky and the amount can even reach up to 500,000 rubles, the price of this Volkswagen vary depending on the configuration and modification.
An excellent car in which everyone will find something for themselves, for others it is a reliable everyday car, for some it is a source of drive. This car will always be remembered as the best hatchback of all eras.
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Just a few years ago, the fourth Volkswagen Golf was the most popular car on the secondary market, along with the VW Passat B5. Today, many buyers choose more modern varieties of Golf, but the fourth generation still has something to offer. This is one of best options for those who are looking for an inexpensive, compact and cheap to repair and operate car.
The model went into production in September 1997. Despite the great similarity with Golf 3, the fourth Golf was not a deep restyling, but an independent model. It was built on the new A4 platform, which formed the basis of the VW New Beetle, Skoda Octavia, Audi A3, Audi TT, SEAT Leon, SEAT Toledo. Golf IV had many common components and assemblies with them.
The fourth generation VW Golf family is quite diverse. As a matter of fact, the Golf 4 itself was offered in three- and five-door hatchback body styles. The station wagon, which went on sale in May 1999, was traditionally called the Golf Variant. The sedan, which entered the production line in September 1998, bore the name Bora (for the American market - Jetta) and was distinguished by other external body parts. The Bora Variant differed from the Golf Variant by elements of the front end. And the Golf Cabrio was, in fact, the previous model, that is, the Golf 3, which underwent a facelift in the style of the Golf 4.
The basic configuration boasted at least two airbags, seat belts with pyrotechnic tensioners, ABS, electric windows and mirrors. In addition to the “base”, three main packages were also presented: Comfortline, Trendline and Highline. Since September 1999, it was possible to order the ESP stability control system. On later versions, it is quite common to find not only side airbags located in the backs of the front seats, but also window ones. The result is one of the best passenger safety indicators in the class.
Engines
A wide range of power units is opened by a 1.4-liter engine with a power of 75 hp. This unit is clearly not suitable for those who like to ride with the breeze. In order not to get out of the flow, you have to constantly turn it, which, accordingly, affects the resource. Among the shortcomings are a clogged crankcase ventilation system and high oil consumption (wear of piston rings).
Following it is an 8-valve 1.6-liter engine producing 100 hp. and a 105-horsepower version with 16 valves. Both with multiport fuel injection. These motors are the most common for Golf 4, and they are also recognized as the most successful. The engine can travel more than 300,000 km without major intervention. The main thing is to change the oil on time, monitor its level and not overheat the engine. Among the characteristic “sores” it is worth highlighting antifreeze leakage through cracked plastic pipes of the cooling system and thermostat housing, malfunction of the throttle valve and ignition coils. The 8-valve version has proven itself best.
The FSI engine with a power of 110 hp was also produced with the same displacement. It has direct injection and is poorly adapted to our operating conditions. The main problems of this engine come from fuel equipment, which often fails due to low-quality gasoline (98 gasoline is recommended), and the cost of troubleshooting is much higher than on engines with multipoint injection. The engine suffers from carbon deposits on the valves, electronic ailments and short-lived elements of the gas distribution mechanism.
The 1.8 liter engine is available in two versions: naturally aspirated with 125 hp, and turbocharged with 150 and 180 hp. The naturally aspirated variant can claim to be quite dynamic car, especially with a manual transmission. With a turbine, the fairly lightweight Golf accelerates to “hundreds” in just over 8 seconds. But the risk when buying a turbocharged version is quite high (the price of a new turbine is about $1000), and such copies in decent condition are not cheap. After all, the owners of turbo versions were, as a rule, far from pensioners. The main rule when operating these engines is not to turn off the engine after dynamic driving, thus allowing the turbine to cool down. Better yet, install a turbo timer right away. Well, change the oil more often.
The 2-liter engine (115 hp) is quite unpretentious and reliable. Especially if you don’t forget to replace the timing belt and pump every 90,000 km. Engines V5 2.3 (150 hp), VR5 2.3 (170 hp), V6 2.8 (204 hp) and VR6 3.2 (240 hp) give the Golf 4 excellent dynamics, and the driver enjoys driving. But you have to pay for pleasure. These power units are more complex and expensive to repair, although they have a fairly decent resource. They appear on sale, as a rule, when the time comes for serious repairs.
There were also diesel versions in the model range. All - volume 1.9 liters. The weakest naturally aspirated SDI engine developed only 68 hp, while the TDI versions developed 90, 101, 110, 115, 130, 150 hp. These units have an enviable resource, efficiency and environmental friendliness. But all this is achieved using high-quality fuel. It makes sense to buy a diesel engine if the engine with low mileage is in excellent condition, and the future owner plans on large annual mileages.
1.9 SDI, if someone is not afraid of the dynamics (0-100 km/h in 17.2 seconds), will demonstrate exemplary reliability, durability and low cost of operation. But there is one drawback - it is very noisy.
Old 1.9 TDI with 90 and 110 hp. have only one weak point - fuel injection pump. Its repair will cost $100 if the mechanical part fails, and $400 if the electrical part fails. Rebuilding the injectors on this engine costs about $70 each.
In 1999, the 1.9 TDI appeared with unit injectors producing 115 hp. In subsequent years, the diesel range was replenished with 100, 130 and 150-horsepower versions of the engine. Compared to the old 1.9, they provide higher performance and efficiency, but are more expensive to maintain. The cost of new unit injectors is about $500, and restoration is $100.
The weakest of the 1.9 TDIs did not have the vulnerable dual-mass flywheel and variable geometry turbine. It will take about $150 to repair a regular turbine, and $300 with variable geometry. New components are on average twice as expensive. Replacing a dual-mass flywheel with clutch will cost $600. An undoubted advantage of these diesel engines is the absence of a DPF filter.
A common drawback of all diesel units before 2001 is a malfunction of the flow meter.
Transmission
The Volkswagen Golf 4 offered 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions, as well as 4- and 5-speed automatic transmissions. The latter could boast of a manual gear shift function. All “boxes” are quite reliable.
On a manual transmission, the gear shift lever sometimes becomes loose. In most cases, it can be “cured” by replacing the switching mechanism (about $160 with labor). On many “boxes” with a 1.6-liter engine, it is often difficult to engage first gear. In manual transmissions, it is recommended to change the oil every 90,000 km, and replacing the clutch depends on the driving style and experience of the driver. The average figures are 120,000–200,000 km.
In automatic transmissions, the oil must be changed every 60,000 km, and only fill in what is recommended by the factory. But there are some nuances here. When purchasing, you need to ask the seller how often he updated the oil in the automatic transmission. It does not change completely, but partially, since the new one in most cases, having high cleaning properties, dissolves old deposits and renders the box unusable. Do not believe services that claim that oil is filled for the entire service life of the box.
Starting with the 1.8-liter engine, 4 MOTION all-wheel drive could be ordered as an option. In versions with a 2.8-liter engine and R32, it was already included in the basic configuration. All-wheel drive makes the VW Golf 4 extremely stable on slippery roads and provides an unforgettable driving experience. The downside of these modifications is the difficulty of maintenance and the high cost of spare parts for all-wheel drive elements. In addition, such devices are not taken by the first owner for trips to the bakery, and they appear on the secondary market, as a rule, either very worn out or very expensive.
Chassis
The chassis of most Volkswagen Golf 4s has a simple design, it is reliable, inexpensive to maintain and quite comfortable for its class. The front suspension was MacPherson strut, and the rear had options. On front-wheel drive versions, a simple H-shaped beam was used, and in the presence of all-wheel drive, a multi-link suspension was installed, which complicates and increases the cost of maintenance.
Suspension wear directly depends on driving style and speed of passing holes. The first to make themselves known are the stabilizer struts and bushings - on average every 50–60 thousand km. But the cost of spare parts and labor is cheap - about $60 for everything. With active driving, the shock absorbers may “die” by 150,000 km ($150 with work). The remaining suspension elements serve on average more than 100,000 km. Front pads (depending on driving style) last 20-30 thousand km, and discs - 80-90 thousand km. The rear pads “live” about 60–70 thousand km. Suspension repair is not financially burdensome, since today there are quite a lot of substitutes in different price ranges.
With age, the steering rack begins to knock.
Body and interior
Without exaggeration, the body of the Golf 4 can be called a benchmark in its class. Thanks to galvanization, the manufacturer provided a 12-year guarantee against through corrosion. The chipped paint down to the metal, which survived several Moscow winters, did not give rise to rust. All body panels fit perfectly, and the gaps between elements are minimal. The result is an almost complete absence of aerodynamic noise at any speed. So if you have a car in front of you with traces of corrosion, then most likely it was in an accident and was poorly restored.
The only drawback is that the doors freeze in the openings when the temperature passes 0 °C. The manufacturer even produced a special lubricant, which made it a little easier to enter the cabin.
The interior is German-style and comfortable for its class. Many adjustments allow you to find correct position behind the wheel for a driver of any height. The center console, a la BMW, is turned towards the driver. One of the ergonomic miscalculations is the inconvenience of using the climate control system. It is out of the driver's field of vision, so you have to be distracted by the buttons while driving. There is no such problem in versions with mechanical climate control.
The disadvantages of the interior are abrasions on the plastic of the doors and along the edges of the front panel. With age, the plastic interior begins to creak. At the end of production, the build quality improved somewhat.
Due to age and huge mileage (the meters are twisted several times, which is very easy to do in this model), the condition of the seats, steering wheel and gear lever is often not the best. So, if the chair looks shabby and dented, and the steering wheel is shabby, then you can rest assured that the mileage here is more than 400-500 thousand km, and not 180-230 thousand km, as the “owner” assures.
Typical problems and malfunctions
Electrics don't cause much trouble. Although the rear wiper motor often fails. The front windshield wiper trapezoid may become sour. Many people try to lubricate it, but this either does not help, or it helps temporarily (“can be treated” by replacing the trapezoid - on average $100 with work).
The brake light switch located in the pedal assembly may also fail. Often, before it fails, it lights up various warning lights on the dashboard related to the stabilization and braking systems, but it works itself. If there is a complete breakdown, the brake lights go out. If there is an automatic transmission, in addition to the “stops”, the gearbox selector is blocked - and the car is immobilized. In order not to call a tow truck, you can try to remove the chip from the switch; most likely the selector will unlock. The cost of the switch is $15, the replacement labor is $10.
On cars manufactured before mid-2001, window regulator defects were often observed.In addition, the climate control display, power windows and central locking may fail.
Conclusion
The fourth generation VW Golf has retained all the advantages of its “ancestors,” adding comfort and significantly increasing active and passive safety, which has somewhat complicated the on-board electronics, which sometimes fail. Otherwise, high reliability and excellent maintainability, combined with affordable prices for spare parts, make the car one of the best options in its class for purchase on the secondary market.
Along with the legendary Passat B5, Volkswagen Golf IV is considered one of the most successful and popular models of the concern in the secondary market of Belarus. Compact dimensions and cheap maintenance are the secret of such success.
The model began to be produced back in 1997. Despite the similarities with Golf III, Golf 4 is a separate independent model built on the new A4 platform. The same platform is considered an independent car based on the F4. On the same platform, the concern produced Skoda Octavia, Audi 3, Seat Leon and other cars.
The VW Golf IV family is large-scale. The fourth itself was offered in a hatchback body with 3 or 5 doors. Later, the Golf Variant station wagon and the Bora sedan (Jetta in America) appeared with different body lines. But the Golf Cabrio is essentially the third Golf, designed as the fourth.
Body and electronics
The dimensions of the hatchback make it easy to park and maneuver in the city. The only thing that darkens the picture is the low front bumper - you have to be careful with parking.
VW Golf IV bodies are galvanized and have a 12-year warranty against through corrosion. All elements are fitted precisely and neatly. Owners say that even after 1-2 winters, rust may not appear in those areas where chipped paint has reached the metal. So floating gaps and corrosion on a used Golf are a sign of poor repairs after an accident.
Already in the database, the manufacturer offered two airbags, ABS, electric windows, and seat belts with pretensioners. After 1999, the ESP stability control system also became available for order, which, together with side and window airbacks, made the fourth Golf a leader in terms of safety in its class.
Three additional packages - Highline, Trendline and Comfortline - made it possible to expand the options of the fourth Golf. Among them are rain and light sensors, a navigation system, air conditioning, and climate control.
The sound insulation of the cabin cannot be called exemplary; for rear passengers, driving on the highway can also be uncomfortable due to the low seating position. But the rear seats can accommodate not two, but three passengers; the seats themselves are moderately hard and have lateral support.
The driver and front passenger seats are adjustable in height, and the steering wheel is adjustable in height and reach, and fits comfortably in your hands. The dashboard of the fourth Golf is a triumph of ergonomics and asceticism. The controls are within the driver's reach, but do not interfere with him. The cabin has many places and compartments for storing small items. The trunk volume is 330 liters, under the mat there is a spare wheel and a repair kit. The rear seats fold down to double the trunk space.
As for electronics, the rear windshield wiper often fails in the fourth Golf - its mechanism becomes sour. The same thing can happen to the front one. The solution is to replace the part; lubrication helps only temporarily. The brake light switch may also fail.
Engines
Basic among gasoline became a 1.4 engine with a power of 75 hp. It was aggregated only by “mechanics”. The owners are unanimous: the power of this engine is clearly not enough for the Golf, and the need to constantly rev the engine for satisfactory dynamics does not have the best effect on its service life. Typical problems include the ventilation system becoming clogged with crankcase gases, and oil leaks leading to premature wear of the piston rings.
The next in the line of gasoline engines are the popular and most successful 8-valve 1.6-liter 100-horsepower and 16-valve 105-horsepower units with distributed fuel injection. Good dynamics, modest fuel consumption and a service life of 300 thousand km without major interventions are the secret of their popularity. The main thing is to avoid overheating and change the oil every 90 thousand km.
The disadvantages of these engines include antifreeze leaks from the cooling system through the thermostat and cracked plastic pipes, as well as malfunctions of the throttle valve and ignition coils.
The FSI engine with 110 hp was also produced with the same 1.6-liter volume. with direct injection. But for these engines, there is a problem with the fuel system and the formation of carbon deposits in the cylinder head, which is directly related to the quality of the fuel - after all, the manufacturer recommends 98 gasoline.
The 1.8-liter petrol engine is available in two versions. Atmospheric 125 hp and turbocharged with 150 and 180 hp. depending on modification. The naturally aspirated car boasts excellent dynamics, especially in combination with a manual transmission. Turbocharged versions accelerate the fourth Golf to “hundreds” in more than 8 seconds, but if the turbine fails, the cost of replacing it is unreasonably high. And a turbocharged Golf will require more nuances in operation and maintenance.
The two-liter 115-horsepower gasoline unit is unpretentious and reliable, but it is worth remembering to replace the timing belt and pump every 90 thousand kilometers. Formed and expensive V5 2.3 (150 hp), VR5 2.3 (170 hp), V6 2.8 (204 hp) and VR6 3.2 (240 hp) unpopular on the market due to the cost of their service.
Regarding VW Golf IV diesel engines, then they all had a volume of 1.9 liters. The weak SDI developed 68 “horses”, and the turbocharged TDI versions were already driving noticeably more vigorously: 90, 101, 110, 115, 130 and 150 hp. under the hood, depending on the modification.
The weak point of the diesel 1.9 TDI (90 and 110 hp) is the injection pump, which is expensive to repair when long runs. Even more expensive to maintain, for all its advantages in terms of power and economical fuel consumption - 1.9 TDI with pump injectors (115, 1100, 130 and 150 hp, depending on the version). Among the common shortcomings of diesel engines before 2001, a malfunction of the flow meter can be noted.
Transmission
For the fourth Golf, 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions were offered, as well as 4- and 5-speed automatic transmissions with manual shift function. The owners have no complaints about either one.
The owners solve the problem of a loose shift lever in “mechanics” by replacing the shift mechanism. 1.6-liter engines with manual transmission have a problem: engaging first gear is difficult. Recommendations for extending the service life are to change the transmission oil every 90 thousand km. In general, the box lasts 120-200 thousand km. before renovation.
The automatic transmission requires an oil change every 60 thousand, despite the manufacturer’s assurances that the gearbox is “maintenance-free.”
Chassis
The VW Golf IV suspension is quite simple, maintenance is inexpensive, and reliability is high. The moderately stiff, efficient suspension holds the road quite well and is generally quite comfortable for the driver.
The fourth Golf was equipped with McPherson struts at the front and a simple H-shaped beam at the rear.
For top-end models, starting with the 1.8-liter engine with optional all-wheel drive rear suspension multi-link, keeping it in good condition will be much more difficult and expensive.
On average, stabilizer struts and bushings last for 50-60 thousand kilometers. Shock absorbers are sold out after 150 thousand. The remaining suspension elements last about 100 thousand km. But repairing the suspension of the fourth Golf is not burdensome, because finding spare parts is not a problem, and they cannot be called expensive.
Depending on the driving style, the front set of brake pads will serve the owner for 20-30 thousand km, the rear ones - 60-70 thousand km. Brake discs are used after 80-90 thousand km.
After 100-150 thousand km, the steering rack makes itself felt by knocking.
Total
VW Golf IV is a compact, simple and reliable German car. The Golf 4 is inexpensive to operate and does not suffer from frequent breakdowns. For novice drivers or older people without special requirements for a personal car, this will be a truly excellent choice.
Don't miss reviews of other popular models of the concern:
- SEAT Alhambra - read
- VW Passat B5 - read
- Skoda Fabia -read
Along with the legendary Passat B5, VW Golf IV It is considered one of the most successful and popular models of the concern on the secondary market of Belarus. Compact dimensions and cheap maintenance are the secret of such success.
The model began to be produced back in 1997. Despite the similarities with Golf III , Golf 4 is a separate independent model built on the new A4 platform. The same platform is considered an independent car based on the F4. On the same platform the concern produced Skoda Octavia, Audi 3, Seat Leon and other cars.
VW Golf IV family on a large scale. The fourth itself was offered in a hatchback body with 3 or 5 doors. Later a station wagon appeared Golf Variant and Bora sedan (in America Jetta _ with other body lines. But Golf Cabrio in fact - the third Golf, designed as the fourth.
The dimensions of the hatchback make it easy to park and maneuver in the city. The only thing that darkens the picture is the low front bumper - you have to be careful with parking.
VW Golf IV bodies galvanized and have a 12-year warranty against through corrosion. All elements are fitted precisely and neatly. Owners say that even after 1-2 winters, rust may not appear in those areas where chipped paint has reached the metal. So floating gaps and corrosion on a used Golf are a sign of poor repairs after an accident.
Already in the database the manufacturer offered two airbags, ABS , electric windows, seat belts with pretensioners. After 1999, the ESP stability control system also became available for order, which, together with side and window airbacks, made the fourth Golf a leader in terms of safety in its class.
Three additional packages - Highline, Trendline and Comfortline - made it possible to expand the options of the fourth Golf. Among them are rain and light sensors, a navigation system, air conditioning, and climate control.
The sound insulation of the cabin cannot be called exemplary; for rear passengers, driving on the highway can also be uncomfortable due to the low seating position. But the rear seats can accommodate not two, but three passengers; the seats themselves are moderately hard and have lateral support. The driver and front passenger seats are adjustable in height, and the steering wheel is adjustable in height and reach, and fits comfortably in your hands. The dashboard of the fourth Golf is a triumph of ergonomics and asceticism. The controls are within the driver's reach, but do not interfere with him. The cabin has many places and compartments for storing small items. The trunk volume is 330 liters, under the mat there is a spare wheel and a repair kit. The rear seats fold down to double the trunk space.
As for electronics, the rear windshield wiper often fails in the fourth Golf - its mechanism becomes sour. The same thing can happen to the front one. The solution is to replace the part; lubrication helps only temporarily. The brake light switch may also fail.
Engines
The base among gasoline engines was the 1.4 engine with a power of 75 hp. It was aggregated only by “mechanics”. The owners are unanimous: the power of this engine is clearly not enough for the Golf, and the need to constantly rev the engine for satisfactory dynamics does not have the best effect on its service life. Typical problems include the ventilation system becoming clogged with crankcase gases, and oil leaks leading to premature wear of the piston rings.
Next in line gasoline engines– popular and most successful 8-valve 1.6-liter 100-horsepower and 16-valve 105-horsepower units with distributed fuel injection. Good dynamics, modest fuel consumption and a service life of 300 thousand km without major interventions are the secret of their popularity. The main thing is to avoid overheating and change the oil every 90 thousand km.
The disadvantages of these engines include antifreeze leaks from the cooling system through the thermostat and cracked plastic pipes, as well as malfunctions of the throttle valve and ignition coils.
The engine was also produced with the same 1.6-liter volume. FSI 110 hp with direct injection. But for these engines, there is a problem with the fuel system and the formation of carbon deposits in the cylinder head, which is directly related to the quality of the fuel - after all, the manufacturer recommends 98 gasoline.
The 1.8-liter petrol engine is available in two versions. Atmospheric 125 hp and turbocharged with 150 and 180 hp. depending on modification. The naturally aspirated car boasts excellent dynamics, especially in combination with a manual transmission. Turbocharged versions accelerate the fourth Golf to “hundreds” in more than 8 seconds, but if the turbine fails, the cost of replacing it is unreasonably high. And a turbocharged Golf will require more nuances in operation and maintenance.
The two-liter 115-horsepower gasoline unit is unpretentious and reliable, but it is worth remembering to replace the timing belt and pump every 90 thousand kilometers. Formed and expensive V5 2.3 (150 hp), VR5 2.3 (170 hp), V6 2.8 (204 hp) and VR6 3.2 (240 hp) unpopular on the market due to the cost of their service.
Regarding diesel engines VW Golf IV , then they all had a volume of 1.9 liters. The weak SDI developed 68 “horses”, and the turbocharged TDI versions were already driving noticeably more vigorously: 90, 101, 110, 115, 130 and 150 hp. under the hood, depending on the modification.
The weak point of the diesel 1.9 TDI (90 and 110 hp) is the fuel injection pump, which is expensive to repair at high mileage. Even more expensive to maintain, for all its advantages in terms of power and economical fuel consumption - 1.9 TDI with pump injectors (115, 1100, 130 and 150 hp, depending on the version). Among the common shortcomings of diesel engines before 2001, a malfunction of the flow meter can be noted.
Transmission
For the fourth Golf, 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions were offered, as well as 4- and 5-speed automatic transmissions with manual shift function. The owners have no complaints about either one.
The owners solve the problem of a loose shift lever in “mechanics” by replacing the shift mechanism. 1.6-liter engines with manual transmission have a problem: engaging first gear is difficult. Recommendations for extending the service life are to change the transmission oil every 90 thousand km. In general, the box lasts 120-200 thousand km. before renovation.
The automatic transmission requires an oil change every 60 thousand, despite the manufacturer’s assurances that the gearbox is “maintenance-free.”
Chassis
VW Golf IV suspension It is designed quite simply, maintenance is inexpensive, and reliability is high. The moderately stiff, efficient suspension holds the road quite well and is generally quite comfortable for the driver.
Front racks were installed on the fourth Golf McPherson , At the back is a simple H-shaped beam.
For top-end ones, starting with a 1.8-liter engine with optional all-wheel drive, the rear suspension is multi-link; keeping it in good condition will cost much more difficult and more expensive.
On average, stabilizer struts and bushings last for 50-60 thousand kilometers. Shock absorbers are sold out after 150 thousand. The remaining suspension elements last about 100 thousand km. But repairing the suspension of the fourth Golf is not burdensome, because finding spare parts is not a problem, and they cannot be called expensive.
Depending on the driving style, the front set of brake pads will serve the owner for 20-30 thousand km, the rear ones - 60-70 thousand km. Brake discs are used after 80-90 thousand km.
After 100-150 thousand km, the steering rack makes itself felt by knocking.
Total
VW Golf IV – a compact, simple and reliable German car. The Golf 4 is inexpensive to operate and does not suffer from frequent breakdowns. For novice drivers or older people without special requirements for a personal car, this will be a truly excellent choice.
