Thanks all. A very odd feeling watching someone else drive it away :-(
Picked up the replacement yesterday.
A 1999 Golf 1.8T GTI 5dr in Indigo Blue. One owner from new, FVWSH, clean for the age and miles (130k), and didn't cost me any extra, which was the point of the exercise. The guy had just bought a spanking new Scirocco and had been offered peanuts as PX from the dealer.
The choice was really based on the fact our 2002 TDI PD130 Golf has been pretty much faultless in the year we've had it, we both like driving it, and I can get a VW serviced and repaired cheaper than I can anything else. It's not as special as the Volvo was, but it's actually quite a giggle to drive.
My VW tech mate is doing a full service next weekend, fitting a new timing belt which is due, and giving it a full check over. I will report in more detail on it after this, and I've been using it for a week or so.
Early impressions are good. Lovely smooth, torquey engine, much more agile handling than the diesel version, superb Recaro seats, barely a rattle or creak, and if the computer is to be believed (and I suspect it's not), very surprising economy. The 39 mile return trip from Croydon to North Hampshire at a steady 70 odd with the odd prod to test the performance saw 48 mpg average on the display.
I will miss the Volvo, but this will do me for a year or two if it's reliable.
Cheers
DP
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Sounds like fun DP. Hope it works for you. Of course it will already have stopped motorcyclists hating you ! ;-) I had a couple of GTis back along and thouroughly enjoyed them.
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Cheers Humph. I must admit, the biggest shock so far is realising how much the weight of the diesel engine affects the handling. The two cars are, drivetrain aside, identical, but the petrol feels so much better balanced. It's no Focus, but neither does it feel out of its depth when being hustled along. It has Michelin Pilot Exaltos all round which I've never had on a car before, and they seem very impressive.
What did you get economy wise from yours? I know from experience VAG computers tell porkies, but even allowing for the usual 10% optimism, I'm getting low 40's on the motorway. Of course, refuel time will tell for sure, but I am curious.
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Both of mine were 1800s. The 8V did about 38mpg on average but the 16V was thirstier at about 31 mpg. Noticeably livelier though...
;-)
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Enjoy the car - I had exactly the same for around 6 months in 1999. The car had a firm ride which my (now) wife found a little uncomfortable. Mine had a few squeaks from new so you're lucky!
It didn't do to badly for economy I recall although I used it mostly on motorway trips back then. Replaced with a Passat 1.8T.
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...the biggest shock so far is realising how much the weight of the diesel engine affects the handling...
Big difference in petrol/diesel Focuses as well - my diesel hatch was merely outstanding, whereas the petrol ones I tried were truly brilliant.
The CC3 handles a treat - it's easy to forget it has a folding roof which is a huge testament to Ford's engineers.
It is also nicely balanced, being heavy at both ends. :) Diesel engine in front, folding roof contraption at the back.
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Good Luck with the VW. Cracking cars if they are big enough for your needs.
I had a '90 Mk2 GTi and loved that car. 38mpg replaced with a Pug 306XRdt which only gave 35mpg from the same routes and speeds.
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We've been Volvo customers since 1966 and wouldn't want to be without one. I prefer the big versions though such as the V70.
The recent cold weather has hammered home the truth that only the Swedes really understand how to make a car comfy and suitable for cold.
I hope the Chinese provide the funds but leave the rest to the Swedes.
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I have a Passat 1.8 T Estate 1999 done 170k usually does 40 ish on the motorway and high 20's around town. Brilliant car that I cannot bring myself to change!
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Good to know, thanks Matt. Maybe the computer isn't so far out then as the Golf is smaller/lighter. If it can do low-mid 40's on the commute, I'd be absolutely delighted.
Interesting engine. Felt a little disappointing after the PD130 as it doesn't really have any "shove" to it in comparison. Then you look at the speedo and realise it's going 20 mph quicker than you thought. Sooooo smooth as well. Not what I would call a great hot hatch engine, but then most people accept the mkIV Golf GTI wasn't really a great hot hatch. It is a very nice car to drive though. Smooth, fairly swift, gorgeous inside, and surprisingly decent handling.
Amusing fluttery noises from the turbo when you lift off as well. :-)
Edited by DP on 08/02/2010 at 11:04
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I stand to be corrected, but the Golf IV GTi was only badged GTi in the UK. A nice car. I liked mine when I had it.
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I stand to be corrected but the Golf IV GTi was only badged GTi in the UK. A nice car. I liked mine when I had it.
I read that somewhere as well, and it wouldn't surprise me if it were true. To be honest, take the Recaros and the tailgate badge away and it's not radically different to a cooking model. A bit stiffer, a bit sharper, but otherwise much the same. I like it though. Usually takes me a few weeks to "bond" with a car, but I've grown quite attached to it after 2 days. Hard to put my finger on any one thing, but just a nice all round car. Has a certain feelgood factor to it.
Cheers
DP
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Well now y'see there was obviously a GTi man lurking all that time in the Volvo ! He just needed to be set free. Not having any compulsions to grow designer stubble as well by any chance ?
;-)
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I stand to be corrected but the Golf IV GTi was only badged GTi in the UK. A nice car. I liked mine when I had it.>>
As I recall there was also a non turbo 1.8 GTi in the UK and this was not badged as GTi in other countries. This was later replaced by an n/a 2.0 GTi (along side the 1.8T) which used the older 8v engine, a bit more gutsy though less refined and a little less top end.
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