VW Golf IV 1.6, 100 PS, 5-speed manual (1997–2000)

Research for this car

• Generation guide VW Golf 4 (1997-2006): known problems and buying guide

  Check the manual gearbox build date, the VR6 timing chain and the TDI timing belt before you pay. Window regulators also fail.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Gearbox: check the build date. On a 1.4, 1.6 or 1.9 SDI manual car built up to July 2001, ask for proof that the gearbox has had its rivet work or a rebuild. A bad result is no proof.
2. Clutch: on a manual car, ask when the clutch was last replaced. A bad result is no record on a car with high mileage.
3. Windows: test every window up and down, including any automatic function. A bad result is a window that does not move, moves slowly or drops.
4. VR6 and R32 chain: ask for proof of timing chain work on a VR6 or R32. A bad result is no record on a car with high mileage.
5. Oil: on a 1.4 or 2.0 petrol, check the oil level after the test drive and ask about top-ups between services. A bad result is oil that is low between services.
6. Crankcase: on a 1.4 built up to early 2002, ask whether the January 2003 heated crankcase ventilation work was done. A bad result is no record.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions