VW Golf 4

background
VW golf 4 was born in 1999 and continued to be produced successfully until 2003. This the car will fit for everyone, because the VW golf 4 has many varieties.

Compared to the previous generation, this one has richer basic equipment, optics are also different and it has recovered.

Golf 4 body

Four types of bodies were produced: 3-5 door hatchback, station wagon and convertible

Golf 4 body perfectly protected from corrosion because it is galvanized. When buying, pay attention if there is a lot of rust and gaps are set incorrectly, then the car was 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 seize.

Salon

Here it is impossible not to mention the quality of the finishing materials - pleasant soft plastic, which does not make sounds even after a long operation.

In the cabin, everything is accurate and coordinated informative dashboard, comfortable steering wheel Comfortable seat with many adjustments.

The database already has: all 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 the other three passengers, the cabin 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, the station wagon, in which a more spacious trunk, in addition, the seats fold down.

Golf 4 engines

There are a huge number of them here and there is for everyone. Starting with 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, then it’s not very bad 1.9 (68 hp), but it will not please you with dynamics for 17 seconds to a hundred, but it is probably economical Excellent purchase for those who only travel around the city and rarely go to the track.

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.

Petrol:

2.0 (115 HP)

A good motor, according to the owners, which is able to run a lot. The dynamics of his average 10 seconds to hundreds, but he is not gluttonous 10 liters in the city will be.

Those engines that are more powerful more often than V 5, which somehow does not 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 damage the turbo.

This model was equipped with 4 speed automatics and 5-6 step mechanics, the latter were installed only on powerful versions.

All boxes are reliable, but it is better to choose an automatic machine with more powerful machines. Golf 4 was both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Front drive versions are more reliable.

Suspension and steering

Suspension Golf 4 comfortable and balanced thanks to it, comfort is achieved, and excellent handling, the design is reliable, but the racks are the first to fail, they do not live up to 50 thousand km.

Steering is carried out with the help of a steering rack, it is quite tenacious and can pass a mileage of 150,000 thousand km.

Outcome

Now you can 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 configuration and modification.

A great car in which everyone will find something for themselves, for someone — it is a reliable everyday car, for some source of drive. This car will always be remembered as Best hatchback all epochs.

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History has not preserved the name of that leader of the German Volkswagen Group AG, which came up with the idea to repeat the success of the first "people's" car of the 30s of the last century. However, today sociological research determined that the brand Volkswagen Golf, which first appeared on the autobahns in 1974, has become one of the most called motorists of all countries in the world.

The Germans tried to create a compact, easy to manage and maintain, inexpensive, but at the same time comfortable car with an opportunity universal use. The task was performed admirably. Volkswagen Golf 4 reproduced a large number of his generations and continues to descend from Volkswagen conveyors, but in such a form and with such technical characteristics that there is little that can resemble its progenitor.

Exterior Volkswagen Golf 4

In line Volkswagen cars Golf occupies a special place in the 4th generation car, which was released in 1997. It was from her that the technical and marketing policy changed somewhat, which in fact meant replacing excessive modesty with authority and solidity.

Photo Volkswagen Golf 1997-2006

• The designers slightly changed the dimensions of the car, which as a result reached 4.15 m in length and added 3 cm to the previous width and height.
• The body of the "hatch" could be both 3-door and 5-door.
• The idea to increase the comfort of the car could not be solved without increasing the space in the cabin.

But that was not the most important thing. In the manufacture of a hatchback body Volkswagen Golf 4 galvanized steel was used for the first time. This slightly increased its cost, but made it possible to provide consumers with a 12-year warranty period for the operation of the body metal. In practice, the company recognized as its defect all cases of through corrosion on the surface of the body. At that time, such a step was not only a technical breakthrough, but also unique opportunity, the benefits of using which many buyers did not have the strength to refuse.

Specifications Volkswagen Golf 4 generations

The Germans immediately laid the foundation power plant a wide range of engines, in which there was a place for both gasoline and 3 diesel engines.

• The main row stretched in power from 75 to 115 forces, which for compact car quite enough.
• Additionally, a faster version of the Volkswagen Golf 4 was created with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine and 150 hp.

Increasing power and speed indicators it didn't end there. The list of 4th generation cars includes a real monster, not much reminiscent of the Volkswagen Golf. This modification received an additional RSI prefix, which in reality meant the installation of a 240 hp engine created by 3.2 liters of cylinder displacement. This semi-racing car accelerated to a speed of 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, which was about 4 seconds faster than the result of the average Golf 4. goes.

The fuel consumption of the Golf 4 on gasoline fluctuated around the mark of 8 liters per 100 kilometers, and the diesel lowered the bar to 5 liters. The transmission equally accepted manual transmission and automatic transmission. Brake mechanism on both axles was made on the basis of the disk-caliper system. The front brakes received natural air ventilation.

Appearance Volkswagen Golf 1997-2006

Appearance"four" was distinguished by a fresh solution in the layout of the front light-optical devices.

• Designers placed high and low beam lamps, direction indicators and even fog lights under a single glass cap.
• Another feature of the machine's outline is located at its rear. rear pillar slightly curved and smoothly moved into the wing.
• Volkswagen Golf 4 still remained a rather squat car, but with a panoramic sunroof on the roof.

The emphasis on comfort was also reflected in a 2-fold increase in the proposed equipment levels. Since then everything Volkswagen models acquired at least the following names - Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, GTI. For a small car, the volume allocated for the luggage compartment has always been relevant. At Volkswagen Golf 4 it is equal to 330 l, and when unfolding the rear row of seats, it triples. For cars of this class, these are quite acceptable numbers.

Compared to the third generation, the interior has acquired a new, better trim, which immediately significantly reduced the noise inside the car. The driver received control of the steering mechanism with a variable gear ratio and the amount of force applied to the steering wheel. A set of frontal airbags fit in front of the front row of seats.

The Golf 4 was one of the first cars to rely on data from the rain sensor to start the windshield wipers. And on the center console, a place was allocated in advance for installation navigation system, and most importantly - a rather impressive liquid crystal display.

Photo salon VW Golf 4

Price Volkawagen Golf 1997-2006

Today, the 4th generation Volkswagen Golf can be bought for a very acceptable price. The cheapest cars with mileage of 250-300 thousand km. cost from 150.000r. As already mentioned, the car turned out to be very solid, and serious problems with the exploitation of even such a veteran should not arise. But in any case, before buying it is better to diagnose all possible systems. And if finances allow, then you can take a swing at a more “fresh” Golf with a mileage of 70-80 thousand. You will have to pay for such a car from 270 thousand rubles.

Video test drive Golf 4 generations

The seventh generation, Golf is a prime example of a sought-after buyer mass machine. Only the first three generations of Volkswagen Golf sold around the world with a circulation of 17 million cars, and already in 2002, 22 million Golfs found their owners. It was in honor of Golf that the C-class was named, Golf - class. The fourth generation of Volkswagen Golf played an important role in increasing the level of sales. IN this review we will pay attention to the fourth Volkswagen Golf. Volkswagen Golf 4 was first shown on car showroom in Frankfurt in 1997. Since the third generation, Golf has been officially sold in most CIS countries, but most of the cars that drive on the roads of the CIS came to us from abroad. When choosing a used Golf fourth generation it should be borne in mind that the car was assembled not only in Germany, but also in North America, Mexico, Asia, production was even established in South Africa, when buying, it is better to give preference to a European assembly car.

Appearance and body:

The fourth generation Volkswagen Golf was the first Golf with a galvanized body. As with the bodywork warranty, against rust penetration was 12 years, and the warranty for paintwork 3 years. Body gaps do not exceed 3.5 mm, while for golf-class cars of those years, gaps of 5 mm were the norm. The car is offered in bodies: three and five-door hatchback, in 1999 a station wagon was shown, a convertible was also produced on the basis of the third generation, but it is almost impossible to see it in the CIS. It is also worth mentioning the BORA sedan, the so-called sedan created on the Golf platform.
Even in minimum configuration bumpers and mirror housings were painted in body color. Already from the factory wheel arches Volkswagen were covered plastic fenders which also has a very positive effect on corrosion protection. When viewing the exterior of the body, you may find that the right side mirror is smaller than left mirror. It is to the right mirror, according to the reviews of the owners, there are reproaches, because the mirror does not provide good visibility. Compared to the third generation, the fourth golf course is 130mm longer and 40mm wider. Most cars use 175/80 R14 and 195/65 R15 tires, but sports modifications, such as the Golf V6 3.2 is shod with 225/40 R18 tires.

Salon and equipment:

The basic equipment of the Volkswagen Golf 4 includes two airbags, steering wheel adjustment for reach and tilt, and seat belt pretensioners are also included in the standard equipment of the Volkswagen Golf.
Many cars are equipped with four airbags, air conditioning and electric windows and mirrors, there are even Golfs with leather interior, climate - control and servo front seats. The disadvantages include the fact that the brake and gas pedal are on different levels. Depending on the configuration, the back rear seats can be folded either as a whole or in parts in a 60/40 ratio. The luggage compartment of the hatchback holds 330 liters, not much at first glance, but even today this is the norm for the C-Class. The hatchback trunk can be increased to 1185 liters. The station wagon initially holds 460 liters, if desired, the trunk volume of the station wagon increases to 1470 liters. Regardless of the type of body in the trunk of the Golf is a full-size spare tire.

Technical part and characteristics of the Golf 4

As for others German cars, for the Volkswagen Golf, a wide range of powertrains was offered. Some, but the most powerful engines were also installed on the older model - Volkswagen Passat B5. The least powerful gasoline engine Golf is a four-cylinder 1.4 with a sixteen-valve engine block. Power gasoline engine 1.4 16v - 75 Horse power, even with such a not the most powerful engine, with a five-speed manual, the Golf gains one hundred kilometers in 13.5 seconds. It is worth emphasizing that 1.4 engines are found under the hood of the Volkswagen Golf somewhat less frequently than 1.6 gasoline ones. There are three 1.6 liter engines. The first one with an eight-valve cylinder head develops a power of 102 horsepower, on the highway such a motor can reach a speed of 185 kilometers per hour, and for acceleration for a hundred kilometers, the Golf will take 10.9 seconds. More powerful 1.6 engines have a sixteen-valve cylinder head, power 1.6 16v 105 and 110 horsepower. The maximum speed of the Golf with 1.6 16v power units exceeds 190 kilometers per hour. So lovers high-speed driving it makes sense to buy a sixteen-valve Volkswagen Golf. There are also more powerful motors. The atmospheric 1.8 is equipped with five valves per cylinder and produces 125 horsepower. With a manual transmission, it takes 9.9s to set the Golf to a hundred kilometers per hour, maximum speed- 201km. The 1.8 engine can be equipped with a turbocharger, in which case its power, depending on the year of manufacture, is 150 and 180 horsepower. one hundred and eighty strong car gaining a treasured hundred in 8.5s, and on the highway the hatchback is able to reach speeds of 222 km. The eight-valve naturally aspirated 2.0-liter gasoline unit produces 115 horsepower. The five-cylinder V5 is known from the Passat, depending on the year of manufacture, the power of the V5 2.3 is 150 and 170 horsepower. With the latest engine and manual transmission, Golf is able to develop 224 kilometers per hour. The most prestigious golfs are equipped with powerful six-cylinder engines with a V-shaped arrangement of cylinders. The 2.8-liter V6 petrol develops 204 horsepower, such a machine is equipped with 4motion all-wheel drive and six-speed mechanics. Four-wheel drive is distributed using a Haldex viscous coupling. Thanks to the equipment described above, a set of one hundred kilometers takes only 7.1s. The top is a 3.2-liter V6 with a capacity of 241hp. This motor known for being installed even on executive sedan Phaeton. Three latest engine: V5 2.3, V6 2.8 and V6 3.2 are equipped with a timing chain drive. All other Volkswagen engines have a timing belt drive.

All Volkswagen Golf 4 diesels have the same volume - 1.9 liters. The base diesel is 68hp, this diesel is not equipped with a turbocharger, acceleration to one hundred kilometers takes 17.2s. Other diesels Volkswagen Golf have power: 90, 100, 110, 115, 130 and 150 horsepower. According to experts, the most reliable diesel engine is a 90-strong modification, so if you need reliability and a minimum of repairs, it makes sense to look after a diesel Golf with such an engine. More powerful diesel plants Volkswagen may ask to repair the pump injectors (one costs $1,000) and fuel pump. On all motors, you should monitor the condition of the air filter, because a dirty filter will sooner or later lead to failure of the air flow meter sensor. The timing belt on gasoline engines should be replaced no later than 90,000, and on diesel engines even earlier - 60,000 (the mileage on the original timing belt is indicated, if neo-regional is used, the replacement should be made even earlier). For new owners of not new diesel Golfs, the love of diesel engines for oil should not come as a surprise, it is advisable to check the oil level before each trip. An oil change in diesel engines is carried out at a mileage of 7,500 km, with a mileage of 10,000, the oil in a gasoline engine should be changed. great attention should be given turbocharged engine 1.8t. On this power unit, an individual coil is installed on each spark plug, unfortunately for the owners of cars with such motors, the coils fail from time to time. Every 30,000 in a 1.8t engine, the oil supply pipe to the turbine should be replaced, and with a run of 50,000 at 1.8t, pipes and a ventilation valve should be replaced crankcase gases, you should also clean the oil receiver mesh.

Already in basic equipment Golf includes four-channel ABS. For Volkswagen Golf offered automatic boxes with four and five steps, as well as mechanics for 5 and 6 steps. As time has shown, all boxes are quite reliable and, as a rule, they go 200,000 km before repair. The clutch on cars with a manual transmission usually lasts at least 150 thousand km. An oil change in a manual transmission should be carried out every 60,000 km, and in an automatic transmission every 30-40 thousand km.

Most Volkswagen Golfs are equipped with front-wheel drive, front-wheel drive cars have a McPherson-type suspension in front and a semi-independent beam in the rear, all-wheel drive Golf modifications are equipped with a fully independent suspension.

bushings roll stability they go to Golf 4 for 40 thousand, steering rods are enough for 80 thousand, and with a run of 100,000, a replacement will be required wheel bearings. steering rack at a run exceeding 150,000 it may leak. Front shock absorbers good quality live on 40-50 thousand.

Some typical failure for this car is the failure of the wiper motor, so that this does not happen, once a year the wiper drive should be disassembled and the trapezoid axles should be lubricated.

Let's pay attention to the technical characteristics of the Volkswagen Golf 4 with a 1.6 16v engine and mechanical five-speed gearbox. Body - hatchback:

Specifications:

Engine: 1.6 petrol

Volume: 1598cc

Power: 110hp

Torque: 155N.m

Performance indicators:

Acceleration 0 -100km: 10.6s

Maximum speed: 194km

Average fuel consumption: 6.2l

Capacity fuel tank: 55l

Dimensions: 4149mm*1735mm*1444mm

Wheelbase: 2511mm

Curb weight: 1100kg

Ground clearance/ Clearance: 130mm (170mm - package bad roads)

Price

Today the price of Volkswagen Golf 4 is $6,000 - $10,000. Volkswagen price Golf 4 mainly depends on the technical condition.

Volkswagen Golf 4 - all about the car

Volkswagen Golf 4 is simply amazing in its versatility and compactness. Due comfortable fit and ease of control, women will feel quite comfortable driving this car. At the same time, with the GTi package, this is a typical male car, powerful engine which allows you to move in an active style. The small dimensions of the machine make it possible to deftly and confidently maneuver in conditions of close urban traffic. Ground clearance is absolutely suitable for passing on average country roads. True Golf fourth-generation hatchback version cannot boast large sizes trunk, and it is unlikely that you will be able to put bulky luggage there, but the station wagon is quite roomy.

Engine range Golf 4

Engine options with which the car is equipped with a mass, ranging from gasoline engines volume 1.4; 1.6; 1.8; 2.3 l. with and without turbocharging, and ending with three variants of diesel power units with a volume of 1.9 liters. which can be turbocharged.

In Russia, the most common are four-cylinder engines with 8 and 16 valves with a volume of 1.6 and 1.8 liters. Golfs 4 with an engine capacity of 1.4 and 2 liters are less common. Vehicles with powerful motors V6 (2.8l), V5 (2.3l) and 1.8 T versions of the GTi are generally isolated cases. Diesel engines installed in the fourth generation Golf, with a displacement of 1.9. for the most part they come with a turbine and have a direct fuel injection system, which is indicated by the TDi sign. Their power ranges from 90 to 115 horsepower and largely depends on the design of the turbine.

Both petrol and diesel engines they work almost silently, the cabin is quiet, and vibrations on the steering wheel are not felt.

In the line of these cars are also present all-wheel drive models Golf 4motion competing with the Audi A3 quattro. They, of course, are designed for a narrow circle of potential buyers.

An unpleasant moment is problems with ignition in 1.6-liter engines in winter, at air temperatures below -20. What can not be said about diesel engines, with which such problems do not arise. They seem to be specially created for Russian severe frosts. Diesel units accelerate somewhat slower than gasoline engines, but at the same time their fuel consumption is several times less.

Significant savings, but the choice depends on individual preferences.

Previously produced engines with a capacity of 90 and 110 horsepower. had problems with high oil consumption. All Golf 4 models that have been produced since 2000 do not suffer from this problem. So if the owner vehicle it seems that the flow rate is higher than usual, the turbine should be diagnosed. This part requires refilling only quality oil Otherwise, significant problems may arise in the operation of the engine.

Buying , you should carefully inspect the engine pan, since it is made of aluminum, which means that it must be protected from strong metal.

Specifications Golf 4

Regardless of whether a manual transmission or an automatic transmission is installed in the fourth generation of the Golf, their work is durable, one has only to change the oil in a timely manner. Chassis also reaffirms a high degree reliability of German cars.

There are problems in the steering: oil may leak from the hydraulic system, which leads to less effective work the entire power steering system, which, in principle, does not depend on the year of manufacture of the car or on its mileage. This minor problem is easily fixed, and the fourth Golf rail will last up to 150 thousand kilometers without problems.

Front suspension - independent, with anti-roll bar, assembled using a subframe; rear - semi-independent, has an elastic transverse beam. In conditions bad roads they will last long enough, you only have to change the shock absorbers every 50 thousand kilometers.

Body

The serial body of the fourth generation Golf has a one-piece corrosion protection with a twelve year warranty. high quality manufacturing and coloring. The bodies of some cars, after a certain period of operation, can be subjected not only to corrosion, but also to emit unpleasant squeaks. This problem completely unfamiliar with the Golf car brand. The rigidity of their body is so high that it protects the metal from twisting and aging as much as possible. This result was achieved by holistic metalworking of parts that previously consisted of several parts. The type of welding also plays an important role, since laser welding minimizes gaps in the car assembly process and, consequently, the acoustic properties of the cabin increase.

The body of the Volkswagen Golf 4 is equipped with passive safety equipment for sufficient high level. During a traffic accident, the frame of the car is directly related to the safety of life and health of people in the cabin. Special areas by absorbing impact suppress the energy of the collision, protecting the driver and passengers from serious injury.

Electrical and Safety Golf 4

Being in the cabin of this car, you can feel perfect security from all sides. The brakes on the fourth Golf are excellent - clear, informative, with smooth deceleration. The advantage is that ABS system absolutely does not reduce their effectiveness, as often happens on other machines.

In the cabin, frontal airbags, and emergency pretensioners on the front seat belts. For convenience, you can install a sensor that reacts to rain and controls the operation of the wipers.

In general, in the evening, the Golf salon resembles an airplane cockpit with many glowing light bulbs on the instrument panel. Simply put, excellent service provision. Paired halogen headlights perfectly illuminate the road and give the car a more austere look.

Result and price of Golf 4

The relatively high price of a Volkswagen will prove over time that you should not waste time on trifles when choosing a reliable vehicle. And with timely treatment for scheduled diagnostics, you can significantly save on repairs.

Behind the wheel of the Golf you feel only the comfort and pleasure of driving this car. In Moscow, Golf 4 with a mileage of about 150 thousand kilometers can be bought for 300 thousand rubles.

A few years ago, the fourth Volkswagen Golf was the most sought-after car on the market. secondary market along with the VW Passat B5. Today, many buyers choose more modern varieties Golf, but the fourth generation still has something to offer. This is one of the best options for those who are looking for an inexpensive, compact and cheap car to repair and operate.

The model was put into production in September 1997. Despite the great similarity with the 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 a lot of 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 the back of a three- and five-door hatchback. The station wagon, which went on sale in May 1999, was traditionally called the Golf Variant. The sedan, which entered the conveyor in September 1998, bore the name Bora (for American market- Jetta) and differed in other external body parts. Bora Variant differed from the Golf Variant by elements of the front end of the body. And the Golf Cabrio was, in fact, previous model, that is, the Golf 3, which has undergone a facelift in the style of the Golf 4.

The basic equipment boasted at least two airbags, seat belts with pyrotechnic tensioners, ABS, power windows and mirrors. In addition to the "base", three main packages were also introduced: Comfortline, Trendline and Highline. From September 1999 it was possible to order the system exchange rate stability ESP. On later versions, it is quite common to find not only side airbags located in the backs of the front seats, but also window airbags. As a result, one of the best indicators in the class in terms of passenger safety.

Engines

A wide range of power units is opened by a 1.4-liter engine with a power of 75 hp. Fans of a ride with the breeze, this unit is clearly not suitable. In order not to get out of the flow, it constantly has to be twisted, which, accordingly, affects the resource. Among the shortcomings can be noted a clogged crankcase ventilation system and high flow oil (wear of piston rings).

It is followed by an 8-valve 1.6-liter engine with 100 hp. and a 105-horsepower 16-valve variant. Both with distributed fuel injection. These motors are the most common for Golf 4, 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 in time, monitor its level and not overheat the engine. Of the characteristic "sores", it is worth highlighting the antifreeze leak through the cracked plastic pipes of the cooling system and the thermostat housing, malfunctions throttle valve and ignition coils. The 8-valve version proved to be the best.

With the same displacement, the FSI engine with a power of 110 hp was also produced. He has direct injection and poorly adapted to our operating conditions. The main problems with this engine are fuel equipment, which often fails due to low-quality gasoline(recommended 98th gasoline), and the cost of troubleshooting is much higher than on engines with distributed injection. The engine suffers from the formation of soot on the valves, electronic ailments and short-lived elements of the gas distribution mechanism.

The 1.8-liter engine is presented in two versions: atmospheric gave out 125 hp, and turbocharged - 150 and 180 hp. The naturally aspirated variant can lay claim to being quite dynamic machine especially with manual transmission. With a turbine, the rather light Golf accelerates to “hundreds” in a little more than 8 seconds. But the risk when buying a turbocharged version is quite high (the price of a new turbine is about $ 1000), and such specimens in decent condition are not cheap. After all, the owners of turbo versions were, as a rule, far from pensioners. The main rule in the operation of these motors is not to turn off the engine after a dynamic ride, thus allowing the turbine to cool. Better yet, install a turbo timer right away. Oh, and change the oil more often.

The 2-liter engine (115 hp) is quite unpretentious and reliable. Especially if you do not forget about replacing 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 - driving pleasure. But you have to pay for the 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 it comes time for major repairs.

Were in the model range and diesel versions. All - a volume of 1.9 liters. The weakest "aspirated" SDI developed only 68 hp, and the TDI versions - 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 take a diesel engine if the engine with low mileage is in excellent condition, and the future owner is planning large annual runs.

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 weakness- injection pump. Its repair will cost $ 100 if it fails mechanical part, and 400 dollars - if electric. Rebuilding the injectors on this engine costs about $70 each.

In 1999, the 1.9 TDI appeared with 115 hp unit injectors. 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, economy, but more expensive to maintain. The cost of new unit injectors is about $ 500, and restoration - $ 100.

The weakest of the 1.9 TDIs lacked the vulnerable dual-mass flywheel and turbo variable geometry. For repairs conventional turbine it will take about $ 150, and with variable geometry - already $ 300. New components on average twice more expensive Replacement dual-mass flywheel with clutch will cost $600. The undoubted advantage of these diesel engines is the absence of a DPF filter.

The common disadvantage of all diesel units until 2001 - a malfunction of the flow meter.

Transmission

The Golf 4 offered 5- and 6-speed mechanical boxes gears, as well as 4- and 5-speed automatic transmissions. The latter boasted the function manual switching speeds. All "boxes" are quite reliable.

On a manual gearbox, the gear lever sometimes becomes loose. "Treated" in most cases by replacing the switching mechanism (about $ 160 with work). On many "boxes" with a 1.6-liter engine, it is often difficult to engage first gear. The oil in the “mechanics” is recommended to be changed every 90,000 km, and clutch replacement depends on the driving style and experience of the driver. The average figures are 120,000–200,000 km.

In "automatic machines" it is necessary to change the oil every 60,000 km, and fill in only the recommended by the factory. But there are some nuances here. When buying, you need to ask the seller how often he updated the oil in the automatic transmission. It does not change completely, but partially, since in most cases the new one, having high detergent properties, dissolves old deposits and disables the box. Do not believe the services that claim that the oil is filled for the entire life of the box.

Starting with the 1.8-liter engine, 4 MOTION all-wheel drive could be optionally ordered. In versions with a 2.8-liter engine and R32, it was already in the basic configuration. All-wheel drive makes the Golf 4 extremely stable on slippery road and gives an unforgettable driving experience. The reverse side of these modifications is the complexity of maintenance and the high cost of spare parts relating to all-wheel drive elements. In addition, such devices are taken by the first owner not 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 Golf 4s has simple design, it is reliable, inexpensive to maintain and quite comfortable for its class. The front suspension is "MacPherson", and the rear had options. On front-wheel drive versions, a simple H-beam was used, and with all-wheel drive, a multi-link suspension complicating and increasing the cost of maintenance.

Suspension wear is directly related to driving style and pitting speed. The stabilizer struts and bushings are the first to make themselves felt - on average, every 50-60 thousand km. But the cost of spare parts and work is cheap - about $ 60 for everything. With active driving, shock absorbers can “die” by 150,000 km ($ 150 with work). The rest of the suspension elements on average serve more than 100,000 km. The front pads (depending on the driving style) "walk" 20-30 thousand km, and the discs - 80-90 thousand km. The rear pads "live" about 60-70 thousand km. Suspension repair is not burdensome in financial terms, since today there are a lot of substitutes in various price ranges.

With age, the steering rack begins to knock.

Body and interior

Body Golf 4 without exaggeration can be called a reference in its class. Thanks to galvanization, the manufacturer gave a 12-year guarantee against through corrosion. Chips of paint to metal, which survived several Moscow winters, did not give rise to rust. All body panels fit perfectly, and the gaps between the elements are minimal. The result is an almost complete absence of aerodynamic noise at any speed. So if you have a car with traces of corrosion in front of you, then most likely it was in an accident and was poorly restored.

The only drawback is the freezing of doors in the openings when the temperature passes through 0 ° C. The manufacturer even released special grease, which made it a little easier to get into the cabin.

The German-style interior is strict and comfortable for its class. Many adjustments allow you to find correct position behind the wheel of a driver of any height. The center console a la BMW deployed towards the driver. From ergonomic miscalculations - inconvenience of use air conditioner. It is out of the driver's field of vision, you have to be distracted by the buttons while driving. In sets with mechanical control"climate" does not have such a problem.

The disadvantages of the interior are scuffs on the plastic of the doors and along the edges of the front panel. With age, interior plastic begins to creak. At the end of production, the build quality improved somewhat.

Due to age and huge miles (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 dilapidated and dented, and the steering wheel is shabby, then you can be sure 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

Electricity is no big deal. Although the rear wiper motor often fails. The trapezoid of the front wiper may turn sour. Many try to lubricate it, but this either does not help or helps temporarily (“treated” by replacing the trapezoid - an average of $ 100 with work).

The brake light switch located in the pedal assembly may also fail. Often, before failing, it ignites various pilot lamps on dashboard related to stabilization and braking systems, but it works itself. With a complete breakdown, the brake lights go out. In the presence of an automatic transmission, in addition to the “stops”, the box selector is blocked - and the car is immobilized. In order not to call a tow truck, you can try to throw off the chip from the switch, most likely the selector will be unlocked. The cost of the switch is $15, the replacement work is $10.

On cars manufactured before mid-2001, defects in power windows were often observed.In addition, the climate control display may fail, power windows and central locking.

Conclusion

The fourth generation VW Golf retained all the advantages of its "ancestors", adding comfort and significantly increasing the active and passive safety, which somewhat complicated the on-board electronics, which sometimes malfunctions. As for the rest high reliability and excellent maintainability combined with democratic prices for parts make the car one of the best options in the class for the secondary market.