The Volkswagen Golf IV is a great option. Volkswagen Golf IV - a great option Suspension

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

The model was launched in September 1997. Despite the great similarity with the Golf 3, the fourth Golf was not a deep restyling, but independent model... It was built on new platform A4, which formed the basis for 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 assembly 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 in 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 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 presented: Comfortline, Trendline and Highline. From September 1999 it was possible to order the system directional stability ESP. In later versions, you can often find not only side airbags located in the backs of the front seats, but also window ones. As a result - one of the best indicators in the class for passenger safety.

Engines

Wide range power units opens a 1.4-liter engine with a capacity 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, it constantly has to be twisted, which, accordingly, affects the resource. Among the shortcomings can be noted a clogged crankcase ventilation system and high consumption oil (piston ring wear).

It is followed by an 8-valve 1.6-liter engine with 100 hp. and a 105-horsepower 16-valve variant. Both with multipoint fuel injection. These motors are the most common for the Golf 4, and they are also recognized as the most successful. The engine can travel more than 300,000 km without serious intervention. The main thing is to change the oil on time, monitor its level and not overheat the engine. Of the characteristic "sores" it is worth highlighting the flow of antifreeze through the cracked plastic pipes of the cooling system and the thermostat housing, malfunctioning of the throttle valve and ignition coils. The 8-valve version has proven itself in the best way.

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

The 1.8-liter engine is presented in two versions: the naturally-aspirated one produced 125 hp, and the turbocharged one - 150 and 180 hp. The naturally aspirated version can pretend to be a rather dynamic car, especially with a manual transmission. With a turbine, a fairly light 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 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. Well, change the oil more often.

The engine with a volume of 2 liters (115 hp) is rather 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 the time comes for major repairs.

There were also diesel versions in the model range. All - with 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 plans large annual runs.

1.9 SDI, if someone is not intimidated by the dynamics (0-100 km / h in 17.2 seconds), will demonstrate exemplary reliability, durability and low cost of ownership. But there is one drawback - it is very noisy.

Old 1.9 TDI with 90 and 110 hp. have only one weak point - injection pump. Its repair will cost $ 100 if it is out of order. mechanical part, and $ 400 if electric. Rebuilding the injectors on this engine costs about $ 70 apiece.

1999 saw the introduction of the 1.9 TDI with 115 hp unit injectors. In subsequent years, the diesel range was supplemented by 100, 130 and 150-horsepower versions of the engine. Compared to the old 1.9, they provide better performance, economy, but more expensive to maintain. The cost of new unit injectors is about $ 500, and refurbishment costs $ 100.

The weakest of the 1.9 TDI lacked the vulnerable dual-mass flywheel and turbine. variable geometry... The repair of a conventional turbine will cost about $ 150, and with a variable geometry - already $ 300. New components average twice the price Replacing a dual-mass flywheel with clutch costs $ 600. A definite plus of these diesels is the absence of a DPF filter.

A common drawback of all diesel units up to 2001 is a flow meter malfunction.

Transmission

IN Volkswagen golf 4 offered 5 and 6-speed manual transmissions, as well as 4 and 5-speed automatic transmissions. The latter boasted a manual gearshift function. All "boxes" are reliable enough.

On a manual gearbox, the gear lever is sometimes loose. It is "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 the first gear. It is recommended to change the oil in the "mechanics" every 90,000 km, and the replacement of the clutch depends on the driving style and the experience of the person sitting behind the wheel. 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 only the one recommended by the plant. 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 the new in most cases, having high detergent properties, dissolves old deposits and puts the box out of order. Do not trust 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 was optionally available. In versions with a 2.8 liter engine and R32, it was already in basic configuration... The 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 complexity of maintenance and high price spare parts relating to elements all-wheel drive... 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.

Undercarriage

The undercarriage of most Volkswagen Golf 4 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 the 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 is directly related to driving style and hole 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 to 150,000 km, shock absorbers can "die" ($ 150 with work). The rest of the suspension elements serve more than 100,000 km on average. The front pads (depending on the driving style) "go" 20-30 thousand km, and the discs - 80-90 thousand km. Rear pads "live" about 60-70 thousand km. Suspension repair is not financially burdensome, since today there are a lot of substitutes in various price ranges.

With age it starts knocking steering rack.

Body and interior

The body of the Golf 4, without exaggeration, can be called a reference in its class. Thanks to galvanizing, the manufacturer has given a 12-year guarantee against perforation 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 goes over 0 ° C. The manufacturer even produced a special lubricant, which made it a little easier to get into the cabin.

The German interior is austere and comfortable for its class. Numerous adjustments allow a driver of any height to find the correct driving position. The center console a la BMW is turned towards the driver. Ergonomic miscalculations - inconvenience of use climate control... It is out of the driver's field of vision, you have to be distracted by buttons while driving. There is no such problem in configurations with mechanical climate control.

Disadvantages of the interior - scuffs on the plastic of the doors and along the edges of the front panel. With age, the interior plastic begins to creak. At the end of production, the build quality improved slightly.

Due to the age and huge mileage (the counters are twisted several times, which in this model is very easy to do), the condition of the seats, steering wheel and gear lever is often not the best. So, if the chair looks dilapidated and rumpled, and the steering wheel is shabby, then you can be sure - the mileage here is more than 400-500 thousand km, and not 180-230 thousand km, as the "owner" assures.

Typical problems and malfunctions

The electrician is not a big deal. Although the rear wiper motor often fails. Front wiper trapezoid may acidify. Many people try to lubricate it, but it either does not help, or it helps temporarily (it is "treated" by replacing the trapezoid - on average $ 100 with work).

Also, the brake light switch located in the pedal assembly may fail. Often, before failure, he lights up various warning lamps on dashboard related to the stabilization and braking systems, but itself works. In the event of a complete breakdown, the braking signals go out. In the presence of an automatic gearbox, in addition to the "feet", the gearbox selector is blocked - and the car is immobilized. In order not to call a tow truck, you can try to throw the chip off 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, window regulator defects were often observed.In addition, the climate control display, power windows and central locking may fail.

Conclusion

VW Golf of the fourth generation has retained all the advantages of its "ancestors", adding comfort and significantly increasing the active and passive safety, which made the on-board electronics a little more complicated, which sometimes malfunctions. Otherwise high reliability and excellent maintainability in combination with affordable prices for spare parts make the car one of the best options in the class for purchase on the secondary market.

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On the Russian market presented eight hatchbacks of a golf class worth up to 500,000 rubles. Among them there are gasoline and diesel versions, three- and five-door European, Japanese or Korean brands. In short, the choice is widest.

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Golf-class models are in the production range of almost all car manufacturers. These are cars without pretensions, for trips "from point A to point B", albeit in many cases, and very high quality made. A completely different matter is sports modifications based on these ordinary, in general, cars. They use more advanced technologies, sometimes borrowed from models more high level... They have a personality that can please even the fastidious motorist. It is about such flagship representatives of the golf class that will be discussed in our review.

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Sales market: Russia.

The five-door modification of the fourth-generation Volkswagen Golf hatchback is interesting for its compact dimensions - the length of the car is exactly the same as the three-door, but more practical due to the presence of side rear doors. In the new generation, the creators have tried to make the Golf more prestigious. Compared to its predecessor, it has a better interior and better equipment. With the introduction of new production standards, the popular model received an electrolytic galvanized body - VW gave a 12-year warranty against punching corrosion. New engine mounts have reduced vibration levels. The narrower gaps between the body panels also indicated a higher build quality. Meanwhile, changes in design and technique have been evolutionary. In the new generation, the five-door Volkswagen Golf hatchback has a very wide range of engines. Preserved in the series abbreviation GTI, but now these models have fewer differences from other versions.

The basic configuration of the fourth-generation Volkswagen Golf five-door hatchback has power steering, adjustable in height and reach steering wheel, the driver's seat is height adjustable, the rear seat has a one-piece folding backrest. With additional options owner new car received front and rear power windows and central locking, air conditioning. In addition, more expensive versions include on-board computer, alloy wheels 15 inches, fog lights, central locking with remote control, leather steering wheel and a gearshift knob, automatic climate control, height adjustment of both front seats, and the rear one folds in a 40/60 ratio. The GTI version will add a sports suspension to the above, RECARO seats, ebony inserts. In 2004, shortly before the Golf IV left the market, Russian buyers exclusive configurations were offered with a more affordable fixed set of options and with a pronounced individuality: the sports package "Pacific" and the comfortable "Ocean". The first one suggested alloy wheels special design, sports front seats and a leather 3-spoke steering wheel, chrome-plated dashboard trim, body-colored moldings, climate control, Pacific door sill lettering and unique Pacific fabric upholstery. The Ocean model was distinguished by heat-shielding glass tinted, chrome-plated equipment, front seat height adjustment, air conditioning, and Ocean fabric upholstery.

The engine range of the fourth generation Volkswagen Golf is extremely extensive. The basis of gasoline power units are in-line “fours” with a volume of 1.4 to 2.0 liters. At the same time, the most common option is a simple and unpretentious 1.6-liter "eight-valve" with a capacity of 100-102 hp. Rather rare options are modifications with VR5 engines with a volume of 2.3 liters (150 hp) and absolutely exotic - VR6 with a volume of 2.8 liters. In general, the Golf IV engines are quite reliable, but when choosing a 1.8T turbo version, you should be more strict about diagnostics (the real life of the turbine is within 200 thousand km). The same requirement holds true for diesel versions, which can often be found in the aftermarket, and these models were only 1.9-liter.

The suspension of the Volkswagen Golf IV deserves all praise, which makes this car one of the benchmarks for driving performance and reliability. "Hodovka" here is moderately tough, it holds the car perfectly in turns. The energy intensity is quite enough for passing small road irregularities, but when driving on a bad road, it is better to slow down. At the same time, the brake system of the Golf IV is also at its best - an effective reduction in speed occurs even with a slight pressure on the pedal, since the brakes here are completely disc (front ventilated), and even in the smallest model with a 1.4-liter engine. A big plus is the presence of all-wheel drive modifications - with Haldex coupling with electronic control... If we talk about dimensions, then in the five-door version of the hatchback they do not differ from the three-door version and are: length 4149 mm, width 1735 mm, height 1439 mm. The wheelbase is 2511 mm, the minimum turning radius is 5.45 m. The trunk volume is 330 liters, and if the rear seat is folded down - 1184 liters.

The benchmark in Volkswagen class The fourth generation Golf is also in terms of safety. IN standard equipment included front airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags and curtain airbags were offered for a surcharge. The car has an anti-lock braking system, an optional system was also offered electronic control sustainability (ESP). In tests Euro NCAP 1998 the car received four stars out of five for driver and front passenger safety and two out of four stars for pedestrian safety.

Consumer Volkswagen quality Golf of the fourth generation and its characteristics turned out to be quite successful, and even after being discontinued in 2004, it continued to be produced for some time in third countries. The car also has disadvantages, among which the Russian owners call a low ground clearance, expensive original spare parts. Among the characteristic "diseases" also appear "sour" wipers, weak door limit switches, and an unsuccessful location of the sound signal.

Read completely

Volkswagen Golf 4 can already be attributed to the category of "oldies" in the secondary car market, but should not be written off. The mere fact that it was produced longer than the fifth generation speaks of its popularity among buyers. Volkswagen Golf 4 is one of best cars, if you need an inexpensive, compact and cheap to repair and operate "workhorse".

However, given the venerable age (the newest fourth "golf" is more than nine years old), the maintenance of these cars requires increased attention from the owners. Especially if the machine is used every day. If you have a need to purchase spare parts for your "favorite", then the best place where you can do it, autoparsing Volkswagen Golf 4 at AutoStrong. For many years, she has been specializing in the supply of used spare parts from abroad and is ready to provide customers with goods at the most favorable terms.

Advantages of buying spare parts for VW Golf 4 disassembly

• This is the only place where you can get original parts at a very reasonable price. And do not be confused by the presence of mileage. The quality of the originals is initially so high that in terms of endurance, reliability and service life they will be comparable to any new analogue, and most likely they will also surpass it.
• At the dismantling Volkswagen Golf 4 you will find any parts you need. It doesn't matter what year your car is, what model and with what type of engine. For any modification there are all the necessary details of the "filling", interior and body.

Why is it worth contacting "AutoStrong"

1. Fault detection. You do not want to receive non-working parts, and we do not want to sell them to you. Therefore, we must check all spare parts for "professional suitability" and exclude all that do not pass this test.
2. Convenient catalog. With the help of search filters, you can easily find the parts you need on the parsing of the Volkswagen Golf 4 and find out all their characteristics from the full description, as well as evaluate the visual condition of the spare parts from photographs.
3. Affordable cost. At our Golf 4 auto breakdown shop you will buy parts at below market prices.
4. Warranty. All parts that need to be checked after installation are warranted for 14 days and engines for 30 days.
5. Large delivery area. Here you can order spare parts from the Golf 4 auto dismantling facility with delivery to any region of Russia.

You can leave a request by phone, via Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Odnoklassniki or VKontakte. But if you want to get an instant answer, then use the "Online Consultant" window on the website to order.

The popularity of this generation VW Golf in Europe and Ukraine has been overwhelming. More than 4 million units were produced. Produced in six countries on four continents. Of course, in most cases, our roads are roaming Golfs imported from Europe. Although we officially sold a model in this generation. At the same time, the official fourth knee-highs were adapted for our operating conditions with reinforced suspension and engine protection. When looking for chassis parts, there are such springs and shock absorbers, which are called so - for cars with a "bad road package".

Body and interior.

The body of the Golf is eternal, as the mechanics say. The metal is perfectly protected from corrosion, galvanized on both sides. Despite the years, it is possible to find a car in very good condition. Outwardly, the classic body shape does not look outdated. Volkswagen has always been able to make cars that, over the years, have not become obsolete in appearance, as is the case with cars from Asia.

Problems could occur with door locks (this is a common breakdown in all cars built on a common A4 or PQ34 platform). Also, over time, some on-board equipment can also fail. The stove fan hums at first, and then just stops. The door window regulators refuse to open the windows normally, and the window regulator buttons on the driver's door are often changed due to wear or water ingress. The salon at Golf, of the fourth generation, is quite functional even today. Rear seats can be conveniently folded in split proportions. There are plenty of seats for passengers in the second row, and a person of any size can get a job behind the wheel. What can I say, the standard of boarding and placement of passengers and cargo in its class, which was equal to all competitors at the beginning of the two thousandth.

Popular gasoline engines

There were more than enough powertrain options. The base gasoline engine 1.4 16V (AHW, AXP, AKQ) is quite popular in Ukraine. The main problem of the motor is a weak and short-lived throttle valve.

Moreover, it cannot be repaired, only replacement. The most popular engine is the eight-valve 1.6 (AEH / AKL). A reliable and time-tested engine was then installed on the Skoda Octavia Tour for a long time. Power characteristics did not surprise, but showed good traction on the bottom. The motor is structurally simple and reliable. Common problems are radiator cooling fan and fluid leaks through the water pump gasket. The next popular gasoline engine was a two-liter one with factory indices APK / AQY AZH / AZJ. Nice engine. The only major problem is the desire to constantly eat up oil. But this problem lends itself well to repair. Hot drivers can find versions with a 1.8-liter turbo engine AGU, ARZ, AUM. This motor has already become legendary, thanks to its widespread distribution throughout the lineup VAG (Skoda Octavia Tour, Seat Leon, Audi A3) and good performance... Of the main weaknesses are the flying out ignition coils and the crankcase ventilation system, where the problem valve is. Also, the phase regulator may require replacement after 120 - 150 thousand km. Turbine, at normal oil and regular replacement air filter, lives without problems. But if, nevertheless, it's time to replace it (and based on the age of the car, this is no longer rare), buy an unoriginal good quality a turbine for Golf 4, it is quite possible. Among gasoline engines there were also variants 2.3 VR5 2.8 VR6 3.2 R32 (VR6), but this is already a rarity.

Gearboxes. The rare case when a machine gun is more reliable than mechanics

The five-speed manual with the factory index DUU is the most problematic. If the first turns on problematically, then this is the norm for this box. Mechanical box not for sporty driving. When the drive is active, the differential rivets break and the gearbox housing collapses.

The machine is a rarity for Golf. Those who got a car with a four-speed automatic transmission- big lucky ones. This box is reliable and there are no problems with it. Only the oil needs to be changed in it every 60 thousand km.

Suspension. Are there any weak points in the chassis?

The chassis of the Volkswagen Golf IV, in design, does not differ from competitors. There is a MacPherson strut in front and a simple semi-independent beam at the back. But how does it all work. It is a pleasure to ride this model. The car handles well and holds the road well. In general, if you use high-quality spare parts for repairs, then there will be no problems with the chassis. Structurally, there are no weak points in it. As for the resource, for original spare parts it is like this: silent blocks of the front levers 60-80 thousand km; stabilizer struts 40-50 thousand km; support bearings of the front struts - up to 40 thousand km

Everything is very easy to change, and there are no problems with maintenance. Just like the steering rack, which does not live longer than 150 thousand, it is restored without problems. Shock absorbers with the "bad roads" package are tougher, but more tenacious than their European counterparts, it is better to install them.

Brakes are reliable and durable

Brake system Golf 4 will not create problems. There is only one fly in the ointment - the brake light switch. But this problem is cheap and can be solved quickly. Brake discs and pads when replacing are inexpensive, there are a lot of replacement options. When buying a Golf 4 for yourself, be sure to check the performance hand brake and the condition of the brake hoses. The parking brake cable is stretched, and the hoses are just long overdue to replace.

Results. Should you buy a used Volkswagen Golf 4?

If you gravitate towards the German classics, then this option is for you. Everything here is thought out in German and sustained in the spirit of conservatism. Do not forget that many copies have already passed under 500 thousand km, and some have exchanged a second million, so many components and assemblies will definitely need to be replaced. But if you managed to find a living specimen, where the previous owner was a conscientious and accurate motorist, then the Golf 4 will not create problems for you for a long time.