What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

[Nina]

Hi guys, hope you can help or direct me to an appropriate forum or web site if this isn't quite the place. I am the accidental owner of this 2003 gti 1.8t. I had to buy a car in a hurry and was going to get a 4-dr golf. But I test drove this car and it had leather seats and the rest is history.

I am concerned about how and when the turbo will "go." I know I would probably have less headaches with a straight 4-cylinder. I'm seriously thinking of selling this car which doesn't even have 5k on it in the next few months, and buying a 2002 golf basically because of the turbo engine, I'm afraid that it will give me neverending problems.

Are my fears true or unfounded? is there anything that I can do in maintaining the car besides what's recommended in the manual if I do decide to keep it for several years? Thanks much.

[Kor]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

First, welcome to our boards. This is the right place, we love questions!

The turbo will never "go"... at least not for a long, long time. You should be able to confidently drive a new GTI 1.8T for hundreds of thousands of Kms. The 1.8T is one of the very best engines ever built. Seriously, I would put the 1.8T engine against many, many other engines and bet on the 1.8T for quality construction every time. If you search, you'll find the 1.8t has actually made the "10 best engines of all time" and "Years best 10 engines" lists all over the place. I am very surprised to see this post. Who gave you the idea that the car would be a headache?

If you did something like put in an aftermarket boost controller or chip to tamper with the turbo, then this would shorten the life of the components. But VW makes sure you get a quality car.

I have *never* read about anyone having a turbo problem with a stock 1.8T, and there are a LOT of people on Vortex. There are people who have chipped their cars and run huge numbers of kilometers with boost levels far higher than what VW recommends and STILL been able to keep their engine running fine. So, again I highly doubt you will ever, ever need to put in a new turbo.

Regular service at the same intervals any dealership recommends for any car they sell will keep your VW in great shape. VW has a great warranty too. However, as I said, I would not expect any problems at all. To be honest, even if you treat the car like crap it will probably last a long time, but I would rather you did regular dealership maintenance, or if not at the dealership then at your favorite service drive-thru at the same intervals.

If you are uncomfortable with owning a turbo VW, you should do whatever puts your fears to rest of course. Better you are happy with your car than worrying. Also, if you expect something bad to happen, one way or another you will make yourself unhappy.

[dubjetta]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

I am not sure if you are big on performance or car modifications, but I think you might be a little dissapointed by the performance and potential of the 2L 4 cyl engine. Having driven both the 1.8t and 2L, I can tell you that the difference is night and day. My next car will have a 1.8T under the hood.

Just my 2 cents

[Simon]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

the 1.8t engine has been around since the early 1990's in many audi's.

you'd think they would have perfected any flaws in design over 15 years of production.

[Nina]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

thanks for the warm welcome and thank you for the advice which seems to come from experience, which is what I was looking for. Luckily, I've been too happy with my car to worry much. I absolutely love it. And I felt that I was buying an excellent car when I got it and I do count on the best from VW.

My fears come from never having purchased a new car (and irrational fear of new cars--all that computer stuff y'know). I was married to a Benz mechanic and one of his mantras was to never get the "extra" on any model because it would usually be its downfall i.e., V6s, V12s, turbos, no "grand" Cherokees, etc. So that's where that comes from. I felt I could rest easy if I could get some expert opinion/advice. I really appreciate it! Thx.

[Nina]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

I am not sure if you are big on performance or car modifications, but I think you might be a little dissapointed by the performance and potential of the 2L 4 cyl engine. Having driven both the 1.8t and 2L, I can tell you that the difference is night and day. My next car will have a 1.8T under the hood.

Just my 2 cents

No car mods, but that car has gotten me around those psychotic houswives in their SUVs in the 'burbs quite nicely! That's worth ALOT to me. Yeah, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to go "back" to a 2L.

[Nina]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

the 1.8t engine has been around since the early 1990's in many audi's.

you'd think they would have perfected any flaws in design over 15 years of production.

I know about the Audi's (3 years with Audi's was the ex's last gig), and you are correct. I think I had even read about some probs in late 90s, but since corrected of course.

Thanks again !

[MrHeavyFoot]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

IMHO, what everyone else has said here is pretty much true. I don't read vwvortex too much anymore, but I don't recall ever hearing any one have a 1.8T blow up or otherwise expire on them. Having said that, there are a few habitual problems with some of the "supporting cast".

Mass Airflow sensors: They have a habit of going bad. So much so (and because it's an emissions control component) VW has extended the warrantee on them. I've heard of some people going through 3 or 4 of them. I don't think that's a 1.8T specific problem though.

Diverter Valves: This is something you will only find on a turbo engine. Its the equivalent of a blow off valve. The original VW ones were known to fail. The newer ones (now the same component as on the Audi TT 1.8T) are much better than the old ones though and its more of a problem for people using aftermarket chips. Cheap fix though, about $50 for a new one.

Oxygen Sensors: They have been a little troublesome, although that's another one that probably isn't 1.8T specific.

Hope that helps. (Keep the GTI.)

[Nina]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

IMHO, what everyone else has said here is pretty much true. I don't read vwvortex too much anymore, but I don't recall ever hearing any one have a 1.8T blow up or otherwise expire on them. Having said that, there are a few habitual problems with some of the "supporting cast".

Mass Airflow sensors: They have a habit of going bad. So much so (and because it's an emissions control component) VW has extended the warrantee on them. I've heard of some people going through 3 or 4 of them. I don't think that's a 1.8T specific problem though.

Diverter Valves: This is something you will only find on a turbo engine. Its the equivalent of a blow off valve. The original VW ones were known to fail. The newer ones (now the same component as on the Audi TT 1.8T) are much better than the old ones though and its more of a problem for people using aftermarket chips. Cheap fix though, about $50 for a new one.

Oxygen Sensors: They have been a little troublesome, although that's another one that probably isn't 1.8T specific.

Hope that helps. (Keep the GTI.)

Yes, thanks! I'll keep the info.

[1.8Trip]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

IMHO, what everyone else has said here is pretty much true. I don't read vwvortex too much anymore, but I don't recall ever hearing any one have a 1.8T blow up or otherwise expire on them. Having said that, there are a few habitual problems with some of the "supporting cast".

Mass Airflow sensors: They have a habit of going bad. So much so (and because it's an emissions control component) VW has extended the warrantee on them. I've heard of some people going through 3 or 4 of them. I don't think that's a 1.8T specific problem though.

Diverter Valves: This is something you will only find on a turbo engine. Its the equivalent of a blow off valve. The original VW ones were known to fail. The newer ones (now the same component as on the Audi TT 1.8T) are much better than the old ones though and its more of a problem for people using aftermarket chips. Cheap fix though, about $50 for a new one.

Oxygen Sensors: They have been a little troublesome, although that's another one that probably isn't 1.8T specific.

Hope that helps. (Keep the GTI.)

Don't forget about the coilpacks. (I think this is the problem that Nina is thinking about from the '90s). Although they have gotten a pretty good handle on it now, I think this problem still lingers on some cars because my sister's boyfriend's '03 A4 1.8T has had to get two replaced in the last two months.

Welcome to the club Nina. Once you drive the turbo, you won't wanna go back.

[Kor]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

On that 2003 Coilpacks and DV should never be an issue...

[1.8Trip]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

On that 2003 Coilpacks and DV should never be an issue...

Never say never. I've seen it in person.

[Aleks]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

Noticed the Vortex was mentioned in here, and nothing against the 'tex, but it should be avoided for any information to be taken seriously...that board is out of control and has nothing but trolls on it....accurate opinions should be generated on small local boards like this! And Welcome!

[NeonGTI]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

I have, in my collection of overpriced toys, a 1986 Dodge Daytona Shelby 2.2l Turbo.

It is not intercooled.
It doesn't run a DV/BOV so there is some nasty compressor chatter if I actually let off the gas when driving it hard.
It gets it's oil changed annually, if I remember.
It hasn't really had oil pressure for the last 10,000 km.
It has a manual boost controller thus letting me run 15 pounds of boost instead of the sissy 9 pounds stock (note: 15 psi w/o intercooler usually equals bad).

The turbo spools up by ~2500 RPM and pulls 15 PSI by 3,000 RPM and will make it all the way to fuel shut off (7,000 RPM) where it makes a really nasty noise when the computer stops feeding it.

I have done some foul things to this car in the 7 years I have had it and that damned turbo and engine WILL NOT DIE. Now, contrast that 80's K-car engine and technology to VW 21's century technology and engineering and I think your concerns should vanish.

[Aleks]

Re: What is the natural history of a GTI 1.8t?

hehe, I had 3 turbo shelby's when I was 16-17 years old, and no they didn't die, and they were quick....Dodge made indestructable motors, hence with the super 60 kit from Mopar, the 2.2 would make 315+ HP......great cars!