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Author Topic: Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?  (Read 5510 times)

Bluebook

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« on: December 14, 2004, 11:32:16 pm »
Hi! I'm interested in people that own a Golf 2003-2004's... They have a nice discount right now, with that 0.9% interest rate. Anyway, Volks isn't in the best shape, and it's time to get a Golf! So, if anyone has advice on a new Golf GL please reply! Thanks!

Jay
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Offline Shnak

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2004, 08:57:51 am »
Be prepared to battle with your dealership to fix some rattles/creakings. Other than that, no problems at all. If you expect to keep for 8-9 years, I'd go with an extended warranty. If you expect to sell it after 4-5 years, you shouldn't need it.

I hope you're not thinking of getting an automatic... it really sucks out a lot of power of the smaller VW engines (2.0L and TDI). So it has to be manual with those engines.
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Offline EV-Light

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2004, 09:43:05 am »
maybe u should pass?
go and look for something else but if u really want this car...then...Shank said everything!
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Awdriver

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2004, 10:36:09 am »
Sounds like you've narrowed your selection to a Golf - so I'm guessing you're familliar with the car and think it's the one for you...

I'd go for the '04 TDI ('03 and prior have a different engine with less power).  Not just because that's what I have - but you'll get much better "drivable" performance out of the TDI over the 2.0.  Even if zipping around town isn't your thing, the TDI's have WAY better resale value so you'll thank yourself in a few years.

I'm on my second VW now and I've had good experiences with the brand.  
-They are very comfortable cars that you do not tire of driving.  After 4 years in my Jetta - I hated to hand in the keys when I traded it.
-Fun to drive
-The current warranty (4/80) is good, but watch out for crappy dealers.  Get some local advice on where to go to get treated properly.
-Audio is above average.
-Interior is also above average.
-Body has a solid, sturdy feel with thick sheet metal.  Paint is also very durable.
-They all tend to have squeeks and rattles on rough roads - most are easy to find and remedy.  If you think that might drive you crazy, get a Honda.
-VW is a love'em/hate'em brand.  Be prepared hear insults as well as praise for your car :-)

I'll post a dealer invoice later...

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Offline EV-Light

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #4 on: December 15, 2004, 12:53:46 pm »
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Offline Shnak

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2004, 01:14:27 pm »
LOL! Most of those are about my car! Which, other than some creakings and rattling as been perfect up until now, plus, it probably costs me less than half what your GC costs you in fuel.

Awdriver said it perfectly: -They all tend to have squeeks and rattles on rough roads - most are easy to find and remedy. If you think that might drive you crazy, get a Honda.
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Wicked_j

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2004, 01:19:02 pm »
Wouldn't a 1.8T Golf be more interesting?

I find the 1.8T engine to be far more peppy then the 2.0 and will provide more driving excitement.

If it's gas that you're trying to save on, take the other guy's advice and look into a TDI (it does have more torque).

 
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Offline EV-Light

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2004, 01:21:06 pm »
My GC has +3K on the odometer now and i dont hear anything inside but the Hemi singing in front me...

having that said i prefer to pay 2x for my fuel costs and be free of all those noises...
and besides I have money to afford my gas guzzler, so I dont mind about that.

Anyway I dont wanna go off-topic coz WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT MY GC and WE ARE TALKING ABOUT VW GOLF...i just though the guy should read everything and take his owns conclusions...

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Offline Shnak

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #8 on: December 15, 2004, 01:23:53 pm »
All I'm saying is that it seems that you're trying very hard to convince him not to get into a Golf (with your "maybe u should pass?" comment) and that when/if you succeed at that, you'll be the first in line to tell him "what about a 300 or GC?" like you've been doing for the past 2 weeks. It really gets tiring to hear you say that in every single thread. Really.
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Offline saint_satan

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2004, 02:55:48 pm »
Enjoy your GC while its free of noises. Every Jeep I've every driven rides and sounds like a dumptruck after 6 months .  Maybe the new GC has a more advanced suspension system that the older stuff BUT generally offroad suspension = stiff ride = eventual squeeks.  Something has to give and its better it the interior panels or trim than the suspension.  For my Cherokee, two-way tape is my best friend...

I'm concerned about what I hear recently about VW, though.  Talk to those that own one first but it sounds like they have had their share of problems.  Shop rates are outlandish, too.  I would also look at Impreza Wagon or Toyota Matrix if shopping in this category but I know what is like (for better or worse) to have your heart set on something.  Good Luck!
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Offline sirAQUAMAN64

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #10 on: December 15, 2004, 03:18:25 pm »

I have a Golf GL TDI and post often enough here. So not looking to post more but once I start...

Love my car. If you're looking for a reliable toaster-appliance, then VW is not your car. If you're only interested in driving from point A-to-B, don't get the VW. If you like a rock-solid driving feel, you appreciate details, and generally enjoy cars and take pride in them, and are willing to put up with small niggles, then VW may be just right for you.

My car has never rattled or squeeked. Only when it gets -15dC and below because it's cold do I hear the odd noise. Period. I'd advise test driving the exact model you're interested in. If they want your business and you're serious, do it and insist on it - they'll remove the suspension spacers and all that jazz for you. Check out the exact model and take it for a long drive to check solidity.

Also, ask people in your area about their dealership experience. I think you'll find experiences with arrogance vary widely. Where are you from? If in the GTorontoA, a good friend of mine sells 'em and would treat you well. Don't know about current discounts, but I know they're giving them!

AWD, great post.

(Message edited by sirAQUAMAN64 on December 15, 2004)
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Awdriver

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #11 on: December 15, 2004, 04:08:50 pm »
Here is a GLS TDI - sorry don't have a GL.  I was able to get mine at cost.

Numbers are MSRP/Invoice:
2004 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI Base Price $24,720.00/$22,721.00  
Optional equipment selected      
-electronic stabilization program (ESP) $430.00/$365.00  
-luxury package $1,440.00/$1,222.00  
-side curtain protection $220.00/$187.00  
-transmission - 5 speed automatic w/tiptronic $1,400.00/$1,388.00  
-volkswagen telematics by onstar $950.00/$806.00  
Totals including all items above: $30,465.00/$27,994.00  
   
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Awdriver

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #12 on: December 15, 2004, 04:12:53 pm »
Here is a GLS TDI - sorry don't have a GL.  I was able to get mine at cost.

Numbers are MSRP/Invoice:
2004 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI Base Price $24,720.00/$22,721.00      
-electronic stabilization program (ESP) $430.00/$365.00  
-luxury package $1,440.00/$1,222.00  
-side curtain protection $220.00/$187.00  
-transmission - 5 speed automatic w/tiptronic $1,400.00/$1,388.00  
-volkswagen telematics by onstar $950.00/$806.00  
Freight+PDI $1,205.00/$1,205.00  
Air Tax $100.00/$100.00  
Totals including all items above: $30,465.00/$27,994.00  
   
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Offline sirAQUAMAN64

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #13 on: December 15, 2004, 04:24:39 pm »

Was talking about the OnStar just yesterday.

Have you used yours?

Think VW-Audi is dropping it at the end of the year. Very, very few people are getting it. Mind you, I think it's a worthwhile feature.

Then, I read on * the VW.com site at the bottom which advising analog cellular coverage would be phased out in '07 or thereabouts, so hardware would be rendered useless.  

I think telematics was a good idea on these cars. Of course I would, as I work in the telematics field as well, but thought it was useful to at least offer to customers.

Invoice on that auto tranny doesn't give much leeway, eh? But those SABs and even the ESP are handy and relatively inexpensive when not-bundled.
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Offline EV-Light

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #14 on: December 15, 2004, 04:36:28 pm »
just doesnt make sense Shank...
300 and GC are out of the budget of this guy, and thats for sure...
I would recommend to him the Mazda 3....
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Offline Shnak

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #15 on: December 15, 2004, 04:44:42 pm »
Awdriver, I'm curious, how is the automatic transmission on your TDI? I drove a Jetta 1.8T with automatic and hated it. I drove a Golf GL TDI also with automatic and found it sucked out a lot of power.
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Offline sirAQUAMAN64

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #16 on: December 15, 2004, 04:59:58 pm »

I thought the autos would be well suited with TDI, seeing as the engine develops maximum torque down low.  

With normal 4-cylinders, you have to rev the heck out of them to get maximum power, and autos usually upshift before this occurs.
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Awdriver

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #17 on: December 15, 2004, 06:22:12 pm »
Actually I just posted the dealer invoice with all possible options shown.

Mine is a 5sp GLS without any of the listed options.  I really wanted ESP but was told there was none available with that option.  Too bad - it's a great system.

I did drive an auto.  Not the greatest in the fun-to-drive category.
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Bluebook

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Buying Golf GL 2004 any advice?
« Reply #18 on: December 15, 2004, 10:21:31 pm »
Thanks everyone for letting me know your opinions. btw, I'm from Montreal. I will be checking out 3 dealerships tomorrow to see what are the current discounts available.  

Jay
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