Volksbloggin.com » Volkswagen GTI

Auto4n.com Stands By Their Work

Dan Volkens — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:59:44 +0000

Maybe that wheel is slightly off after they rotated and balanced the wheels at the 80k. These kind of problems are notoriously difficult to diagnose however, because you’ve got what the owner is hearing and experiencing versus what the mechanic experiences when he/she checks it out. So the guys set out to check the balance on the wheel, swap the tires to another side, and run some drive tests to see if they could hear the sound as well. Nothing. You never know with these types of things. :D

So I drop by after work to pick up the ol’ GTI expecting to pay at least an hour of labor for their time. Nope. Nada. Zip. Free. Mike and Chad stand by their work. This is great because my wife and I can’t necessarily afford another small bill at the moment, what with the economy and all.

So thanks again guys! Keep up the great work. Oh yeah, while driving home I didn’t really notice the sound anymore, so they may have caught the problem while doing the tests and rebalancing. Or maybe I was just crazier than usual when I heard the sound. Anywho, w00t!

80k Service Follow Up: AUTO4N Rocks Faces

Dan Volkens — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:45:54 +0000

As noted in my previous post, my 80k service finally came around, but I didn’t want to just drop it off at the dealer as usual. So I set about finding a good, local shop to get the work done. I came across AUTO4N through a quick search and decided to try them out.

Just as the testimonials listed on their site say, they’re a great group of friendly, honest guys who did an excellent job on the service. I highly recommend them if you live in the Cincinnati tri-state area. Check their website out or give them a call at 513-731-8989!

80k Service for the Ol’ GTI Has Arrived

Dan Volkens — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:53:30 +0000

Surprisingly, it only took a couple searches to come across the guys at AUTO4N. In the past it’s been extremely difficult to find the type of shop I came across in them: specializing in VW/Audi and the like, small and locally owned, and just a good group of guys. According to a whole bunch of positive reviews on their website, they’re genuinely warm and friendly, detailed and communicate very well, and may even offer you a bite of their lunch if you come in at the right time. :D

Anywho, I dropped off my GTI this morning at their shop to have the 80k service done, which is yet another one of those massive service intervals that cost a boatload of money but consists of mostly checks and top-offs. Regardless, there are a couple items on the list I’d rather not tackle myself like checking the timing chain and belts, etc. etc.

As I stepped through the entrance, both Mike and Chad were at the service counter. And as the reviews said, they were friendly and made sure I knew what they were going to look over and repair. They also would be sure to give the GTI a good once-over, since this is the first time they’ve seen the car, and note any other items that need to be taken care of in the future.

So, fingers crossed. Oh, pricing. I was quoted $432.50, which is just about inline with the dealer’s quote. But if AUTO4N provides superior service, I’ll be sticking with them. I have strong confidence in them based on their reviews as well as my own bit o’ experience so far. I’ll follow up with another post on the results later on!

For reference, here’s the 80k service for a 2003 VW GTI VR6 24v:

Engine Oil – change
Engine Filter – change
V Belt/Ribbed Belt – check tension/condition
Spark Plugs – replace
Air Cleaner – replace filter
Windshield Washer Fluid – check level
Automatic Shift Lock – check operation
Brake System – check damage/leaks, pad thickness, fluid level
Wheels – rotate from front to rear
Air Bag System – check function/damage
Battery – check electrolyte level
Engine – check for leaks
Pollen Filter – replace
Cooling System – check level
Transmission – check for leaks
Manual Transmission – check for leaks, Check Oil Level
Tires/Spare – check condition
Driveshaft – check boots
On Board Diagnostics – check Diagnostic Trouble Code memory
Door Hinge – lube
Headlights – check and adjust if necessary
Exhaust System – check for damage and leaks
Sunroof Frame – clean and lubricate
Road Test – check system functions during and after
Power Steering – check fluid level
Automatic Trans. Fluid and Differential – Check for leaks / level. Add if necessary
Front Axle – check dust seals, ball joints, tie rods
Air Bag System, Visual check every 12 months regardless of mileage
Brake Fluid, Change every 2 years regardless of mileage

2009 Volkswagen GTI at the Paris Auto Show

Dan Volkens — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:11:13 +0000

The masters of all things Automotive, Autoblog.com, have posted up photos and info of the upcoming 2009 Volkswagen GTI recently debuted at the Paris Autoshow. Strangely enough, it might as well be the 2010 GTI we just posted photos about. I don't see too much of a difference there, and I think that's a good thing. Easy transition to the next generation, looks like. Head over to Autoblog.com to check it out!

2010 Volkswagen GTI

Dan Volkens — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:28:29 +0000

Both the subtle and not-so-subtle design changes are supposed to hearken back to the O.G. GTI with straighter, cleaner, no-bull lines and flow. I like the revised front grill far better than the current “waterfall grill” generation, although that look has grown on me. Photos of the beastly hatch below. Tell us what you think!

Hatchback Versatility Lesson 4: Patio Set

Dan Volkens — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:11:39 +0000

Yet another lesson in how much you can cram into your little hatchback. My wife and I came home with our new deck patio set smashed barely into the back. She drove while my six foot three frame got stuffed into a mighty small space in the front passenger seat. Thank goodness the store was close to home. hahhaha Photo after the jump.

Brake Pad Party at Timbo’s

Dan Volkens — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:09:29 +0000

The brake pads we purchased are the Mintex Red Box found at Parts4VWs.com. The Pottermans, the couple who run Parts4VWs.com, rock faces! Keep up the great service.

Hatchback Versatility Lesson 3: IKEA Madness

Dan Volkens — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:56:33 +0000

We wanted to avoid asking our neighbor to borrow his small pick-up to make the trip to the ginormous blue and yellow box. Not because we don’t like him. Far from that. lol We just didn’t want to inconvenience him, and we got a chance to see what else ol’ Indigo could handle.

GTI Contents include:

One entertainment unit consisting of 5 or so large boxes, rails for sliding doors
Coffee table – one large box
New hedge trimmer
Dewalt drill and case
Laundry drying rack
One 6′ 3″ husband
One 5′ 3″ wife

IKEA Livingroom In-Progress:

Intellichoice Gives R32 Props, TTAC Doesn’t Buy It

Matt Radel — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:43:33 +0000

Yeah, it’s swell to hear about VW’s newest award. It’s always better to hear about awards than this.

But look a little deeper on this one, and check out what the competition is. Wow, the R32 beat out the Mazda3? And the Volvo C30?! Holy crap that’s…lame! They didn’t even pit it against the GTI, which is a BIG mistake.

As I (and TTAC) have said before, I think VW really missed the mark on this one. And TTAC follows up by calling Intellichoice out. As Robert Farago (of TTAC) points out, you don’t have to go far to see the real comparisons on the cost of ownership – which is the basis of the Intellichoice award. Now do I think that VW is paying off Intellichoice as Farago suggests? Not necessarily. The R32 is still a limited edition run (about 5,000 stateside I think), which VW has never had an issue selling. BUT, what are the banner ads on the award detail page? That’s right, the GTI (at least they where for me). So I guess it’s a chicken or the egg question. Did VW buy ad space because they won the award, or did they buy the space to win the award?

Either way, when you take a closer look the award loses its luster quickly. But, it’s still great to hear anything positive about VW’s quality – especially when you consider where they’ve been in the past. Let’s just keep them moving in the right direction.

Quasi-Subzero Temps = Dead GTI

Dan Volkens — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:20:42 +0000

I already knew my battery was starting to go. 60k+ miles and about 5 years has taken it’s toll on the OEM one. But I wanted to be lazy. I said to myself, “Self, you don’t need to replace it yet. It’s still got some life in it. Those hard starts in the cold mornings were just the beginning of trouble for the ol’ juicer.”

Riiiiiiight. So I thought. It finally kicked the bucket yesterday morning. Being the sometimes-opportunist that I am, I went out after work and picked up what is supposedly the ultimate in battery technology: *queue drum roll* an Optima Red Top battery. These babies are supposed to go on pretty much forever, and handle the roughest conditions you can throw at ‘em.

But all this snazzy tech and tour de force will cost you as well. Mine rang up to $169.00 + tax, give or take some change. The OEM battery over at WorldImpex.com will only run you $101.52 for comparison. Is it worth it? Absolutely! I shouldn’t have to replace my battery again for as long as I own the GTI, unless I keep it for say another 10 years. Then maybe I’ll need a new one.

I’ll have a How-To on replacing your battery up soon as a result of this little debacle. Stay tuned!

Sitting at the Dealership Waiting for Service

Dan Volkens — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:31:57 +0000

I imagine your first question is, why go to the dealer to get tires mounted and balanced? Experience is telling, and Tekmassa can tell you all about it, that your average tire shop doesn’t do an outstanding job at mounting/balancing new tires on our OEM 17″ wheels. Tek had his shop try to balance them a few times before giving up and heading over to his dealer to have it done right.

Soooo, I figure I’d skip that hassle and go right to the source. And needing an alignment, another thing those shops don’t do very well, prompted me even more to just go to the dealer. Luckily, it turns out that the cost is about average for the mounting/balancing at around $20.00 per tire. Not terrible. The frontend alignment is going to be $66 and some change. Not incredibly bad either.

I’m kicking myself right now though because here I am with time on my hands and I forgot my camera! You should have seen it. Four 225/45-17 tires lined up in the back of my GTI, with the hatch closed and the rear seats only loosened for a little extra room. :D There’s also a new R32 sitting about 20 feet away from me that I could have snapped some shots of. Oh well, sorry guys, maybe next time.

Anywho, hopefully the service goes well and quickly, and I’ll be heading off for the office shortly.

Another “Look At What I Fit In My GTI Post”

Dan Volkens — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:09:04 +0000

we drove home with it stuffed into the back of the ol’ GTI. :D The little guy never ceases to amaze me.

Contents: One 6ft. 3in. dude, one wife, one grill boxed, one propane tank.

Volkswagen Change Points for 2008

Dan Volkens — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:24:17 +0000

* From media.vw.com

RABBIT

New 170 hp/177 lb.ft torque 2.5L 5cyl engine standard on 2 & 4dr
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now standard
New trim level naming. Rabbit S 2dr and Rabbit S 4dr

GTI

15mm ride height reduction on all 2 & 4dr
Sirius® Satellite radio now standard
Reflex Silver is now special order only
Climatronic deleted from all trims
New trim level naming, GTI and GTI Autobahn

NEW BEETLE/NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE

New trim level naming, S and SE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now standard
Temporary use spare tire
Fog lights deleted from all trims
New 16” alloy wheel S
New 17” alloy wheel on SE
Delete Shadow Blue on sedan and convertible
Delete Platinum Gray on convertible
Delete reflex silver on convertible
Laser blue no longer available with gray interior
Black not available with crème top
Delete front floor mats
Delete Leather seating surfaces from all trims
Delete rain sensing wipers on all trims
Leatherette now named V-Tex
Cold weather package available on S as stand alone option

GLI

Reflex Silver is now special order only
Climatronic deleted from all trims
New trim level naming, GLI and GLI Autobahn

JETTA

New 170 hp/177 lb.ft torque 2.5L 5cyl engine standard
Delete 2.0T engine (only available on GLI)
Automatic only available with SEL
Temporary use spare tire
Laser Blue replaces Shadow Blue
Delete Wheat Beige
Front and rear lower valance in black textured color on S and SE
Body color front and rear valance on SEL
2.5 badge included on S
16” steel wheels with full covers standard on S
Delete Climatronic from all trims
Delete leather seating surfaces from all trims
Power recline standard on all trim levels
17” wheel standard on SEL
Delete Homelink from all trims
Cold weather package now optional on S
16” alloy wheel now optional on S
Sunroof now optional on S
Premium sound package (includes amplifier and 250W) now optional on SE
New trim level naming, S, SE, and SEL
Leatherette now named V-Tex

PASSAT Sedan and Wagon

New trim level naming, Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and VR6
Leatherette now named V-Tex
Temporary use spare tire
Chrome window trim now standard on Turbo
New 16” alloy wheel on Turbo
New 17” alloy wheel on Komfort
Delete Shadow Blue
Delete Wheat Beige on wagon
Heated washer nozzles only available on VR6
Bi-Xenon headlamps w/ AFS now standard on VR6
Manual side and rear sunshade now standard on sedans
Manual side sunshades now standard on wagon
Power 12-way driver seat now standard equipment
Heated front seats optional on Turbo and Komfort
Leather steering wheel now standard equipment
Leather shift knob now standard equipment
Delete Pure Beige leather comfort seats
Delete gray leather and V-Tex
New interior trim on Turbo
3 spoke leather multi-function steering wheel included with Lux
Dynaudio now optional on Lux
Adaptive Cruise Control optional on VR6
4Motion is only configuration available with VR6 wagon
Manual transmission only available on Turbo

EOS

New trim level naming, Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and VR6
Leatherette now named V-Tex
Lux only available with automatic transmission
Winter starting assist mode standard on VR6
New 17” alloy wheel on Lux
New 18” alloy wheel on VR6
Delete Wheat Beige
Rear Park Distance Control included in Lux and VR6
Chrome front grille louvers included on VR6
Power 12-way driver seat now standard equipment
Leather steering wheel now standard equipment
Leather shift knob now standard equipment
Leather parking brake handle now standard equipment
Windblocker now standard equipment
Ambient lighting deleted on Turbo
Micritech interior trim now included in Turbo
Center sliding armrest now standard equipment
Heated front seats now optional on Turbo
17” alloy wheel optional on Komfort

Touareg

New exterior colors (White Gold, Galapagos, Alaska Gray, Cranberry)
Chrome grille with logo and chrome eyebrows standard on VR6 FSI
Chrome matte grille with logo and chrome eyebrows, chrome air intakes, chrome grille slats standard on V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo
Darkened Taillights
New, central headlights design
Sporty, more aerodynamic rear spoiler
Electronic Parking Assistance now standard equipment
Power Liftgate now standard equipment
19″ Wheels with all-season tires optional on VR6 FSI but included in V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo
Larger screen for Multi-function Indicator included with optional Technologie Package
New Option Packages
Dynaudio now available in package for all trims
Sirius® Satellite Radio now standard equipment
Next generation TPMS – now standard equipment
ABSPlus standard
ESP Innovations standard
New front seat design, more comfortable front seat side bolsters, new seat stitching design now standard equipment
Gray seat trim in leather and leatherette deleted
Silver Metallic Plastic interior trim standard on VR6 FSI with leatherette
Servotronic steering no longer available on 3.6L VR6 FSI
Comfort Suspension replaces Sport Suspension on VR6 FSI

Up Close with the VW R GTI

Matt Radel — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 21:15:55 +0000

Check it out:

Great video. Amazing car. I always love to hear the designers talk about design choices and goals. Could this be a production car one day? I don’t think so, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Initially posted yesterday on VW Tuning Mag.

Volkswagen GTI MkV in Detail: Standard Equipment

Dan Volkens — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:31:40 +0000

Legend:
S: Standard, at no additional charge
O: Option, at additional charge
P: Part of option package, at additional package charge
–: Not available

Exterior		GTI 2 Door
Antenna	Roof-mounted amplified flexible black whip diversity antenna	S
Antenna	Roof-mounted “fin-type” black diversity antenna	P
Anti-Corrosion	Fully galvanized sheet metal	S
Badging	Front/passenger side/GTI badge	S
Badging	Rear/driver side/GTI badge	S
Brake Lights	Center high mounted stop lamp in rear spoiler	S
Body Panels	Crash optimized front end	S
Bumpers	Body color bumpers and bumperettes	S
Bumpers	Dual oversized stainless exhaust pipes	S
Doors	Two doors	S
	Anti-intrusion side door beams	S
	Body color door handles	S
Glass	Tinted glass, blue	S
Grille	Black front grille with honeycomb mesh and red surrounding strip	S
Horn	Dual tone horns	S
Lights, Front/Rear	High Intensity Gas-discharge headlamps (Xenon) and headlight washer system with clear, lightweight, chip resistant polycarbonate lenses	S
	Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Upon start-up of vehicle, headlights engage with reduced power. Instrument panel lighting, parking lights and taillights remain off. To engage all lights with full power, the light switch must be turned to the on position	S
	Headlights-on warning tone, upon opening of driver’s door when ignition key is in	S
	Halogen foglights, integrated into front bumper	S
	Side blinkers integrated into side exterior mirrors	S
Mirrors	Body color mirror housings	S
Mirrors	Driver and passenger side power exterior mirrors, heatable	S
Moldings/Panels	Black side lower valance	S
Paint	Non-metallic paint	S
Paint	Metallic paint (no charge)	O
Roof	Power glass sunroof with tilt, slide, tinted glass, manual sunshade, pinch protection, and driver’s door power lock operated convenience closing feature	P
Spoiler	Rear spoiler located above rear hatch	S
Tires	225/45 R17 W, summer performance tires	S
	225/45 R17 H, all-season performance tires	O
	225/40 R18 Y, summer performance tires	O
	205/55 R 16 H, space-saving steel spare wheel and all-season tire	S
Wheels	7J X 17″ alloy wheels	S
	7.5J X 18″ alloy wheels	O
	Anti-theft wheel locks	S
Wipers/Washer	Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe feature	S
Wipers/Washer	Heatable windshield washer nozzles, front	P

Interior		GTI 2 Door
Air Conditioning	Manual single-zone climate control (Climatic), CFC-free	S
Air Conditioning	Automatic dual-zone climate control (Climatronic™). Driver and passenger side controls for automatic climate control system, CFC-free	P
Alarm/Anti-Theft	Anti-theft vehicle alarm system for doors, hood, trunk lid, radio, and starter, with warning LED in door top sill and with audible and visual activation	S
Alarm/Anti-Theft	Immobilizer theft deterrent system	S
Armrest	Front center armrest adjustable/folding with storage compartment (cooled)	S
Ashtray	Non-smoker package (power outlet with plug, storage receptacle with insert)	S
Assist Handles	Silicone damped-return assist handles, two front and two rear	S
Cruise Control	Cruise control stalk	S
Defroster	Electric rear window defroster	S
Doors/Side Panels	Integrated armrests in front door panels	S
	Integrated armrests in rear panels	S
	Molded door trim with cloth inserts	S
	Molded door trim with leatherette inserts	P
Floor Mats	Front and rear floor mats	S
Instrument Cluster	Brake wear indicator	S
	Illumination of controls and gauges – blue, with red indicators	S
	Seatbelt reminder and fuel cap seal warning	S
	Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip odometer, coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge, gear indicator (if equipped with optional automatic transmission), outside temperature, warning lights, digital clock.	S
	Multi function trip computer: Featuring trip time, trip length, average trip speed, average trip fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, miles to empty, compass, radio station display, personalizing functions.	S¹
Keys	Folding keys (2) with radio-frequency remote transmitter for central locking, eyelet	S
Keys	Valet key	S
Lighting	Glove box light	S
	Interior front center dome light with time delay and two reading lights	S
	Luggage compartment light	S
	Interior rear center dome light	S
Locks	Automatic locking feature (doors lock automatically when vehicle reaches 8 mph). Dealer can disable feature or program to unlock when ignition key is removed. Doors unlock automatically upon airbag deployment	S
	Driver and passenger door mounted power lock/unlock switches for central locking system	S
	Remote central power locking system with selective unlocking and key operated convenience open and close feature (windows)	S
Mirrors, Interior	Driver and front passenger visor vanity mirrors, illuminated with cover	S
Mirrors, Interior	Mirror control pad with joystick control	S
Ornamentation	Chrome button for parking brake lever	S
	Aluminum interior trim	S
	Chrome lock cylinder for glove box and trunk release switch	S
	Metallic trim around shifter	S
	Metallic instrument cluster rings	S
Power Outlets	Power outlet (SAE size) in trunk	S
Power Outlets	2 Power outlets (SAE size) in center console	S
Radio/Audio	Premium AM/FM radio sound system with in-dash 6-disc CD Changer, MP3 format readable, satellite radio compatible, 10 speakers, theft-deterrent warning light and coding system.	S
	Premium AM/FM radio sound system with in-dash single CD/DVD player, satellite radio compatible, 10 speakers, theft-deterrent warning light and coding system.	O²
	6-disc CD changer located in armrest between front seats	P
	Satellite Radio with choice of provider (XM® or Sirius™)	O/P
Remote Releases	Remote releases for trunk and fuel filler flap, located on driver’s side door	S
Restraint Systems	Driver and front passenger front airbag supplemental restraint system	S
	Driver and front passenger side thorax airbag supplemental restraint system	S
	Side Curtain Protection®	S
	Crash active front head restraints	S
	Emergency locking retractors for all seating positions	S
	Front seat safety belts pre-tensioners with load limiters	S
	Height adjustable front 3-point safety belts, color coordinated	S
	Rear 3-point safety belts, all 3 seating positions, color coordinated	S
	LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top-tether for Children. Formerly known as ISOFIX) – child seat lower attachment points and top tether rear outboard seating positions	S
	Child seat tether anchorage points with markings in rear seating positions	S
	Buckle switch (sensor that deploys airbag depending on safety belt use)	S
	Interlock feature – center rear safety belts cannot be extended unless seat back is in fully locked position	S
Seating, Front	8-way manually adjustable sport front seats: fully reclining, height adjustable with adjustable (height & angle) lockable head restraints	S
	Top sport front seats	P
	“Easy Entry System” allows front seat to move forward for easy access to rear seating area	S
	Lumbar support, 2-way adjustable for driver and front passenger seats	S
	Lumbar support, 4-way electrically adjustable for driver and front passenger seats	P
	Heatable front seats	P
Seating, Rear	Rear seat head restraints, height adjustable, all seating positions	S
Seating, Rear	60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest and pass-through	S
Special Features	Navigation System with visual and audible commands through color center console display and through multi-function onboard computer display in instrument cluster. Replaces in-dash CD changer with single CD/DVD player.	O³
Special Features	Blinker control stalk with lane change feature (one tap on the lever creates a three- blink sequence)	S
Steering Wheel	3-spoke leather wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel, with audio and telephone controls (includes paddle shifters on both sides of steering wheel when equipped with optional 6-speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox)	S
	Height adjustable and telescoping steering column	S
	Steering wheel deformable/collapsible upon impact	S
	Theft-deterrent steering column	S
Storage, Interior	Two front cupholders	S
	Two rear cupholders integrated into rear center armrest	S
	Front door storage pockets with rubber liners	S
	Front seatback storage pockets	S
	Front storage compartment located in center console	S
	Front storage compartment located on center portion of the dash top	S⁴
	Soft opening (silicone dampened) glovebox, lockable	S
	Storage compartment inside front center armrest	S
Sunvisor	Driver and passenger, with sliding feature	S
Trim (Details)	Leather shift knob	S
	Leather handbrake grip	S
	Gear selector cover (automatic transmission only)	O
	Alloy interior applications	S
	Alloy pedals	S
	Chrome interior door handles	S
	Soft-touch interior parts	S
Trunk/Cargo Area	Trunk escape handle – emergency internal release mechanism to unlatch trunk lid. Fluorescent reflector for location	S
	4 tie-down hooks in trunk, one in each corner	S
	Fully carpeted/lined luggage compartment	S
	Fold-down package hook	S
	Grip on inside of trunk lid to assist closing	S
	Loading edge protection, plastic	S
	Removable storage divider	S
Upholstery	Sport seat fabric	S
Upholstery	Leather seating surfaces	P
Ventilation System	Air vents in instrument panel	S
	Air diffuser mounted centrally in-dash	P⁵
	Rear passenger ventilation for heat and A/C in center console	S
	Pollen / odor filter	S
Windows	Key opening & closing feature for power windows	S
Windows	Power windows with pinch protection and automatic one-touch feature, operable from driver’s side only	S

Technical		GTI 2 Door
Battery	Hard shell battery box protection	S
Body Panels	Crash optimized front end	S
Brakes	ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)	S
	Power assisted front vented disc brakes, rear solid disc brakes	S
	Red front and rear brake calipers	S
	EBD – Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution	S
	HBA – Hydraulic Brake Assistant	S
Emissions	Bin 5 EPA Federal Emissions Concept	S
	California LEV II Program, ULEV exhaust emissions	S
	OBD II	S
Engine	2.0T 200 horsepower, 207 lbs-ft torque, 4 cylinder, in-line, 4 valves per cylinder, FSI direct injection, turbocharged	S
Side Protection	Anti-intrusion side door beams	S
Steering	Electro-mechanical variable assisted power rack-and-pinion steering	S
Suspension	Independent front McPherson struts with stabilizer bar	S
	Rear fully independent four-link suspension with coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and stabilizer bar	S
	Sport suspension	S
Traction Control	ASR – Anti-Slip Regulation	S
	EDL – Electronic Differential Lock	S
	EBA – Engine Braking Assist prevents compression-induced skidding in slippery conditions	S
	Electronic Stabilization Program	S
Transmission	6-speed manual transmission	S
	6-speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox with Tiptronic® and Sport mode	O
	Cable shift mechanism – manual transmission only	S
	Clutch starter interlock for manual transmission. Vehicle will not start if clutch is not depressed	S
	Hydraulic clutch for manual transmission	S

Warranty		GTI 2 Door
Anti-Corrosion	12 year/unlimited distance Limited Warranty against Corrosion Perforation	S
Powertrain Warranty	5 year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first). Powertrain Limited Warranty	S
Vehicle Warranty	4 year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first). New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Wear & tear items and adjustments excluded after initial 12 month/12,000 miles (whichever occurs first)	S

Roadside Assistance		GTI 2 Door
Roadside Assistance	4-year/unlimited mileage, 24-hour, provided by Road America	S

¹ with optional Navigation system, compass is moved from instrument cluster to the navigation screen
² obligated with optional Navigation system. In-dash reader only compatible with DVD Navigation disc or audio CD, but not both at the same time
³ only available in combination with option packages 1 or 2
⁴ only on vehicles built after wk 05/06 and not equiped with package 2 (Climatronic replaces this tray with a vent)
⁵ vehicles built before wk 05/06 and not equiped with Climatronic still have this vent

Options

Options	2.5 2 Door	2.5 4 Door
6-Spd Automatic with Tiptronic®	O	O
Power Sunroof	-	O
Satellite radio (Sirius or XM)	-	O
Rear passenger side thorax airbag supplemental retraint system	-	O
Electronic Stabilization Program	O	O
16″ alloy wheels with all season tires	O	O

Phriday Fun

Matt Radel — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 19:32:47 +0000

Just a quick little laugh for a Friday afternoon. Check out the Photoshop Phriday section for a little gem:

That’s right – that’s a black magic GTI transforming into a Decepticon. You takin’ notes Micheal Bay?

The Warm Stall Issue Arises Once Again

Dan Volkens — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 13:04:15 +0000

But yesterday evening my poor lil’ GTI stalled three times before I could get it to stay running. It’s a classic case of this documented problem, and I need to get it taken care of this time. Basically, after driving the car for a bit to get it to operating temp, then stopping for say 20 minutes, then trying to start it again results in a rough idle or stall.

I’ve posted the TSB in a previous post here. If you have this problem, print out the TSB stuff and take it to your dealer. Free fix!

Tractor with a GTI Engine Dropped In

Dan Volkens — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 13:00:04 +0000

I love it at the very end where he drops it and spins the tires a little. hahahahha

Eos & GTI have Great Residual Value

Matt Radel — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 16:22:09 +0000

That’s right – the Eos and the GTI nabbed spots four and five according to Kelly Blue Book. Folks that pounced on GM’s employee pricing in 2005 might be surprised to find that their rides won’t hold up to the newest ‘dubs. The lists are as follows:

Best Residual Value

Mini Cooper
Honda Civic
Acura TSX
Volkswagen Eos
Volkswagen GTI

Worst Residual Value

Lincoln Town Car
Dodge Caravan
Kia Sedona
Mercury Monterey
Ford Crown Victoria

Consumers seem to be shopping for the long run more and more these days. I personally plan to keep my Golf (pending no issues) for at least five to seven years. It’s nice to see VW in the top five twice with such good company, given their poor history on quality through the Mark IV generation. This in addition to the new three models under 17k campaign is just another indication that the company is moving in the right direction.

Get Your Wallets Ready: Fahrenheit GTI is Here

Dan Volkens — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 13:31:29 +0000

Check out some photos of it here.

* From the Volkswagen Press Release

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that the exclusive Fahrenheit GTI has arrived at dealerships. This uniquely styled, high performance hatchback is available to only 1200 lucky customers.

The Fahrenheit GTI distinguishes itself from others in the lineup with its electrifying orange exterior color that is sure to turn heads. Each distinctive vehicle includes “Fahrenheit” badging and a unique vehicle number displayed on a three-spoke perforated leather steering wheel. This special edition also boasts a European sport-tuned suspension; 18-inch alloy wheels; leather top sport heated seats; a sunroof; Fahrenheit orange interior accent trim; Fahrenheit orange stitching on the floor mats, DSG™ boot, brake handle and steering wheel; and optional Sirius Satellite Radio.

This special edition GTI is priced at an affordable $27,665 and is only available with the advanced automatic DSG transmission.