My brother has recently acquired a 2003 VW GTI GLS. This model provides very spiffy acceleration, good interior space and layout, and good looks; all for a reasonable price. And with a little research, one can get the GTI for just $400 over invoice.

FEATURES

VW’s line of cars comes with a substantial package of standard features no other manufacturer offers (for under $20,000). The GTI comes with an 8-speaker sound system, ABS disk brakes on all four wheels, all power windows and door locks, keyless entry, metallic paint, traction control, 16” wheels, A/C, 60-40 folding rear bench seat, CD player, and many others.

OPTIONS

Unfortunately, VW does not sell the GTI without some packages added. While shopping, out of the entire state of California, only 2 vehicles did not have at least two options. My brother’s model came with 17” wheels, Monsoon sound system with an amplifier, sunroof, and Electronic Stabilization Program (another traction control system). Options were added at cost (no profit to dealer).

The Monsoon sound upgrade is nice, though I think it’s not worth the cost. My Jetta has great sound with its stock speakers and a JVC 200-watt MP3 player (SH707, $239 plus shipping). I consider an upgrade to aftermarket stereo and speakers installed by the owner as a better sound investment.

PERFORMANCE

The 180 HP 1.8-liter turbo engine provides very fast acceleration. One can make 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds, according to VW press releases (manual transmission). My dad has a 1999 Golf and was surprised by how much more power the GTI has. VW says the VR6 model, however, takes 7.7 seconds (200 HP, 195 lbs-ft of torque). Must be the extra weight...

While cruising on the freeway, maintaining 80 mph was a breeze on the 5th gear. Too bad my brother had not driven 1,000 miles yet when I took it out. He insisted I be extra cautions as per the break-in procedure described in the manual (no high revs and over 80 mph speeds in the first 1,000 miles).

I really wanted to hear the turbo in this car, but it is surprisingly quiet. It’s hard to discern when the turbo kicks in. Perhaps it was the fact I was prohibited from pressing hard on the accelerator :o( I’ll let you know more on this when I drive the car again.

COMFORT

The GTI is a major step above my brother’s previous car, a 2003 Acura RSX, when it comes to comfort. I found the seats in the Acura model very hard, the seat rests were like stone, the back seat then... my head (I’m 5'8") hit the roof all the time! It also only fit four people.

The GTI, on the other hand, is almost as comfy as my Jetta IV. The front seats adequately hold you in place on sharp turns, and the rear seats with the “tall” roof up to the back of the car provide good room space for short trips. My only annoyance is that the seat rests in front have to be lowered all the way when exiting the car from the back. Upon moving the front seat, the head rest strikes the roof as it jumps up and out of the way.

By lowering the rear seats, one can also fit “large” amounts of stuff. Up to 1,000 lbs (including passengers), according to Consumer Reports.

The suspension on the GTI is harder than the Golf and the Jetta, and much stiffer than the 2003 Passat 1.8T (test driven for comparison). However, it absorbs most bumps with ease and doesn’t allow the car to be pushed around as much as the Acura RSX.

A word on the Acura RSX: my brother totaled this car in a 10 mph crash where he hit the left side of a Civic doing 25 mph (also totaled). It had about 2 weeks worth of use.

SAFETY

The GTI and Golf models have received good ratings in crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, as well as five stars from the NHTSA in front barrier tests. No test has been done for the side. For 2003, the GTI has front, side (seats), and curtain airbags on sides. With Michelin performance tires standard equipment, I expect the GTI to be a good and safe car.

NEW STUFF

New stuff on the 2003 GTI and other VW’s include a four year/50,000-mile warranty — and note that VW pays for oil changes during that time — and a 5-year/60,000-mile power train warranty. Another feature involves child seats.

INSURANCE

Insurance premiums are expensive for the GTI, due to its sporty nature. See below where the GTI falls in comparison to other models.

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle%5Fratings/ictl/ictl%5Fbw.pdf

AAA is charging $2,000 per year in premiums for the GTI (19-yr old driver).

CONCLUSION

Up to now, ~ 950 miles, I consider the GTI a worthy sporty car, and a good value. When I get my hand on it again, where I can adequately drive it (without my brother in the car), I will write another review; also expressing more information on its handling capabilities.

References:

- Consumer Reports
http://www.consumerreports.org

- VW web site
http://dealer.vw.com/vwpress/fullStoryA.html?release_id=5746

Check out the new GOLF V coming out for 2004!

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/News/0,,1369-1372_1231471,00.html


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Amount Paid (US$): 20,402.00
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: GLS 1.8T, Luxury Package, 17" wheels, ESP