Golf GT 1.4 TSI (160) or GTI?

[B11awais]

Hi which car would you go for and why?

I've done a ton of research on both vehicles and they both have a few major negatives.

Both cars are around 69k mileage and about £1.5k apart in price. (Both manuals)

The GT, has recently had its timing chain, water pump and new clutch installed, whereas the GTI has not (I'm assuming as it is not mentioned).

There apparently is some really bad flaws with the 1.4 tsi as I've come across failing turbo chargers and pistons issues etc, but also the GTI has a few apparent issues nothing as severe as the 1.4 tsi.

I don't know a ton when it comes to doing mechanical work to a car, so thought it'd be best to ask.

I like the GTI as its a GTI, plus it looks way better but the 1.4 tsi doesn't seem too slow either. I most likely in the future will be remapping these cars to potentially stage 2, depending on how much I've spent maintaining the car.

As this is my first time going for a car semi-powerful, which car would you suggest.

 

[Timothy Bryce]

Hi which car would you go for and why?

I was in this situation 6 months ago; leaving behind 10 years of GTTDI ownership and 15 years of GTI ownership prior to that.
It seems to easy to say but even though I had a ton of issues, I would still say GTI.
The two cars are not really comparable. The 1.4 at Stage 2 is only just going to get you to standard GTI territory whereas a Stage 2 GTI is comfortably into R territory and beyond.

I've done a ton of research on both vehicles and they both have a few major negatives.

They do but it's worth the pain as I'm sure people on here will attest! A recent (updated) timing chain and tensioner is essential so you should definitely factor that into the cost. Also if you don't know the history, factor for coils and plugs. PCV valve and Diverter valve are also common weak points.
From my own experience, you should also get a feel for oil consumption. I know this isn't easy on a used car but whichever one you go for, keep a really close eye on things for the first couple of months so if there is a problem at least you still have some legal protection (assuming the laws in your country allow for that).
There was a revision to the pistons and rings in the GTI engine. Earlier faulty models were known for excessive consumption even from new!
Although they all use oil to some degree; in my case I was burning a litre every 200 to 500 miles; the solution ultimately was a new engine. I bumped it up to stage 2 at 1000 miles and couldn't be happier now.
Good luck whatever you choose.

 

[B11awais]

I was in this situation 6 months ago; leaving behind 10 years of GTTDI ownership and 15 years of GTI ownership prior to that.
It seems to easy to say but even though I had a ton of issues, I would still say GTI.
The two cars are not really comparable. The 1.4 at Stage 2 is only just going to get you to standard GTI territory whereas a Stage 2 GTI is comfortably into R territory and beyond.



They do but it's worth the pain as I'm sure people on here will attest! A recent (updated) timing chain and tensioner is essential so you should definitely factor that into the cost. Also if you don't know the history, factor for coils and plugs. PCV valve and Diverter valve are also common weak points.
From my own experience, you should also get a feel for oil consumption. I know this isn't easy on a used car but whichever one you go for, keep a really close eye on things for the first couple of months so if there is a problem at least you still have some legal protection (assuming the laws in your country allow for that).
There was a revision to the pistons and rings in the GTI engine. Earlier faulty models were known for excessive consumption even from new!
Although they all use oil to some degree; in my case I was burning a litre every 200 to 500 miles; the solution ultimately was a new engine. I bumped it up to stage 2 at 1000 miles and couldn't be happier now.
Good luck whatever you choose.

So how much would it cost to get the timing chain and tensioner replaced?

 

[Timothy Bryce]

So how much would it cost to get the timing chain and tensioner replaced?

What country are you in? Here in the UK it's between £800 and £1000 for a specialist indie. Most of the money is on labour.