2002 Volkswagen Golf GTI (20v Turbo) Mk4 For Sale

THE APPEAL

The Volkswagen Golf has long been an icon for German engineering and tuning culture alike, with the coveted GTI variant being the most desirable of the early golfs. Initially started on somewhat of a gamble, the sporty version of the golf was developed by a number of Volkswagen employees back in 1974, who sought approval before the GTI project was greenlighted.

The release of the Mk4 Golf signalled a new era in GTI tuning, as it opted for sleeker, more minimal styling. One major distinction between this mark and previous designs was the removal of the red grille strip and the addition of curvier flowing body lines. Although somewhat controversial at the time, the Mk 4 Golf is now recognised as a turning point for modern automotive styling.

This particular model is fitted with the rare five-cylinder 20-valve engine, which allowed the Mk4 Golf to easily keep up with its competitors of the time and even boasts figures rivalling modern cars.

Handling too was precise and the 20-valve Turbo engine was notoriously good for a quarter of a million miles. Fuelled partially by a thriving aftermarket modification scene, demand for good examples has climbed noticeably in recent years

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

First registered 1st March 2002

Five-door hatchback original UK market vehicle

Current registered keeper since December 2009

Low-mile cars rarely have a thick history file but this car comes with sixteen invoices for work across the car’s life, showing regular servicing and routine maintenance

Current MOT expires 24th May 2024

Other than a first-time fail for headlamp alignment at the last MOT, the history at MOT tests for this vehicle has been entirely impeccable, with no advisories ever noted

Several of the previous MOT documents are included within the history file

Approximately 50 miles only since the last MOT

The car comes with both original VW remote alarm locking flip keys

THE INTERIOR

Black leather upholstery was an expensive option when new and has lasted very well on this car

The door cards, gear-shift gaiter, handbrake cover and steering wheel are all also finished in factory black leather, all of which looks beautifully preserved

The front seats have multiple heat settings and both work well

The pop-out flip-cubby for drinks holders often breaks in Mk4 Golfs and the push trim also suffers through use - we are pleased to report that the cover trim (in dark ash veneer) is in excellent condition and the pop-out works just as it should

No signs of age or wear to the rear seats

The highly supportive (Recaro-inspired) front seats remain in excellent condition with some minor creasing and wear on the drivers upright bolster, where the leather has rubbed, though all stitching looks to be intact

Dark ash veneered cappings on the door handles have some customary cracks but are all present and correct, as are the matching dash trims

Dark Ash veneer on the sliding ash-tray top looks virtually as new

Despite the presence of such a lot of dark leather upholstery, the interior cabin feels bright and airy, thanks to the factory glass sunroof which was another expensive option when new. There is a sliding screen to use if the sunlight from above is not desired

Numerals have faded on the gear knob but the dark ash lever itself is otherwise in excellent condition

Door-mounted switches are in good order for age with light signs of age and use

The clocks and dials are all clear and functioning well. The small red illuminated box between the main dials glows brightly, making reading the pixel content difficult to read in some lights

Black carpets are very smart throughout and haven’t suffered any fade or wear

Original over-mats all look in good order

The glovebox is all very clean, tidy and working as it should

The dashboard is original and in excellent order, showing no visible marks and no colour fade

No splits or cracks in the dash top, nor to the excellent rear parcel shelf

The boot compartment is very clean and smart throughout

Full-size spare wheel is fitted in the under-boot-carpet recess

The jack and tools all seem to be present and correct in the original poly-ring

The alloy wheel locking nut is present in the allocated recess

The VW VIN paper label is still in good condition beneath the boot carpet

THE EXTERIOR

Reflex Silver paintwork is in excellent condition with no meaningful scratches or imperfections worthy of note

No visible corrosion anywhere on the bodywork, not even around the tailgate lever, which in commonly one of the first places to suffer

The sills all look original and rock-solid

Unlike most hot-hatchbacks, we can find little in the way of stone chips, whether to the bonnet, under-skirt, grill, bonnet or wing mirrors - it all suggests that the car has had a fairly tame life

All badges and scripts look original, bright and in good order

All plastics, rubbers and trims present in excellent original condition

Wing mirrors are tight, secure and free of damage

The 16” BBS Split-Rim alloys were a fairly rare VW option when the GTi was new - we really like the look of them on this car, which clearly had a lot of very attractive (and expensive) options added when the car was ordered new

All four BBS alloys look to be in pristine condition and suit the stance of the car beautifully

The front tyres have a good deep even tread. The rear tyres are older and would be best replaced in the coming year

The headlights are crystal-clear and entirely free of stone chips or tarnishing

THE MECHANICS

Trusty VW ‘AUM’ 1,781cc 20v Turbo powerplant

Five-speed manual gearbox

All completely standard - no evidence of modifications

Very smart and clean under the bonnet

Starts effortlessly and settles quickly into a gentle and even idle

The gear selection is clean and precise

Steering and transmission all feel light and free of any noise or fuss

New battery fitted in the last twelve months

SUMMARY

A superb, torquey example of the legendary Golf GTI, this MK4 has been used sparingly throughout its life and today has amassed fewer miles than the average of most 4-year-old modern VWs. It benefits from a plethora of highly desirable options, not least the original BBS split-rims, which we adore. It looks wholly original, so ideal for the purist who wants an original car that they can cherish.

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2002 Volkswagen Golf GTI (20v Turbo) Mk4

HIGHLIGHTS