WHY I LOVE THE VW MK4 JETTA/GOLF

WHY I LOVE THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA MK4 JETTA/GOLF/R32!

For years after they stopped making the fourth generation of the Jetta, Golf, and R32, people have still been in love with them. The 'early 90s' look that they bring to the car scene is irreplaceable. Do they still look good in 2022? Here's what I think and why I have been obsessed for the last 6 years!

Disclaimer- This is an opinion! (But MK5s do suck)

Shot with:
- Sony Alpha 7iv
Edited with:
- FCP

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[imdafilma]

Thank you for all the support! Should I make more content about MK4s?😲

[evilvdub]

I'm second owner on my 03 GLI bought it with 73k on it, I just put it back on the road after a clutch and timing chain job at 207k. We will have owned it 14 years in October, don't see it leaving the family any time soon.

[JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

As a 40 year old kid that was just getting my license in the days of mk4… they will forever be one of my favorite cars. I’m not even a “car guy”.

The first vehicle I ever bought was a 1984 VW scirocco (dubbed by my friends the shit-rocket) but all I REALLY wanted was 337 that came out the year I graduated highschool (and then the 20th anniversary after I moved across the country where one of my new friends had JUST bought a 337).

Now as an elder teenager I finally have a 2003 GTI (not an actual AE but it’s been retrofit with body kit and I’m installing the brushed trim as we speak and has BBS wheels like the 337) and a 2005 GTI that came with aristos that I’ve already converted most of the way to a faux anniversary.

The beautiful thing about these cars, besides everything you mentioned, is how easy they are to work on (compared to newer vehicles especially). Plus there are tons of junked vehicles to pull from to fix stuff that breaks over time as well as a plethora of aftermarket parts that are sometimes better than OEM.

They may not be as reliable as a 1999 Toyota Carolla (my mom had one that would not die even if you never changed the oil), but they feel like you are driving an actual machine and look cool while doing so. Older Honda and Toyotas from the same era feel like driving a toy.

Someday I’ll own a mk7 GTI… but I’ll always keep fixing up this 2003 and keep it around. 🤙🏽

[housearrestproductions]

As someone who has owned a MK4 VR6 in the past and who CURRENTLY owns a MK4 2.0L, I gotta say that the MK4 2.0L is probably the EASIEST car I've ever worked on. I stupidly sold my VR6 some years back, but just picked up a 2004 2.0L Jetta about a week ago for $300. So far, I've replaced the coolant reservoir bubble, air filter, fuel filter, fuel pump, chaged oil, changed transmission fluid/filter, AND replaced the camshaft position sensor just this afternoon. Car had been sitting for about 2 years when I bought it and drove it home, so I figured replacing some of the fuel system and a few other things would be a good idea. Anyway, EVERYTHING so far has been SUPER easy to get to, parts were very inexpensive, and total labor time is minimal. Whoever designed this car really kept the person working on it in mind. Transmission pan had a total of 4 bolts (unlike most I've done, with a TON of unnecessary ones) AND was located about 6" behind the front bumper instead of the very center of the car. Even the fuel pump has an "access panel" located just under the passengers back seat, making changing the pump out a 10 minute job instead of having to drop the fuel tank like a lot of cars. I have a total of maybe $600 in this car now and that includes the $300 I paid PLUS all of those parts I mentioned I replaced. Absolutely LOVE it and even the "mods" I'm considering doing are easy and inexpensive. Don't get me wrong...I'd LOVE to have my VR6, black on black on black, manual Jetta back, lol. But, as far as ease of working on and parts pricing, I much prefer my 2.0L.

[adamvaliant]

I have a 2004 GLS 1.8t, i've had it for 15 years. I love it. Take care of em, they last forever!

[DadCar_Passat]

Im 18 and I love modding and driving my 2.8L Mk4 Jetta, I just replaced my carpet and all of the soft touch material on my trim pieces. You just can't beat a mk4.

[fisherfarms]

I’ve owned 2 mk4’s one was a 2.0 wagon and the other is a 1.8t Wolfsburg I built as a track car. By far the most fun, reliable and great looking cars I’ve ever owned. They’re easy to mod, easy to maintain and if u have a problem with them the community is great and will help you solve it. 10/10 great car enthusiast car

[moddude]

I had my MK4 since new for 23yrs. It was a German model from the year 2000 did not have the crayon smell like other MK4s. About 180, 000 mi. He 2.0 with a Neuspeee supercharger and a full suspension. Amazing car handles great! Recently sold it to my friend's kid. Hard to let go for sure! Still have my old school beetle though, will always have a Volkswagen!

[Mattyp]

I’m on my second mk4 vr6 and I can say the sounds and just the driver experience alone one of the best cars I’ve ever in my opinion

[ianmotomess]

I got my first car a little over a year ago at 16 and this thing is a blast I want to keep this for the rest of my life and once I am older and can afford it I want to build it to my dream spec nothing crazy that stands out but clean this is the best first car anyone could own

[isaacvv]

this car is what makes my life purpose

[-fromthestix]

I'm 50 and I'm on my second 2004 bew, 1 golf and now a jetta

[Nathan-yvrg]

The Mk4 is the best shape golf. It has aged so well, it is the perfect balance between old skool and modern.

[GOTTENMEDIA]

I'm honestly on my third one now I really can't stay out of it idc about all those expensive nice cars just give me a mk4 Jetta with a vr in it I'm good

[brianluczaj]

I’ve had my mk4 for 20 year, still works like a charm, but damn that crayon smell

[KnPadillaG]

I own a mk4 vw jetta wagon 1.8t manual and tbh it is by far my favorite car of all time. I can agree with that burn crayon smell ever since i stepped in i fell in love with it. I will never sell my vw as it is my daily driver. It is currently at 293865 miles and it still pulls. I am planning on dropping the gli manual tranny and new upgraded internals. If you ever get your hands on a manual 1.8t or vr6 keep it you will not regret it but only on mk4.. The whole aspect of the car is so sick..

[Pkemstr]

2.0 Manual, absolutely bulletproof of a vehicle, slower then a slug but will run forever.

[junemalig]

Yes i love my mk4....modifying my jetta is very fulfilling and fun.

[cruzogarcia]

Vr6 sounds are perfect even it's not straight piped

[RobertBrunoResearchDarknet]

bought my first mk4 jetta awp 1.8t when i was 45, its my summer car for 6 years now, only seen 1 winter. i undercoated that year. theres a long corrosion panel waranty, check that out, i had both fenders replaced free