1.4 petrol golfs, anyone know much?

mrs wants a polo but the newer ones are silly money or mega miles, plus been warned to steer away from the 1.2, so looking at golfs and see they do a 1.4 petrol and have seen a decent one for a decent price localish, just wondered if they are woefully underpowered, spec's seem ok and mpg not too bad but thought i'd ask.
Fuel consumption (urban) 31 mpg
Fuel consumption (extra urban) 51.4 mpg
Fuel consumption (combined) 41.5 mpg
0 - 62 mph 14 seconds
Top speed 106 mph
Cylinders 4
Valves 16 v
Engine power 75 bhp
Engine torque 93 lbs/ft

 

They are soooooo slow even the 1.6/2.0 na are totally gutless, you know the only answer in MK4 guise is a TDI, more power, lower insurance (if PD100) greater MPG, yes a bit dearer to buy but they will hold that value until you sell. They are also as tough as old boots and will go on forever.
Check that the boot opens properly and the rear wash wipe is not seized/leaking into the boot, check it unlocks all doors on the remote and that the drivers window isnt fooked.
You will never see the petrols mpg as you have to put your foot down to make any progress....anywhere.

 

I bought my mrs a PD150 and she loves it

 

yes i just got a 100 tdi for me but my mrs don't like diesels and only wants a cheap tax petrol

 

1.4 16v 75bhp in a Golf is a bit weak. They fitted the same engine to MK5 Polos, and it's alright in them, but a Mk4 Golf is a pretty lardy old beast, to be honest. You're better off with a diseasel, I think.

 

If she doesn't mind it being slow, then fine.

 

she drives a 1.2 punto how bad can it be?

 

I punto weighs about 87 grammes though opposed to the 7 tonne golf

 

is the engine itself a fairly decent lump though, forgetting it may be slow or gutless - this will depend on her driving, is the 1.4 a proven engine with any length of service or known faults?

 

Gearbox on the 1.4 is the weak link, secondhand boxes are hard to get as they are all broke !!!

Oh and dirty throttle bodies !!

Oh and can get tappy !!!

 

just googled it and pretty much all sites say it's quicker to walk..... ok change of plan then.

 

That is unless you walk the speed of her indoors

 

To be fair, a solid lump of iron with wheels is lighter and more nimble than a mk4 golf.

 

slow is an understatement, a granny with two hips replaced could move faster

 

buy a Ford Focus 1.6 petrol....superior in every way to the Mk4 Golf (don't take my word for it...read the reviews and take a test drive...I wouldn't go back to Golfs after owning a Focus...drives better, handles much better, cheaper to run, cheaper parts)
Skoda Fabia would be my next choice over and above a Polo....
Kia Ceed if you can stretch to it

 

I have driven the mk4 1.4 and I thought for a plodder is was a great car. Would I own one? No. I bought the PD150 Tdi.

I would however by the 1.4/1.6 Polo. Buy a Polo GTi and I bet she will love it.

 

1.4 in the mk4 golf was a nag, don't bother.

 

Try a vw lupo or seat arosa, surprisingly bigger than they look on the inside

 

But driving around in an ancient focus is lame...
Golfs still feel solid at 150+k miles at that mileage a focus is on the scrap heap.

 

she had a 1.8 focus with 169k on it when we sold it.