Hi: All I can say is that I had a 2002 GTI 1.8 5 speed and had nothing but problems after the 1st year. I will NEVER buy a VW again. I love my new mini cooper s that I got last month. It's not quite as fast as the GTI, but handles MUCH better. Please think twice about a VW..it seems that either you get a lemon or a gem...not much in between.