At $4,300, Does This 2003 VW Jetta GLI VR6 Nonetheless Have Life Left In It?

In keeping with the advert, at present’s Good Value or No Cube Jetta has 240,000 on the clock. Regardless of that heavy baggage, it nonetheless impresses with a VR6 underneath the hood, and a five-speed stick subsequent to that. Let’s examine what we take into consideration its situation and value.

Some autos are uncommon as a result of few have been ever constructed. Others, just like the 1985 Ford LTD LX we checked out yesterday, current as uncommon by means of attrition, which, to be truthful, is pushed by not being all that noteworthy when new. Our LX had been made extra engaging by the use of a constructed 5.0 V8 and swapped-in five-speed stick, amongst different upgrades. That was made potential by Fox-body LTD’s shut affiliation with the also-Fox-body Mustang. Much less engaging to some was the automotive’s failing paint, though the vendor positioned that patina as a constructive. None of that made a distinction, although, when contemplating the automotive’s appreciable $18,500 asking value. When all was stated and finished, that had fallen in an 87 p.c No Cube loss.

When Volkswagen first launched the Jetta, again in 1979, it was little greater than a Golf (or Rabbit) with a trunk. This proved extraordinarily widespread within the U.S. because the American car-buying public as a complete likes massive butts and we can’t lie. The second era of the Jetta was a lot the identical—a Golf with a trunk. Third era? Golf with a trunk. By the fourth era, nonetheless, one thing funky bought into the Jetta designers’ Franzbrötchen. The Mark IV Jetta, launched for the 1999 mannequin 12 months, remarkably did not seem like a Golf with a trunk. For the primary time, the Jetta sedan earned itself a set of again doorways that weren’t hand-me-downs from the Golf. It additionally acquired a extra distinctive sloping nostril to additional differentiate the mannequin from its hatchback sibling.

Regardless of the added consideration, the Jetta has at all times performed second fiddle to the Golf in the case of efficiency. Heavier, attributable to its added booty, the U.S.-market GLI does not fairly have the identical edge because the lighter Golf GTI. As befitting its extra luxurious position within the lineup, the GLI additionally had less-aggressive seat bolstering, and no plaid for the upholstery.

Mechanically, the Mark IV GLI rocked the identical stuff because the GTI, all the best way as much as the candy 2.8-liter Verkürzt Reihenmotor Sechs engine and five-speed handbook transmission turning the entrance wheels. That combo put 200 horsepower on the desk in U.S. trim, backed up by 195 lb-ft of torque. This 2003 VW Jetta GLI sports activities the raucous VR6 and the five-speed. It additionally has a bunch of aftermarket add-ons and wear-related replacements to make it much more excessive.

These embrace a brand new clutch with a lightened flywheel, and suspension-lowering coilovers. The vendor says these have been put in “initially of the 12 months,” which sounds a little bit unusual as we’re not even midway by means of March but. Different noteworthy updates embrace a chilly air consumption, Magnaflow cat-back exhaust, a brand new aluminum radiator, and a Stage 2 ECU recoding that’s promised to carry an additional 20 to 25 ponies to the social gathering.

Further fixes embrace new axles, a brief shifter, and a good-looking set of 18-inch 3SDM alloys. All of the work is vital because the automotive reportedly has 240,000 miles on the clock, so it is pure that a number of the put on and tear components would want changing.

Aesthetically, the automotive seems OK. The grey paint appears shiny sufficient and the automotive’s lowered stance, chromed double-barrel exhaust, and rack on the roof do give it a strong ski bum vibe. There are just a few apparent dings within the bodywork, one within the trunk lid (pfft, that might by no means occur in a GTI) and a pair on the left-front fender. All are most likely serviceable by a paint-less dent elimination professional, however that will probably be left as much as the following proprietor to determine.

The cabin seems clear and sports activities leather-based upholstery, rubber flooring mats, and an aftermarket Alpine stereo with a fancy-pants touchscreen. The vendor says the AirCon system was changed eight years in the past and nonetheless works like a appeal.

Below the hood, issues are a bit grimier, and the engine is lacking its plastic magnificence panel. That is not a giant deal because it does not actually serve a lot of a objective, however could be good to have it wanting a bit tidier in there.

In keeping with the advert, this GLI has no electrical or mechanical points, and the sale will embrace a clear title and a set of winter wheels. That every one comes on the asking value of $4,300. Whereas it has a ton of miles on the clock, the automotive appears properly cared-for—the vendor claiming oil modifications each 3K—and appears to be in fairly good condition for its age and people miles. Sure, there are a few dings right here and there, however at evening, who’s going to know? Plus, the add-ons and upkeep work appear to have been finished with a way of look after the automotive.

So, what do you say? Does this GLI deserve some love at that $4,300 asking value? Or is that simply too excessive to love?

You determine!

Good Value or No Cube:

Denver, Colorado, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.

H/T to Don R. for the hookup!

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