More of the same from where the Mk3 left off? Not a chance. The Mk4 has a loyal following, and rightly so. Here’s what to look for if it’s won you over too

Driving

With the Mk3 the Golf was taken down a much more upmarket, safety-conscious route. It’s a competent motor, but smooth road manners aren’t for everyone. Thankfully, engineers in Wolfsburg had taken note of some critics’ grumbles while designing the Mk4.

The cynical Mk1 owner will tell still you that it’s just another ‘family man’s Golf’, but with the right engine this isn’t necessarily the case.

The Mk4 is heavier than the Mk3, but handling is much improved. Plus, there’s a selection of high-performance engines to improve its power-to-weight ratio (there’s also an endless list of VAG specialists who’ll offer remaps to further up the ante)

Market Values

Well-maintained Mk4 Golfs tend to hold their values pretty well (you’re best off going for a Mk3 if you’re after a bargain). That said, a strong second-hand market for Mk5 Golfs has done a lot to drive prices down recently.

Unless it’s a high-miler, you can expect anything under £1500 to be dog-earred around the edges at best. £2000-£3500 is a more realistic figure for the four-pot petrol engines. Diesels tend to cost more – as a rule of thumb, add anywhere between £500-£1000.

The R32 models are the cream of the crop so don’t look at anything under £10,000 and expect to pay up to £15,000 if you’re after a quality example.

THE KNOWLEDGE

                       GOLF GT TDI                 GOLF R32   
ENGINE:         1896cc 4-cyl DOHC        3189cc V6 DOHC
BHP/RPM        115@4000                    241@6250
TOP SPEED:    121mph                        154mph
0-60:              10secs                          6.6secs
GEARBOX:      5/6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
CLUBS
Club GTi    www.clubgti.com
UK-MkVIs    http://uk-mkivs.net/
VW R32 OC    www.r32oc.com

To read the rest of this buying guide see the July 2011 issue of Golf+.

Back issues available here.