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Traum · 10-31-2015, 03:33 PM

From a reliability point of view, the MkIV GTI absolutely cannot be compared to an RSX-S. It isn't so much that the MkIV GTI was unreliable -- in fact, I'd say the 1.8T engine itself is super reliable. But all the accessories around the engine -- the various valves, gaskets, pumps, the turbo itself, etc. -- those would all require servicing. Using my own 1.8T as an example, it developed an annual habit of eating a turbo recirculation / diverter valve starting in the 4th or 5th year of its life.

I didn't keep my service records nearly as well as I do now, but looking back into them right now, I basically had 4 warranty claims between its 3rd - 5th year of ownership. And then in it's 7th year, it had 2 additional warranty claims, one of which was a major sunroof problem that cost over $1k. Suffice to say, I bought the car with the longest extended warranty that was offered, and I came out winning in that particular arrangement. That said, the car has never left me stranded, but it is a German car, and will require service and maintenance levels that are representative of German vehicles.

If at all possible, you'd want to find as late a model as you can. The later cars come with 180hp right out of the box, and I seem to think that it wasn't just a matter of VW turning up the boost levels. I'd also avoid the 01-02 cars at a minimum, as I think those were the years when the MkIV cars had the most reliability woes.

Also, don't forget that the MkIV cars run on a rear beam axle. The RSX-S' IRS isn't that much better, but I suppose it is still a slight improvement.

If you are considering the GTI against the RSX-S, take into consideration the style of driving that you prefer. The 1.8T GTI has a very nice mid range torque curve, and that is fantastic for general street use and recreational spirited driving, but it starts to run out of breath when you get into the higher revs. You can slap some free flowing exhaust to improve the high end flow, but then you'd be sacrificing the low end and mid range, and I'd say that goes against the nature and preference of the engine. With the RSX-S, on the other hand, it has a nice enough mid-range, but where it really shines is how willing it is to rev, and how incredible that high end is.

Think about which kind of poison you like better, and go for that.

10-31-2015, 03:33 PM	#5
Traum RS.net, helping ugly ppl have sex since 2001 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Paradise, BC Posts: 8,380 Thanked 8,148 Times in 3,389 Posts Failed 262 Times in 148 Posts	From a reliability point of view, the MkIV GTI absolutely cannot be compared to an RSX-S. It isn't so much that the MkIV GTI was unreliable -- in fact, I'd say the 1.8T engine itself is super reliable. But all the accessories around the engine -- the various valves, gaskets, pumps, the turbo itself, etc. -- those would all require servicing. Using my own 1.8T as an example, it developed an annual habit of eating a turbo recirculation / diverter valve starting in the 4th or 5th year of its life. I didn't keep my service records nearly as well as I do now, but looking back into them right now, I basically had 4 warranty claims between its 3rd - 5th year of ownership. And then in it's 7th year, it had 2 additional warranty claims, one of which was a major sunroof problem that cost over $1k. Suffice to say, I bought the car with the longest extended warranty that was offered, and I came out winning in that particular arrangement. That said, the car has never left me stranded, but it is a German car, and will require service and maintenance levels that are representative of German vehicles. If at all possible, you'd want to find as late a model as you can. The later cars come with 180hp right out of the box, and I seem to think that it wasn't just a matter of VW turning up the boost levels. I'd also avoid the 01-02 cars at a minimum, as I think those were the years when the MkIV cars had the most reliability woes. Also, don't forget that the MkIV cars run on a rear beam axle. The RSX-S' IRS isn't that much better, but I suppose it is still a slight improvement. If you are considering the GTI against the RSX-S, take into consideration the style of driving that you prefer. The 1.8T GTI has a very nice mid range torque curve, and that is fantastic for general street use and recreational spirited driving, but it starts to run out of breath when you get into the higher revs. You can slap some free flowing exhaust to improve the high end flow, but then you'd be sacrificing the low end and mid range, and I'd say that goes against the nature and preference of the engine. With the RSX-S, on the other hand, it has a nice enough mid-range, but where it really shines is how willing it is to rev, and how incredible that high end is. Think about which kind of poison you like better, and go for that.