2001 Volkswagen GTI GLS 1.8T

When it came to the Mk.4, as they had in the prior generations Volkswagen offered you two flavors of GTI. In 2001, this was represented as the GLS and the GLX. The GLX had the throaty 2.8L VR6, while the GLS made due with the 1.8T. It was still a punchy package, though; with 150 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. While that was down on grunt to the VR6, you could easily chip the 1.8T and make up the deficit. That’s what a lot did, and consequently it’s pretty hard to find a car like today’s example – here we have a stock Mojave Beige Metallic GTI GLS that has under 60,000 miles. If you want one, it’s definitely one of the best out there:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 Volkswagen GTI GLS 1.8T on eBay

Year: 2001
Model: GTI GLS 1.8T
VIN: 9BWDD21J314027671
Engine: 1.8 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 57,600 mi
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Price: $8,999 Buy It Now

2001 Volkswagen GTI GLS 1.8T 2dr Turbo Hatchback
Stock #:
10969
Exterior Color:
GOLD
Interior Color:
Unspecified
Body Type:
Hatchback
Transmission:
Automatic 4-Speed
Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine:
1.8L I4
Mileage:
57,652

So why buy the GTI over the Golf GLS with the 1.8T, which you could also get? Well, the GTI came with a standard sport suspension and front sport seats, so that was nice! Otherwise the power and performance were largely unchanged, much like the 4-cylinder GTI had been in the third generation. This one is not a very adventurous color combination, but my – what a sleeper! It definitely flies under the radar and most wouldn’t even know it was a GTI. Pricing seems to be a bit aggressive for a Mk.4, but while these are not really collector status they are nice cars that are fun to drive and economical. For under $9k you could do a lot worse these days.

-Carter