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Is the 2.0L a good engine in your opinion?

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SquarebackGuy

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi,
my fiance got a 2003 2.0 Golf GLS last week. She absolutely loves it.
What are your guys' opinions on this engine? I have heard stuff about it consuming a lot of oil. How does it compare in reliability compared to the 1.8T engine? Just want to hear some thoughts about this engine.
 
#2 ·
Re: Is the 2.0L a good engine in your opinion? (SquarebackGuy)

i have an older 2.0 engine. an aba in a 1999 jetta. (mk3)
i like the engine for what it is. its not the fastest thing out there. its reliable. i get reasonable mileage (about 27mpg mixed)
its cheap to buy parts for. its easy to work on. adding a few simple mods makes it more fun to drive.
mine doesnt burn oil at 123,000 miles.
it isnt at fast as the 1.8t but its not supposed to be.
 
#3 ·
Re: Is the 2.0L a good engine in your opinion? (SquarebackGuy)

it's a very good engine. it's bulletproof. super reliable. mine doesn't burn a drop of oil - (1 year and 35k miles. yikes!)
coupled with a 5-speed it's pretty quick for getting around town. i do wish i had the potential speed of a 1.8T, but I am happy with the good deal I got on a my 2.0. besides, I got married and bought a house instead of waiting for a 20th AE. it was a good choice IMO.
my only complaint is that it's not just slow, it's the slowest! 0-60 in 10.5 with the manual. that's slower than a minivan. but, chip, intake, and exhaust can wake it up real easy. and a cam can push it a little further.
 
#4 ·
Re: Is the 2.0L a good engine in your opinion? (dunhamjr)

Quote, originally posted by dunhamjr »
i have an older 2.0 engine. an aba in a 1999 jetta. (mk3)
i like the engine for what it is. its not the fastest thing out there. its reliable. i get reasonable mileage (about 27mpg mixed)
its cheap to buy parts for. its easy to work on. adding a few simple mods makes it more fun to drive.
mine doesnt burn oil at 123,000 miles.
it isnt at fast as the 1.8t but its not supposed to be.

http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
My Jetta is the first car I've really done any work to, and outside of some quirky little things, it's been enjoyable. Never owned an "extensive" toolkit before the Jetta.
If you perform regular maintenance on it, and keep on top of repairs, it'll last a very long time.....
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Re: Is the 2.0L a good engine in your opinion? (VW97Jetta)

She really likes the her 5 speed Golf. I like it too. I'm glad to hear that the engine is an overall reliable one.
I have an 88 jetta 1.8l with about 200,000 miles on it and I do most of my maintenance. It's an easy engine to work on. Is the 2.0 just as easy to work on? Also, is it true that the CEL will come on if you dont screw the gas cap on tight?
 
#6 ·
This is my 5th watercooled VW and 4th car with the 2.0L motor. I've done A3 2.0L transplants into MkII golfs and Jettas and think the 2.0L is a great and durable motor. It responds very well to people who take care of their cars. When cars with the 2.0L have lots of problems, it's usually not the motor at the source of the problem but one of the numerous other parts. Hopefully your fiance got one of the lucky cars that will have very few gremlins. Either you have a great car with few problems or you'll have a car that is constantly in the shop.
 
#7 ·
Re: Is the 2.0L a good engine in your opinion? (SquarebackGuy)

Quote, originally posted by SquarebackGuy »
[...]Also, is it true that the CEL will come on if you dont screw the gas cap on tight?

Yes. it's true. Before I left the lot the dealer must have told me about it some 14 times. Gas cap must be tight.
About the engine, the 2.0 is very reliable. I just love the low end pull on these engines
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2.0s are tough to break.....unless you are really trying. One maintenance item I would recommend is to change the spark plugs at 30,000 miles instead of 40,000. You will literally feel the difference. Other than that, just pour gas, check your oil level
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(my case), and keep on driving
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#8 ·
Re: Is the 2.0L a good engine in your opinion? (QuackDuck)

0-60 in 10.5 seconds?!?! Really? When I drive, it don't feel that long. I take off from the line without chirping tires, take her up to 4500rpm, shift, and am at 60 pretty quick. Maybe it's just the rush of the moment, and not the rush of the car! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
Image
 
#9 ·
Re: Is the 2.0L a good engine in your opinion? (SquarebackGuy)

i run mine harder now at 104,xxx than at 70,xxx and it just keeps going and i drove to chicago with a guy who is at 200,xxx and drives his harder than i drive mine and his hasnt given up yet. yeah i would say i like it.
 
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