Hey folks-<p>I stop in here every once in a while to see what's what, as I am a big fan of Audi. The brand new A4 is a great-looking car... I saw one in that nice metallic blue (forget which one, by name) and thought I was in love all over again.<p>Still, they're a bit out of my price range for the moment, and not really the kind of car I'm looking for. What has caught my interest is the new '99 Volkswagen GTI (VR6). Great car! I haven't been able to find any message boards like this one<br>(or like the BMW, Acura Integra/Honda, etc. etc. boards) for VW anywhere, so I was wondering if anyone here knew of one? The link to "VW forums" on the A4 page here doesn't seem to work, so this is why I ask.<p>Thanks for the help-<p>Autobahn5

That link will take you to VW Vortex web site, which I feel is the best message board for VW's. Currently their experiencing some upgrade problems but they should be back online soon. They have a message board there for the fourth generation Jetta/Golf. Should be just the ticket.<br>BTW, the new GTI VR6 is a sweet ride!<p>Andy Hedin<br>'97 A4 1.8Tqms, Wett 1.0 Bar, ABT Filter, E-codes....

Yeah, that's the one I tried with the link. Like I said, it isn't working right now... but if it's upgrades they're doing, then I have no problem waiting.<p>Thanks for the tip! The GTI VR6 is indeed an awesome car. I've driven a '99 with a 4-cylinder, and a '98 with the 6. So now I need to find a '99 with the 6, and I'll have driven exactly what I want to buy. That 6 is one hell of a powerful engine! I just loved the '99 car so much more than the '98, particularly the interior. So I'm very excited.<p>Well, thanks again. I'm currently driving a '94 Acura Integra RS, which is a great and fun car. But I've got the new car bug biting me, and in a year or so I want that GTI!<p>--- =-)

Wow.<p>Seems like an awful lot for a car that size!!! Hell, the 170hp felt like a lot, even too much.<br>(Not that I complained, of course.)<p>I plan to wait at least a year, that way there will be enough consumer reporting and such to solidify or blow apart my decision to buy.<p>When's this big engine coming? <p>I much prefer the GTI/Golf body over the Jetta.<br>Besides, I hear they're better built, and the GTI's suspension feels much better (tighter). They still built in Germany, and Jettas in Mexico?<br>Or did that change this year?<p>Just curious... Thanks! =-)<p>---

<i>When's this big engine coming?</i><br>I believe it's already available in Europe. No word yet on exactly when and if it will make it to N. America. Seems like quite a few folks on VW Vortex think it will be in a year or two. Lots of people are also hoping the 1.8T engine will become available in the GTI (as it currently is in Europe). And of course the AWD system named "4-Motion" is tops on people's wish lists. All of these things have been discussed on VW Vortex. Hopefully they'll get their servers back up soon.<p><i>I much prefer the GTI/Golf body over the Jetta.</i><br>I agree...I've always liked hatchbacks (my previous car was a '90 Corrado G60.<p><i>Besides, I hear they're better built, and the GTI's suspension feels much better (tighter). They still built in Germany, and Jettas in Mexico? Or did that change this year?</i><br>From what I've read, the GTI VR6 suspension is tighter than the Jetta GLX. The 4th generation Golf's are now built in Germany (used to be Mexico) and the 4th generation Jetta's are built in Mexico still. Since VW sells more Jetta's in N. America and they sell more Golf's in Europe, it made more sense to have the production facilities closest to their largest markets.<p>Andy Hedin<br>'97 A4 1.8Tqms, Wett 1.0 Bar Chip, ABT Filter, Euro Headlights...

The underestimation of hatchbacks here in the US will always baffle me! I see why most people shun them, in that they're dwarfed by the common attraction to sedan bodies, but I don't see why people won't even consider having enough objectivity to try a hatchback.<p>My Integra is the two-door hatchback (well, thus a "three door") and I can fit Rhode Island in there if I pack it properly and sideways. Thus why I like the Golf/GTI so much. <p>One thing I don't like is that it seems the GTI VR6 is being dished out with Michelin MXV4 tires, which is notorious among Integra owners as one of the worst chunks of rubber ever to hit the road; it's stock-issue for those Acuras, and has been since '94 (at least). They're treacherous in rain, and can't perform for anything. It scares me to think VW has made the same mistake. Hopefully it's a different variant of the tire, because even though they're different cars, that doesn't change the fact that the tires are awful.<br>I've Bridgestones on mine, and have been happy.<p>Thanks again!<p>---