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2004 Volkswagen GTI
Invoice: $17,593 - $20,140
Miles Per Gallon
City: 23 MPG - 24 MPG
Highway: 30 MPG - 31 MPG
Body Style: Hatchback
Engines: 1.8L I-4 180 HP, 2.8L V-6 200 HP
Do you remember the first Volkswagen GTI? It was the original sports car in a box when it snarled onto the scene as a 1983 model, back in the days when there was still a VW hatchback named after a creature with long ears and buck teeth. The GTI was fast on its feet, reasonably quick from a standing start and roomy inside; it had sports-car responses combined with a hatchback's space efficiency. And if the GTI wasn't quite revolutionary (there was the precedent of the Austin Mini Cooper S) it was certainly sensational. The original GTI added new descriptions to the automotive lexicon, such as pocket rocket and hot hatch. And it spawned a small fleet of wannabes - the Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo, Dodge Omni GLH, Toyota Corolla FX16 and Mazda 323 Turbo, to name just a few. That wasn't so long ago, but our automotive appetite has obviously changed. America has lost its taste for hatchbacks, preferring cars shaped like bullets rather than boxes, with at least the illusion of a conventional trunk. The hot hatchback phenomenon is all but history. Although Honda continues to offer the peppy Si version of the Civic hatchback, it's a member of a family that also includes formal coupes and sedans. Only VW persists with a full line of true shoe-box hatchbacks, called Golf. And only one Golf carries on the concept established by the original GTI. This is it. The GTI VR6 isn't exactly inexpensive with a price of $19,265. But compared with sport coupes of comparable performance - the Acura Integra GS-R, Ford Probe GT and Mazda MX-6, for example - its comprehensive collection of comfort and convenience features makes it very competitive. The only options you can add are clearcoat metallic paint and a 6-disc CD changer, bringing the price up to $19,935. We were content with the standard equipment on our test model.
Purchasing an older vehicle, such as the 2004 Volkswagen GTI, makes good financial sense. You're able to avoid the steep depreciation rates that occur with brand new vehicles. This essentially gives you the advantage of getting a 2004 Volkswagen GTI for less money than when it was new. If the 2004 Volkswagen GTI was properly maintained, you also have a good chance of steering clear of problems that would have developed when the car was new.
The amount you pay for an older car depends on various factors. One important element is where you buy the vehicle. You're likely to get a better deal if you buy it from a private party, as opposed to a dealer. On the other hand, a reputable dealer will normally have some kind of limited warranty, so you can drive away knowing that if the car breaks down right away, you'll be covered. Another factor that may affect price on a 2004 Volkswagen GTI is whether it's "certified" by the manufacturer. A certified vehicle will cost more because warranty service is provided that normally doesn't come with a used car.
Another dynamic that will play into the purchase price is the resale value. A used vehicle with a high resale value will obviously cost you more. It is expected that the 2004 Volkswagen GTI will have a good resale value. This assumes that the 2004 Volkswagen GTI is in good condition and has a reasonable number of miles.
Find a used 2004 Volkswagen GTI for sale at CarsDirect.
