2002 VW Golf GLS TDI ALH in Virginia

KRAA!

Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2025
Location
Fredericksburg, VA
TDI
2002 Golf GLS TDI
I am the original owner of this 2002 Golf GLS TDI (ALH). It is blue with a dark grey interior.











This car has been parked under a carport for the last ~10 years and is in good condition for its age.

Some details:
-122k miles
-clean title, no accidents
-4 door
-power sunroof
-cold AC
-5 speed manual
-clutch replaced in December, transmission oil flushed and changed
-rear main seal replaced when clutch was replaced
-some worn interior parts replaced
-some exterior paint (top, bumpers, hood, rear hatch) repainted several years ago
-rubber floor mats from a 2014 Jetta Wagon dieselgate TDI
-a while ago the interior headliner was re-upholstered with fabric approximating the original
-recent new Michelin tires (last 2 years)
-recent new rear brakes (pads and rotors, last 2 years)
-recent new timing belt/water pump (the second time it has been replaced, last 3 years)
-recent new large engine cooling fan (last 6 months)
-recent new camshaft replacement with IDparts OEM unit (last 2 years)
-recent new lower intercooler pipe replaced (last 6 months)
-recent reman. alternator (last 2 years)
-glass headlight covers
-NO engine tune or modifications other than camshaft

This car has been well maintained, all synthetic oil changes 2x a year since new (about every 2000-3000 miles). I have replaced worn parts as needed and drive it daily. It drives perfectly. Current VA inspection with emissions through March 2027.

Asking $6,000.

Car is located near Fredericksburg, VA. Please PM me if interested or if you have questions. Thanks for looking.
 
Last edited:

UhOh

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 24, 2014
Location
PNW
TDI
2003 Golf GLS ([2] 2005 Mercedes E320 CDI)
Why was the camshaft replaced? I've had many ALHs with up to 250k miles (with tunes) and never had a bad camshaft.
 

KRAA!

Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2025
Location
Fredericksburg, VA
TDI
2002 Golf GLS TDI
Hello, in the last few years I've had this car mechanically maintained by a local TDI mechanic Tom Earl (Stafford County VA). Apparently when certain years of ALH engines were manufactured the camshafts had metal defects where the cam lobes wear prematurely. The engine wasn't exhibiting any running problems at the time (~110k), but he recommended it be replaced so I did it when the water pump and timing belt were most recently replaced. This occurred in March 2023. Thanks!
 

KRAA!

Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2025
Location
Fredericksburg, VA
TDI
2002 Golf GLS TDI
In my original post I neglected to but should have stated that everything mechanical or electronic in the interior works:
-AC
-power windows and door locks
-radio, including the CD player and cassette deck
-all gauges
-no warning lights on
-cruise control
-doors, etc.

I think that I forgot to mention because I fix parts that break or don't work properly. There are a couple of small slightly nagging annoyances but they don't bother me much:
-the replaced center console armrest is sort of cheap and sometimes sticks
-the auto up power windows sometimes automatically reverse but still go up when I ask them go raise again
-the alarm sometimes doesn't beep unless I open and shut the trunk, then it will beep to confirm (?)

23 year old car stuff. Thanks!
 

UhOh

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 24, 2014
Location
PNW
TDI
2003 Golf GLS ([2] 2005 Mercedes E320 CDI)
Apparently when certain years of ALH engines were manufactured the camshafts had metal defects where the cam lobes wear prematurely.
I guess I learn something new every day. I've never had a 2002 so maybe that's why I never had a cam issue. But I don't recall hearing anything like this before. I'll wait to hear from the aces on this one...
 
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