2003 Golf GLS TDI manual, 114K miles, original owner, Seattle

[TPLennon]

My beloved Golf has spent most of its life garaged at home and work. It has been super reliable – only visiting the shop three times:
1) At 12 miles (yes, 12 miles, I posted about this in 2003) for mis-threaded belt
2) At 35K mile for glow plug harness replacement (likely unnecessary - should have read the forum first)
3) At 80K miles for timing belt replacement

I performed all maintenance on schedule. Ran primarily on Biodiesel (B20 to B80) until it became hard to find a few years ago – ULSD since then.

Upgrades:

• Paint protective film since new (Front bumper, hood, rear bumper top, door edge and handle wells)
• Bilstein HD in all four corners at ~ 40K miles
• Some Audi TT parts replaced at same time (forget what all I swapped out – followed forum recommendations)
• More aggressive brake pads installed.
• Black side mirrors.

Less than perfect bits:

• Drivers side front corner was scraped while parked (see picture)
• Upgraded brake pads don’t have wear sensor so wear indicator light on dash is on.
• Temperature gauge works intermittently – I likely bumped the wire/connector when replacing vacuum lines.
• A few minor scratches on sides from kids taking bikes out of the garage
• Could probably use a brake bleed – it has been a while.
• Tires have decent tread left but are over 9 years old so should be replaced

Recent maintenance (less than 100 miles):

• Replaced all vacuum lines (followed TDI forum procedure & materials) with new N75 valve – no reason to replace – just seemed like it was time. Did notice improved turbo response.
• New oil
• All filters replaced
• Snow screen cleaned

I believe I ordered the car with all options (hard to remember that far back) – I do know it has Monsoon stereo, moonroof, heated seats, Electronic Stability Program (ESP)…they all work.

Bonus: Original brake pads & shocks/struts (lots of life left), original N75 valve, service manual, any leftover new oil/fuel filters, and snow traction cables included with purchase.

I don’t want to sell but my kids refuse to learn to drive a manual transmission on Seattle’s hills, so we bought another car with an automatic transmission - my Golf just isn’t getting much use. Offering on the forum first hoping it will find a loving TDI home.

$4500 obo

Recent pictures: TPLennon's Golf

 

[TornadoRed]

Re: "I don’t want to sell but my kids refuse to learn to drive a manual transmission..."

Keep the Golf and find an incentive to persuade your kids to learn.

 

[CleverUserName]

Tires have cracks and look old. They should be replaced anyway.

Did your kids cause the damage to the front end?

 

[TPLennon]

CleverUserName - Thanks for pointing out the tires. In my old man brain they were still new...but turns out they are now over 9 years old. I updated the post and lowered the price to compensate. I do really appreciate you pointing that out...I don't want to misrepresent anything.

Regarding the front end damage. Not kids. It was hit while parked at work. A Grand Cherokee parked next to me swiped the corner and took off without leaving a note. When I got off work I found the damage and a small trim piece from the Cherokee with the part number and molding date code (I used to work in plastic molding) so I was able to determine the vehicle type from the part number and the year it was made. So I just kept looking for a matching vehicle and found it a month later in the same lot with the missing piece of trim. They confessed when I confronted them - said they were in a hurry to get their kid from daycare so didn't have time to stop...

TornadoRed - I'm sending your contact info to my wife so you can negotiate on my behalf.

 

[kosovo95]

How's undercarriage ? Seattle climate is not very car friendly

 

[TPLennon]

How's undercarriage ? Seattle climate is not very car friendly

Hmm... Outside of moderate rain (32nd most rainy city in US) I'm not sure what is unfriendly about the Seattle climate? We don't salt our roads and de icing chemicals rarely get used since the climate is generally mild. If you're interested I could take some pictures.

 

[Blakejc18]

Haha yeah true. I’d rather buy a car from Seattle any day than from the Midwest where I’m located. Haha I guess it’s perspective based on where you’re located

 

[kosovo95]

Hmm... Outside of moderate rain (32nd most rainy city in US) I'm not sure what is unfriendly about the Seattle climate? We don't salt our roads and de icing chemicals rarely get used since the climate is generally mild. If you're interested I could take some pictures.

Sure , some nice pics would be great .

 

[Bill W]

This looks like a fantastic car for its age! If only it wasn’t winter time... That drive east over the Rockies

 

[fab2121]

I am very interested to buy your car.
Please contact me at fab2121@hotmail.com or call or text me at 805-680-2894. Thanks!!

 

[saminslc]

I'm interested, if you haven't sold it yet. 801 651 9363

 

[fab2121]

Still interested in your car. Please call or text Frank at 805-680-2894 - Thanks much!!

 

[Taylorkh714]

Fellow Seattleite here. I’d love to check your car out if it’s still available. Text or call me 2538802170

 

[pkhoury]

Seems a lot of people have been interested. Not sure if it's still available, since this thread doesn't state it's sold? I'm interested as well.