Just a quick update on the new-to-me GTI. I finally got a ride down to MA nine days ago to pick up the car. It's been a blast ever since: perfect combination of fun and civility.
On day two I used an OBDeleven to turn off the Soundaktor. The noise wasn't as obnoxious as I had expected, but it was really unnecessary. I like the quieter cabin and being able to hear the real engine sounds.
Yesterday I finally did the first real fill-up, and the MPG came to 38. This is amazing considering that the trip included a half-dozen drives over the Green Mountains (and going pretty fast up those hills!). The car really has a kind of Jekyll-and-Hyde personality: it will be a sedate econobox if you don't put your foot down hard, but when you get to an twisty open road over the mountains, it becomes a beast.
I have no interest in performance upgrades, but I am seriously thinking about replacing the silly plastic oil pan with a steel one at the next oil change. I sometimes drive on gravel roads, and the thought of being stranded due to a flying road stone is a bit scary.
