VW · Sedan · 1998–2005
VW Bora 1 Limousine
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
★★★★★
2.4 / 5.0 · Based on 13 engine variants Most Fun Engine
204 PS
2.8L VR6 Benzin
VR6 4Motion Legend
Legendary! Problem Engine
131 PS
1.9L TDI PD Diesel
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The VW Bora 1 Limousine is available with 9 engine variants — from 90 to 204 hp.
1.9L TDI Engine Change
1998 2002
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
1998 2001
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.9L TDI PD Engine Change
1998 2005
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2000 2005
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2001 2005
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
1.6L 16V
1999 2005
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
1.6L FSI
2001 2005
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.6L MPI
1998 2005
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
1.8L 20V
1999 2001
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
1.8L Turbo Engine Change
2000 2005
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
2001 2005
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2.0L MPI
1998 2005
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2.8L VR6
1999 2003
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox 02K: rivets in differential cage shear The 02K manual gearbox up to build date 07/2001 has undersized rivets in the differential cage. These shear off, enter the gears, and cause complete economic write-off of the gearbox. Symptoms: Metallic rattling when changing gear; crunching noises on take-off; metal swarf in gearbox oil | High |
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the VW Bora 1 Limousine have? +
The VW Bora 1 as Limousine has 92 known weaknesses, 9 vehicle-related.
Which engine is recommended? +
Be Careful: AEH (1.6L MPI), BAD (1.6L FSI), AGN (1.8L 20V), AGU (1.8L Turbo), APK (2.0L MPI), AGR (1.9L TDI), AJM (1.9L TDI PD), ATD (1.9L TDI PD), AHF (1.9L TDI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'.
Is the VW Bora 1 Limousine worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the VW Bora 1 Limousine — 4 of 13 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'.
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee