2004 MKIV Jetta Gli - 1.8t - 6 speed manual - NEW ENGINE
Specifications
| Year | 2004 |
| Mileage | 169,000 mi |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Condition | Good |
| Title Status | Clean |
| Exterior Color | Black |
| Engine | 4 cylinders |
Owner's Pitch
"Rare 2004 GLI with a fresh engine (only 30k miles) and performance upgrades. Features a 6-speed manual, Recaro interior, and extensive service records. Mechanically sorted with new clutch, tires, and battery. Perfect foundation for a track build or enthusiast daily. Rust-free California car ready for its next owner."
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Description
Overview: This is a well-documented 2004 Jetta GLI with two owners and a clean title. It includes a comprehensive maintenance spreadsheet and receipts dating back to the original owner, highlighting a history of diligent care.
Mechanical Upgrades: A new engine with only 30,000 miles was recently installed along with a performance clutch and single-mass flywheel. It features drilled/slotted rotors, new tires, and a brand-new battery, making it mechanically ready for track or street use.
Interior and Features: The car retains its factory Recaro racing seats and interior in excellent condition. All electronics, including the sunroof and windows, are fully functional. It comes with the original handbook, spare tire, and specialized VW tools.
Condition Notes: The exterior has some cosmetic flaws, including mismatched black paint on the front quarter panels from a DIY touch-up and minor curb rash on the wheels. The passenger door requires manual unlocking, and the interior retains the classic MKIV 'crayon' scent.
Market Highlights
- The MKIV Enthusiast Market: The 2004 GLI is considered a 'sweet spot' for Volkswagen enthusiasts, offering a more aggressive factory body kit, better interior, and a 6-speed gearbox. In 2026, finding examples that haven't been heavily modified or rusted is increasingly difficult, which props up the value of mechanically sound units.
- Mechanical vs. Cosmetic Trade-off: This specific vehicle presents a classic trade-off. While the 30,000-mile engine and extensive service history suggest high mechanical reliability, the cosmetic flaws—specifically the mismatched front paint—relegate it to 'driver' status rather than 'collector' status, limiting the price ceiling.
- Southern California Demand: In the Sacramento and broader California market, rust-free MKIV chassis are highly sought after by tuners. The manual transmission and clean title status are critical value drivers that ensure this vehicle will sell faster than a standard automatic Jetta despite the cosmetic imperfections.