Rating: I wouldn't spend my money on this again.

Car: 1998 GTI VR6

Cost: $75.00

Impressions:

This shifter ran around $75.00.  Had I known what I do now after installation, I probably would not have ordered it.  The installation is very easy.  The kit comes with a number of rubber adapter sleeves that fit over the threaded shift rod.  The new knob installs over the sleeves with a couple of set screws.  You have to remove a zip-tie that holds the leather boot to the original knob, then thread off the old one.  The reasons I would not repeat the purchase are that the boot is too short to fully extend to the base of the new knob, and the knob increases the overall length of the shift lever.  Regarding the first point, you end up with a gap between the base of the knob and the boot which makes it look a little cheesy.  As to the second point, the increase length makes it seem like you're shift travel has suddenly increased.  Another point, I was a little dissatisfied with was the picture makes the shifter appear to be brushed aluminum.  In reality it is a bright chrome - not really what I wanted.

Jeff Gray
1997 GTI VR6

Rating: It's nice, but it's purely cosmetic and pretty expensive for what it is.

Car: 1997 GTI VR6

Cost: $75.00

Impressions:

I saw the shift knob at Treffen '98 and my wallet just flew out of my pants and the next thing I knew, I had this shiny-new shift knob installed in my car! At first I didn't like the feel of it at all, although I instantly liked how it looked. I'm now very used to it, however, I can't say it's any better or worse than the factory shift know other than that I think it looks better. At $75, I think it's a modification that most people can live without.

Todd Taylor
1997 GTI VR6