GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: craig-o on 11 March 2010, 00:16
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Right I'm in the process of selling my beloved 306 and am now looking for a mk3 golf. Just after some general advice on common faults, reliability, areas prone to rust, which models are best to go for, etc etc. Not really after a vr6 even though insurance isn't a prob as I'm almost 23. What are the smaller engined models like? Because as an example I know the smaller engined 306s are a bit more prone to HG probs and reliability probs than the gtis and the dervs....similar story with the golfs? And also my budget is around £700-800...what can I expect to get in this sort of price range?
Cheers in advance for any help/advice.
Craig
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http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=78701.0 :afro:
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Thanks buddy :smiley:
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should be able to get a tidy gti for your budget, only problem i found lookin at mk3's was brake lines on there last legs, also clutches on the way out also
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Brake lines and clutches....mental note made!
What about the non Gti models? Same things to look for I'm guessing?
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Brake lines and clutches....mental note made!
What about the non Gti models? Same things to look for I'm guessing?
mine was a non gti model :grin:
p reg 1996 1.4 se, looked like a gti, didn't drive like one though :rolleyes:
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Ha I can imagine. What sort of MPG were/are you getting? My 306 until recently has been giving me 21mpg lol! That's with extreme granny driving too...but then discovered a fuel leak (hence the terrible mileage and is now much better since I fixed it.
What are the head gaskets like on the golfs? I've had 2 306s and the headgaskets went on both so that is obviously a weak point.
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as an ex mk3 owner i'll say it before anyone else does.....
barnacles on the hull , damage to the propellor.....
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as an ex mk3 owner i'll say it before anyone else does.....
barnacles on the hull , damage to the propellor.....
:grin: :grin:
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as an ex mk3 owner i'll say it before anyone else does.....
barnacles on the hull , damage to the propellor.....
:grin: :grin:
lol was gonna say.....ask them if the outboard comes with it!
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Well I'm 19 and got made redundant so I had to sell my VR6 Highline (yes, I was very gutted) and I now have to put up with a 1.6 cl Mk3 (see sig).
It's done 190,000 miles (yes you read that correct) and it's still bulletproof. In fact, I'd say it's only just broken in!
For a heavy car with a small engine, it sure as hell gets from 0-100mph quick (at Santa Pod of course), with a top speed of 120mph. Ok not supercar speeds but where do you get to do above 70 on public roads?
And I raced a Saxo VTR last Friday, from 0-40mph, and I won by about 2-3ft. Yes I know 2-3ft isn't a lot, but considering the Saxo has 25bhp more than my car and probably weighs half of what my car weighs, I thought that was pretty good going.
A decent coilover kit and some good tyres should see you keeping up with GTI's on the twisties (as I found out yesterday evening :grin:)
I used to do an average of 250 miles on a Saturday night with absolutely no problems. And in the year of owning my car I've only had to replace a cv joint and a starter motor, pretty good huh :wink:
So to be honest if you choose a good one, or you look after the car you choose, it'll last forever!
The only BAD thing I have to say about Mk3's is they like rust. My car is solid underneath but the drivers side rear wheel arch and the bottom of the drivers door had seen better days when I bought the car.. I've temporarily repaired them.. saving for a full respray, but you can't expect it to be showroom condition when it has had 14 years of abuse from our crappy roads.
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Watch the jacking points Mate as the standard jacks are crap and most previous owners have killed them. Not a major problem to get fixed though at MOT time....mine cost me 35 quid to get repaired. As VR6 Joe says the rust patches at bottom of doors and usually around the bootlid and top of windscreen are prone. Engine wise, if it's got a bit of history it should be fine, they are pretty much bullet proof so don't be put off by high mileage models. Head gaskets are not usually a problem on these..not heard of many people having them go. They just need a bit of love and they run forever Buddy. With your budget I would definitely be on the look out for a decent condition 8v GTi. You may find a 16v if you are very lucky but at that price it will not be looked after (unless you are very lucky). Although don't forget to get your insurance quote first as the insurance companies make up there prices on the GTI's. Cheers Deano
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well in my 1.4 lowest mpg i've had is around 25mpg, but on the motorway we have reached about 50mpg, heavy car, doesn't pull that strong because of the weight, if you are after a fast gti, i would kindof say go look at a few mk2 gti's even though they will be not in the best condition for your price range..
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I would advise going for the 16valve version my self if you can get a good one for your budget!
MPG would be good and you get the added power too!
I just recently treated myself to a 21st birthday present, sold the 8v Gti and got a Vr6 wow my foots gotten really heavy and my wallet really empty!
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My 1.6 has never been down to 25mpg Luke.
I can drive my car like a complete tw@t and get 35mpg, or on a long drive (say down to Southend) it's usually around 45mpg
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A good mk 3 is SOLID as a tank. early ones are the best as they went silly on rust proofing, later cars had little but had galvernised body panels but they still rust!
800 should get you a good clean gti which will be a good base to start on, they aint super fast but they are a nice car and i love mine, best VW iv had and theirs been a few including mk2 16v and 2 mk4's
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Paid £375 for my 8v gti off ebay, was sold as spares or repair as it had no mot, tax, logbook etc
However, it has a full documented history file and is mint with no rust or damage.
Needed a back box for the mot and that was it, i did fit a cambelt though and some new rear shocks
as they didnt feel great so the car owes me around £600.
Will get some pics up when i get it back from my mates garage.
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My 1.6 has never been down to 25mpg Luke.
I can drive my car like a complete tw@t and get 35mpg, or on a long drive (say down to Southend) it's usually around 45mpg
does when you floor it from time to time