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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Scottydog89 on 06 November 2011, 21:48

Title: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Scottydog89 on 06 November 2011, 21:48
Hi All,

I am currently looking for a decent Mk3 GTI for less than £1500 with around 80,000 miles on the clock to run as my main car for a year or so while I save some money to buy a nearly new GTI or Scirocco.

I have seen this one, http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3372388.htm

What should I look for when I view this car or one like it? I know the usual things, but is there anything in particular these cars suffer from?

Any other advise would be appreciated!  :laugh:

Cheers

Scott
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: dom on 06 November 2011, 21:51
Biggest thing to check for it rust....everywhere!
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Gti_Jamo on 06 November 2011, 22:08
Rust under the plastic wheel arches and sill covers, area where the door seals join together at the bottom, bottom of the doors on the inside. Water under the carpets. Paying that kind of money it essentially needs to have no rust and a Mk3 can hide it all well.
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: F17BAD on 06 November 2011, 22:14

I have seen this one, http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3372388.htm



looks ok, might be just the pic but the grill does not look like a GTI item
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Wayne on 06 November 2011, 22:18
Looks ok but haggle a little more also as Brad said that is not a GTI grill
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Deano2711 on 06 November 2011, 22:32
I have been looking around the Bay and other forums this weekend and there are similar examples just as clean looking for less money. With your budget I personally would be looking towards something more desirable like a Colour Concept or Anni if you're looking for the 8v GTI.
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: stainesy on 07 November 2011, 09:42
Also look around the engine bay for any accident damage. Seeing as the grill has been replaced you should ask why.
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: tdi_blu on 07 November 2011, 10:00
As already said rust open the tail gate check where the loom comes through they bubble bad there,lower quarter of the front wings,feel the arches as its hard if they have a arch kit on.Check the drainage bungs in the floor give them a poke usually always rust and then look at the sills near the front where gimps have used a trolly jack make sure the sills are not crushed in also check where you put the fuel in.Check the abs light and airbag light come on and go off if they dont light up at all someones pulled the plug.To be honest the rust is the main thing really as most other things are a simple fix I always reverse a car aswell as mk3s can suffer with gearbox issues but good luck in finding one if you do find a decent one there good motors..
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Scottydog89 on 07 November 2011, 17:19
Thanks you all for your advise so far, keep it coming!

Also, if anyone can send links to similar cars they have seen in the Essex area that would be great  :grin:

Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: madmanmart on 07 November 2011, 17:30
See here

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=189917.0 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=189917.0)
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Deano2711 on 07 November 2011, 19:40
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-mk3-GTI-SHOW-CAR-must-see-total-one-off-car-NO-RESERVE-/200672462050?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2eb902c4e2#ht_996wt_1270
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Scottydog89 on 07 November 2011, 20:19
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-mk3-GTI-SHOW-CAR-must-see-total-one-off-car-NO-RESERVE-/200672462050?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2eb902c4e2#ht_996wt_1270

Lol, I'm not sure if I like that or not!

At least it covers the rust..
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: LowlifeDubber on 08 November 2011, 07:06
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-mk3-GTI-SHOW-CAR-must-see-total-one-off-car-NO-RESERVE-/200672462050?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2eb902c4e2#ht_996wt_1270

I love that :evil:

I wonder what the missus would say if i sold her Golf and gave her that for xmas :grin:
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Scottydog89 on 08 November 2011, 19:29
I'm frightened to post this one on here incase someone else snaps it up before I do! lol

But what about this? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201144426566132/sort/priceasc/usedcars/seller-type/trade_adverts/price-to/2000/maximum-mileage/up_to_100000_miles/model/golf/make/volkswagen/radius/30/postcode/cm28xh/page/1?logcode=p (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201144426566132/sort/priceasc/usedcars/seller-type/trade_adverts/price-to/2000/maximum-mileage/up_to_100000_miles/model/golf/make/volkswagen/radius/30/postcode/cm28xh/page/1?logcode=p)

It looks like there is 6 gears? - I do know that the previous owner was a VW Main Dealer mechanic so perhaps he put a 6 speed gearbox in?

Anyway, i'm viewing it tomorrow afternoon :)

Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Deano2711 on 08 November 2011, 19:41
Looks a nice clean example but check for the usual rust spots as previously stated in this thread. Does it have a six speed box or is it just the gear knob has been changed from a Mark 4 ??
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: tdi_blu on 09 November 2011, 00:31
This one has  a few issues but dont look bad if it went for that kinda money

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-MK3-GOLF-GTI-COLOUR-CONCEPT-/160675469749?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item25690119b5
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Scottydog89 on 09 November 2011, 15:16
I'm frightened to post this one on here incase someone else snaps it up before I do! lol

But what about this? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201144426566132/sort/priceasc/usedcars/seller-type/trade_adverts/price-to/2000/maximum-mileage/up_to_100000_miles/model/golf/make/volkswagen/radius/30/postcode/cm28xh/page/1?logcode=p (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201144426566132/sort/priceasc/usedcars/seller-type/trade_adverts/price-to/2000/maximum-mileage/up_to_100000_miles/model/golf/make/volkswagen/radius/30/postcode/cm28xh/page/1?logcode=p)

It looks like there is 6 gears? - I do know that the previous owner was a VW Main Dealer mechanic so perhaps he put a 6 speed gearbox in?

Anyway, i'm viewing it tomorrow afternoon :)



Just to let you all know, I have just bought this and drove it hope. What a beauty, it really is.

Doesn't have 6 gears so the gear knob will be changed soon. Has Parrott Bluetooth and MP3 input installed with a 10 CD changer.

Really happy, at the moment.  :smiley:

PS. The only bit of rust me and my Grandad could find was on the driver door sill which doesn't bother me, I can always get that sorted If I want.
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: stainesy on 09 November 2011, 15:53
Good find mate. And in the best colour to have to  :wink:
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: NERF 69 on 09 November 2011, 17:15
Ive got some great advice if you like a healthy bank balance and some time to yourself stay away from them lol.
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: tweed on 09 November 2011, 19:02
Ive got some great advice if you like a healthy bank balance and some time to yourself stay away from them lol.

I've had a 16v, I've got a vr6 and a 8v gti and the only thing I've had to change was a master cylinder  :wink:
veiw a car well and know what to look for and you won't buy a lemon.
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: dom on 09 November 2011, 19:18
Ive got some great advice if you like a healthy bank balance and some time to yourself stay away from them lol.

I took my time when buying one, waited for the right one and went over it with a fine tooth comb. As a result mine cost me practically nothing other than servicing & consumable such as tyres.

If yours is costing you a fortune then you either bought a complete lemon or are changing the wrong parts :wink:
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: VR6_Wherry on 10 November 2011, 13:47
What Tweed and Dom have said.

I've had my VR6 for a year and half. We don't have MOTs, Cat C write off and all i've had to buy is servicing part/consumables as Dom has said and a second hand rad.
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Len on 10 November 2011, 13:50
Had mine over 8 years and nothing really major has gone wrong.
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Seanl on 10 November 2011, 15:05
I didnt even see mine first, was an impulse buy from ebay that was just about to end!  :evil:
Car itself was pretty solid, but the things that have gone wrong are not things you could tell from inspecting it apart from the rad. Starter motor went and the only indication I had was that it started over running 2 days before it completely died. And the oil cooler went on the motorway, resulting in massive engine temps and blown headgasket so a new engine was needed. Everything mentioned cost less than £200 though.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: Wayne on 10 November 2011, 20:47
My 8v was a complete nightmare, left me stranded twice and lots went wrong, I put it down to the low mileage / lack of use as it had only done 52k in 12 years
Title: Re: Mk3 GTI Advise needed!
Post by: madmanmart on 10 November 2011, 22:14
I didnt even see mine first, was an impulse buy from ebay that was just about to end!  :evil:
Car itself was pretty solid, but the things that have gone wrong are not things you could tell from inspecting it apart from the rad. Starter motor went and the only indication I had was that it started over running 2 days before it completely died. And the oil cooler went on the motorway, resulting in massive engine temps and blown headgasket so a new engine was needed. Everything mentioned cost less than £200 though.  :smiley:

I was a bargain engine really..........  :wink: