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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: tbakes on 09 April 2013, 15:41

Title: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: tbakes on 09 April 2013, 15:41
Hi,
I am new to this and i really want a mk3 gti. I'm looking at the 8v which i know is meant to be terrible but i think the insurance on a 16v would be to much and anythings got to be better than my 98 fiesta. There is one for sale near me for £975 with 97k and it looks in good nic. As i said I'm new to all this so I was hoping someone could shed some light on whether it's worth it or not.
Thanks 
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: spikenipple on 09 April 2013, 15:50
Do a quick quote on the 16v; you may be surprised. My insurance was exactly the same for both models when I first insured the valver, and is in fact cheaper now than if I were to be driving an 8v.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Callum_K on 09 April 2013, 15:55
Buy on shell condition...the engines and mechanics are easy and cheap to fix if you have an ounce of common sense. Rot is the enemy of a Mk3. Check out the buyers guide in the Maintenance section.

Oh and the 8V isn't that bad....
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: tbakes on 09 April 2013, 16:02
Holy crap your right it's about £80 cheaper for the 16v. The only thing really drawing me to the 8v was what i thought was cheaper insurance and better mpg but now I'll probably go for the 16v. Thanks for that.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: GOLF-MK3-GTI on 09 April 2013, 16:03
The one that you have seen is it this one by any chance?

ON ebay: 321100381828

and yeah 8V ain't that bad, just abit slower  :smiley:
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: tbakes on 09 April 2013, 16:05
Yeah it is that one.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Leroy on 09 April 2013, 17:30
If i was spending a grand on a mk3 i'd look for a nice 3-door 16v with coilovers and exhaust to save yourself the expense (as you will end up doing this eventually anyway) and find one in the best nic you can.  :whistle:
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 09 April 2013, 17:35
What these guys said.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: VW BUSH on 09 April 2013, 19:15
Take your time, don't buy anything with crushed jacking points or crispy sills.
Rust is your enemy buy on shell not on valves or cylinders.
Did I say they go rusty underneath?

I'm making one out of three atm, cost me less than a grand :grin:

Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Gavv8 on 09 April 2013, 19:36
The one that you have seen is it this one by any chance?

ON ebay: 321100381828

and yeah 8V ain't that bad, just abit slower  :smiley:
I do 200 miles a week, every week in my 8v on coilovers and its very good and not that much slower in real world driving than a 16v..despite what everyone else says, buy on bodywork condition and with an unmolested interior as the mechanics can be sorted.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: tbakes on 09 April 2013, 20:13
Thanks guys, I think I'll do what you suggested and look around a bit there seems to be a few for sale at the moment. After some more research the 8v doesn't seem too bad an option. Does anyone now what the mpg is like on these, as i may have a bit of a commute in a few months.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Ninja on 09 April 2013, 20:26
Hi,
I am new to this and i really want a mk3 gti. I'm looking at the 8v which i know is meant to be terrible but i think the insurance on a 16v would be to much and anythings got to be better than my 98 fiesta. There is one for sale near me for £975 with 97k and it looks in good nic. As i said I'm new to all this so I was hoping someone could shed some light on whether it's worth it or not.
Thanks

Buy mine!!!

Check classifieds. It's on budget for you and it's stunning. Selling at a loss as need to get my next car.

Mpg about 28-32 round town 38 motorway, maybe 40.

Plus mine is an anni ;-)
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Len on 09 April 2013, 20:30
Hi,
I am new to this and i really want a mk3 gti. I'm looking at the 8v which i know is meant to be terrible but i think the insurance on a 16v would be to much and anythings got to be better than my 98 fiesta. There is one for sale near me for £975 with 97k and it looks in good nic. As i said I'm new to all this so I was hoping someone could shed some light on whether it's worth it or not.
Thanks

Buy mine!!!

Check classifieds. It's on budget for you and it's stunning. Selling at a loss as need to get my next car.

Mpg about 28-32 round town 38 motorway, maybe 40.

Plus mine is an anni ;-)

Plus if it goes wrong you can slate him on here!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Ninja on 09 April 2013, 20:30
Hi,
I am new to this and i really want a mk3 gti. I'm looking at the 8v which i know is meant to be terrible but i think the insurance on a 16v would be to much and anythings got to be better than my 98 fiesta. There is one for sale near me for £975 with 97k and it looks in good nic. As i said I'm new to all this so I was hoping someone could shed some light on whether it's worth it or not.
Thanks

Buy mine!!!

Check classifieds. It's on budget for you and it's stunning. Selling at a loss as need to get my next car.

Mpg about 28-32 round town 38 motorway, maybe 40.

Plus mine is an anni ;-)

Plus if it goes wrong you can slate him on here!  :laugh:

Lol you bastard  :grin:
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Gavv8 on 09 April 2013, 20:40
Thanks guys, I think I'll do what you suggested and look around a bit there seems to be a few for sale at the moment. After some more research the 8v doesn't seem too bad an option. Does anyone now what the mpg is like on these, as i may have a bit of a commute in a few months.
Thats the spirit!.. don't listen to the haters, all their lovely 16v's and vr's are always broken anyway..you should get 35+mpg out of an 8v all day long.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: jdubgti on 10 April 2013, 08:46
As above, don't worry about engine, make sure the shell is good !
A grand is a bit steep, I bought my colour concept for £500 and there's a few valvers down this way for £300, and fairly clean too !
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Len on 10 April 2013, 11:38
Hi,
I am new to this and i really want a mk3 gti. I'm looking at the 8v which i know is meant to be terrible but i think the insurance on a 16v would be to much and anythings got to be better than my 98 fiesta. There is one for sale near me for £975 with 97k and it looks in good nic. As i said I'm new to all this so I was hoping someone could shed some light on whether it's worth it or not.
Thanks

Buy mine!!!

Check classifieds. It's on budget for you and it's stunning. Selling at a loss as need to get my next car.

Mpg about 28-32 round town 38 motorway, maybe 40.

Plus mine is an anni ;-)

Plus if it goes wrong you can slate him on here!  :laugh:

Lol you fatherless son  :grin:

 :wink: :afro:  :kiss:
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: tweed on 10 April 2013, 12:08
I would put my 8v up against a 16v on track any day!

But if I was to buy another I would get a 16v again.

But when I sell my vr6 ill be looking for a ep3  :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: chrisyboy on 10 April 2013, 12:34
I have a nice MK4 Golf GTI for sale, will be posting advert on there shortly  :smiley:
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: tbakes on 10 April 2013, 13:40
All the cars for sale near me at the moment are going for around a grand with well over 100k. There is a couple going for less but they've been badly modified and i was hoping to get a reasonably stock one to keep insurance low and i just like the look of them, but i will keep looking although I'm starting to really want one now. What mods have people done to the 8v and does induction kits etc improve performance?
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Ninja on 10 April 2013, 14:05
All the cars for sale near me at the moment are going for around a grand with well over 100k. There is a couple going for less but they've been badly modified and i was hoping to get a reasonably stock one to keep insurance low and i just like the look of them, but i will keep looking although I'm starting to really want one now. What mods have people done to the 8v and does induction kits etc improve performance?

Hey Tbakes - Mine is up for sale. Reduced to £900.00. I doubt you'll find better for that price, and it's an anniversary. Check it out in the classifieds.

Mine is nicely modified. Nothing too drastic. It has an induction kit, but I'll happily throw in the standard airbox and even fit it for you for free.

Induction kit doesnt really improve performance. You might notice sharper throttle response, and it sounds nicer.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: GOLF-MK3-GTI on 10 April 2013, 14:28
I would put my 8v up against a 16v on track any day!

But if I was to buy another I would get a 16v again.

But when I sell my vr6 ill be looking for a ep3  :lipsrsealed:

EP3 are nice, but i still prefer the EK9 or DC5 Type R  :grin:

Anyhow 8V ain't that slow. I've raced about 4 Honda Vtec's. 3 CRX's, 1 Boxed Shape civic. They couldn't get away at all. considering they 160 BHP and an 8V 115BHP. Maybe its the torque that kills them  :grin:
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Foreveryoungaus16v on 10 April 2013, 16:17
All the cars for sale near me at the moment are going for around a grand with well over 100k. There is a couple going for less but they've been badly modified and i was hoping to get a reasonably stock one to keep insurance low and i just like the look of them, but i will keep looking although I'm starting to really want one now. What mods have people done to the 8v and does induction kits etc improve performance?

Hey Tbakes - Mine is up for sale. Reduced to £900.00. I doubt you'll find better for that price, and it's an anniversary. Check it out in the classifieds.

Mine is nicely modified. Nothing too drastic. It has an induction kit, but I'll happily throw in the standard airbox and even fit it for you for free.

Induction kit doesnt really improve performance. You might notice sharper throttle response, and it sounds nicer.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: tbakes on 10 April 2013, 17:07
All the cars for sale near me at the moment are going for around a grand with well over 100k. There is a couple going for less but they've been badly modified and i was hoping to get a reasonably stock one to keep insurance low and i just like the look of them, but i will keep looking although I'm starting to really want one now. What mods have people done to the 8v and does induction kits etc improve performance?

Hey Tbakes - Mine is up for sale. Reduced to £900.00. I doubt you'll find better for that price, and it's an anniversary. Check it out in the classifieds.

Mine is nicely modified. Nothing too drastic. It has an induction kit, but I'll happily throw in the standard airbox and even fit it for you for free.

Induction kit doesnt really improve performance. You might notice sharper throttle response, and it sounds nicer.
Hi, yeah I've had a look and it looks nice and the price is about right as well only problem is it's in Chesire right? Which is about four hours away from me. Thanks for the advice.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Ninja on 10 April 2013, 17:21
Yeah mate, Cheshire.

Tell you what - I need the car moved, you need the car.

If you want to buy it, I'll knock £50 off the price for fuel. Can't say fairer than that.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Gavv8 on 10 April 2013, 20:06
I would put my 8v up against a 16v on track any day!

But if I was to buy another I would get a 16v again.

But when I sell my vr6 ill be looking for a ep3   :lipsrsealed:
A what?
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 10 April 2013, 20:11
Honda Civic Type-R
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Gavv8 on 10 April 2013, 20:23
Honda Civic Type-R
Oh right.................................................whats that got to do with mk3's?
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 10 April 2013, 20:27
I would put my 8v up against a 16v on track any day!

But if I was to buy another I would get a 16v again.

But when I sell my vr6 ill be looking for a ep3   :lipsrsealed:
A what?[/b]
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: tweed on 10 April 2013, 20:47
Honda Civic Type-R
Oh right.................................................whats that got to do with mk3's?

Just saying best mk3 is a 16v and if I was to buy another I would get a 16v again. I'm wanting to sell my vr6 because its useless and with the same money, maybe bit more than the value of a good vr6 you can buy a 2.0 with 200bhp and it handles 4 times better than a vr6.
So buy a 16v golf, if your thinking of getting a vr6 don't bother and look for something else


So has a lot to do with mk3's  :tongue:
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Gavv8 on 10 April 2013, 20:57
Oh right....
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 10 April 2013, 21:41
I've only owned 8v and 16v mk3's and read plenty of comments regarding the extra weight up front in the VR6's BUT are they really that bad handling in comparison?...useless you say?
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 10 April 2013, 21:43
Funny how so many big budget mk3 builds seems to have modified VR6 or R32 lumps in them.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: tweed on 10 April 2013, 22:02
I've only owned 8v and 16v mk3's and read plenty of comments regarding the extra weight up front in the VR6's BUT are they really that bad handling in comparison?...useless you say?

Yes makes huge difference. I've had/got 8v 16v vr6

The 8v and 16v are balanced and when you get under steer you can sort it with quick lift of throttle.
Vr6 just under steers no matter what. Push it in a bend and front wheels just push on, lift throttle and it still pushes, have to wait for it to grip, luckily to stay on the road. I can not push a vr6 as fast in a bend as a 8v or 16v.
A fwd hot hatch should have lift off oversteer but the vr6 will never oversteer.

So it will never oversteer, its unbalanced and will easily loose traction and start to under steer.

It's not funny to have big budget vr/r32 builds as they make epic power. That's what they good for. But when have you ever seen a big budget powered vr6 r32 powered mk3 do a track day?

I can drive a 16v faster A to B on back roads than a vr6 just due to grip and handling of the car.

I only like vr6's for the noise they make, that is it for me!

I like cars that handle hence why the vr6 will be up for sale and why I'm looking for a ep3. Still keeping my 8v though
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: GOLF-MK3-GTI on 10 April 2013, 22:16
I've only owned 8v and 16v mk3's and read plenty of comments regarding the extra weight up front in the VR6's BUT are they really that bad handling in comparison?...useless you say?

Yes makes huge difference. I've had/got 8v 16v vr6

The 8v and 16v are balanced and when you get under steer you can sort it with quick lift of throttle.
Vr6 just under steers no matter what. Push it in a bend and front wheels just push on, lift throttle and it still pushes, have to wait for it to grip, luckily to stay on the road. I can not push a vr6 as fast in a bend as a 8v or 16v.
A fwd hot hatch should have lift off oversteer but the vr6 will never oversteer.

So it will never oversteer, its unbalanced and will easily loose traction and start to under steer.

It's not funny to have big budget vr/r32 builds as they make epic power. That's what they good for. But when have you ever seen a big budget powered vr6 r32 powered mk3 do a track day?

I can drive a 16v faster A to B on back roads than a vr6 just due to grip and handling of the car.

I only like vr6's for the noise they make, that is it for me!

I like cars that handle hence why the vr6 will be up for sale and why I'm looking for a ep3. Still keeping my 8v though

So true, I've had this happen to me in a corrado VR6, where I've gone through 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear all the way, car pulls out side street, I brake hard and I felt the back end just swing out. Eased off and it came back straight in. And that is because the lump is so heavy at the front and at the back there is no weight.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Wayne on 11 April 2013, 10:54
I had an 8v and it was ok but given the choice I would pick a 16V.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Gavv8 on 11 April 2013, 21:08
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagon-Golf-Gti-Mk3-16v-Rare-NO-RESERVE-/261196564635?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd087489b

Don't see many white ones..
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: GOLF-MK3-GTI on 11 April 2013, 21:31
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagon-Golf-Gti-Mk3-16v-Rare-NO-RESERVE-/261196564635?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd087489b

Don't see many white ones..

especially in 3 door  :smiley:
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 11 April 2013, 21:37
Looks tidy actually.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: tweed on 12 April 2013, 06:48
I might have a cheeky bid  :smiley:
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Gavv8 on 12 April 2013, 19:15
I might have a cheeky bid  :smiley:
Been thinking about it all day and its only about 45mins away from me,  trying to save up for a loft conversion though.. :undecided:
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: xionsolaris on 13 April 2013, 08:43
is it just the white colour the reason why its going for a fair bit of money
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Gavv8 on 13 April 2013, 08:47
White 3 door valvers are pretty rare.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: xionsolaris on 13 April 2013, 08:52
White 3 door valvers are pretty rare.
was it just not a very popular colour when it was released didn't sell much that's why its rare as not many people like white in those days as its looks better now these days
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: Gavv8 on 13 April 2013, 09:03
I think it was just a GTi thing as i've seen plenty of lower spec mk3's in white, red/green/blue/black seems to have been the default colour for the GTi and VR6.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: xionsolaris on 13 April 2013, 09:16
I think it was just a GTi thing as i've seen plenty of lower spec mk3's in white, red/green/blue/black seems to have been the default colour for the GTi and VR6.
yeh true that's all I ever usually see in the gti range are those colours
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 13 April 2013, 09:27
My valver is grey which seems to be more commonplace on the TDI's and estates.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: xionsolaris on 13 April 2013, 12:06
My valver is grey which seems to be more commonplace on the TDI's and estates.
are these colours shown in the gti brochure
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: VW BUSH on 13 April 2013, 12:19
White was a bit poverty spec in the eighties and nineties with metallic blues, greys and blacks being the in and most expensive colours.
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: xionsolaris on 13 April 2013, 13:07
White was a bit poverty spec in the eighties and nineties with metallic blues, greys and blacks being the in and most expensive colours.
did the white / silver gti recieve a pearl finish or was it just gloss and then laquer
Title: Re: Golf Mk3 GTI Should I Buy?
Post by: TEST100 on 13 April 2013, 18:19
vr6 if u can find a decent 1 going cheap with low miles