GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Obvious on 01 May 2008, 19:41
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Right the time has come to say goodbye to the 8V and move on to something new. I'm debating very hard over a 16V or a VR6, both good cars in their own right I know, but having a hard time deciding which one to go with (and finding a clean enough and non abused one). At the moment have no real plans on modifying engine wise, so it will stay stock for a while so that swings my mind to a VR, as in stock performance it is that little bit better. I know the old OBD1 engines are prone to headgasket/waterpump/thermostat housing problems etc) I have read that a 16V with a bit of work (supercharged etc) can run some good figures putting it right up there with the VR, but without the noise. And to be honest the VR is all about the noise.
Car will be a bit of a weekend toy, not a daily. I've read pretty much over all the forum after searching and it's mixed views all round, with reliability being an issue with the VR. But lead to believe the OBD2 engine is the better one. So just can't make my mind up at the moment.. have about £2500 to play with but just can't decide. Have longed for a VR for some time now (a very long time) it's a tough choice!!! Just can't make my mind up... I want a VR, other half wants to go 16V (fuel reasons/maintaince/more expensive if they go wrong) Insurance differences are not much between the two (best part of £50 with mods declared on both) Heart says VR6 lol Head says...... LoL
Advice on both from 16V and VR6 owners much appreciated, on all issues (reliabilty and so on)
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Cant comment on the 16v and would imagine its the same old story turning into an argument of which is best,but my 2p worth £2500 will buy you a great VR6.I bought mine a year ago for a tad less than 2.5k is a high spec model had 60k full history it has been great 100% reliable the drive is brilliant nice and smooth with lots of grunt anywhere in the rev range nice light steering smooth gearchange.For a 2.8litre V6 I find it good on fuel averageing around 31mpg
Again like you I dont do lots of miles so the fuel issue not a problem dont find it overly heavy at all.mine is lowered to stiffen it up a tad and a drilled out airbox to make the most of that glorious sound other than that it`s stock and happy with it..Just buy a well maintained one with FSH watch out for cam chain rattle on high milers other than that I would deffo recommend a VR.. :smiley:
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Meant to be around the same performance really.
Not got the VR sound but the 16v can sound really meaty will a full exhaust etc, mine just has that without induction kit and it sounds like a beast. :cool:
Come to think of it might stick a K&N panel replacement in it.
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After the 8v you will like the way the vr6 drives...there good low down and don't need loads of rev's (like the 8v but soo soo much faster)
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you need to spend more to get a decent condition VR6... as said above £2500 will get you a nice VR where as the same condition and mileage 16v will cost approx. £1500.
not much difference fuel wise I don't think, standard VR6 handles like a bath tub on wheels, but a 16v/VR6 with sorted suspension there isn't much in it handling wise. suppose its more about what you want out of it, more likely to get luxury bits with a VR suppose... I don't think there is a 'better' car they are just different...
personally I wouldn't spend the extra purchase price, insurance and fuel (minimal) for a VR6 in my eye's its not any better than a 16...
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obd2 vr all day every day lol :grin: love mine soooo much, beats the old AUQ in the Bora anytime :wink:
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go for a VR6 highline :cool: :cool:
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^^^^ i second that :wink:
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I'll third it... gotta love them in Mullberry *lush* especially after seeing a VR6 Kompressor in Mulberry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6LlqXAKsrM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6LlqXAKsrM) what a sound and what a car! Just pushes me into a VR more.
Thanks for the advice so far guys, what's funny is the other half is saying you should all stop encouraging me into the VR :laugh: but I know that's where my heart lies, it's just my head asking the questions. I've seen a few highlines around on the trader at the moment, but there are too many knocking about with well over 100k on them and asking for silly money too. Have my eye on 2, one a 97 (R) with 83K on, pretty much standard and FSH, and another with just over 90K on.. Both pushing around the £2600 mark, not so many decent 16v's my way at present, not for the right money anyway..the usual people asking too much for a car that says Golf and 16V on it regardless of condition and milage.
I'll just have to sit and wait for the right one to come along, not rushing into buying one for the sake off, as we all say 'has to be the right one at the right price' But if anyone knows of any Manchester way (will travel for the right one) you know are up for sale, please point them in my direction.
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got mine at 125k - now over 130k and still going very strong! mine came with fsh, if you look after these lumps they just go and go! still feels like a 70k car tbh :wink:
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Have owned both, both were/are modded and if you ask me i'd say vr6 all day everyday. Sold my valver to my brother inlaw so im lucky enough to still get a go in it sometimes and tbh it dissappoints me now coz it just doesn't cut it against my vr.
Performance and noise are what make a vr worth it, forget the fuel bills, when its empty just fill it up-thats my moto. :laugh:
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dont fill up, too much weight holding you back, just keep it topped up at about 1/4-1/2
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Definitely the VR if its a weekend toy. Loads of torque & a great engine note.
You wont like the somewhat gutless lower rev ranges of the 16v after your 8v.
But definitely budget for new suspension. A VR on original suspension this far down the line will handle awfully.
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Thanks for the advice, much appreciate it. Had a feeling the VR was the way to go with it being a weekend car not a daily, just the other half has her sensible head on with the rising price of fuel and the 16v being better on economy etc. But I'm talking her round slowly, just need to find the right one now, that's the next hardest step.
**Found a Highline, in Mulberry 3 miles from me, under 100k and within budget.. Hopefully get chance to look at it this weekend so I'll let you all know**
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Well the search goes one....
Have been looking over a few cars this past week, and well to put it blunt they have all been abused and misadvertised. Cars described as mint, I turn up and every panel has scratches and dents, panels and bumpers requiring paint, none of them washed and looking their best "I thought I'd not wash it so you can see it's a daily" lol how do you expect to sell a filthy car? What are you covering up? And all asking silly money just because it's a highline. Seen a few under 100k but with service history mising to no backing it up.
I know finding the right one is gonna a big up hill struggle, but at the moment I'm happy to hang on to the 8V for that little while longer until that right one turns up if it ever does.
So I'm still looking for that special something, so please keep your eyes and ears peeled and let me know :)