New Owner

[Rossy]

Hi All,

I am a new owner and new to this board, and wanted to say hello and ask for some advice.

I have just bought a 2.0l 8v, 1996 GTI. First Golf and first GTI, so I am hoping to take care of it. Its done 126000 and is a pretty nice blood red. Though it could do with a good t cut.

I am wondering if anyone has a good idea of initial work I should do to get the car back in shape and improve its performance, looks etc. I reckon the last owner didn’t take much care of it as there aren’t many notes of services etc. They also seem to have hit every pothole going and drove the car along the kerbs, rather than along the middle of the road. The alloys are a bit buggered.

I was thinking of starting with the filters and probably the timing belt. But im not sure where else to go with it. I’m more use to newer cars so this is going to be quite a challenge for me, particularly with my tight budget as well.

I am based in Edinburgh mainly, so I was also looking for recommendations of any good garages in the area, even any in Glasgow would be great.

Thanks, if you can offer any help

Ross

[gtigolfthree]

Hi welcome to the site mate, as you said just general service if there is no issues, oil filters check the brakes etc.

[Shady Pioneer]

Yeah defo a good service wouldn't go a miss.


This will include pollen filter, oil filter, spark plugs / leads, along those lines.

[Shady Pioneer]

And welcome to the MK3 section 

[JamesBaby]

Hi and welcome mate.

I would suggest a good clean of all areas of the car first. That way you get to know where all the good\bad bits are visually. Go easy on the T-cut. Try a good buff down with some Auto Glym Super resin polish. It might be all it needs.

Mechanically yes the cambelt is the way to go first. Get it done and out of the way. While you are at it if your budget allows get the other belts checked as they can be done at the same time. i.e Power steering belt etc.

Then the usual service items, oil, spark plugs, air and pollen filter. But don't forget distrubutor rotor arm and cap, and the fuel filter.

Then when your up to it, clean out the throttle body with some carb cleaner. Do a search in this forum for more info. It's easily done. I bet your bottom dollar it'll make a difference. (these get coked up easily and the MK3 will start stalling on you etc).

Enjoy !
 

[Wayne]

Welcome to the site.

[funkyfive]

Welcome to the forum, the Guys are here give great advice and enjoy the banter!

[gazpowells]

hello and welcome to the site mate 

as above give car a good clean and service

[Rossy]

Thanks for the info guys. shady, i guess are these are things are could do myself at the weekend, even though my talents lie elsewhere rather than with cars?

I took her on a trip to Glasgow and noticed a few niggling problems. sticky first gear, had to fight with it a few times to get it in, clutch pedal is a bit sticky on the change, fuel gauge is a bit temperamental, and the rear drivers side alloy was roasting when I got back. Reading on here, and a few other forums, it sounds like the caliper has ceased a little. Again is something i can have a quick fiddle with?

Apart from a few minor things, it was great to drive, although its a bit of petrol junkie..

[Shady Pioneer]

I know feck all about cars, well at least not much, and I changed spark plugs, HT leads, pollen filter, mind you I did get a garage to do the oil change as I couldn't jack my car up properly.


Those first few things a easy peasy, one thing you defo want is the Haynes manual for MK3 Golfs but if in doubt ask on the forum.