Hi I'm new! ** NOW WITH PICS! **

[gti190]

Hello!  I am new to this forum and new to both VW and GTi.  I hope this is being posted in the right section?  I posted this in the general section and was advised you Mk3 owners might be more friendly!!

I have today arranged to purchase a friends 1996 'P' 16v Mk3 Gti anniversary edition.  I pickup the car on Friday this week  smiley  She is a lovely metallic color (purple?), has 89K on the clock, looks clean for the year and is factory standard.

I will be the 3rd owner......... and I'm a girl too.  Do you have many female members here on the site?

I know the cars history as my hubby knows the family that purchased the car new.  He wanted to buy it 8 years ago but couldn't raise the money.  The current owner considered selling the car about 18 months ago and we had first refusal on it but he changed his mind.

Yesterday we were again offered first refusal on the car.

It looks like she needs a bit of TLC. For the past 8 years she has recieved a full service with its MOT but not at VW or VAG.  There are a few bits of lose trim that need new clips and minor stone chips etc.  As I said, the first owner cherished the car and our friend has ensured it is mechanically sound but I think its seen the car wash more times than its been hand polished  sad

I'm sure there are many sections for me to ask questions but if anyone could just answer the following while I get to know the car and the layout of this forum I would appreciate it:

1.  Any common MOT failure points on these cars?

2.  Any areas to consider replacement/upgrade at this mileage?

3.  What are appropriate size wheels (J width and ET) for this model.  I'm sorry but I don't like the look of the current alloys (BBS?) and they have not been cared for and need a refurb.

I will post pictures when I have the car - if that sort of thing is appreciated here?

Cheers

A.J
gti190

[roger1234]

Welcome. 

[Wayne]

Welcome to the site.

[Deano2711]

Welcome to the site. Sounds like a nice motor you are getting. Definitely get some pics up as we all love em !!!!!  Main MOT points to look for are the jacking points/sills as the standard jacks are rubbish and do a lot of damage if not used properly. Another point is the ABS light on dash. Some motors have the airbag and abs bulbs removed as they come on a lot and some owners get annoyed and break off the bulbs. No abs warning lamp could be a failure.     Cheers     Deano

[boneybradley]

For common issues have a look in the maintenance section for further info (and lots of how-to's)

also try my buying guide http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=78701.0

and alloy sizes is personnel choice but o.e is size 7x16 offset et43 and 215/40x16 tyres....and 16's are the best all rounders for the mk3

[flash-derby]

welcome.......i'm pretty new to it all aswell, had my GTI about 2weeks now. 

[gti190]

Thanks for the welcomes so far!

I am excited about getting the car- it seems a really fun car, that is well put together. 

I am into my German cars as I have previously owned '73 Beetle(s) and still own a '90 Mercedes 190E.  My fella also owns a 190E 2.6 which is his project car.

I intend to keep the car as original as possible and any work done to it will be with genuine VW parts wherever possible.

The only changes I am considering is the stereo and wheels.

Even though the 16" wheels on the car are part of the anniversary spec, they are in poor condition and I really don't like the design.  A beefier wheel would be my choice.  I have even considered dropping to a 15'' wheel with a bigger profiled tyre for a softer ride as 90% of my driving is commuting to work.

As for the stereo, the car has a Sony tape deck with 6 disc changer in the boot.  I have no idea if this is the factory fitment?  I intend to change it to a decent head unit that will allow me to cap the cabin speakers at around 80htz and fit a sealed 10' sub in the boot.  Im looking for quality not quantity!

A.J.
gti190

[Wayne]

Changing to 15" wheels will not help the ride much, I know as I did it on mine.

[kells]

i run a 10 focal sub, which was £400, and i run Rainbow componets up front (£500) and focal 2 ways in rear doors, the header is ALPINE, wouldnt have anything else and never have, got the changer in the glove box.

sounds real good!

deffo sound quality over crap like JBL (JUNK BUT LOUD)


as i said in your other post, keep the annie wheels incase you sell the car on at a later date, well i would anyhow..

get some pics up when u can..

[gti190]

Well Focal are a little out of my price range!   

I have had good results with previous systems using Alpine HU and amplificaion.  For speakers I have always felt that some of the higher level Pioneer ranges have provided a good balance between cost and performance.

Are the dash speakers 10cm and the door speakers 13cm?

A quality set of two-ways in the dash capped at 120htz is my usual install in dash fitments, to keep the soundstage high and up front.  Can I get 17cm drivers in the doors?

Looks like its 16" wheels then.....!

A.J.
gti190