Author Topic: Mk3 golf what to look for?  (Read 3698 times)

Offline VR6-Joe

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Re: Mk3 golf what to look for?
« Reply #10 on: 11 March 2010, 09:57 »
Well I'm 19 and got made redundant so I had to sell my VR6 Highline (yes, I was very gutted) and I now have to put up with a 1.6 cl Mk3 (see sig).

It's done 190,000 miles (yes you read that correct) and it's still bulletproof. In fact, I'd say it's only just broken in!

For a heavy car with a small engine, it sure as hell gets from 0-100mph quick (at Santa Pod of course), with a top speed of 120mph. Ok not supercar speeds but where do you get to do above 70 on public roads?

And I raced a Saxo VTR last Friday, from 0-40mph, and I won by about 2-3ft. Yes I know 2-3ft isn't a lot, but considering the Saxo has 25bhp more than my car and probably weighs half of what my car weighs, I thought that was pretty good going.

A decent coilover kit and some good tyres should see you keeping up with GTI's on the twisties (as I found out yesterday evening :grin:)

I used to do an average of 250 miles on a Saturday night with absolutely no problems. And in the year of owning my car I've only had to replace a cv joint and a starter motor, pretty good huh :wink:

So to be honest if you choose a good one, or you look after the car you choose, it'll last forever!

The only BAD thing I have to say about Mk3's is they like rust. My car is solid underneath but the drivers side rear wheel arch and the bottom of the drivers door had seen better days when I bought the car.. I've temporarily repaired them.. saving for a full respray, but you can't expect it to be showroom condition when it has had 14 years of abuse from our crappy roads.
Gone but not forgotten;
1983 Mk1 Golf GX - 1991 Mk2 Golf GTI - 1988 Scirocco Scala - 1989 Mk2 Golf CL - 1993 Mk3 Golf Ryder - 1996 Mk3 Golf SE - 1996 Mk3 Golf CL - 1995 Mk3 Golf GTI 16v - 1996 Mk3 Golf VR6 Highline - 2003 Saxo VTR - 1996 Mk3 Golf VR6

Offline Deano2711

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Re: Mk3 golf what to look for?
« Reply #11 on: 11 March 2010, 10:52 »
Watch the jacking points Mate as the standard jacks are crap and most previous owners have killed them. Not a major problem to get fixed though at MOT time....mine cost me 35 quid to get repaired. As VR6 Joe says the rust patches at bottom of doors and usually around the bootlid and top of windscreen are prone. Engine wise, if it's got a bit of history it should be fine, they are pretty much bullet proof so don't be put off by high mileage models. Head gaskets are not usually a problem on these..not heard of many people having them go. They just need a bit of love and they run forever Buddy. With your budget I would definitely be on the look out for a decent condition 8v GTi. You may find a 16v if you are very lucky but at that price it will not be looked after (unless you are very lucky). Although don't forget to get your insurance quote first as the insurance companies make up there prices on the GTI's.      Cheers      Deano

Offline luke

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Re: Mk3 golf what to look for?
« Reply #12 on: 11 March 2010, 11:06 »
well in my 1.4 lowest mpg i've had is around 25mpg, but on the motorway we have reached about 50mpg, heavy car, doesn't pull that strong because of the weight, if you are after a fast gti, i would kindof say go look at a few mk2 gti's even though they will be not in the best condition for your price range..
1985 mk2 gti type 19 8v
2018 t roc sel 1.6tdi

Offline VR6_Wherry

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Re: Mk3 golf what to look for?
« Reply #13 on: 11 March 2010, 11:14 »
I would advise going for the 16valve version my self if you can get a good one for your budget!

MPG would be good and you get the added power too!

I just recently treated myself to a 21st birthday present, sold the 8v Gti and got a Vr6 wow my foots gotten really heavy and my wallet really empty!

Offline VR6-Joe

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Re: Mk3 golf what to look for?
« Reply #14 on: 11 March 2010, 11:15 »
My 1.6 has never been down to 25mpg Luke.

I can drive my car like a complete tw@t and get 35mpg, or on a long drive (say down to Southend) it's usually around 45mpg
Gone but not forgotten;
1983 Mk1 Golf GX - 1991 Mk2 Golf GTI - 1988 Scirocco Scala - 1989 Mk2 Golf CL - 1993 Mk3 Golf Ryder - 1996 Mk3 Golf SE - 1996 Mk3 Golf CL - 1995 Mk3 Golf GTI 16v - 1996 Mk3 Golf VR6 Highline - 2003 Saxo VTR - 1996 Mk3 Golf VR6

kells

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Re: Mk3 golf what to look for?
« Reply #15 on: 11 March 2010, 11:25 »
A good mk 3 is SOLID as a tank. early ones are the best as they went silly on rust proofing, later cars had little but had galvernised body panels but they still rust!

800 should get you a good clean gti which will be a good base to start on, they aint super fast but they are a nice car and i love mine, best VW iv had and theirs been a few including mk2 16v and 2 mk4's

Offline GTIMK3LEE

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Re: Mk3 golf what to look for?
« Reply #16 on: 11 March 2010, 12:53 »
Paid £375 for my 8v gti off ebay, was sold as spares or repair as it had no mot, tax, logbook etc
However, it has a full documented history file and is mint with no rust or damage.
Needed a back box for the mot and that was it, i did fit a cambelt though and some new rear shocks
as they didnt feel great so the car owes me around £600.
Will get some pics up when i get it back from my mates garage.

Offline luke

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Re: Mk3 golf what to look for?
« Reply #17 on: 11 March 2010, 17:36 »
My 1.6 has never been down to 25mpg Luke.

I can drive my car like a complete tw@t and get 35mpg, or on a long drive (say down to Southend) it's usually around 45mpg
does when you floor it from time to time
1985 mk2 gti type 19 8v
2018 t roc sel 1.6tdi