MK3 8v MPG and general running costs

[Godzilla]

In need of some help here!!

My fiancee is in need of a 5 door car. She likes sporty cars and likes the MK3. Cost wise what is the MK3 GTI 8v like to run?  I know the 16v's can be a tad juicy.  Also the 8v's are a very simple unit by the looks of them on Ebay pics. The other car she has been looking at is a 1.8 and a 2.0 Ford Focus but I know nothing about these.

Any help would be great 

[clivusdel]

mk3 golf gti does about 300 miles per tank
2.0 fords do about a head gasket every 60k miles

[Godzilla]

mk3 golf gti does about 300 miles per tank
2.0 fords do about a head gasket every 60k miles

Thanks mate

300 miles to a tank......Are they not 55 litre tanks though as 300 miles is what I used to get from my MK3 GTI 16v?

Not good about the 2.0 Fords!

[j976rna]

I've had my 2.0 8v cabriolet for 2 months now,I've changed the front and back suspension,air filter,plugs,oil,and power steering pump belt.I didn't even need a Haynes manual, it's the easiest car ive ever owned to work on,I wouldn't call myself a competent mechanic either,parts are very cheap too

[Christo77]

If your Fiancee has an eye for detail, build quality, understatement and the VW badge of prestige then yes a Mk3 GTI fits the bill nicely, however..the 8v is not particularly fast so a potential girl racer may well be disappointed!

If you go for the 16v then your adding to your costs, but not by much.
The 16v has a different attitude/purpose and seen/used differently by it's owners in my opinion, i prefer an 8v but that's no disrepect the the 16.

Other than that the Mk3 8v is a decent day to day car..of course any vehicle could be a legacy of problems if it's had a hard life and been neglected service wise, VW's included.

Something to think about 

[Wayne]

2.0 fords do about a head gasket every 60k miles

That is crap, I know of many that are over 100k and never have been replaced.

Focus 1.8 or 2.0 is in a different league to a mk3, better to drive, feels more modern etc.

My dad has had 8 Focus's now all have been above excellent and none have ever let him down, he was going for another one but has gone for a 6mth old Fiesta for a change.

[Godzilla]

So a Ford Focus is a good car?  I dont have a clue with latest Fords, well I say latest the Focus must have been around for 10 years or so. Im used to MK3 Escorts!

[F17BAD]

im with wayne on this i like Fords, i had a Escort mk5 as a pool car for my dj gigs, it managed 300k before it rusted away and was replaced by the black golf.. it was a great  runner

[Khare]

My friend had a Focus 1.6 16v and that was a great car. Never let him down in the 2 years he owned it, handled beautifully, sounded awesome (long life cat back) and looked great. I'd love to own one someday.

[Bellend]

I have a 1.6 but general running costs, I use no petrol at all really, but it's a smaller engine so can't really compare.

Service parts cost me £20 every 4 months.

Cambelt and waterpump cost £60 by the previous owner.

They are fairly cheap to service, I change my oil filters and plugs every 4 months just because I get them cheap through trade. Probably way OTT but hey.

They are fairly cheap cars to run. However my dads 140K 1.8 Auto P reg has been a nightmare on bits going wrong! IMO, like all cars, you get good or bad ones.

However, IMO the good ones are damned good cars.