Going to buy a mk3

[Seanl]

Have a look in here for common problems associated with mk3's. http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?board=57.0 There are a few, but most are relatively inexpensive to sort provided you do it yourself. Almost guarantee that someone on here will have experienced any problems you may have, and be able to point you in the right direction. Also lots of guides with pictures if you do a search to help you out. Trust me if you do go ahead and buy it, this forum will be invaluable! Very helpful and accommodating people. 

[JonoVDub]

I can see that already  I just hope he doesn't sell it before Saturday it looks tidy not a 16v but beggars can't be choosers in this climate

[tdi_blu]

Personally I wouldnt buy a damaged car or if I was going to I would want to see the damage so I know whats needed to put it right.Why buy a damaged mk3 that you dont know to much about of a trader who probably gave £200 for it if that.If your on that kind of budget £500 just have a good look around I would rather buy a straight one thats got some kind of history and not had a smack up the rear end just my view.

[Wayne]

Cost to replace that roughly? If it was

Not much with a s/h column but you will need to play around with keys if it is a later car.

Personally I wouldnt buy a damaged car or if I was going to I would want to see the damage so I know whats needed to put it right.Why buy a damaged mk3 that you dont know to much about of a trader who probably gave £200 for it if that.If your on that kind of budget £500 just have a good look around I would rather buy a straight one thats got some kind of history and not had a smack up the rear end just my view.

Yep bang on £500 would buy a undamaged car.

[JonoVDub]

Ye I've been looking for a while and im finding more £800 for a 8v and £1000 for a 16v I'm not that competent with cars but my old man is so wouldn't be much of an issue would just be down to judgement I think. Seems more like a library her anyway than a forum loads of information

[snifferdog]

There was a nice 16v on ebay last week with 12 months mot and 6 months tax that sold for £350! They are very cheap at the minute so make sure it is well repaired and in top nick all over if paying £500. Whats the mileage on it?

[snifferdog]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280635236563&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT#ht_500wt_1156

Heres another - just to give you some idea of what is available.

[JonoVDub]

It's done 124k miles

[tdi_blu]

124k on a mk3 golf is nothing mate if you know anything about vws milage isnt really an issue if the cars got some form of history if anything 100k I would say most older vws are just worn in..

[thai-wronghorse]

I would not be buying a crash damaged 8v with no history for £500. As mentioned, there are always mk3's of all types and models on ebay and in the classified section on here for around that price or less that would be better.