Should I buy a Mk3 Gti 8v or 16v or buy a Mk4 Gti

[eldarvanyar]

Hi,
I'm looking to buy a GTi for summer use and keep as original as possible, happy to have a stainless exhaust and different wheels, maybe change the lights but that's it really, nothing extreme.

What should I be going for?

I have had a MK4 Gti Turbo from new in 2000 which is a long time ago now.

I have always liked the look of the Mk3 and they are becoming rarer I would imagine.

What's the general advice?

Should I go for a Mk3 in Dragon Green or Mystic Blue 8v or 16v or go for a Mk4?

Thanks
 
 

[Deano2711]

In my opinion the Mark 3 is a more exciting car than the Mark 4 and they are pretty cheap at the moment but then again so are the Mark 4's. It all depends what you want for the car. If you just want something to enjoy then the 8v Mark 3 is ok and offers the looks and practicality but if you want something with a bit of poke then the 16v wins. I would say the Mark 3 16v in Dragon Green would be best as Dragon Green is by far the best colour for the Mark 3. Also if you bought the Mark 4 you would be disappointed after having your other Mark 4 

[dom]

Neither, get a Mk2.

Mk3 is by no means rare, they are diminishing in numbers but this is due to most of them being rotten. If you do need to scratch the MK3 itch then make sure it is a 16v, avoid the 8v.

The Mk4 is a big lardy car, which doesn't really handle/perform well in standard guise, you'll need a remap and some decent suspension to have any fun in it.

[JC]

back to basics, whats ya budget, THEN we can advise 

[dom]

back to basics, whats ya budget, THEN we can advise 

There's always a sensible one

[Gavv8]

Plenty of nice cheap mk3's around, if you want all the looks with a good old slogger of an engine try an 8v and if you want to push on a bit then a 16v or if you really want to throw money out of the window a VR.

[eldarvanyar]

Thanks guys,
its sounding like a mk3 then and possibly the 16v.

If I can keep it to below a £1000 that would be great, but could go up to £1500, as we do have 2 other cars and chiildren.

Is that realistic?

This is JUST for me 

Thanks

[JC]

1500 would JUST get you a DECENT mk2.

that would be my choice, as its a TOY, not a daily.

[mrsaunders]

get a nice mk3 16v, mine cost me £750 and about another £50 getting it perfect with no advisories left, my friends got a mk2 and i agree they are nice but i much prefer a mk3, and as for a mk4 they have nothing over a mk3 16v until you start playing with them, but as you said you have no desire to do this

[Shady Pioneer]

Mk3 all the way mate. 16v would be the best choice.