Mk3 gti 8v or mk4 gt tdi 130 ??

[Nufc1892]

For my next car i am debating the mk3 golf gti 8v ( i know the 16v's the one to go for but insurance is ridiculous ).. Or the mk4 golf gt tdi 130. At the moment the only real reason i am edging towards the mk4 is for its great fuel economy. Im 19 and on an apprenticeship wage ( next to nothing ). My problem is for a years insurance on the mk4 it is £2200, but on the mk3 its £1450. I want the mk3 more than the mk4 but ive read that around town a the mk3 will return 25mpg which im not sure i could maintain. Should i follow my heart and get the mk3 or my head and get the mk4, if anyone can tell me what mpg they get from their mk3 it would be appreciated! Cheers.

[MK3 Beardo]

My Mk3 is an 8v and gets anywhere from 20-35mpg depending on what I'm doing - around town is definitely the lower end. I'd be tempted, in your position, to buy the 8v and build up your no-claims ready to buy the diesel next year.

[Gti_Jamo]

8v's are quite good on fuel but only if well maintained. I had a low mileage one and it woulds easily see 30mpg in the town and 45mpg everywhere else. Mk4's are pretty rubbish unless it's a r32 but good mk3's are hard to find these days among all the rot boxes so make sure you do your homework on what to look out for.

[matty james]

"mk4's are pretty rubbish unless its an r32"- never read such a stupid post -laughed my head off 

[g3uvn]

I drive mostly very short trips to and from work (2 miles) as I may need the car for work purposes on a day to day basis. Because its so close I drive home from work when the weather is pants for lunch. Otherwise I do 20-25 mile trips most of the time.

I oil / filter service every 5000 miles which costs me around £40 usually 4 times a year. I budget for around £60 a week running costs which gives me 350 miles but I usually only spend £50 a week. So I work that out to be £2760 a year for fuel and basic service. With a diesel I could half the cost of fuel to around £30 a week so it would cost me £1720 a year, or a grand less give or take.

Looking at my maths, its going to cost you about the same in either car mate as buying an 8v is dirt cheap - mine only cost £285 with 80k! 

[VW BUSH]

Mk3 8v is simple its technics lego compared to most cars. My last one was cost neutral after 3 years.
I don't think you will do that with a Mk4.......

[Bellend]

My MK4 is costing the best part of 2K.


That's parts only!

[thai-wronghorse]

I appreciate this is the mk3 group but the PD130 is far superior to the ancient and gutless mk3 8v. Apart from the lowet fuel costs my TDI is also cheaper to tax and insure.
And then when you're ready for more power 175bhp is a mere remap away, its s no brainer in my eyes unless you've got your heart set on a tricked out mk3.

[MK3 Beardo]

I appreciate this is the mk3 group but the PD130 is far superior to the ancient and gutless mk3 8v. Apart from the lowet fuel costs my TDI is also cheaper to tax and insure.
And then when you're ready for more power 175bhp is a mere remap away, its s no brainer in my eyes unless you've got your heart set on a tricked out mk3.

The OP says he's had quotes on both cars, and for him the diesel is £750 more expensive to insure. Pays for a lot of petrol!

[matty james]

the mere fact you posted your question in the mk3 section speaks volumes , go with your heart and get a the 8v "gti" . ive had a few mk3s -but wouldnt go back to them again ,if they aint rotten they leak in and are nightmares on mots -and thats my head speaking