Should I replace my mk2 with a mk3?

[KKK]

I know the mk3 is slower, fatter and not as cool as the mark 2.  But I'm slower, fatter and not as cool as I used to be too.   

Should I stop putting it off and just change the head gasket on the mk2, or buy a shiny black mk3 I've spied with wierd modern stuff like electric windows, power steering, airbags and a catalytic converter?

KKK

[phil540uk]

Noooo don't do it!! Head gasket isn't a massive job! get it sorted and keep the mk2! 

[takethefifth]

No.

[golfpro]

predictable responses over with, Il say yes just to try to help reach equilibrium. Black mk3s are cool, dispite what people say.

[baz_the_man62]

do it if u like buses

[rubjonny]

Nothing wrong with MK3s if you like the styling, I find the front end is too round for my taste.  If you do get one be prepared to spend some money on the suspension to make it handle like a GTI should!
I love em with a Vento front end fitted though 

A MK3 isn't really that much heavier than a MK2 and can be made to drive well with a few choice mods & with the camber set to max.  The 2.0 8v is 'ok', and is nice smooth motor for cruising but the 2.0 16v is the one to go for for the grin factor, plus with a simple remap close to 170BHP can be achieved.  If you can afford the petrol the VR6 is great, when its working!  But they have so many sensors that can go wrong you really need to have VAG COM to diagnose any faults.

[KKK]

The Mk2 stays!

I changed the headgasket, cambelt, tensioner, downpipe and exhaust manifold gaskets.  It took all day.  The tappets clattered like hell on first startup and it only ran on three cylinders.  Water in bore no4 was the culprit, which soon dried off while I flapped about in a dread-induced/embarassment at lack of success/I don't want to take the goddam head off again panic.  Those new gaskets created a stinking cloud of white smoke from behind the engine, too. 

Now the car seems smoother and quieter than before and (not just wishful thinking...) pokier.  The old cambelt tensioner whine is gone - it's worth going for the geniune VW item here, judging by the state of the G&S supplied part after 39k.

A just discernable step at the top of the pistion travel was all the bores had to show for their 196,000 miles.  That's 5k semi-synth oil changes for you!

Easier that I thought it would be, but took twice as long.  Those new ratchet spanners from Halfords sure made life easier getting at the exhaust/manifold nuts though.

I think I'll keep the Mk2 until those Mk5 come down to a grand or so.  Not long now...

KKK

[Veedubgt18v]

absolutely not lol fix the old skool beaut

[phil540uk]

result! Nice one!

[mattneck(Beavis)]

I changed the headgasket, cambelt, tensioner, downpipe and exhaust manifold gaskets.  It took all day.  The tappets clattered like hell on first startup and it only ran on three cylinders.  Water in bore no4 was the culprit, which soon dried off while I flapped about in a dread-induced/embarassment at lack of success/I don't want to take the goddam head off again panic.  Those new gaskets created a stinking cloud of white smoke from behind the engine, too. 

I had this with the enw gaskets and stuff, but we think it was still elaking through, due to the ehad being skimmed to liit it may still have been slightly warped, i noticed oil trickling down the fornt of the block to! but.. a new engine has been a nice cure, tis been good experience to, and 27k less on it for the same block entirely, sjtu a few transplants to be one, not bad eh, excuse for a new clutch to