Time for an upgrade (The Search Goes On)

[Obvious]

Right the time has come to say goodbye to the 8V and move on to something new. I'm debating very hard over a 16V or a VR6, both good cars in their own right I know, but having a hard time deciding which one to go with (and finding a clean enough and non abused one). At the moment have no real plans on modifying engine wise, so it will stay stock for a while so that swings my mind to a VR, as in stock performance it is that little bit better. I know the old OBD1 engines are prone to headgasket/waterpump/thermostat housing problems etc)  I have read that a 16V with a bit of work (supercharged etc) can run some good figures putting it right up there with the VR, but without the noise. And to be honest the VR is all about the noise.

Car will be a bit of a weekend toy, not a daily. I've read pretty much over all the forum after searching and it's mixed views all round, with reliability being an issue with the VR. But lead to believe the OBD2 engine is the better one. So just can't make my mind up at the moment.. have about £2500 to play with but just can't decide. Have longed for a VR for some time now (a very long time) it's a tough choice!!! Just can't make my mind up... I want a VR, other half wants to go 16V (fuel reasons/maintaince/more expensive if they go wrong) Insurance differences are not much between the two (best part of £50 with mods declared on both) Heart says VR6 lol Head says...... LoL

Advice on both from 16V and VR6 owners much appreciated, on all issues (reliabilty and so on)

[Dragon6]

Cant comment on the 16v and would imagine its the same old story turning into an argument of which is best,but my 2p worth £2500 will buy you a great VR6.I bought mine a year ago for a tad less than 2.5k is a high spec model had 60k full history it has been great 100% reliable the drive is brilliant nice and smooth with lots of grunt anywhere in the rev range nice light steering smooth gearchange.For a 2.8litre V6 I find it good on fuel averageing around 31mpg
Again like you I dont do lots of miles so the fuel issue not a problem dont find it overly heavy at all.mine is lowered to stiffen it up a tad and a drilled out airbox to make the most of that glorious sound other than that it`s stock and happy with it..Just buy a well maintained one with FSH watch out for cam chain rattle on high milers other than that I would deffo recommend a VR..

[VW_08]

Meant to be around the same performance really.

Not got the VR sound but the 16v can sound really meaty will a full exhaust etc, mine just has that without induction kit and it sounds like a beast. 

Come to think of it might stick a K&N panel replacement in it.

[boneybradley]

After the 8v you will like the way the vr6 drives...there good low down and don't need loads of rev's (like the 8v but soo soo much faster)

[mark3valver]

you need to spend more to get a decent condition VR6... as said above £2500 will get you a nice VR where as the same condition and mileage 16v will cost approx. £1500.

not much difference fuel wise I don't think, standard VR6 handles like a bath tub on wheels, but a 16v/VR6 with sorted suspension there isn't much in it handling wise. suppose its more about what you want out of it, more likely to get luxury bits with a VR suppose... I don't think there is a 'better' car they are just different...

personally I wouldn't spend the extra purchase price, insurance and fuel (minimal) for a VR6 in my eye's its not any better than a 16...

[BobbyT]

obd2 vr all day every day lol  love mine soooo much, beats the old AUQ in the Bora anytime 

[remapped]

go for a VR6 highline 

[BobbyT]

^^^^ i second that 

[Obvious]

I'll third it... gotta love them in Mullberry *lush* especially after seeing a VR6 Kompressor in Mulberry  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6LlqXAKsrM what a sound and what a car! Just pushes me into a VR more.

Thanks for the advice so far guys, what's funny is the other half is saying you should all stop encouraging me into the VR  but I know that's where my heart lies, it's just my head asking the questions. I've seen a few highlines around on the trader at the moment, but there are too many knocking about with well over 100k on them and asking for silly money too. Have my eye on 2, one a 97 (R) with 83K on, pretty much standard and FSH, and another with just over 90K on.. Both pushing around the £2600 mark, not so many decent 16v's my way at present, not for the right money anyway..the usual people asking too much for a car that says Golf and 16V on it regardless of condition and milage.

I'll just have to sit and wait for the right one to come along, not rushing into buying one for the sake off, as we all say 'has to be the right one at the right price' But if anyone knows of any Manchester way (will travel for the right one) you know are up for sale, please point them in my direction.

[BobbyT]

got mine at 125k - now over 130k and still going very strong! mine came with fsh, if you look after these lumps they just go and go! still feels like a 70k car tbh