is swapping out my diesel a worth while decision?

[nicholasp]

Hi guys, hope you're all well!

I was looking for some advice. I currently drive a a 12 year old golf mk3 diesel which has been chipped to about 120bhp. It has done 165,000 miles and is running very well other than the front tires leak air over time due to the poor condition of the alloys. It's relatively quick and has a good bit of low end torque.

I was looking for a bit of a change. Ultimately, I would love a VR6 but at 22 (been driving 3 years, no points, 1 year NCB), nobody is going to insure me on one. I'm therefore considering a Mk3 GTI 16v 96/97...probably about 100k on the clock?

My question is - is it really worth the time an effort? I'm looking at all aspects such as insurance and maintenance costs, performance (of course) and any other perks - I'd really like to have remote central locking and electric windows.

Any advice, greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Nick

[RandomJord]

To be honest mate, id stick with what you've got at the moment for another year, then go VR6, people will insure you on it, just might be a bit steep, maybe change your alloys for ones that dont leak air! prob cost £150 with tyres from the classifieds.

Then next year with another years NCB VR6 time!

[nicholasp]

Thanks for the advice! Would I be able to fit those BBS VR6 alloys on my diesel? The leaking air thing is definately becoming a bit of an issue!

[spunkymonkey]

If yours is a five stud then yes.

[DubFan]

The diesels are 4 stud, so no, VR6 alloys won't fit, but you could easily get some 4 stud BBS off ebay or the classifieds.

As for the Mk3 16v, some do reckon it's the better model in the Mk3 range as you're not that much slower than the VR6 (as it's slightly lighter) and it will be cheaper on fuel and insurance. But then again, if you want a VR6, wait till the insurance is cheaper next year or maybe even shop around a bit more (talk to Martin at HIC, you'll get discount for being a member here) try to find out if it really is that much more. Do some full on comparisons, check if you can get it cheaper with a parent listed as a named driver, etc.

The 16v can be modded to give you the power of the VR6 but it won't sound or feel quite the same. Don't forget that if you mod it, insuring will cost more too.

[Diamond Hell]

Don't bother with the VR6, just get the 16V motor and have something with less mass over the front wheels, that with a tubular manifold and a chip will give the same power, but also handle properly.

[nicholasp]

thanks once again for the advice guys - mixed opinions as always!

The 16v is definately easier on the wallet insurance/fuel wise....I'm not sure i'm too fussed about handling though. I live in central london...the only reason to have a quick car around here is for traffic light grand prixs.

The main selling point of the VR6 is that it sounds like nothing else in my opinion...how to 16v sound with better exhausts? anything close to the VR6?

[AudiA8Quattro]

Forget the 16v, buy a vr6, its by far the best model of the mk3 range.
Get a decent suspension on it to sort out the handling.
Also chip it, put a k&n and a decent exhaust on it and you'll easy see 190bhp+ 

[DubFan]

thanks once again for the advice guys - mixed opinions as always!

The 16v is definately easier on the wallet insurance/fuel wise....I'm not sure i'm too fussed about handling though. I live in central london...the only reason to have a quick car around here is for traffic light grand prixs.

The main selling point of the VR6 is that it sounds like nothing else in my opinion...how to 16v sound with better exhausts? anything close to the VR6?

I live in London and frequently drive into Central London (Covent Garden/Waterloo), and driving around there, you really won't miss the power as you spend most of your time crawling from junction to junction. And if you sit at the lights revving your engine and race of the line, everyone will think you're a tw@t anyway.
So really, it's only worth having the power for when you get further out of London onto the A roads. So that is when the handling will come in.
If you spend more time driving in London (ie slower in traffic) than out on the motorway, the fuel economy of the 16v will be much better and easier on the wallet.

As for the 16v Mk3, it's a good car, great for comfortable cruising, I enjoyed driving mine though I enjoyed my Mk2 16v more. (Miss them both  )
I had my Mk3 16v aged 23 and it wasn't too bad on insurance, then I got a Mk2 16v, insurance was still fine, till I moved to London and my insurance when up by £100 or so.

It's really up to you, what do you want to drive, can you afford it ?