MK3 Golf GTI 8v

Author
Discussion

Nuttah

Original Poster:

566 posts

171 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
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After a cheap winter hack, found one of these local to me going cheap with a full ticket, not fussed about performance etc just wondering what they are like reliability wise and what to look for when viewing?

steveo3002

10,493 posts

173 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
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rust is the biggest killer

not the most loved golf in history , but plenty of help and parts on the vw forums etc

Maracus

4,229 posts

167 months

Thursday 20th October 2016
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As said ^^^ Rust!

We had one about 8 years ago as a cheap hack, no performance at all but 40mpg all day long on a commute. We bought it at 120k and sold it at 150k. The gearbox went shortly afterwards, a work colleague bought it from us and thrashed it to death hehe

Also, any engine cut out when you slow to a stop is usually a sign that the throttle body needs a clean.

g7jhp

6,959 posts

237 months

Thursday 20th October 2016
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Try a Mk4 Golf GTI 1.8T.

Someone will no doubt talk it down but they're well built, don't rust, nice interior are quick enough and can be easily tuned.

They're also a bargain for the money.

nottyash

4,670 posts

194 months

Sunday 23rd October 2016
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I bought one for £600 back in the big freeze in 2009. We used it daily, it never let us down. Great in the snow. I drove it over the penines to manchester airport at minus 14 degrees.
As said, rust is a killer. Under the trim.
Mine needed work for the mot which I couldnt be bothered to pay for, and I still got £400 back for it.
I remember an issue with the throttle body. Cant remenber what but after an unsuccessful clean a £20 secondhand one did the trick.

Ive had 3 mk4 with the 1.8t engine. Few issues to look for with them like the oil sump pick up pipes, breather pipes and boost leaks. Easily tunable too.

I have an a3 1.8t quattro for my winter hack now. As above but with 6 speed, 180bhp and 4wd. Problems as above, now all done and running great

Dr G

15,159 posts

241 months

Tuesday 25th October 2016
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Simple cars to work on and mechanically strong; very little you can't buy secondhand for pennies.

If the bodywork is intact it could make a great winter hack.