Mk3 GTI - future classic?
Discussion
So I've toyed in the past with the idea of buying a Mk1/ Mk2 GTI as a hobby car but they've got too expensive and hard to find for an un-abused example. I've now got the opportunity to buy one of the last Mk3 GTIs from a family friend and wondering whether it would be a good buy...
The car in question is 1998 R-reg and I *think* it's the 16v but can't remember for 100% sure. It's had one female owner since new and has always been serviced by VAG specialists. 100% standard with no modifications of any kind.
I guess my question is how much is it worth now if I was to buy, and is this likely to go up in the future if I look after it?
The car in question is 1998 R-reg and I *think* it's the 16v but can't remember for 100% sure. It's had one female owner since new and has always been serviced by VAG specialists. 100% standard with no modifications of any kind.
I guess my question is how much is it worth now if I was to buy, and is this likely to go up in the future if I look after it?
No the Mk3 and the Mk4 although capable daily drivers aren't held up as great examples of the Golf GTI.
I'd pick:
Golf GTI Mk1 - The original, ideally a Campaign model with Pirelli wheels
Golf GTI Mk2 - The best built - ideally a big bumpered 16 value in Oak Green
Golf GTI Mk5 - Return to form - probably an Edition 30 or Pirelli are most collectable
I'd pick:
Golf GTI Mk1 - The original, ideally a Campaign model with Pirelli wheels
Golf GTI Mk2 - The best built - ideally a big bumpered 16 value in Oak Green
Golf GTI Mk5 - Return to form - probably an Edition 30 or Pirelli are most collectable
I'd argue the Mk3 16V will eventually achieve some level of desirability as the next rung down from the VR6. The 8v was an abomination that didn't deserve a GTI badge, but even cooking versions will eventually stop depreciating and bimble along at the usable daily classic level assuming they're relatively rust-free.
We've got a BX16V which was undesirable at 3 years old, unloved for many more due to the hydraulics, but is now such a rare sight that they're actually worth a fair bit....
We've got a BX16V which was undesirable at 3 years old, unloved for many more due to the hydraulics, but is now such a rare sight that they're actually worth a fair bit....
I used to work for Citroen's ad agency and one of the ideas presented to the client when the Xantia launched was to go around and buy up all the old BXs and scrap them - as they were tarnishing the image in lots of people's eyes.
(I think it was something to do with people thinking the rear suspension was knackered rather than just waiting to be pumped up.)
(I think it was something to do with people thinking the rear suspension was knackered rather than just waiting to be pumped up.)
g7jhp said:
No the Mk3 and the Mk4 although capable daily drivers aren't held up as great examples of the Golf GTI.
I'd pick:
Golf GTI Mk1 - The original, ideally a Campaign model with Pirelli wheels
Golf GTI Mk2 - The best built - ideally a big bumpered 16 value in Oak Green
Golf GTI Mk5 - Return to form - probably an Edition 30 or Pirelli are most collectable
Sod oak green, been there done that and don't see what the fuss is about. I'd pick:
Golf GTI Mk1 - The original, ideally a Campaign model with Pirelli wheels
Golf GTI Mk2 - The best built - ideally a big bumpered 16 value in Oak Green
Golf GTI Mk5 - Return to form - probably an Edition 30 or Pirelli are most collectable
Any colour mk2 gti 16v or G60 will be worth good money in good condition.
On the Mk3 front, sadly only a handful of 16v an vr6s with decent spec are considered desirsble. I suspect a lot of ropey mk3s have done the right thing which is to die having gifted their internal organs for a Mk1/2
martin mrt said:
Mk3 16v GTI Anniversary will be, only 150 brought to the uk and the numbers are dwindling.
Good point, that fits my "good spec" as they did come with jazzy Recaro interior, red seat belts & calipers and come in mystic blue which is a stunning colour. If only VW had stuck a VR6 or at least a 16v into the colour concepts as they all got decent spec but only a 8v.
aka_kerrly said:
martin mrt said:
Mk3 16v GTI Anniversary will be, only 150 brought to the uk and the numbers are dwindling.
Good point, that fits my "good spec" as they did come with jazzy Recaro interior, red seat belts & calipers and come in mystic blue which is a stunning colour. If only VW had stuck a VR6 or at least a 16v into the colour concepts as they all got decent spec but only a 8v.
VW did stick the 16v in the Colour Concept, in Europe if memory serves me correctly.
I pick this 16v Anniversary up in a few weeks, been off the road for a few years a but it's a very very special car, with some lovely OEM+ touches and a completely one off Recaro interior
martin mrt said:
aka_kerrly said:
martin mrt said:
Mk3 16v GTI Anniversary will be, only 150 brought to the uk and the numbers are dwindling.
Good point, that fits my "good spec" as they did come with jazzy Recaro interior, red seat belts & calipers and come in mystic blue which is a stunning colour. If only VW had stuck a VR6 or at least a 16v into the colour concepts as they all got decent spec but only a 8v.
I owned an 8v for about ten years and loved it. It was tough as old boots and just kept going. Unfortunately, despite fitting new shock absorbers and springs, it still handled like a boat and had average performance. They just didn't have the raw driver appeal of the previous models. I think it will just be forgotten.
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