Mk3 Golf gti

[joeheavyslow]

I am looking to buy a mk3 gti. Is there anything i need to be looking out for? Also anyone had/have one at the moment and love it, hate it?


All info appreciated.

[JakeR]

not speaking from personal experience, but everything I've read says Mk1 great, Mk2 great, Mk5 great, the others... erm... dont bother...

However, a lady I know has a mark 3 and loves it to bits...

[speedtwelve]

Joeheavy slow,

You seem to have summed-up the 8v Mk3 GTI quite succintly in your username!

[wombar]

I've got a MK3 GTI (8V) and whilst it's not the fastest car in the world, you could do worse. They're pretty solid cars but there is one thing you should definitely look for.

The ABS & Airbag lights. They should come on, and then go off when you start the car / turn on the ignition. Some unscrupulous people take the bulbs out so you don't get any lights at all. I saw a few like this when I was looking and just walked away from them.

I'm going to be selling mine soon once I've got myself an S4 and I'll be sad to see it go. There were a few problems when I bought it, but it's cost me absolutely nothing over the past year to run. Plus they hold their value relatively well compared to Fords, Peugeots etc. If you're looking for a "proper" GTI, you may be disappointed as it's pretty heavy, BUT it's still a nice car.

[clubsport]

Can't think of anyother car which is least deserving of it's badge, 16V is bearable...I wish I had bought a 16V rather than the VR6 I owned, only for a short period before selling on due to compromised handling....not VW's finest hour

[Dr G]

16v is greatly improved by the addition of better quality suspension and careful setup of the geometry.

It isn't a bad car but if you like them anyway a suspension change is heavily reccomended so you can take maximum enjoyment from it.

Engine and brakes are pretty good as standard

[mk3gti]

i currently own a mk3 gti 16v anniversary model and wouldn't have it any other way. I think its one of the best looking golfs ever. I've owned ford's and citroens in the past and they've got nothing on vw. So go for it. Just look out for rusty bits and over cleaned engines as they're trying to hide something. Good luck

Edited by mk3gti on Monday 17th September 17:03

[Dr G]

That's a good point actually, carefully run a finger round the whole car (particularly rear arches) to check for tin worm.

[mk3gti]

carefull when doing that thou as can be sharpe. Don't be affraid to get on the floor and have a good look under the whole car. Even looking at the amount of tread left on the tyres could help you to knock the asking price down too. Also that applys to the brakes, nothing worse then buying your new car and needing to send it to get brakes replaced.

[5LitreV8]

I've had 3 MK3s (2 16vs and a VR6). They are good cars. Check for corroded rear disks (as like many cars, most of the hard breaking is done at the front.

AND, if there’s no history of CAM belt change(s) make sure you get one done ASAP! I had a cambelt break (even though it had been changed). Cost > £1000 to put right 