Golf Mk 3 GTI 16v - what to look out for?
Discussion
Hoping for a little advice on what to keep an eye out for re the above.
Basically, I want a daily run-around with ABS, driver's airbag, half-decent fuel economy and a good turn of speed. And I don't really want to spend more than £2k.
The Mk3 GTI sprang to mind as a real possibility, and a look on the Trader suggests decent, un-molested examples with FSH and approx 100k miles are within budget. I know the 8v is gutless (I had the same engine in a Vento many years ago) and the 16v is substantially quicker (150bhp vs. 115bhp etc etc). And I know it needs to be a '96-'98 model to have airbags and ABS (requirements for work H&S policy).
But is there anything in particular I need to be aware of with these engines? And can anyone tell me the interval for cam belt changes?
Any help / pointers gratefully received. Thanks!
Basically, I want a daily run-around with ABS, driver's airbag, half-decent fuel economy and a good turn of speed. And I don't really want to spend more than £2k.
The Mk3 GTI sprang to mind as a real possibility, and a look on the Trader suggests decent, un-molested examples with FSH and approx 100k miles are within budget. I know the 8v is gutless (I had the same engine in a Vento many years ago) and the 16v is substantially quicker (150bhp vs. 115bhp etc etc). And I know it needs to be a '96-'98 model to have airbags and ABS (requirements for work H&S policy).
But is there anything in particular I need to be aware of with these engines? And can anyone tell me the interval for cam belt changes?
Any help / pointers gratefully received. Thanks!
Belts every 60k.
Rust, everywhere. I beleive later ones are galvanised but all that plastic trim can really trap water, ditto window rubbers.
ABS - nightmare on MK3s, make sure the fuse is in place and the light goes off quickly after you start the car. If it stays on you're lucky if it's just a faulty wheel sensor, unlucky if it's anything else.
Handling's a bit wooly as standard (particularly with miles on) but an Eibach spring/shock/ARB kit sorts it right out and isn't pricey.
Mechanically check all the usuals, MK3s are pretty strong and the ABF (2.0 16v) is a cracker. Service items and consumables are all cheap and availability is excellent.
Rust, everywhere. I beleive later ones are galvanised but all that plastic trim can really trap water, ditto window rubbers.
ABS - nightmare on MK3s, make sure the fuse is in place and the light goes off quickly after you start the car. If it stays on you're lucky if it's just a faulty wheel sensor, unlucky if it's anything else.
Handling's a bit wooly as standard (particularly with miles on) but an Eibach spring/shock/ARB kit sorts it right out and isn't pricey.
Mechanically check all the usuals, MK3s are pretty strong and the ABF (2.0 16v) is a cracker. Service items and consumables are all cheap and availability is excellent.
wrighty78 said:
Thank you Dr G - very helpful indeed.
Regarding the suspension upgrades you mention... what sort of cash are we talking about?
200 ish each for the spring/damper kit and roll-bar kit respectively. Well worth swapping the top mounts for new ones (Gen VW) at the same time then get all the alingment sorted. Can do a friendly PH discount on such parts if you do end up going down this avenue.Regarding the suspension upgrades you mention... what sort of cash are we talking about?
I've got one of these. Awesome cars with a little bit of fettling in the handling department. The only things to go wrong on mine in the 3 years of ownership are a coil, thermostat and an after market immobilizer.
Engines are pretty bomb proof if serviced properly, build quality is pretty good to.The only thing that lets them down is the handling as standard.Got Bilsein shocks,H&R springs and poly bushes in the front wishbones with my own camber/toe settings, and it handles great. I love them. Get one go on
Engines are pretty bomb proof if serviced properly, build quality is pretty good to.The only thing that lets them down is the handling as standard.Got Bilsein shocks,H&R springs and poly bushes in the front wishbones with my own camber/toe settings, and it handles great. I love them. Get one go on
I had one of these for 4 years and to be honest it never let me down once! I sold mine recently with 107k on the clock excellent original condition, full leather for £1100. To be honest for the money was a bargain. Only sold it because of working abroad.
As said just make sure the cambelt is changed at 3 years or 60k and service it regular and you'll have yourself a decent motor that will go on for a long time. ABF's are pretty much bomb proof!!
Rust isnt something which I had a major problem with, had the odd stone chip and one minor piece of bubbling on the drivers door but that was about it.... oh but I didnt take off the plastic trims on the arches to see what was underneath, but had no reason to as there was no sign of rot.
In this day and age (and market) mk3 Golf's aren't commanding that high a price so you can easily pick a decent model like my old one with full history MOT and tax for £1-1.5k.
I would definatly recommend them.... steer clear of the 8v slow as you know what!!
Just my opinion....
As said just make sure the cambelt is changed at 3 years or 60k and service it regular and you'll have yourself a decent motor that will go on for a long time. ABF's are pretty much bomb proof!!
Rust isnt something which I had a major problem with, had the odd stone chip and one minor piece of bubbling on the drivers door but that was about it.... oh but I didnt take off the plastic trims on the arches to see what was underneath, but had no reason to as there was no sign of rot.
In this day and age (and market) mk3 Golf's aren't commanding that high a price so you can easily pick a decent model like my old one with full history MOT and tax for £1-1.5k.
I would definatly recommend them.... steer clear of the 8v slow as you know what!!
Just my opinion....
Edited by j_richards123 on Tuesday 10th June 16:21
Check the gearbox - there are real issues with this generation of box now that they are getting older. Try enquiring about re-cons or look at the prices of secondhand ones on ebay!! They are known to blow their diffs and some cheap recons are coming through with weld repaired cases !!!!
Rust and abs as already mentioned are your other worries.
Still some lovely examples out there though but be very careful around the £1k mark.
Rust and abs as already mentioned are your other worries.
Still some lovely examples out there though but be very careful around the £1k mark.
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