2 and a half grand to spend! Which golf GTI?

[adaM3]

I have a 2.5k budget for a runabout, which will have fairly low usage. Which Golf GTI would you guys recommend. Performance not a real issue but are the 16v mk2/ mk3's much better than the 8v ones?
Anything in particular i should look out for?
Any help or advice much appreciated.

[Dr G]

For daily use and dependability you could try and hunt down a good, well maintained MK2 16v (the fun option) or a MK3 16v and spend a few quid making the suspension less useless (the more sensible option).

You could even get a nice VR inside your budget if fuel economy doesn't matter that much.

There have been a few threads on here lately about buying both MK2s and MK3s - I'd hunt these down and have a good read.

[16v Matt]

16v if it were my money, don't let anyone tell you the 8v's have more torque either. The 16v makes more power+torque all the way through the rev range. If you do go for a 16v, stem seals and valve guides can be quite a common issue now most of these cars are on 100k+ miles. You need to drive both though mate, the 16v will flat until about 4k.

[Juicetin1]

Ive owned both and the 16valves are miles better. Ive just sold my Mk2 16v (for a Mk5 GTI) and it was brilliant, all round better drivers car than the Mk3. However the Mk3 16v is quite a bit more modern inside. Why not source a good Mk3 16v they're dead cheap now.

[j_richards123]

Totally agree, I used to own a Mk3 16v and pound for pound they are great value. I had mine for 4 years and NOTHING went wrong with it!
Just make sure its serviced and make sure the cambelt is changed at the recommended interval.

Mk2 16v I guess is more fun but the mk3 is more practical for day to day motoring (once the suspension is sorted)

Hope this helps.

By the way I sold my mk3 16v for £1200 105k miles full history and leather great condition so you will find a decent example well within your budget.

Edited by j_richards123 on Wednesday 23 July 21:02

[Adz The Rat]

Find a nice MK1, you know it makes sense