Shed-special: 1997 Golf Mk3 GTI 16v

[rob1234]

After selling my 190k mile Corrado before going abroad, a year later I am in the need of a cheapo second car.

Our main runaround is a 5-door Megane 225, I just needed something I could fit a baby seat in and is cheap and cheerful.

After a snowy trip up to Birmingham on the train, it appeared there was an intermittent PAS fault. We shook hands for slightly less than advertised and I drove it back to to Wiltshire.

I have driven it for a few days now, so here are my thoughts:

Spec:

1997 Golf GTI 16v 5-door
Dragon Green pearl paint (LC6P)
Beige Nappa Leather with heated front sports seats (optional special order!)
ABF 2.0 16v engine - 150bhp at 6000rpm, 133lb/ft at 4800rpm
Longbeach 6.5Jx15 wheels, 205/50 R15 tyres
Later 288mm front brakes

Pics:


IMGP0001 by Rob_1234, on Flickr


IMGP0004 by Rob_1234, on Flickr


IMGP0005 by Rob_1234, on Flickr


IMGP0003 by Rob_1234, on Flickr

Bad points:
Intermittent PAS fault turning right. - seems to have pretty much disappeared now it's dry
Some scratches in paintwork
Drivers door drooping on its hinge slightly - pretty much fixed (tightened screw on hinge)
Rear tailgate creaks - fixed - lubricated rams
Slight play in steering advised on last MOT
4 different tyres
Nearside rear window broken
Electric interference with radio - seems to have cleared up now it's dry
No record of cambelt service
Slight belt noise

Good points:
98k (c. 6k pa) miles
Engine sweet as a nut, loves revs
Brakes good
ABS works
3 4 of 4 electric windows work
A/C works
Heated seats work

To do: (I'll call it the 100k mile service)
Cambelt & tensioner
Aux belt
Flush brake fluid
Oil filter and oil change
Air filter
Might do gearbox oil

So far:
I was concerned about the coming and going of power-assistance when turning right, but I have tried for the last 3 days to make it happen (people watching me going round in circles must think I'm mad), but I've only managed to induce it once. Hopefully a new aux belt, and topping up the PAS fluid, will sort it once and for all.Sorted!

The drive - I wasn't hoping for much to be honest, as the Mk3 Golf hasn't got the best reputation. I have been pleasantly surprised on my initial drives, and it compares favourably to my old Corrado (heresy!). There's plenty of roll, but the upside is a much less fidgety and bumpy ride than my Megane, and allows good speed to be carried over Wiltshire's pockmarked and bumpy backroads. The gearshift is OK - again, better than the Megane. Turn-in is good, if let down by a slow and heavy rack, and it resists understeer well (against the odds). The engine is a gem - it's so rewarding to have a linear power curve that enjoys being revved out to over 6.5k. There's plenty of torque for normal driving, but it really comes alive about the 5000rpm point. Despite this, it easily returns over (a genuine) 35mpg without even trying.

The future:
I must resist spending money on this car - the whole point of it is that it's a cheap 2nd car! Lots of people mess with the suspension, but I'd like to keep the ride so will probably end up just leaving it, although may replace the bushes etc to tighten it up a bit. TREs are a cheap fix, so will do them and then at some point get 4 matching tyres. The good thing about cars like this is that bits are cheap from GSF or ECP etc, and so are things like tyres! Might have a look at the back right window if I get a moment, but it really isn't high up my list. Cambelt etc will be a Saturday when it warms up a bit, apparently easy-peasy to change on an ABF.

It may not be an E34/E39 540i, or C430 - but I'm pretty pleased!

Edited by rob1234 on Sunday 27th October 10:38

[alistair267]

I had an identical one (although without the optional extras) which served me extremely well for little outlay over and above regular servicing (apart from the windows, all 4 of which I had to fix at least once).

It brings back happy memories!

[5harp3y]

The ABF lump is such a nice engine, had one in my mk1 and it was superb.

Can't go wrong with a bit of mk3 shedding, not hugely special but a good solid workhorse with a bit of pep

[Changedmyname]

I had a 8v a good motorway muncher,but not quick enough pxed for a turbo.

[aka_kerrly]

Christ, someone who has actually driven a mk3 GTI 16v before making a judgement that it is a utter pile of st that understeers, rolls over and is slow.

Well done to you and I hope it turns out to be a hassle free motor for you.

I know a couple of people who have had mk3 16vs and they have pretty reasonable views on them consistent with your observations.

You can get the steering rack bushes, anti roll bar links/mount bushes and ball joints for buttons and a fit them in a afternoon (so long as no one has butchered the bolts in the past) and these should help restore the steering.

One point regarding the PAS, make sure you don't have generic ATF fluid in there, VWs need specific PAS fluid.

PS: hope it is a trouble free motor for you but you can always break it if it goes wrong. The leather and the engine will get you your £700 back!

[martin mrt]

Top work indeed, one of my best purchases has been a £300 mk3 16v from a PH member, i flew to London from Aberdeen to collect it

Mk3 actually has a far superior chassis to the MK2 yet many choose to disbelieve this, its stiffer, has wider track (that mk2 owners retrofit) and with some tweaks a mk3 will out handle a like for like tweaked mk2.

The beaver leather interior is a nice contrast with the dragon green, having heated seats that work is a bonus as many don't

Passenger side regulator is literally a 20minute repair.

I do love a mk3 Golf, i have had more than 20 of them over the last 10 years, my current mk3 8v Anniversary is about to undergo a mild resto and heart transplant

PS Check the front jacking points, they are notorious for being bent by poor jacking up (if they are straight NEVER use the jacking point, they are not up to it)

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

I have a 95 MK3. I had PAS problem, sorted easily & cheaply by new belt. (PAS didn't work when raining )

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

PS

Don't drink 8 pints of Black Sheep, then decide to repaint your tailgate at 1 a.m., the results will be variable

[Dr G]

Bargain, particularly with AC and bum warmers.

MK2s used to suffer slipping PAS belts as the crappy splash guard that protects them breaks after 15 minutes and VW thought it clever to discontinue them. Similar setup on a MK3, perhaps?

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Dr G said:

MK2s used to suffer slipping PAS belts as the crappy splash guard that protects them breaks after 15 minutes and VW thought it clever to discontinue them. Similar setup on a MK3, perhaps?

all sorts of bits have dropped of the bottom of mine. Only held in by self tappers

[johnnyBv8]

Looks nice and straight. Would be nice to get the alloys that only came on the 16v to set it aside from the underwhelming 8v (hmm, perhaps an optional extra and dropped by 1997 though?).

Any interior pics?

[rob1234]

Thanks all - fingers crossed about the PAS.

Wheels - will end up getting a second set for winter tyres I suspect. The early GTIs came with 'Monte Carlo', which are these I believe - and I'm not too fond of them:



I like all the BBS cross-spoke wheels, but a cheaper and also nice design is the 'Solitude' - annoyingly I had a set of these, with winters on, that I sold with my old Corrado...



Interior pics to follow when it's light again!

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

rob1234 said:

Thanks all - fingers crossed about the PAS.

Wheels - will end up getting a second set for winter tyres I suspect. The early GTIs came with 'Monte Carlo', which are these I believe - and I'm not too fond of them:



I like all the BBS cross-spoke wheels, but a cheaper and also nice design is the 'Solitude' - annoyingly I had a set of these, with winters on, that I sold with my old Corrado...



Interior pics to follow when it's light again!

Sport Raders were an option

[Jw Vw]

That looks like an absolute bargain for £700 OP. Really clean car.

[sc4589]

I want to see the interior. Great buy.

[Adz The Rat]

Very nice, my old Storm Grey 16v was probably the best car Ive owned. It never let me down, was quick enough and handled beautifully.

Yours looks to be a good buy, I shall watch this thread.

Ive got a 8v Anniversary here that Im thinking of breaking so I will let you know if I do, I may have some parts that interest you.

[kwakus]

Im sure for a second car at £700 that is a steal, adds to the enjoyment when you have to tinker.

[martin mrt]

Adz The Rat said:

Very nice, my old Storm Grey 16v was probably the best car Ive owned. It never let me down, was quick enough and handled beautifully.

Yours looks to be a good buy, I shall watch this thread.

Ive got a 8v Anniversary here that Im thinking of breaking so I will let you know if I do, I may have some parts that interest you.

Keep me informed if you do as its nice to have spares, I'm converting my 8 v anniversary to VR6 next weekend

[rob1234]

Many thanks all.

Adz - yep, please let me know!

Here's some quick snaps of the interior. My wife hates it, but I quite like it! Again, when the weather's a bit warmer I'll give it a good clean:







(I'll put more photos here as and when: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbso/sets/72157632769...)

Found another minor thing - there's no 'stop' on the driver's seatbelt, so you have to reach down to the floor to get the buckle every time (if you know what I'm mean)...

[B'stard Child]

rob1234 said:

Found another minor thing - there's no 'stop' on the driver's seatbelt, so you have to reach down to the floor to get the buckle every time (if you know what I'm mean)...

Had the same problem with a Polo a few years back - part was less than 50p from a VW dealer