Mk 3 8 or 16v

[creative]

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying a Mk 3 Golf GTI, and trying to decide whether to buy a 8 or 16V.

Any things to be wary off?

Thanks

[al76]

By a 16v if you can. Absolutely bomb proof, and out performs the 8v by a LONG way. The only thing really to watch out for is body condition. Check door bottoms, roof at top of screen, tailgate, to name some common areas. Coils can fail leading to non start. Also the pick up ring for the immobiliser around the ignition barrel can play up again causing non start. Happy hunting!

[towcestervag]

the mk2 is better the mk1 even better
both 8 and 16 valve mk3 golf are slow due to the emmisions set up on them and weight of car
the electrics wernt the most reliable and they do rust
the 16 valve engine yes is pretty bullet proof but is rattly at top end

[creative]

Cheers.

Have already owned a Mk 2 and a Mk2 Scirocco. Now own a Mk4 & Mk 5.

Mk1s are too expensive!

Always wanted a Mk3. Where do I watch out for rust?

I know on the Mk2 the wheel arches were quite prone.

Also you mentioned electrics. What problems can you get?

[neil w]

Having owned Mk1 and 2 Sciroccos plus a Corrado for years I wasn't very impressed with the Mk3's I've had ,(a 1993 and a 1997) the latter was only 8 years old and the rear arches were starting to go and needed patch repairs plus the floor needed to be patched on three places where the underseal had allowed in water. I'm not talking about cosmetic rust removal either areas of rot had to be cut out and fresh metal welded into place.
By the time I got sold it 18 moths ago I also needed to let in repair sections on the sill jacking points.
The 1993 which I bought for spares had all of the same problems (it was a low mileage one owner local car) plus the front wings had gone at the lower rear edges and the inner and outer sills had rotted out.
The Mk3's are definitely not as well built as the earlier and later cars.

[creative]

Cheers for that.

I may have to re-think on whether to buy a Mk 3 now. May have to find a late Mk 2 then. Beginning to wish that I kept my Scirocco now!

Don't want another Mk 4 as it is bland, and handling is terrible.

My Mk 5 is an excellent car, but unfortunately I have to sell it.

Have you any other suggestions on what to buy? Budget is £1,500 tops.

[SammoVWT]

My Mk3 is pretty solid bar an annoying issue with my throttle body, no rust, nothing falling off and mines a '97

[Crasher]

Find a clean Mk2 16v, makes the Mk3 look silly.

My wife’s 89 8v 1.9 has just expired due to tin worm, a sad day. Just missed a 92 J in Tornado red in Autotrader at £5.5K with 40K on it, gutted! Buying her a 2007 Polo GTI tomorrow.

[SammoVWT]

Its true though, I would love a Mk2, lighter and classic looks

[neil w]

Try a 1997 ish seat ibiza 2.0 gti in either 8v or 16v guise especially if it is a cupra.
As long as the rear arches aren't becoming scabby , they are a hoot, fantastic handling and all vw based running gear