Discussion
Hopefully going to look at a 1992 K plate Golf GTi 8v later this week, 96k miles a few Maxy P type mods but nothing that can't be fixed 
and a nice VR6 Leather interior 
Anything obvious I should be looking for, mechanically or body work wise, is there any known 'faults' on these
What mileage/age should things like cambelt changes happen, etc, etc...
and a nice VR6 Leather interior Anything obvious I should be looking for, mechanically or body work wise, is there any known 'faults' on these
What mileage/age should things like cambelt changes happen, etc, etc...
Rust is something to watch out for on mk3s, it will almost certainly have a little bit. It's most common on the panel beneath the rear screen (especially where it meets the glass), but also check the lower sections of the door panels and around wall the windows, including the leading edge of the roof above the windscreen. That's all cosmetic but more importantly, you should check inside the wheels arches and the sills.
Other than that, it's just the normal checks to make on a car of that age, there's nothing too specific with the engine.
Out of interest, what mods does it have? If the suspension is uprated (without being stupidly low) then that's probably a good thing.
Other than that, it's just the normal checks to make on a car of that age, there's nothing too specific with the engine.
Out of interest, what mods does it have? If the suspension is uprated (without being stupidly low) then that's probably a good thing.
nickbee said:
Out of interest, what mods does it have? If the suspension is uprated (without being stupidly low) then that's probably a good thing.
Don't think it's got any suspension mods, it's got 17" OZ wheels, a light tint to the windows, Lexus style rear lights (originals seem to be dirt cheap though thank god
) a few interior tart up bits, and a full leather interior, but the worse bit has to be the VR6 badges all round 
ABS sensors fail on the mk3s. I've replaced two already on my 2.0 gti (M plate). Check the abs light comes on on start up (some barsteward had removed the bulb on my car and i didn't spot it until i'd bought the car).
Heated seats? The elements fail over time, so check they both work - these are expensive and vw only part.
check the jacking points - these are easily damaged by carless tire monkeys and can lead to rust probs.
Heated seats? The elements fail over time, so check they both work - these are expensive and vw only part.
check the jacking points - these are easily damaged by carless tire monkeys and can lead to rust probs.
Was about to write a testimony on mine. Had it about a year now.
The plan was to buy cheap/relaible and use the money I have saved to repair should it need it.
short story: There is rust on the rear inside door (5 door), open it, where the hinge is. thats common.
the suspension never felt right on the rear. found yesterday, its leaked and was replaced in 3 hours - £40 !! bargain.
Still pulling 40mpg on a steady run 35mpg normally.
ABS light came on last week, faulty front sensor, £40.
this is on a car with no service history since 53k, now on 82k.
Still goes like new, but for a GTi (2.0) its slower than your average peugeot diesel off the lights, but handles like its on rails. I think the firestone tyres help there.
I CANNOT get it to skip or slide, my ribs can't take the 'G' as it is. It beggars belief where the corner speed limit lies...
I CANNOT get the ABS to kick in. I forced it once ; in torrential rain, but nearly went through the windscreen, the grip under braking is outstanding, the stopping distance are almost zero feet... even with the ABS disabled last week, it made no difference.
Best buy ever. and thats after owning audi S4's TVR's etc.. - accept for the speed. not fast off the line, has a low top speed. Over 80mph and the mpg takes a hit.
PLENTY of grunt on overtakes, a real A road tool.
mines a '96 N. 2.0 Gti
The plan was to buy cheap/relaible and use the money I have saved to repair should it need it.
short story: There is rust on the rear inside door (5 door), open it, where the hinge is. thats common.
the suspension never felt right on the rear. found yesterday, its leaked and was replaced in 3 hours - £40 !! bargain.
Still pulling 40mpg on a steady run 35mpg normally.
ABS light came on last week, faulty front sensor, £40.
this is on a car with no service history since 53k, now on 82k.
Still goes like new, but for a GTi (2.0) its slower than your average peugeot diesel off the lights, but handles like its on rails. I think the firestone tyres help there.
I CANNOT get it to skip or slide, my ribs can't take the 'G' as it is. It beggars belief where the corner speed limit lies...
I CANNOT get the ABS to kick in. I forced it once ; in torrential rain, but nearly went through the windscreen, the grip under braking is outstanding, the stopping distance are almost zero feet... even with the ABS disabled last week, it made no difference.
Best buy ever. and thats after owning audi S4's TVR's etc.. - accept for the speed. not fast off the line, has a low top speed. Over 80mph and the mpg takes a hit.
PLENTY of grunt on overtakes, a real A road tool.
mines a '96 N. 2.0 Gti
Well went to see it last night, and it wasn't that bad, but I think theres better out there
It had a nasty large rust scab on the lower edge of the rear window and the tailgate was very tricky to open Every wheel looked like it had been attacked by an anglegrinder and it was in need of 2 new front tyres, I could have lived with it if the deal was right, but racegirl wasn't keen so we'll keep looking
It had a nasty large rust scab on the lower edge of the rear window and the tailgate was very tricky to open
Every wheel looked like it had been attacked by an anglegrinder and it was in need of 2 new front tyres, I could have lived with it if the deal was right, but racegirl wasn't keen so we'll keep looking chimburt said:
i've just bought an 'L' TD. it wallows around like all hell.
what bits did you get for the suspension - shocks?
where from?
cheers.
no idea local small garage, £40 stuck a new shock on.
He knew his stuff tho.. has converted several cars to TVR V8 rear wheel drives... so I doubt he put shite on it.
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