Mk3 Golf Gti's
Discussion
Now my beloved Mk2 Golf is a bit poorly, I'm after a new car.
I've been (told by the girlfriend) looking at Mk3's, although I don't like them as they are heavier, I could deal with a 16v - should be able to shift somewhat...
I'm seeing lots of adverts for pre 95 Gti's but many don't state whether they are 8v or 16v.
How can I tell by looking - am I right in saying a badge on the front grill denotes that it is a 16v?
Any ideas people - and what should I look for?
I've been (told by the girlfriend) looking at Mk3's, although I don't like them as they are heavier, I could deal with a 16v - should be able to shift somewhat...
I'm seeing lots of adverts for pre 95 Gti's but many don't state whether they are 8v or 16v.
How can I tell by looking - am I right in saying a badge on the front grill denotes that it is a 16v?
Any ideas people - and what should I look for?
gumballer said:
personally id get a late Mk2 or go for the 2 ltr 8v Mk3, torque! Is a VR6 out of budget? Corrado? i think you will the find the drive of the Mk3 dissapointing after a Mk2. hope that kind of helps!?
I want a Mk2 as well, but the missus is moaning so...
I've heard that the 2.0l engines aren't the same as the Mk2 1800 engines with the 8v being torquier. As I understand it the 2.0l 8v is only 115Bhp!!! and the 16v 150Bhp!!!
Big difference no matter how much torque you have!
neil_cardiff said:
personally id get a late Mk2 or go for the 2 ltr 8v Mk3, torque! Is a VR6 out of budget? Corrado? i think you will the find the drive of the Mk3 dissapointing after a Mk2. hope that kind of helps!?
I want a Mk2 as well, but the missus is moaning so...
Get a new missus! There are a few threads about this- use the search.
My summary-
16v is a lovely engine, 8v is dog slow- easily slower than a 8v Mk2 as power/torque is similar but Mk3 weighs more, both tho- like all Mk3s- have awful wallowy suspension as standard.
16v responds well to re-map etc as no doubt it was detuned to let the VR6 have the glory bhp wise & with that & sorted suspension is a cracking up date over a mk2, tho obviously its more grown up & less tactile.
Seat Ibiza 16v might tick yr boxes tho, more modern than a Mk2, but less lardy than Mk3.
Only thing to look at is now that early Mk4 1.8T GTi & Ibiza 1.8T prices have dropped so much they are not a million miles off a really nice 16v, tho a chip & sorting suspension is again compulsory
My summary-
16v is a lovely engine, 8v is dog slow- easily slower than a 8v Mk2 as power/torque is similar but Mk3 weighs more, both tho- like all Mk3s- have awful wallowy suspension as standard.
16v responds well to re-map etc as no doubt it was detuned to let the VR6 have the glory bhp wise & with that & sorted suspension is a cracking up date over a mk2, tho obviously its more grown up & less tactile.
Seat Ibiza 16v might tick yr boxes tho, more modern than a Mk2, but less lardy than Mk3.
Only thing to look at is now that early Mk4 1.8T GTi & Ibiza 1.8T prices have dropped so much they are not a million miles off a really nice 16v, tho a chip & sorting suspension is again compulsory
I disagree slightly about the wallowy handling of the MKIII gti (although I have never driven a MKII (want to though) and I am over 30 (32) 
). We have an 8v and although not fast it is an accomplished car that I really enjoy driving. It is comfy but still pointy and can be taken anywhere and still look cool. Also (as already stated) the engine is the same as the Audi unit which I managed to get to over 250,000 miles in my Audi 80 and that was only one clutch and the valve stem seal replaced. If looked after these are seriously strong engines.
HTH
Cheers,
Steve
). We have an 8v and although not fast it is an accomplished car that I really enjoy driving. It is comfy but still pointy and can be taken anywhere and still look cool. Also (as already stated) the engine is the same as the Audi unit which I managed to get to over 250,000 miles in my Audi 80 and that was only one clutch and the valve stem seal replaced. If looked after these are seriously strong engines. HTH
Cheers,
Steve
I've had a look at a local one, which I've really taken a shine to. It seems staright, with all the usual little scrapes and bumps of a used car.
I've two questions if someone would be so nice to answer:
1. The engine sounded and looked very clean and smooth, but when I ran my hand on the sump a drip of oil came off in my hand. Is this anything worry about?
2. The boot under the carpet seems moist, do these things leak? I have heard this but then you hear many things...
I've two questions if someone would be so nice to answer:
1. The engine sounded and looked very clean and smooth, but when I ran my hand on the sump a drip of oil came off in my hand. Is this anything worry about?
2. The boot under the carpet seems moist, do these things leak? I have heard this but then you hear many things...
If you have two cars in the 'family' why not try somthing a bit sporty.
www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/45569.htm
I have just got a Golf mk3, but only coz i need the space, but if you dont........
And yes, it is my car.
www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/45569.htm
I have just got a Golf mk3, but only coz i need the space, but if you dont........
And yes, it is my car.
On paper the 16v should be a lot better than the 8v, but in reality they are both a little weak (IMO).
Or to put it another way, the 8v feels like it has only 115bhp, wheel the 16v doesn't feel like it has 150bhp..
So I would just go find a nice car and not worry whether you end up with a 16v or 8v.
good luck,
Russell
Or to put it another way, the 8v feels like it has only 115bhp, wheel the 16v doesn't feel like it has 150bhp..
So I would just go find a nice car and not worry whether you end up with a 16v or 8v.
good luck,
Russell
I've found a nice one, which I've driven and have fallen in love with. At the end of the day, 150Bhp is considerably more than the 90 I had before (although that 90 did keep up with a Caterham with a R1 enhine through the twisties) so I'm looking forward to learning all her ins and outs...
Heres some piccies: - its condition is even better than you can see in the photos! £1650 is the cost.
Heres some piccies: - its condition is even better than you can see in the photos! £1650 is the cost.
Had a Mk3 16v Gti for a couple of years.
Great all rounder and could enjoy 300mile drives as much as 15 mile blats.
It's no Boxster/Scooby but they can be great fun.
Would go for the 16v engine any day - 8v is gutless and no fun to rev and VR6 is too nose heavy (6 cylinders and 2.8 litres)- yes I have driven all 3 more than a few miles.
Cam belt changes every 60k are NOT optional - trust me...
Don't buy a Mk3 GTi ... you will so regret it.
I was a BIG Mk1 fan. Got engaged. I wanted a Mk2, but the fiancee liked Mk3's. Bought a Mk3 8v.
Worst car I have ever owned by a long margin.
Just ... don't even think about it. They are cheap as chips for a reason - they are hateful.
Buy a focus instead. Buy a Lada instead. FFS buy a TRABANT instead.
Oli.
I was a BIG Mk1 fan. Got engaged. I wanted a Mk2, but the fiancee liked Mk3's. Bought a Mk3 8v.
Worst car I have ever owned by a long margin.
Just ... don't even think about it. They are cheap as chips for a reason - they are hateful.
Buy a focus instead. Buy a Lada instead. FFS buy a TRABANT instead.
Oli.
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