buying a MK3 Golf GTi - what do I need to look out for??

[S3 rich]

Hello all,

looking at buying a cheap-ish 2.0 gti as a winter run around, 96'/97' era, is there anything serious I need to look or listen out for, or anywhere i need to check for rot etc??

any help appreciated, going to see a couple tonight that are £800 & £1200, is there an easy to use buyers guide on the net anywhere? (ie usedgolf.com/oldnailstoavoid)

Richard

[craggers]

Make sure the ABS light (on right dash - next to steering wheel) do come on and goes off.

Lots of owner usually take the bulb off to cover up as ABS pump is quite expensive to replace.

Have fun.

[nogrille]

rust around the tailgate, sills and rear arches

[S3 rich]

have just looked at your reply craggers, didn't notice the light last night, also someone has told me about brake pipe corrosion which can be a major cost as they have to be the correct VAG type, they did also mention the ABS light.

what should the performance be like? the 8v 2l I drove didnt seem too responsive?

also, 8v or 16v? some say the 8v is more torquey??


Richard

[craggers]

Well mk3 8v GTi is not very quick car, solid engine and very reliable.

If you want quick one, get 16v or VR6 or get tidy mk2 GTi.

[S3 rich]

yeah, that one had 140k on the clock too, which is fairly high (although i did run a scirrocco 1.6GT till 180k once!!)

another alternative I have briefly looked at was the seat ibiza / cordoba (polo).

I think these both come with the 8v & 16v engine, cheap thrills??

[S3 rich]

also, it has had a new oil pump, water pump & gaskets fitted in the last 3 months,

now, does that sound like it had had a major engine near-miss of some kind???

[edc]

S3 rich said:

yeah, that one had 140k on the clock too, which is fairly high (although i did run a scirrocco 1.6GT till 180k once!!)

another alternative I have briefly looked at was the seat ibiza / cordoba (polo).

I think these both come with the 8v & 16v engine, cheap thrills??

I have a 2L 16v Ibiza. Worth a look if you want an alternative buy.

[Dr G]

You need to be asking why the oil pump has been changed.

There are so many out there I wouldn't worry overly about one that you're not completely happy with. 16v is infinitely preferable and there are plenty of enthusiast owned cars out there.