Splashing out £800 to have them replaced isn’t the best way to begin VR6 ownership. On the 16v GTI, make sure that it idles smoothly because if it doesn’t the idle stabilisation valve is likely to be at fault.Ĭoil packs go on the VR6s and although the engine has a pair of timing chains rather than a cambelt any rattle should be viewed with suspicion. Similarly, you’ll also need to check and find out when the cambelt was last changed. Being the smallest, the 1.4-litre engine works hardest out of all the four-pots, so it really is crucial here that previous owners have kept on top of servicing. A classic sign of neglect is filler cap mayo, which almost certainly points to head gasket troubles. The four-pot petrols should prove strong and reliable if looked after so quiz the owner about maintenance and ask to see the history file. The Mk3 was even treated to naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions of VW’s 1.9-litre diesel. With the third generation Golf also came the storming VR6, fitted with a 2.8-litre V6 (2.9-litre from 1994).
The GTI again came in both 8v and 16v versions, only this time the block has been enlarged to 2.0-litres. Initially there was a poverty-spec 1.4-litre, a slightly more adequate 1.6-litre and also several 1.8s – including the 90bhp Driver. One of the best things about the Mk3 is that it came with a far greater choice of engines than either of the early Golfs. The key though, as always, is to buy a good car in the first place so you don’t blow your budget playing catch up with a list of repair jobs in the first few months of ownership. With a reputation for being bombproof, the Mk3 is great to work on at home and what you lose in raw chuckability you gain in terms of safety and overall comfort. And while some may feel this Golf has lost its edge there are plenty of ways to tighten up the ride and add a few more horses. While the Mk3 Golf is not as much of a driver’s car as either the Mk1 or Mk2, there’s still lots of positives – like the fact that it is a roomy and refined daily that still costs buttons to buy.
#MK3 GL GOLF TRACK BUILD HOW TO#
With cars changing hands for as little as a few hundred pounds, the third generation Golf makes plenty of sense – as long as you know how to sort the nuggets from the nails.
As Mk2 Golfs have risen in value, attention has turned to its generally less loved successor which has now become the most affordable means of owning Wolfsburg’s iconic hatch.
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