Wanted - MK3 Golf with ABS

[T Rex]

I have a black one, manual, 120ks, tidy. Mags and roofracks. I reckon I`d take $4k wwith a years rego!

Thanks for that but I would prefer a lighter colour - this car is going to QLD so black could get pretty hot although it looks great!

[Dubdubdubdot]

I have a black one, manual, 120ks, tidy. Mags and roofracks. I reckon I`d take $4k wwith a years rego!

Where was this 6 months ago you bastard!

I'd be keen if they were thule racks too!

[Golf Loon]

Its a 97 model too.
The racks are Rola and of the permanent kind!

[T Rex]

Update. Since last post I have looked at two private cars. One a very straight CL with engine oil the consistency of treacle and huge blowback through the oil filler. The other was a delightful GL auto - the only one I've seen so far with ABS -but the aircon didn't work and, more seriously, it would only self select 3rd or 4th. Taking off was a very slow experience!! Manual selection of 1st was possible but it still seemsed to skip 2nd.

So, out of interest, how much does a rebuilt auto gearbox cost - installed? Cheers. Geoff

[Golf Loon]

So, out of interest, how much does a rebuilt auto gearbox cost - installed? Cheers. Geoff

$6000 for the rebuild, plus install.

Or a secondhandy for $2000 supplied and fitted and good luck.

Thats why you should get a manual one.

[T Rex]

Ouch!! Point taken. So what does it cost to overhaul a manual box? Cheers Geoff

[hokenmk3]

reconditioning my manual gearbox cost me $1800 using new parts. A reconditioned gearbox costs $2000 but they use reconditioned 2nd hand parts.

[Golf Loon]

Ouch!! Point taken. So what does it cost to overhaul a manual box? Cheers Geoff

$750 gets you a tested second hand one.

$1000-$2000 gets you a completely rebuilt one with every bearing changed and the diff kit fitted.

[T Rex]

Thanks folks. So now I am definitely looking for a manual Mk3 - white, silver or red. Prefer 5 door GL and if it has ABS that would be a bonus.Cheers

[woobla]

I recently bought a 1998 golf CL with 110K manual. White full Serv history and just perfect. I paid perhaps a bit more than market value 6500 but I am in WA and they are always expensive here.

I will hold on to it for a long time so I didn't mind paying a little bit more for a good quality one. Though it took 1 month to find. So don't rush into anything

[T Rex]

Thanks. Yes, I reckon it pays to be patient. I actually just spoke to another owner of an auto model and it has ABS. I wonder if ABS was more common on autos - anyone know? Cheers. Geoff

[T Rex]

Wonderful! Just bought a great little silver '96 Golf GL in near perfect condition. manual with only 110ks on the clock. I reckon the pads may need replacing - not sure about the rotors. Could someone let me know the allowable wear for rotors or let me know if pads/rotors are both normally replaced at the same time. Really appreciate the help of you guys so far. Cheers. Geoff

[madglf3]

Good stuff mate, welcome to mk3 ownership!

I think wear allowances will be written somewhere on the rotors. Don't quote me on this but I think my ones had a minimum of around 19mm, which was indicated somewhere on the rotor.

[T Rex]

Thanks. I am having a trusted local mechanic change all rotors and pads. Another question: The only (and I mean ONLY) fault in this car is the central locking does not operate with the key in the passengers door - only from the drivers door. Not a big issue and the seller told me about it, but has anyone experienced this issue and is the cause likely to be electrical or mechanical?

Also, thanks to Golf Loon for the suggestion about how to remove the bar behind the rear seats. The solution was simply to tap the sheared bolts (which are mild steel) and use an "Ezy Out" to undo the bolts. The bolts are then replaced with conventional hex head M8 bolts so the bar can be easily removed when large loads require it. Seems silly to me that blind bolts were used in the first place but I assume it was to meet ADRs for child restraint. Cheers. Geoff

[T Rex]

Postscript: Handed this car over to goddaughter who then drove it to Qld. Qld RTA inspector could not believe it was a '96 model because of its incredible condition. Called a couple of colleagues to have a look and then offered to buy it! With new rotors/pads, new tyres and a service the total cost of this car (115km) was just under $6000. It is spotless inside and out. All the external plastic is still black and the silver paint as new - obviously always garaged. I looked at a lot of cars before finding this gem in a private sale so if you are looking for a great Golf - be patient and make sure you look at a few in car yards just so you can see how crappy they can be.