MK3 Random Thread

[feenix74]

That is why I have such a soft spot for my low-tech agricultural 1.8l CL which I am still trying to find a way from saving from the wreckers

My wife loves the Mk5 2.0l TDI that we have bought from my brother (he was the original owner), especially the fat-bottomed look of it. I do like the nice details that they put into the Mk5 many of which have been deleted when it became the Mk6 to reduce the complexity and cost of production. I find it to be the pinnacle of VW engineering excellence but it is not really built for owners to maintain. I cannot even replace a blown sidelight bulb on it and have to get my mechanic to do it because you need either Inspector Gadget fingers or specialist tools to be able to replace it.

I do not believe that the Mk4 used a DSG gearbox, I believe it uses the same 01M auto transmission that the later (>1996) Mk3s used. If my memory serves me correctly, the DSG was introduced with the Mk5 (luckily our Mk5 is a 6 speed manual).

[stefcio007]

cool, thanks for the info feenix74, will keep scouting.

Approx $3k for batteries but since it doesn't actually use the batteries to run, just as a sort of buffer between the petrol engine and the electric one bolted to the wheels, I'm not really worried.
Some reports of them driving up to 400,000km without issues.

[Speed]

Thought the battery was for powering the electric motor or does the petrol motor charge it?

Don't really know but Geez they are ugly.

Any jap car should be reliable and toyota gave a great reputation for that. Best of luck mate

[stefcio007]

Found a nice MK4 that's the right price, has had suspension stuff done for the front end, basically the same stuff I need to do to my VR. Might be able to check it out this Monday/Tuesday. Anything I should look out for?

(I literally bought my VR on impulse and because it was red...so now I'm going to be wise)

[feenix74]

Cool, only ever drove a Mk4 for three days as a rental car while on holidays, so I do not know much about them. If my memory serves me correctly:

- they had some electrical gremlins in the early years
- there is a problem with the manual gear box where some aluminium rivets inside the gearbox shear off and damage the gears

I assume some of the guys in the Mk4 part of this forum should able to help you out with what to look out for.

Another option, but hard to find one, would be a Mk3 diesel. They are very fuel efficient and mechanically are very reliable.

[Speed]

I had a mk4 gti. Was a great car. The rivets problem exists with mk3 too.

[browntown42]

A MK3 Diesel would be a awesome project car but I've only ever seen the one for sale up in cairns. Dad wouldn't let me bring it back to brisbane I wonder who's got it now

[feenix74]

Darren the head mechanic at Canberra VW Centre had a Dragon Green Golf Mk3 diesel which was in imaculate condition. He sold it a couple of years ago to free up some funds for his Mk6 R rebuild project. I was very tempted to buy it but did not need another car at that stage. One of the young mechanics bought it but has since left CVWC and I understood was selling it again about 12 months ago but I lost track of where it ended up.

[Speed]

Camden Gti sell imported cool stuff to transplant.

[Speed]

I plan to drop in a vr6 in our cabby. Getting the bits this weekend

[browntown42]

Keen to see how it goes Speed. I got the big list of things to do on my car this weekend but she should be cleaning up nicely with new panels and hopefully some new seats

[stefcio007]

so...my petrol was on the absolute last bar of red tonight and planned on filling up after work (12AM). Drove to Shell, already $1.47/L O_O....Decided to try my luck just down the road at the BP. $1.24/L
Pulled up behind a silver MK4, basically the kind of one I was thinking about. Guy about to get into his car and seeing another Golf owner he looks at me and I give him the nod, "Nice car" he says. "Thanks" I say.
Is this a sign I should keep holding onto this car because signs point to yes.

[Speed]

I think you should but I'm heaps older and don't worry about petrol costs.

[milan12]

I think you should but I'm heaps older and don't worry about petrol costs.

I agree with you. The cost of petrol shouldn't determine the car you buy, the enjoyment factor should.

Sent from my SM-N910G using Tapatalk

[feenix74]

That is why I am running a TDI, I do not worry about petrol prices at all nowadays

I would love to have a VR6 but the running costs (ie the fuel economy plus premium unleaded) would mean it would have to be a weekend car for fun drives only.