$5000 Question..

[rayray086]

I'd imagine VR6's would have more problems!

[runamuk]

I'd imagine VR6's would have more problems!

Mine seems to have the same issues my GL did really. And it only eats fuel if you drive it like a maniac... which is hard not to do in a VR.

[Mrk_Mickey]

And it only eats fuel if you drive it like a maniac... which is hard not to do in a VR.

HOWEVER. It is not impossible... I think of it as a secret power that I only need unleash if needed..or wanted (and that's where your statement becomes more true haha ).

I agree with Ray on the VR6 vs Mk4 problems. Plus the Mk4 is a newer car, that should count for SOMETHING..

[peedman]

I reckon you'd make a mistake upgrading to a vr6. While they are great cars they can also have a lot of problems esp since some are getting close to the 15 year old age. Ultimately mk3 cars are getting to the stage where things start to fail but for me thats part of the car and i still love it.

An abf is what im doing to mine and im still debating what to do further with it but for now its going to be stock. Approx estimation is about 3-4k just getting the donk in there but im replacing everything while i m there and will no doubt spend more on suspension, bodywork, wheels. A 1.8t/turbo conversion would be nice but you would need to factor in a lot of other costs and the car would be off the road for a bit. I also doubt that you would keep the budget under 5k!

PS: a mk4 would be nicer even just comfort wise and are newer

[Tim]

cant agree more about the VR6. I love them. But theyre a love/hate relationship and only viable if you are willing to pour either lots of money or your own time into them.

But then it comes back to either making the decision with your head or heart. You either want transport or you want something that you can be passionate about. Choose! A lexus would make a great daily driver no doubt

[DUBING]

get a BMW and stay on the forum like me..

[The_Hawk]

Last I looked a MK4 GTI was roughly $15k+ As much as I love my VR6, when a later model in good shape with working AC and heating will be close to $10k the Mk4 GTI starts to looks like a better option.

If you stick with your current car you you will at least know what is good and what needs attention, you may very well be starting all over again with a new vehicle. Having said that it will be newer.

It's always a hard choice. I'd recommend going out and drive a few Mk3 VR6's to see what they are like and drive a few Mk4 GTI's to see what they are like. You can probably even find a Mk3 1.8T if you unt around enough (even if it's not for sale just to have a bash in). Then you will be better placed to choose your direction. On the upside your not being forced into this because of issues so you can take your time. Good luck.

[bombsquad21]

Thanks for everyones input so far..My mk3 has 4 working power windows, working a/c, working cruise, vr6 interior and a tv. I looked at mk4 gti's last night on carsales. They prices are really quite low in some cases, but I have heard absolute horror stories of gearbox and clutch issues. Does anyone have first hand experiance? If the choice came down to an IS200 and a Mk4 Gti..??

[SoVeReIgN]

Thanks for everyones input so far..My mk3 has 4 working power windows, working a/c, working cruise, vr6 interior and a tv. I looked at mk4 gti's last night on carsales. They prices are really quite low in some cases, but I have heard absolute horror stories of gearbox and clutch issues. Does anyone have first hand experiance? If the choice came down to an IS200 and a Mk4 Gti..??

1.6 Manual is the only one I would avoid (Gutless anyway)

The Mk4 GTI has no common faults really

Welll maybe MAF and window regs - But they're both very minor

IS200 is a nice drive but very very very slow and uninspiring. Mk4 GTi feels alot more solid aswell as being quicker and a more interesting car.

I do prefer the look of the is200 and rwd is a plus. If I were in the market for a car and felt abit silly i'd be tempted to make a 2JZ IS200 (Supra engine in is200)

[MattyT]

...i'd be tempted to make a 2JZ IS200 (Supra engine in is200)

Sweet jesus, that'd move!!

[Golf Houso]

I'm quite fond of the MKIV GTi, my mate has a 240hp or so one... stupidly fast car with great seats and interior, sunroof etc I really like it , plus it keeps up with clubsports!

I'd buy one if I could manage to save enough money for it, and just pay the extra $26 a month to get a driver's exclusion on P's, in like... a year or so... If I can put up with my boss for that long