purchasing late model golf

[davesuper74]

Hi

I had a aircooled VW for a while. I am considering purchasing a
late model golf as my wife is getting her driver licence soon.

Can someone tell me the visual difference between a mark 3 and Mk4?


I have also read somewhere that VW offer a 12 year warranty on
the body panels ,Is that correct?

I have been told the 1.6 engine is slow, there are some
1.8 available. Are these OK?

finally, can these engines last 200000km without any major problems.?
I can see some late model with high mileage. around 100000k, I plan to
use synthetic engine oil to make it last.

I plan to keep it for a long time. Unfortunately, I will have to get a automatic
for now. So I think the GTI is out.

thanks inadvance
David

[Golfwise]

If looked after and serviced you should see over 400,000 klms .They are just run in at 100,000.Depending on budget a mk3 or mk4 are good cars as is all the range of motors.The mk4 1.6 is a great motor for what it is and if the wife is not a speed freak she will enjoy it.The auto trans are great as well.Have owned both mk 3 and 4s and serviced many.

[GoLfMan]

as Wise said these are very durable engine. ive got 2 mk1's, one the engine lost compression in one cylinder at 360 000 km and thats ver fixable.. my other one has done 225 000 and is still running strong. good to see your going a golf. a great little car

[RedMk2Gti]

I started with VW from a MK4 Golf GTI then passed that to my wife, I'm now using a MK2 Golf GTI, its engine has done 160K and still running very smooth. MK2 and MK4 are entirely different driving feeling but both of them are great. You will have no regret to go with Golf.

Personally I won't buy 1.6 for any European car because of their heavy body, this came from my bad experience of a BMW316, go like a turtle.

[Golfwise]

Red
You can't compare a VW to a BMW.
BMs are overpriced and overated German Commodores Please!!!!!
I found the mk4 1.6 went extremely well and very ecomomical as well.This was in manual form.It was the best small engined medium sized car I'd ever driven.
Like I said if you want startling performance you buy it but commonsense motoring the 1.6 mk 4 was great.VW make the best auto transmissions as well.
The 1.8 mk3s are great too for their money.

[Golfwise]

Oh you started your VW life with a mk4.
I started with a 56 oval back in 66.
Thank God the watercooled cars came along in the 70's otherwise I'd probably be driving a Holden.(I'd draw the line at a Toyota)

[davesuper74]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the replies.

I am starting to enjoy this forum already. making me feel welcome.

Just like to ask,

with the timing belt on these engines. Is it something I can change
myself or has to be dealer changed. As I am looking at cars around
80000k or 90000k. SO I better factor in cost of changing timing belt.

I do most of my own aircooled VW maintenance. So if its not too
dificult. I like to do it myself to save money. I think my friends
toyota cost him $ 300 to change at a dealer.

thanks
David

[Golf Loon]

The Mk3 and 4 golfs are great cars and there are a few about. Good value for the same engine and nearly the same car would be a Seat Cordoba or Ibiza. There are heaps of 1.8 auto cordobas around for $3-4000 they share mechanicals with the golf and have a few cosmetic differences.

[Golfwise]

Buy yourself a workshop manual and go for it!!!
Its all common sense really.
Timing belt intervals are usually longer than Toyotas.

[RedMk2Gti]

Golfwise, "German Commodores" I'm not BMW fan but I think is is a bit overkill. It'll be interested to see how BMer react if they see this comment. But yes I agree BMW is overpriced.

Dave, I've just bought a MK2 Bentley Publishing manual from Amazon.com, US$49 landed to my desk. With our strong Oz$$ I can't see any reason not to have one. Mk3/4 manual probably is more expensive but still good values. If you can service your air-cool VW, you should have no problem.