Wanted - MK3 Golf with ABS

[Mrk_Mickey]

If they're in the same condition and the price is the same, I'd go the mk4 every time, even though my heart says the mk3. The mk4 is a newer car, it's SAFER, it's less likely to have problems because of its age and it's going to be well priced.

[madglf3]

I've had both and I miss my mk3 sometimes even thought it wasn't anything special. I'd get one if it had working power or even manual windows, working AC and heater and body was in alright condition. I'm not sure that mine had ABS, it was an early 94 model GL.

What made me change cars was the condition of my mk3. It was pretty worn out and the money it would take to fix it all up (3 windows and console switches, shift bushings/linkage, AC, minor panel wear and tear and rattles) was more than I could recoup from fixing it then selling it. So I traded it for the Mk4 plus a bit of money. Of course I could have fixed it up and driven it for less than I paid for the Mk4 but I was keen to get a newer car.

I would think that for similar money you probably wouldn't get a comparable mk3/4 in terms of condition, I might be wrong though..

[Golf Loon]

I`d get the Mk3. Less complex than the Mk4, so less to go wrong.

[hokenmk3]

I was tossing up between a mk3 and a mk4 and got the mk3 because of the high quality solid rear axle. The camber on the rear wheels of the mk4 wears out the tin foil rear axle and is a write off. Mk3s will be on the road for much longer than mk4s.

[peedman]

I was tossing up between a mk3 and a mk4 and got the mk3 because of the high quality solid rear axle. The camber on the rear wheels of the mk4 wears out the tin foil rear axle and is a write off. Mk3s will be on the road for much longer than mk4s.

Mate where are u getting ur information from? A bent torsion beam is not a write off, u can replace them. And what are u talking about camber on the rear wheels wearing out the rear axle. The torsion beam is setup from factory and camber cannot change unless u use shims or u bend the beam itself. Yes the mk4 rear beam is prob structurally less stronger than the mk3 but that doesnt mean the mk4 will not last as long. The mk3 is already close to 15 years old and its getting harder and harder to find a decent one with few to nil problems. A mk4 on the other hand can be as young as 5 years old.

For me choosing between a mk3 and a mk4 is easy simply because ive had 3 mk3's already and i still love em. That said tho i wouldnt mind a nice gti or r32 oneday! My advice is to test drive both and see how they both feel. Ultimately its u who has to drive the car, not us

[T Rex]

Thanks Guys. I believe it was not until the Mk4 that Golfs were galvanised. Can rust be an issue in the Mark3s and, if so, where should I look?? Cheers. Geoff

[madglf3]

I think I read in my manual (Mk4) that the car's body and protection from rust is under warranty from VW until it is 12 years old due to the galvanising. This is of course is it hasn't been in a huge accident and badly repaired.

My Mk3 didn't have much rust though, maybe a tiny dot or two where the paint had been rubbed/chipped off around the driver's door frame from getting in and out in a tight garage. Really nothing though mate.

[Golf Houso]

Thanks Guys. I believe it was not until the Mk4 that Golfs were galvanised. Can rust be an issue in the Mark3s and, if so, where should I look?? Cheers. Geoff

Check the door sills, strut towers and floors but it seriously shouldn't be a real problem IMO...

[T Rex]

Thanks. I'm checking out a manual '96 GL Classic on Friday. Your tips are most appreciated. Cheers. Geoff

[hokenmk3]

Mate where are u getting ur information from?

My info comes from my mechanic who I confer with for everything car related. He is a 55 year old German mechanic who learned his trade in Germany and came to Australia 20 years ago.