Another newbie :p

[Teocali]

Hey everyone, there has been a green mk3 golf 2.0 here for a couple of years. Great little car, love it.
My reason for joining tho, is I have the oportunity to purchase a '98 mk3 vr6. It needs a few things...water pump, rocker gasket, heater core, an engine mount, rear wheel bearings.......so im a little worried its been thrashed to hell and not worth spending money on.
Id really just like to speak to someone who has worked on/owns a mk3 vr6, or given the contact for a decent mechanic with vr6 experience so i can ask a few questions. I dont want buy a car which it going to cost more than its worth to fix.
I spoke to a couple of local mechanics (small town) and they really didnt have any experience with them...so I found my way here
It runs, drives, smokes a bit in the engine bay from the oil dripping on the exhaust manifold shield. Shocks are good, body is tidy etc etc....im just hesitant at this engine.
Thanks in advance.
Teo.