Hi guys,

I'm a new member (obviously). I'm mainly into Japanese imports but I recently purchased a Mk3 Golf as a new daily driver whilst I build up my S13 Silvia project.

I must say, I am quite impressed with the Golf. I looked at a wide variety of different makes/models, but in my opinion the Golf had the best value as it has dual airbags as standard, is good on fuel, and fairly reliable.

I managed to pick up a 1995 GL in a lightish blue colour which was a one-owner car and looked pretty neat.

It had a few minor issues, most of which are sorted, but I knocked down the price.

The first was that the central locking 'didn't work'. The previous owners were an elderly couple who had no idea about cars but had treated it pretty well. After some research I found that the GLs ran on a vacuum pump system, those crazy Germans! Anyway, I checked the pump and found it unplugged! Plugged it back in and now I have central locking.

Second minor issue was some of the brake lights didn't work, and nor did the high level brake light (integrated into the roof spoiler). I replaced the bulbs in the lower lights, and when I took apart the the high level brake light everything was corroded inside. After I replaced the bulbs and gave it a good clean with some contact cleaner, we have lights!

After this I changed the oil, so that doesn't need to be done for a while yet.

Some other issues I am working on but they are slightly frustrating...

Firstly, the rear speakers don't work at all, and neither does the (factory option?) CD stacker. I'm wondering if they are just blown, but on the other hand it could be a wiring fault. I had a quick look but couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. Dunno if I cbf fixing it so might just take it to an auto-sparky. Then again, I might just upgrade the speakers and head unit to something half decent.

Secondly, the timing belt is making a slapping/dry whirring noise. Hard to describe, but it is ****in loud. I'm wondering if a bearing or the tensioner or something is stuffed. The timing belt has been changed recently...

The gearbox crunches shifting up into second if you do anything other than granny shifting, hoping to fix that with some Redline gearbox oil.

I'm looking forward to learning and contributing on this forum!