Reason i ask is that i'm thinking of buying one to replace our Mk2 16v GTI because we need five doors, and wondered how they compare. I've seen what looks like a very nice M plate car, and came up with the following questions.

Were later Mk3 16v's better than the early ones? If so, how?
Is it usual for a 95 (M plate) not to have "16v" badges? This one hasn't, is that normal?
Did they all come with BBS alloys?
It doesn't have air-con - was this an optional extra?
Are they tuneable? Are they as quick as the Mk2?
Would i be better off looking at VR6's?
Is there anything else i need to watch out for when buying one?

And most importantly, is £4,000 a fair price for one of these with 76,000 on the clock? General condition is excellent, full VW service history.

cheers, Terry

Don't be fooled by appearences.
Your mkII is widely recognised as one of the best hot hatches ever made.
The engine only really loosens totally after 45,000 miles!!
The MkIII is a fat b*****d in comparison and sits horribly at the edge of the power band in 3rd around town and labours badly in 4th at the same sppeds. Not nice to drive really.
Go for a VR6. A much better engine for the heavier car, even with the heavier front end.

I bought one last November - 95 N reg, 3 door. I've never had a Mk2 so can't really compair the two...

Badges - Mine had a small 16v on the rear, and just the plain silver GTI on the grille. A quick trip to the local VW dealer and the red 16v was bought for £8 incl VAT.

BBS - No, just the longbeach 10 spoke alloys the same as the 8v. Not 100% sure about the 95?

A/C - It was an option on the car

There was a thread on here a few weeks back aboiut the VR6 / GTI 16v debate. Have a scan back for it. Basically, the VR6 has far more torque. But the 16v is lighter & nimbler, and with an AMD chip, an exhaust & filter will have roughly the same BHP as the VR6.

Look on the following link for buying advice (click on the Mk3 GTI on the right hand side of the screen)
http://www.anniversaryregister.brum.net

Price... Jump at it! You won't get a VR6 at that age for that money. The 16v is still a good car. I paid just over £6k for mine with 48k miles & FSH at a garage with a years warranty.

Overall, I'm pretty delighted with mine. The only think I'd swap it for would be an Impreza Turbo or an Evo 4/5/6... Unfortunately, I don't earn enough to keep either of those on the road!

Hope this helps!

Mike

[Edited by mike16v - 4/11/2002 9:46:32 AM]