1997 Volkswagen Golf GTi 2.0 16v

Summary:

A punchy powerhouse on wheels

Faults:

Misfiring between 3000 and 4000 revs.

Flashpoint alarm is terrible.

Blaupunkt radio interface is dying a slow death, as only some of the digits are visible.

General Comments:

This is a very quick car. If I have been away from it, I can get in and still be surprised by its grunt. I have raced a Porsche 911 and a BMW 320i, and it held its own by beating the BMW and keeping up with the Porsche.

The cabin equipment is excellent. It has a 10 CD changer, a Nokia car kit and electrics all round. The ABS has saved me more than once and I'd never go back to not having it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th August, 2001

1997 Volkswagen Golf GTi 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Super. VW dealers let down the brand

Faults:

At start there was a screeching sound from the belts, tappets or pulleys.

Two sets of pulleys, the belts and tappets were replaced.

VW couldn't tell what was wrong.

Every time I take it for a service the sound returns. I have to keep all belts and pulleys covered in lubricating spray.

Service at VW is poor. They damaged a wheel and tyre by incorrect loading of the car onto a ramp.

They would not admit the damage caused despite having to replace the tyre.

General Comments:

Acceleration is just right.

Lovely big car feel.

Upholstery is very hard wearing.

Why does the back of the car always get so muddy?

Surprisingly difficult to get in the back with a 3 door.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th January, 2001

30th Jan 2001, 07:41

The noise is probably resulting from the garage over-tightening one of the belts. My VW garage always does this with the alternator belt which really annoys me because it will eventually harm the bearings. During each service they tighten it and the next day I slacken it off again!

I had my VW wing chipped during a service and a friend had his Audi A3 bonnet chipped and the front valence knocked during a service - they offered a respray - but why can't people be more careful?

1997 Volkswagen Golf GTi 16v 2.0 16v DOHC petrol

Summary:

All the fun you need in a subtle package

Faults:

Tyres need replacing.

Thieves have tried but failed a few times!

General Comments:

Excellent combination of performance (30% more power than a standard GTi), reliability, subtlety and practicality.

Handling is very good, especially with 205 tyres and engine is reponsive and powerful.

Less of a purists car than the mark 2, but it has the kind of modern safety features that make a bit of middle age spread worth it - much better security, safety and electric everything.

Reasonably inexpensive apart from the insurance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th December, 2000

1997 Volkswagen Golf GTi 2.0 8v petrol

Faults:

Gear selector linkage broke on 48,000 miles, leaving me stranded, although VW Emergency Assist were quick and didn't grumble about sourcing a hire car at midday on a Saturday.

General Comments:

Certainly not as entertaining to drive as the old GTi's. However I work mine hard adding 70,000 miles in just over two years. The car consistently returned 33-35mpg and was reasonably refined. Fat alloys/205 section low profiles look good, but are ultimately pointless on a car of such tepid performance. They are not cheap to replace if you are concerned about safety and don't wish to buy 'budget.'

Also be warned, high mileage mullers 'legendary' VW resale value. I lost £8k in my time of ownership. Dealers good...... at a price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th October, 1999

1997 Volkswagen Golf GTi 2.0 8v petrol

Faults:

First the rear electric window packed up & that was just the start of things, then the water pump went, the mainfold split, now my big ends dropped off.

General Comments:

Next time I'll get a proper car like a BMW 325i Coupe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th March, 1999

9th Feb 2001, 07:10

Patience required! The Mk3 Golf GTI 8v was no performance car - it was just brisk transport and no more. Please have a try of the Golf Mk4 GTI Turbo if you want performance - I almost bought a BMW 320Ci until I test drove the Turbo - I can tell you it is very good and a noticeable improvement over the Mk3 GTI. The Mk4 is very quiet and for a powerful engine returns good economy (I get 40mpg at a constant 80mph).

8th Feb 2006, 14:47

If you wanted a performance mark 3 the only choice is the vr6. I agree with the above due to the weight of the mark 3 the gti was never more than a commuting car wearing the wrong badge.

1997 Volkswagen Golf CL 1.6 (75b.h.p)

Faults:

Only minor stuff. Watch out for a very low down pipe getting crushed on kerbs.

E/W's can rattle sometimes, otherwise sound.

General Comments:

Suprisingly quick as it has a 96 spec engine in it. Only 75 bhp but I've fitted a perfomance exhaust and the thing sounds great and gave me 8-10 more break. Good handling when lowered and looks good with nice wheels. Body-coloured bumpers finish it off.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th January, 1999