1996 Volkswagen Golf VR6 from UK and Ireland - Comments

CV joint leaked.

Tyres made themselves square because of bad shocks.

Oil leak from bottom of Sump.

Replaced Coil Pack, which I've learned happens to 99.9% of all VR6's. Bad lumpy running and poor power all fixed with a new pack.

Replaced starter motor, which gave up one day and left me stranded with no warning.

For a 2.8 it's not the quickest off the mark and the handling is on the heavy side.

But, once it's on the move it will keep pace with almost anything. I've seen off many a Boxter that has been surprised by superb 30mph to 100mph acceleration.

Generally comfortable, especially the highline model with heated leather and air con.

However, running costs are high and it's already got through more petrol than all my previous cars put together.

Totally agree with all comments. Starter motor packed up (luckily it was parked outside my house), and my previous car a Saxo VTS was probably quicker off the mark, but from a running start I have destroyed a bmw 328i (mine is chipped though), and I take so much pleasure in humiliating "boy racers" in their pathetic Novas, Xr3is, Corsas etc. Lots of petrol, but who cares when you can make a boxter driver have a look on his face as if to say, " I'm DRIVING A PORSCH, THIS IS NOT RIGHT!!!"

Hi there,

I totally disagree with everything you say about the VR6.

I have a MK3 L reg & never had an iota of a problem with it. never replaced any parts on it & it's sitting with just 90K on the clock.

I agree, not the quickest of the mark though, but sure is fun when it is off the mark!

Only problem I am having with it is the passenger side front electric window... electric plug was off in door, when I reconnected it window went down & refused to go up & stay up...puzzling...anyone any ideas?

Well I've got a VR6 High line with only 63k on the clock... I totally agree about it not being the quickest off the mark, though when it goes it goes... the comment about 30 to 100 acceleration is totally true and I too have surprised Boxsters, BMW Z3's etc with its acceleration in that range... that's where the 2.8 really shows it's true colours...

Mine is a 97 on an R plate, it has now completed 84k and walked through its latest MOT. Last night I was saying to my brother in-law that excepting services, I have never spent a penny on the car. This morning the starter failed with a corroded connection on the solenoid. I should have kept quiet.

My view is that it is still a joy to drive, and as long as you are aware of the road conditions the weight is not a problem.

Still makes me smile when I get in it.

I agree with some of the comments. The stater is bound to give problems at some point and it is not the quickest off the mark. My VR6 is a 1998 model. Its sitting on 75k on the clock. As I bought the car brand new, I have never experienced many problems apart from the stater.

I also agree with the above. if you keep the revs up as you pull off the line it accelerates rather rapidly! mines a 94 L reg with 90k on the clock and FSH no probs as yet. racing the mk3 16v golf is a waste of time, shockingly slow compared to vr6, as you would expect, but its still fun playing with them. seen off porsches, bmw 328's etc. but its not invincible, I ve been beaten by a Carlton GSi 3000!

Fuel consumption is good if your gentle with the power, mid 30's mpg if driven sensibly, but floor it and watch the fuel gauge fall into the red!

I'm 22 and paying less than £500 fully comp for insurance, so make sure you shop around cause good deals are out there!

The vr6 is serious bang for your buck, with huge grin factor - I would definitely recommend 1.

I have had two vr6 and they are a great car when you want the power it is there and when you drive it sensibly you can get about 30 mpg with 150,000 miles on the clock and still sounds sweet the only problems is the ABS wheel sensors and electric windows, but a 10 year old car they are

the best on the road they look great you get a lot of head turners must be looking at the vr6 badge, and for about £4000 to £3000 they are a bargain. I would definately recommend one. in time to come they should be the best future classic cars.

Just sold my BMW 328i Coupe and replaced it with a VR6!

I'd say the BMW was a fraction quicker off the mark but once rolling the golf is awsome and a whole lot more fun to drive. I have uprated the suspension with FK Highsport springs and shocks which has transformed the handling to near perfection.. A great choice if you want near supercar performance at a fraction of the cost.

Don't listen to all these comments its seriously overrated, yes its quick, but you will need a morgage to run it, I prefer the 2.0 16v on 1 sec slower and easier on wallet by a lot, the handling is awful on vr6, scary leans badly feels unstable I could barly out run a vts, but at 80-90 it flies up to 130mph,

the steering very heavy and heavy clutch no fun to drive at all, but it is quick, but id rather have the gti 16v a better comprimsie id recommened fitting eibach suspention or bilstein,

ps if you floor it all thetime you will get 30 miles of a tenner.

My 97 VR has 100k on the clock and hasn't missed a beat yet. The later 97/98 models are a touch quicker than the earlier models, and their gearing keeps them paced with their Corrado VR cousins.

With decent aftermarket suspension, a VR will handle very very well. I compare a well maintained VR to the Civic Type R as the mid range grunt of a VR will hold its own against the 'peaky' rev range of a Type R.