Faults:

It had the original twin tail pipe on it, which snapped, but that was through corrosion.

General Comments:

I don't know about in the states, but when the Golf GTI is brand new (mk3), lots of things are optional extras like the trip computer, air con, CD etc. My one is fully loaded with FSH from the dealer.

I paid £8000.00 for a July 1997 model in black; it had one owner from new and is fantastic.

I don't know how to compare running costs to you in the states, but my insurance is £1,300.00 and petrol is 80 pence a litre here, which is a lot more than the states, so running costs are high. It's about $1.30 or thereabouts !

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.