Should I get a VR6?

[Guest redrobbie]

Hi,

I'm thinking about getting a VR6 but would like some opinions from those who own them.

What do you think of them in general? If you could let me know the good & bad points, and what to look out for. Are there any common faults I should be aware of and what are the key differences of the trim levels. I heard there is a 2.3 version but is there any truth in that?

I currently have a 318iS (E30) and am tempted to get back to the Mk3 golfs as I had one before.

Any feedback would be apprecited. Thanks!!!!

[VR6gaz 0]

YES! Fantastic cars n they make an awesome noise :-d

Heres a link to the Buyers Guide - should be everything you wanna know

2.3 is a V5 n only came in mk4s as far as im aware???????i could be wrong???????? :S

[kalv 0]

Don't go for the V5 (It came in two versions 2.3 early model and a later one)... it' too heavy...

VR6 is a top motor... I sold my Corrado VR6 to buy a Golf VR6.. more for practicality... but it's a much better drive.. as mine is OBD2 (later model) handles the mods alot better.

VR6 models will always be desirable when it comes to sell it on.

[mike 6]

Hi mate, all mk3 vr6s are 2.8 (except 4wd syncro made in german) wich is 2.9 same as corrado.

There are many good points such as the noise and smooth power delivery, exclusiveness (atho there that cheap now 18 year olds are getting them)

Few bad points are, petrol bills, standard handling needs sorting, rust (they are old) and timing chains need checking(expensive), some thrashed ones about as with any quick car.

the only really trim level is is normal vr6 and highline (leather and aircon also a few other special bits. alort or nomal vr6s had leatehr/aircon too but highlines came in black and purple.

[Seademon 0]

Best car Ive ever had - I love it, I love the sound, the engine, handling - good all rounder but if I had to drive it everyday my bank account would take a caning with the petrol it drinks! My car does around 19mpg but I do drive with enthusiasm everywhere I go.

[Guest redrobbie]

Thanks for the replies and the buyers guide link! Keep em coming.

[purple highline monster 0]

Yeah if you want a subtle looking car with a superb engine you cant go wrong with a VR6 mate, a very little known and under estimated car by some, as said the soundtrack is very pleasing on the ear and makes pedestrian and other motorists wonder what the fook you got under that smooth bonnet, fuel consumption can be an issue if you drive like a loony everywhere (mark and several others!) but i have got 35mpg from mine at legal motorway speeds, same as most vw`s if you get a decent one theres not too much to worry about, i sold my Rallye G60 golf 2 years ago to get the VR and have not regreted it one bit, lovely car to drive and look at, but standard suspension is a little soft so budget around £400 for a new set up once you get one, i will get abuse for this :S but the Highline is considered the "daddy" as it was the highest spec available...but that said all the later VR`s are very simmilar just a few minor differences in trim, plenty around with leather etc even if they arent a Specific highline model which only came in black or Purple violet, a colour which is often called mulberry, the black had black leather and purple one has dark purple leather, theres nowt wrong with the early cars either but more of the later ones seem to come up for sale, as long as it looks like its been looked after then there are no real dramas with a mk3 same as any dubs really ;)hertes my monster

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[marcbowden 0]

Hi everyone

I had a VR6 until last year, when the head gasket went at 135k. I've read (i don't know where) that they are susceptible to this. I was also quoted quite a price (as an 11.5hr job) to do it, so I sadly traded it in for an MR2. I'm pining for one again, though, as a day car, in addition to my MR2s. I must say unlike others above I didn't have a problem with mpg. I did find that past 100k things were starting to outlive their best before (I had the car from 29k, and it was well maintained). I would suggest getting something with FSH, but probably not necessarily a mileage < 100k (because *I'll* be looking < 100k and don't want to compete!! :-)).

Marc

[marcbowden 0]

I just saw the below, I was under the impression they were about 180bph?

On a different tack, do all Highlines have leather and AC?

"174bhp (1996 MK3 model) It is equipped with all the usual"

[marcbowden 0]

I wouldn't say the noise is "awesome" btw, but I liked it, and it's understated.

Also, I think the ride is ok, not too soft, it's a saloon type car after all.

[cabrioman 6]

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes YES get one the best car i have eva had

[nivag27 5]

Yes you should get one, they are great for build quality driving fun and they do make a great noise,and you get to go on great forums like this.

[craggsy 91]

You're only gonna get rave reviews on this foru really as it is the VR6OC and we all own and love our cars. But has as been said they are well worth getting,

[Guest redrobbie]

Yeh I know but i'm really swaying to the YES!!! Just trying to find out if there any things I need to worry about. The timing chain issue's similar to my BMW but I like to hear there are plenty around. Is maintenance an issue at all or is the german reliability the norm.

[marcbowden 0]

I had periodic ABS problems. I also several times had problems with leads and plugs. The latter just from going to crap garages that didn't put the right ones in. When buying (I thik the buyers guide on here looks pretty good btw) there should be no lumpiness at idle. From 29k to 100k I found it very reliable, it was from about 100 or 110k that things atsrted failing from age.

[magic_tree 0]

Just got one recently mate. I agree with marcbowden, you are going to spend on it unless you by a real minter but very worth it. Only had a starter motor prob with mine so far touch wood. Always been into mk1's, still am. I was looking at mk2 16v's but to pricey. Just like you I realised VR's are very affordable. I love it! I would deffo say get one if you want a motor for driving pleasure. It is fun to drive (when lowered) like my mk1 but A LOT faster, comfier and makes the mk1 rasp sound just a little feeble!

[djemeryvr6 0]

I think the vr is a class car it's as quick as a typer and t will outrun the new golf gti so for a big saving you get alot of car, but deffo sort the susspension and dont worry about milage

[purple highline monster 0]

I wouldn't say the noise is "awesome" btw' date=' but I liked it, and it's understated.

Also, I think the ride is ok, not too soft, it's a saloon type car after all.

[/quote']

Obviously a matter of opinion, but what else can you buy for 3k that looks and sounds like a VR6 engined Dub? with a stainless pipe it sounds like a far more exotic car

[marcbowden 0]

When I came to trade mine in I was pretty horrified how much it had depreciated. But now kind of thinking of another, I agree with you, I'm amazed what they can be picked up for. I may listen to others and perhaps try different suspension, but the ones I've seen so far tend to have been lowered too, which doesn't do anything for me.

I liked the kind of 'zinnnnnng' from the exhaust btw, which was still the original one at 135k.

What, apart from here, are good places to find them?

I wouldn't say the noise is "awesome" btw' date=' but I liked it, and it's understated.

Also, I think the ride is ok, not too soft, it's a saloon type car after all.

[/quote']

Obviously a matter of opinion, but what else can you buy for 3k that looks and sounds like a VR6 engined Dub? with a stainless pipe it sounds like a far more exotic car

[purple highline monster 0]

Autotrader has a fair few, so does Ebay, they are best bought privately in my opinion as a lot of owners can tell you a massive amount about the car and its history as well as showing all the documentation and history, i bought mine with 84k on the clock and touch wood have had no issues in nearly 10k of use, i think if you find a good one even with the stories about water pumps and head gaskets and chains failing they are generally pretty bomb proof, all cars need servicing and parts renewed at some point, and other brands tend to cost more..be main dealer and the parts are inferior, at least with a VW there are masses of other options when it comes to parts buying, i personally prefer genuine stuff and always have, but maybe thats coz i get a massive discount on them

[Jk* 0]

I would say yes, but no if you dont like petrol stations. Lol

I like the line "drive with enthusiasm".

[tubby 0]

Petrol cost is pricey ,but if you a true petrolhead it dont matter a jot .The sound alone is enough to make you buy one.

Go for it you wont regret it never ever ever. My 1st one got written off by some plonker white van man and i just went out and bought another one with my insurance payout ,because for the cash you pay there is nothing else out there quite like it.

[mike 6]

Petrol cost is pricey ' date='but if you a true petrolhead it dont matter a jot .The sound alone is enough to make you buy one.

Go for it you wont regret it never ever ever. My 1st one got written off by some plonker white van man and i just went out and bought another one with my insurance payout ,because for the cash you pay there is nothing else out there quite like it.

[/quote']

have to agree, been there too this is my second vr6 due to some one killing my last one, i knew i wanted a a highline so went and got one 2 weeks later. did toy with teh idea of the 1.8T mk4 as they have dropped in price but have herd teh 150 feels slow after havin a vr

[purple highline monster 0]

and its only a wheeeezzy 4 pot sound track, i toyed about an S3 but binned it for the same reason! 6 pistons just sounds so much nicer

[Guest redrobbie]

Sounds like the petrol is an issue (I did expect it). But it shouldn't be too much of a concern as long as it doesnt mean filling up every journey!.

How much does it cost roughly to do 200/100/50 miles? In my bm I can get 150miles from £20 so anything near that would be brilliant. Thanks for all these replies...really helpful