Build quality

[SankysVR6 1]

is the build quality of the mk3 highline a lot differn't compared to mk3 gti i've only had my vr for about 1 week and i can see loads of little differnces i.e the way the door closes with a nice thud same with windows. i feel a bit cheated by vw with build of the gti

[jte 0]

I've got a highline too, after owning a mk 3 gti 16v. Build quality seems similar to me. The Highline is finished in nicer plastics though, for example the soft leather type stuff under the window instead of the hard plastic. Maybe you were unlucky witht he gti.

[binliner 0]

basically theyre the same, just as jte says things like door cards, centre console etc are better quality on the highline

[acf8181 0]

had your gti got much higher mileage than your highline by any chance?

[yeeha 0]

I know it's a bit off topic (sorry) but one thing Im not too pleased about with the my VR6 is the rust. Ive seen many a MK2 with no rust at all. You'd think the 3 would be better than the 2 as far as bodywork is concerned, but im not so sure........

[acf8181 0]

its weird, i keep hearing people saying their mkIII's are going rusty, but i've yet to even see a rusty mkIII! my k plate certainly isn't.

what i will say is that they used really poor quality nuts and bolts on early ones.

[antera309 3]

The only really bad place for Mk3 rust is on the tailgate, at the bottom edge of the rear window. A design fault apparently.

Later models have a fully galvanised tailgate which works around this problem.

[yeeha 0]

Mines a 96, and has rust on the drivers door, bubble on the tailgate etc, pain in the ass - seen a fair few rusty ones in my time

[binliner 0]

the other place to watch out for is the bottom of the front wing where the plastic arch trim meets the side skirt, water collects there

[jte 0]

my gti and my vr6 both had rust around the hole where the arm goes into the body between the back door hinges. Seen many others with this problem. It's hard to spot unless you look for it.

Luckily i knew about it from the gti and got it soretd before i paid for the VR6. Costs about £70 - 80 per door to put right.

[binliner 0]

yep mine was rusty there as well

[Glyn Mk3 0]

Mine has the back door hinge rust problem too, only on the offside though. Also has a 50p coin sized rust spot on the bottom edge of a rear door. mine is a '97 highline! Can't believe it, didn't spot it when I bought it in Sep '03. Oh well.

As for build quality, I agree with the previous comments, it seems just to be the plastics etc used. Much more agreable than a '93 Golf GL I used to drive.

[vdubgirl 3]

Dont talk to me about rust mine is called rusty bin at the mo bloomin thing my E plate mkII has less rust patches than the Vr ~

But hey come the end of the year that will all change

[VR6Rich 3]

With regards the the door hinge rust problem, if you take it to VW they might sort the problem out for free!

They did mine :-) I think it must have still been within the bodywork warranty.

[Guest Olly_K]

yep apparently the bodywork has a 15 year warranty, but only if you have full VW service history.

Like thats gonna make a difference !

[acf8181 0]

The only really bad place for Mk3 rust is on the tailgate' date=' at the bottom edge of the rear window. A design fault apparently.

Later models have a fully galvanised tailgate which works around this problem.[/quote']

the other place to watch out for is the bottom of the front wing where the plastic arch trim meets the side skirt' date=' water collects there[/quote']

ok, confession time...mines had a new tailgate at some point, the colour doesn't quite match, and i may have a very small amount of rust by the skirt...so minor i'd forgotten about it though. i do also have two huge dents in my sills...that may have been self inflicted though!

[VR6Rich 3]

I didnt have full VW history and mine got done with no questions. :-)

[VR6Steve 0]

Both our 3 doors had rust on the door sills under the rubber. VW Customer Care paid for all the repair on the other halfs car and 50% i think of mine.

Got rust on my tailgate above the lock.

If I remember the rust by the tailgate is caused the arcing from the rear heated screen

[tommy 0]

Both our 3 doors had rust on the door sills under the rubber. VW Customer Care paid for all the repair on the other halfs car and 50% i think of mine.

Got rust on my tailgate above the lock.

If I remember the rust by the tailgate is caused the arcing from the rear heated screen

What dealership did you take yours too...mine has rust under the door sills but chelmsford vw would not repair it under warranty..the car had full vag history and 69000miles and was under five yrs old with no crash damage ~ ...they quoted £200 per side +vat &|

[VR6Steve 0]

Bit too late I am afraid Tommy. It was done via Grange Motors @ Brentwood who had their franchise taken away last year. :-( Probably the best dealership I have come across.

[tommy 0]

Bit too late I am afraid Tommy. It was done via Grange Motors @ Brentwood who had their franchise taken away last year. :-( Probably the best dealership I have come across.

[andy 0]

any one had the tailgate rust below the screen done by the stealership under warranty? its the only rust I've got, would be well happy if vw would sort it gratis!