1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz?

497 Views 20 Replies 12 Participants Last post by mr_mbuna, Feb 7, 2002

mr_mbuna

Discussion Starter · Feb 6, 2002

This post is being posted in both the Golf IV and Golf III boards.
For a 16-year-old's first car, would you all go with a 1999 Golf 4-door GLS with the 2.0 liter engine, or would you go with a 1997 GTI VR6? Both are worth around $9500 private party, according to Edmunds.com True Market Value. Less money is better. And what about a 1996 BMW 318ti with an Open Air Roof? Anybody have experience with the relative insurance costs and reliability of these various models?
Is it possible to mod the older GTI to look more like the Golf IV? I really don't like the look of the Golf III front, especially the headlights, compared to the Golf IV. And how much play does one have with the 2.0? Can you chip it, or turbocharge it, or make it perform better (for little money!)? Does the 2.0 have enough power for non-racing activities? Is it still a fun, zippy car, even if it doesn't have "pocket rocket" status?
Any pictures of these cars that haven't been so disgustingly riced-out? I like the Project 1.8t feature on vwvortex.com, but CANNOT STAND any of these riced Golf IIIs - I looked through the entire Golf III thread and couldn't find a single respectable one. Is the Golf IV just innately classier?
Ben

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

eddiecore

· #2 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (mr_mbuna)

A 16 year-old should drive a 1999 4-door 2.0 Golf. He/She would probably be to careless with a VR6, not to mention it's manual, which makes driving a little bit tougher. As for the 318ti, I was this close to getting one before I got my 98 GTI. It's a decent car, a little on the slow side, but speed shouldn't be a big deal for a 16 year-old. As for insurance on a BMW for a 16 year-old, that's another question. Overall, the 99 2.0 Golf would be a sweet deal.

GTI2.0

· #3 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (feeling_sinister)

If you have the money you can make Golfs/GTI's look like what ever you want it to look like. yes you can put on look alike head lights that look like Golf IV lights. And if you have enough money you can make a 2.0 go really fast with lots of $$$$$$$$$ I think its (spooled2ltr) that is running really fast in his 2.0 but dont take my word for it. Good luck with the choice hope ya go with somethin VW

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mr_mbuna

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (feeling_sinister)

A sweet deal... yes, well - I pay for it, I can pick it, I guess. I am the 16-year-old mentioned henceforth. And it will be my mission in life from now until September to work as much as possible and save up around $5000. I pay half of whatever I pick. And any car I buy will be a manual, for sportiness reasons primarily.
So it is possible to make a Golf III look like a Golf IV? How much would that run? And why does everyone take the bar grille out of their Dubs and make them all look the same, with the super-dork-let's-act-like-these-are-Honda-Civics mods? (Sorry, please don't flame, just had to say it!) Can anyone point me to a body kit catalog or mod catalog, where some stuff is sold to make the car look nicer/classier?
Any pictures (esp. side-by-side Golf IIIs and Golf IVs) would be greatly appreciated.
Ben

nub0w

· #5 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (mr_mbuna)

For a first car, definately the '99 2.0.
The VR6 can get one into a *world* of trouble. Especially a newbie behind the wheel... even us older ones too!

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Pagano

· #6 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (mr_mbuna)

I took out my bar grill and replaced it with yet another bar grill...straight bar debadged., if you think thats honda like...whatever, typically when I see a honda I see colored badges, or debadeged rear with two holes because they are held in with clips not tape like ours.

DaveNY

· #7 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (mr_mbuna)

quote:[HR][/HR]Any pictures of these cars that haven't been so disgustingly riced-out? I like the Project 1.8t feature on vwvortex.com, but CANNOT STAND any of these riced Golf IIIs - I looked through the entire Golf III thread and couldn't find a single respectable one. Is the Golf IV just innately classier?[HR][/HR]

1- If you like the MkIV so much, go talk to them.
2- If you consider the cars in here to be "riced-out" (there may be only 1 or 2 on here that is at all "rice-like") then please get off the vortex, and don't let the door smack you on the way out.

mr_mbuna

Discussion Starter · #8 · Feb 7, 2002

3

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (Pagano)

The most very interesting thing I've noticed so far (you guys like that english?

) is that in the Golf MkIII board, everyone says that I should get a Golf with a smaller, safer engine. However, in the Golf MkIV board, only one person has had any reason - everyone else has said " '97 GTI definately ".
A 2.0 is a commuting car, huh? Hmm... well, I guess at this point, in high school, what I really want is a classy, comfortable, and powerful car to get me here there and somewhere else once in a while. I won't be doing autocross or track racing or anything (though maybe on the street...

)
Anybody selling their Golf?
And what do you guys think about me getting a '94 Corrado?

Heh heh heh.
Ben

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mr_mbuna

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (DaveNY)

Dave! Thank you so very much for your flame!
Now please discontinue being an arse.
MkIIIs and MkIVs are both Golfs. MkIVs are newer, so I would go talk to them, and I am (as you would notice if you read the FIRST LINE of my post), but I have to consider the money aspect of a car purchase, buddy!
If we'll all please notice, some people may take a line or two from my posts as offensive, but these are my opinions. No need to hate! Please notice how everyone except Dave has posted with maturity and a genuine intent to help.
Thanks everyone! Any pictures???
Ben

mr_mbuna

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (mr_mbuna)

On another note, my family is buying a Volkswagen this weekend! (This car search, for my mother, is what turned me on to Volkswagen's high-value high-quality cars.) My mother will probably be buying a 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX Auto 4Motion (do you see any other options?

I don't see any other options!)
That is, unless someone would like to go against the VW faith and recommend one of these cars over the Passat:
Saab 9-3 5-door
BMW 325i Sedan
Volvo S60 2.4
Acura 3.2TL
Ben

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Bora20

· #11 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (mr_mbuna)

How long do you expect to keep the car? Is it just a commuter (sp?) car? Can you even afford to mod it?
Go with the MK4, you said it yourself you like them better anyway. Plus they will have a bit of warranty left. Lower insurance cost.
The MK3 VR6 could get an inexperienced drive (as well as an experienced driver) wrapped around a telephone pole much easier. Higher insurance cost.
BMW, forget it. Not worth it for the 1.8. Now a M3 3.2L converison in that body would be great. See tree item above.

CNY_VDUB

· #12 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (mr_mbuna)

Look on the search for pics. Or just scroll through there are many pics of cars. MKIV's are great but they are heavier than the MKIII's. Also there is definately alot more aftermarket things for the MKIII.

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Chrismilli

· #13 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (Bora20)

Lets not dish on the minors in this forum. More than a few know much more and are much more responsible then you think. I am 17 years old and have a 96 GTi, yes a VR6 can get one into a world of trouble, but be it a 16 year old or a 32 year old, depends on the person. Personally I think the VR6 or the Ti would be the best choices. If I had the funds when purchasing my car I would have definatly chosen a VR6 or Ti.
Chris

vdubbed81

· #14 · Feb 7, 2002

2

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (Bora20)

everyone here is pretty much speaking on the conservative side, and are being concerned with it being your first car. While I do think the 2.0 may be *better for your first car, as it is a bit toned down performance wise, I believe you will be the happiest with the VR6, it is quite a quick little car. As far as the headlights go, you can get the 99 look lights for your 97 for around $300. It's your choice do what will make you happy. (and if you still unsure, go and drive the 2.0, and then drive the VR6, I think you mind will be made up http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif )

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CNY_VDUB

· #15 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (mr_mbuna)

I am sorry but I am partial to SAAB. My 93 9000 Turbo wieghs like 3700 lbs, but does 0-60 in 6.8 stock. With my stuff done to it, I can get it to do it in 5.5 and its an auto! Not a bad car, a little pricey to fix but its my high speed luxury cruiser. Doing 144MPH is crazy, especially when your doing it in somthing like a SAAB. But I really love my VW it is my main car and the one I "hook up" the most. I say SAAB over Passat, but I love Passats too. DAMNIT either the SAAB or the Passat.

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boolio

· #16 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (mr_mbuna)

quote:[HR][/HR]Is it possible to mod the older GTI to look more like the Golf IV? I really don't like the look of the Golf III front, especially the headlights, compared to the Golf IV. [HR][/HR]

Dude, if you want the look of a Golf IV then get a Golf IV. IMHO, the Golf III (VR6) is the perfect balance between raw performance and upscale class. That's like me saying "I like the look of a Porsche, so how do I make my Golf III look like one". Buy what you like and what you really want.

bento

· #17 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (mr_mbuna)

318ti's are a bit on of a slug. A little heavy (for a tiny car) and a little horsepower. I remember Grassroots Motorsports did a build up on one for a budget SCCA racer and they said something like they've never seen a car so resistant to horsepower increases. If I recall (it's been 5+ years) they got a whole 2HP out of the normal ram tuning.
Sweet car though, I've always wanted to get one since I have a BMW mechanic in the family. Lots of neat items available and you could always swap in a more powerful engine .

mr_mbuna

Discussion Starter · #18 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (boolio)

But what if what I really like is the Audi S3?
(BTW, see my other post on making a Golf look like an S3! Mwa hahaha!)
Ben

DaveNY

· #19 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (mr_mbuna)

quote:[HR][/HR]Dave! Thank you so very much for your flame!
Now please discontinue being an arse.
MkIIIs and MkIVs are both Golfs. MkIVs are newer, so I would go talk to them, and I am (as you would notice if you read the FIRST LINE of my post), but I have to consider the money aspect of a car purchase, buddy!
If we'll all please notice, some people may take a line or two from my posts as offensive, but these are my opinions. No need to hate! Please notice how everyone except Dave has posted with maturity and a genuine intent to help.[HR][/HR]

Dear Highschooler Newbie,
Please "discontinue" trying to sound overly educated and mature beyond your years. Please don't refer to our grille-modded cars as "super-dork-let's-act-like-these-are-Honda-Civics." You are an ignorant. You know nothing of what it is to mod "euro-esque." You assume because we make our cars to look like the racecars they are, that we should be lumped with Honda drivers putting foot-high wings on their cars. And telling us that you're just looking for a classy car for driving to highschool...give me a break. Be normal. Drive a POS when you're 16. Come visit us when you've got a real job, real bills, and then look for a real car (like an MkIV, as you think the Mk3's are class-less rice-mobiles). Pick up your local paper, flip to the classifieds. Look under cars, then Ford, then Taurus'. You'd be better suited to one of those.

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eddiecore

· #20 · Feb 7, 2002

2

Re: 1999 Golf GLS 2.0 or 1997 GTI VR6 or 1996 BMW 318ti? Pictures plz? (DaveNY)

quote:[HR][/HR]Dave! Thank you so very much for your flame!
Now please discontinue being an arse.
MkIIIs and MkIVs are both Golfs. MkIVs are newer, so I would go talk to them, and I am (as you would notice if you read the FIRST LINE of my post), but I have to consider the money aspect of a car purchase, buddy!
If we'll all please notice, some people may take a line or two from my posts as offensive, but these are my opinions. No need to hate! Please notice how everyone except Dave has posted with maturity and a genuine intent to help.
Dear Highschooler Newbie,
Please "discontinue" trying to sound overly educated and mature beyond your years. Please don't refer to our grille-modded cars as "super-dork-let's-act-like-these-are-Honda-Civics." You are an ignorant. You know nothing of what it is to mod "euro-esque." You assume because we make our cars to look like the racecars they are, that we should be lumped with Honda drivers putting foot-high wings on their cars. And telling us that you're just looking for a classy car for driving to highschool...give me a break. Be normal. Drive a POS when you're 16. Come visit us when you've got a real job, real bills, and then look for a real car (like an MkIV, as you think the Mk3's are class-less rice-mobiles). Pick up your local paper, flip to the classifieds. Look under cars, then Ford, then Taurus'. You'd be better suited to one of those. [HR][/HR]

Ditto. DaveNY

http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif.

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