mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

[The_Stig]

Hey guys

Im looking into a 97 Jetta Vr6 with 128km on it. I was just curious if any one could give me a little more info on this car; common problems, what are they like to own, maitance, gas milage. Any info or adivce would be great. Thanks boys.

[Mitcheh]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

Well from personal experience, I drove my VR6 from 83k up to about 113k with 0 mechanical problems. I usually got between 400 and 450km per tank, but if you drive like a "normal" person you could easily do better.

If you've driven a mk3 vr you'll know what they're like to own - a lot of fun

[The_Stig]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

I have driven a mk3 gti vr but not a mk3 jetta vr. They drive much the same?

[Mitcheh]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

Yep saaaame ****

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

I had a 1998 Jetta GLX and put about 30,000kms on it (from 65-95K) and had no issues with it except needing a battery. Great car lots of fun, some good pep, great mod potential and not too bad economy wise.

[Russell]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

I love my VR6 Jetta (97), the only thing I have had to do is my clutch, breaks and I had a nasty problem with my car alarm as the wires had broken in my door jams over time (over 30,000KM). Like Mitch said I get about 400 - 450KM per tank, the car is a lot of fun to drive. When I was doing my research before I bought my car the things that seemed to be common problems in the car was the window regulator (I have never had a problem) and cruise control (my cruise control does not work).

[The_Stig]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

Thanks for the help so far!

[Mitcheh]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

What we're trying to say is BUY IT

[GINCH]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

I've owned 4 VR6 powered VW's in the past 10 years. I have had Zero mechanical issues with any of them (engine wise). I've put 25000km's on my current VR6 which is also supercharged. No issues!!! With an NA Vr6 the mileage can be quite good however once you add forced induction you can pretty much throw that out the window! If the car has been properly maintained, you will have great luck with it. Conversly, stay away from a Mk3 VR6 that wasn't maintained!! Good luck!
Derek

[The_Stig]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

Thanks. I will be going to see it asap

[me=mk3]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

When I was doing my research before I bought my car the things that seemed to be common problems in the car was the window regulator (I have never had a problem) and cruise control (my cruise control does not work).

99.98% of cruise controls on mk3s dont work . Other than that they are reliable. Too bad mine is not a vr...

[VWSM]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

coil pack arcing/wires breaking in the pillars/secondary coolant pump leaks
cruise control but easy to fix just go buy good solder.
other than that,they are an awesome car.

REALLY REALLY FUN TO DRIVE.

[RONDAL]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

pic doesnt work.

some common problems with the VR:
leaky/cracked water pipe
cracked tstat housing
leaking oil cooler o-rings
cracked coilpack
secondary air injection system
cruise control module
air conditioning module
timing chains (depending on the mileage this HAS to be done) its a big fix and close to $2000 if dealer does it. 160,000km's is the magic mark
clutch
tranny flushes or lack of lead to grinding gears
check what oil they are using
check state of oilpan for cracks

if you need someone to go with you to check out the car i am sure someone on here could go with you that owns one. It is really good to be able to drive a VR before and after you drive the one you are looking to buy. You can be overwhelmed by the power and stuff if its your first time and you dont know what to look for. I went back a second time with a buddy that had one and he told me it was ****....and it turned out to be when i took it for inspection.

[RONDAL]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

oh yeah just to add, just because some of those things listed above may be occuring its not a reason to run for the hills and not consider it. You can use it as leverage to get the price down and just fix it yourself or people can give you a hand. I was able to get $4500 off my car cause the struts were all blown and timing chains were making noise....tho they always make noise haha and i wanted to put coilovers in anyway right away.

[Russell]

Re: mk3 Jetta Info/Advice.....

pic doesnt work.

timing chains (depending on the mileage this HAS to be done) its a big fix and close to $2000 if dealer does it. 160,000km's is the magic mark
clutch

Its funny you say that, I did have to do my clutch and it was right around the 160,000km's (the high side). I did my timing chains as well at TuneDub.