Jetta III VR6 questions+others...

[BadKenny]

Due to the fact that I am going back to school in August (thank god it's so far away), financial circumstances may require me to sell my baby, depending on cash flow, etc....

So I may have to look for a cheaper substitute and want to get my research in now...
I just saw a pretty nice mk.III VR6 Jetta on the way home and had some questions....as in what are the common issues with them, is the vr6 an interference type engine like the 1.8t (as in if the timing belt breaks, all hell breaks loose)....anything else I should know about them??? Did the mkIII VR6's have the variable valve timing, variable intake manifold, etc??

A couple of more cost-effective options for a vehicle may be something from the wonderful people at BMW...namely a 1992+ 325i...as I need something with 4 doors, and preferably european. The 325i's m50 (or m50tu depending on the year) is a chain-driven non-interference engine with an acceptable amount of power...

I do like the idea of rwd but our winters (and the fact that the models I am looking at do not even have traction control, let alone stability control), make me lean towards either an older audi with awd (hard to find a good audi 90 quattro with a 5spd at a good price, in the calgary area) or a VW with the good ol fwd....

I figure with my car, and (despite) it's mods, I should be able to get from 10-13k for her, and at most want to spend 8k on a different vehicle....I want at least 2-4 grand to help out with my tuition!!

Any input anyone can give me will help greatly.

[BadKenny]

Re: Jetta III VR6 questions+others...

Anyone?

[Kor]

Re: Jetta III VR6 questions+others...

Sorry I can't help, there are a couple VR6 guys on here, maybe they will chime in for you.

If I was a little strapped for tuition, I would look for a TDI or a 4cyl, the VR6 is going to eat into your pocketbook by eating up gas. Also probably more to insure. Just IMO. Depending on the year of the BMW insurance will also be comparatively more than a VW.

I know that when I was shopping for my car, it was much cheaper to insure a 2002 1.8T VW than a 1999 1.8T A4, I was surprised.

[Silverstoned]

Re: Jetta III VR6 questions+others...

For long term reliability, the VR6 is totally bomb proof. My brother had the same engine (12V) in his Corrado, and it was still going strong at 250k. I'm sure others with the 12V will chime in, but I have never heard of any troubles with one. That said, the sweet sweet sound of the engine at higher revs will make you want to drive the car hard, which will use more gas. I'm with Chris on this one, go for a TDI.

Jeff

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Jetta III VR6 questions+others...

Nothing wrong with a MK3 VR6 either Jetta or GTI, they will be a solid car, but gas will not be cheap and you may have to search a bit to find the right one.

[Mr. Burns]

Re: Jetta III VR6 questions+others...

Yeah, if you don't mind getting 400km to a tank in the city by all means get a VR6. If gas mileage is a major concern get a TDI

[Tuna]

Re: Jetta III VR6 questions+others...

I could be wrong but I thought repair cost was pricy too? Could be just on the old Corrados but I remember things like water pump problems. I think it was due to the confined space and a simple job required dismantling part of the engine bay.

Def. search for a clean one though.

Edit: just went back and read your post. I don't THINK they used Variable valve timing, and i'm almost positive they didn't have a variable intake.

Also, ANY VW will probably have lower maintainence cost than a BMW, the parts probably aren't that much more but I would think finding someone you trust to work on it (unless you do it yourself of course) would be tough.

Hope that helps a little.

[BadKenny]

Re: Jetta III VR6 questions+others...

Awesome! Thanks all for your responses....
The BMW is a pipe dream for right now...especially the ones I can afford not having stability control or anything and the fiance living out of town means a lot of winter highway driving...

OUch, I really had no idea the VR6's were so hard on gas...thankfully it may be quite a while before I have to make the decision (first whether or not to sell my car)...plus I don't know if I can give up the fun of forced induction....