VW Golf III 2.0, 115 PS, 5-speed manual, all-wheel drive (1995–1998)

Research for this car

• Generation guide VW Golf 3 (1991-1999): known problems and buying guide

  Rust is the main risk. Check the timing belt record, the VR6 chain and the sills and tailgate before you pay.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Timing belt: ask for a record that the belt, tensioner roller and water pump were changed by 90,000 km. A bad result is no record, or a car past 90,000 km with the original belt. The job costs 350 to 450 EUR (Germany, year not stated). The VR6 has a chain instead, so skip this item there.
2. Rust: look at the tailgate, the lower A-pillars, the sills and the front wheel arches. A bad result is bubbling paint or soft metal.
3. VR6 chain: on a VR6, listen for a rattle from the engine and ask for a record of chain work. A bad result is a rattle, or no record.
4. Brake hoses: check each hose for cracks, swelling and leaks. A bad result is any porous or leaking hose.
5. Power windows: test each window up and down, and the sunroof. A bad result is a window or sunroof that stops, slows or fails.
6. Shift linkage: on a manual car, shift through every gear, including reverse. A bad result is gears that are hard to select or a loose gear lever.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions