The VW Golf Mark III - a critical appraisal

Amtmann

I was hoping that other posters with some experience of the Golf Mark III would offer their opinions on the car here on this thread: likes and dislikes, peeves, points of quality and annoyances. I'll start.



I've a 1996 CL 5-speed (1.4).

- It seems to max out at 110mph

- Take-off is very sluggish

- It's very heavy and solid

- The clutch is heavy

- The power steering could be a lot lighter

- The gear change could be a little smoother (especially 1st gear)

- Pick-up can sometimes be slow when overtaking, but downhill, for example, is very quick.

- All in all, I enjoy driving it.

I drove a 1.3 1998 Toyota Starlet over the weekend; the clutch was much lighter, and the car was peppier than my Golf.

I was amazed at how much like a tank my car felt like when I drove her again - clunkier, more sluggish, but solid and safe, and powerful at 5th gear.


So, what do all of you think ofthe Mark III Golf?

colm_mcm

All cars are faster downhill!

My least favourite Golf!

Amtmann

colm_mcm wrote: »

All cars are faster downhill!

My least favourite Golf!

Why? What do you find annoying about it? I'd like to know, because I have a number of gripes about my own, and since I've never drven another Mark III Golf, I'd like to know if the peeves of others correspond to my own.

colm_mcm

My main gripe is that they have none of the great handling or character of the Mk1 or MK2 Golf, or none of the quality plastics that the Mk4 and Mk5 enjoy.

Also, I don't like the heavy controls or the styling. Or the gear change.

Amtmann

colm_mcm wrote: »

My main gripe is that they have none of the great handling or character of the Mk1 or MK2 Golf, or none of the quality plastics that the Mk4 and Mk5 enjoy.

Also, I don't like the heavy controls or the styling. Or the gear change.

I can appreciate the bit about the heavy controls for certain. My clutch is so heavy it actually creaks when I work it!

JoeA3

Furet wrote: »

- Pick-up can sometimes be slow when overtaking, but downhill, for example, is very quick.

LOL!
I haven't had much experience of it, but I did some driving lessons in a MK3 Golf many years ago, and I hated it! As Colm said, the controls were seriously clunky and heavy, hardly ideal learner-car material.!
The Mk3 is generally considered the worst of the Golf incarnations.... but the MK4 wasn't much better in the ride/handling/power dept.

colm_mcm

Wait till you see the Mk6...

Amtmann

Ok, so why was it considered such a good car?

colm_mcm

Mainly because the Mk1 and Mk2 were so good.
It did a lot of things reasonably well too. When compared with the likes of a Ford Escort, it was a good car.

alias no.9

They're over weight, over rated, under powered and under spec'd. When they were contemporary, they were well over priced too.


[comic book guy] Worst golf EVER! [/comic book guy]

Furet wrote: »

My clutch is so heavy it actually creaks when I work it!

That could be the thrust bearing on the way out. It makes the pedal action much heavier and also a creaking sound.

Amtmann

alias no.9 wrote: »

They're over weight, over rated, under powered and under spec'd. When they were contemporary, they were well over priced too.


[comic book guy] Worst golf EVER! [/comic book guy]




That could be the thrust bearing on the way out. It makes the pedal action much heavier and also a creaking sound.

How much would that cost to fix? And what exactly is the 'thrust bearing'?

Guy:Incognito

Furet wrote: »

I've a 1996 CL 5-speed (1.4).

- It seems to max out at 110mph

- Take-off is very sluggish

- It's very heavy and solid

- Pick-up can sometimes be slow when overtaking, but downhill, for example, is very quick.

Yep, 60 bhp (when new) and 1200ish kg will do that.

pippip

I drive the exact same Golf as mentioned at the start. Everything you describe is exactly how I find it and I love it.

I did my lessons in a Nissan Micra and then got the Golf as my first car and I found it a million times easier to drive than the micra. Yes its heavy but I found it so much easier to operate (less sensitive to every nervous touch).

Fact is that there is no better built car in its range. At least I feel I'm driving a car and not a tin can that could crumble or gets blow around like a kite when driving on days like today.

crosstownk

Furet wrote: »

My clutch is so heavy it actually creaks when I work it!

The clutch cable on the MkIII (1H) Golf had the first self adjusting cable that VW introduced. And, man, did it give some grief. This is most likely the cause of your heavy clutch. There is/was a manual adjusting version available. To replace your clutch cable you'll need to order part number 1H1 721 365. That's a weird part number - it actually infers a LHD - even though the parts catalog lists it as RHD But VW had so much hassle with clutch cables in the 90s that any part number could be viable. The manual adjusting cable is not listed on the EPC, but a bulletin was sent to dealers in the 90s listing details on how to order the manual version.

Amtmann

pippip wrote: »

I drive the exact same Golf as mentioned at the start. Everything you describe is exactly how I find it and I love it.

I did my lessons in a Nissan Micra and then got the Golf as my first car and I found it a million times easier to drive than the micra. Yes its heavy but I found it so much easier to operate (less sensitive to every nervous touch).

Fact is that there is no better built car in its range. At least I feel I'm driving a car and not a tin can that could crumble or gets blow around like a kite when driving on days like today.

Really? And is your clutch very stiff an heavy too?

How do you find take off?

I have to say that despite my quibbles, I am fond of it. As you said, you feel very safe and solid. And yes, I did notice that when I drove the starlet the wind really tossed the car around - whereas my Golf wouldn't flinch.

Also pippip, do you find that first gear is difficult to get every so often?

Amtmann

crosstownk wrote: »

The clutch cable on the MkIII (1H) Golf had the first self adjusting cable that VW introduced. And, man, did it give some grief. This is most likely the cause of your heavy clutch. There is/was a manual adjusting version available. To replace your clutch cable you'll need to order part number 1H1 721 365. That's a weird part number - it actually infers a LHD - even though the parts catalog lists it as RHD But VW had so much hassle with clutch cables in the 90s that any part number could be viable. The manual adjusting cable is not listed on the EPC, but a bulletin was sent to dealers in the 90s listing details on how to order the manual version.

Thanks crosstownk, I've been told that the cable is fine - it's just really dry, and that's why it creaks. I'm clueless when it come to mechanics, however.

BrianD3

Not a fan of the Mk3, especially the 60 bhp 1.4. One positive thing about the car was it had good passive safety for the time and was top of its class in independent crash tests. Contrast what happens when a Golf Mk3 and a Civic EG are subjected to the same test
Golf
http://www.sicurauto.it/download/contatore/link.php?link_id=468
Civic
http://www.sicurauto.it/download/contatore/link.php?link_id=464

crosstownk

Furet wrote: »

I've been told that the cable is fine - it's just really dry, and that's why it creaks.

Well in my opinion, if it's dry - its fcuked - it's only a matter of time before it fails. Seriously. I've been there too many times and I'd sooner replace a cable before delving into release/thrust bearings.

Amtmann

crosstownk wrote: »

Well in my opinion, if it's dry - its fcuked - it's only a matter of time before it fails. Seriously. I've been there too many times and I'd sooner replace a cable before delving into release/thrust bearings.

Ok - how much am I looking at to get the cable changed at a garage?

pippip

Furet wrote: »

Really? And is your clutch very stiff an heavy too?

How do you find take off?

I have to say that despite my quibbles, I am fond of it. As you said, you feel very safe and solid. And yes, I did notice that when I drove the starlet the wind really tossed the car around - whereas my Golf wouldn't flinch.

Also pippip, do you find that first gear is difficult to get every so often?

Yeh, heavy clutch. Doesn't bother me but might be different when my girlfriend starts to drive it. Slow on takeoff but on slightly high revs on the other gears you can really shift it at times.

Now and then I find 1st a problem, not a huge problem I generally pull up the clutch slightly and try again and its fine. Doesn't worry me. Its always been like it.

Have to say I'm glad to hear mine is the same as someone else's.

Amtmann

pippip wrote: »

Yeh, heavy clutch. Doesn't bother me but might be different when my girlfriend starts to drive it. Slow on takeoff but on slightly high revs on the other gears you can really shift it at times.

Now and then I find 1st a problem, not a huge problem I generally pull up the clutch slightly and try again and its fine. Doesn't worry me. Its always been like it.

Have to say I'm glad to hear mine is the same as someone else's.

Me too! Does the clutch creak slightly when your working (like working up or down) through gears?

I agree that the car isn't too sensitive either. How do you find the power steering? Again, mine is far heavier than many other cars. I find, for example, that there is no way you'd turn the wheel effortlessly with only the palm of your hand - you'd really have to press your hand quite firmly.

crosstownk

Furet wrote: »

Ok - how much am I looking at to get the cable changed at a garage?

Sorry - no idea. It's a long time since I've come across a MkIII. But don't go to a main dealer, unless you want to be robbed. It might be no harm to insist on the manual cable as it's more reliable. That said, it's quite possible that the manual version is no longer available. It's been a long time since my VW days

Amtmann

crosstownk wrote: »

Sorry - no idea. It's a long time since I've come across a MkIII. But don't go to a main dealer, unless you want to be robbed. It might be no harm to insist in the manual cable as it's more reliable. That said, it's quite possible that the manual version is no longer available. It's been a long time since my VW days

Ok, thanks as usual for the advice. But when you say to insist on the manual cable, are there other cables I could get?

Amtmann

BrianD3 wrote: »

Not a fan of the Mk3, especially the 60 bhp 1.4. One positive thing about the car was it had good passive safety for the time and was top of its class in independent crash tests. Contrast what happens when a Golf Mk3 and a Civic EG are subjected to the same test
Golf
http://www.sicurauto.it/download/contatore/link.php?link_id=468
Civic
http://www.sicurauto.it/download/contatore/link.php?link_id=464

Good post - though to be fair, I wouldn't like to be in either vehicle in a situation like that!

crosstownk

There are two cables available (at least there used to be). One has a self adjuster, the other is simply a cable much like a brake cable on a bicycle. It's easy to identify - the self adjuster has a large, cylindrical plastic jobbie along the cable. The manual is just a cable. Self adjuster shown in the attachment - item 25.

Amtmann

crosstownk wrote: »

There are two cables available (at least there used to be). One has a self adjuster, the other is simply a cable much like a brake cable on a bicycle. It's easy to identify - the self adjuster has a large, cylindrical plastic jobbie along the cable. The manual is just a cable. Self adjuster shown in the attachment - item 25.

It's a manual - thanks again.

JHMEG

Mk III Golf, the most boat-like handling possible in a car. Reminds me of holidays on the Shannon in an Emerald Star cruiser.

crosstownk

JHMEG wrote: »

Mk III Golf, the most boat-like handling possible in a car. Reminds me of holidays on the Shannon in an Emerald Star cruiser.

I disagree - you should try navigating a 1989 Passat with no power steering

pippip

Furet wrote: »

Me too! Does the clutch creak slightly when your working (like working up or down) through gears?

I agree that the car isn't too sensitive either. How do you find the power steering? Again, mine is far heavier than many other cars. I find, for example, that there is no way you'd turn the wheel effortlessly with only the palm of your hand - you'd really have to press your hand quite firmly.

When I got the car it was really bad. Got the cable replaced for €100 (wasn't aware of these options). Fine after that. The power steering is heavier than most but really isn't too bad. I can turn it fairly well on palm of my hand.

BostonB

JHMEG wrote: »

Mk III Golf, the most boat-like handling possible in a car. Reminds me of holidays on the Shannon in an Emerald Star cruiser.

Built like a tank but handles like a boat. All with the power of a lawnmover.

You get used to anything though if it what you have.

JHMEG

BostonB wrote: »

Built like a tank but handles like a boat. All with the power of a lawnmover.

LOL! But it wasn't really built like a tank... they put reams of hardboard (yes, a notch up from cardboard) into the doors to make them feel 'heavy' and 'solid'. In fact the 1.4 CL weighed 1100Kg, ~20Kg than more than a Honda Civic of the time.

crosstownk wrote:

disagree - you should try navigating a 1989 Passat with no power steering

I bow to your superior knowledge! I do remember getting stopped by the cops in 1989 with 12 of us in a Passat. He only wanted to make sure the driver hadn't been drinking. Satisfied, he let us carry on.

daedalus2097

Have to say it's a lovely car. Totally agree - the 1.4 is way underpowered. Even the 2.0 8-valve isn't the best for a GTi, but they're nice, solid cars. As for the hardboard in the doors? I didn't find any in mine when I changed the interior over, but they do still have the nice hefty clunk which is missing from most other cars of that era. Clutch and steering are heavy but you get used to it, and the gearbox is sometimes fiddly, but that's the case with pretty much every VW from that generation. I have to say I scoured the country to find my one (after the one I imported was written off) and I love it. The handling is quite different in the GTi - nice and tight for a car of its age, and 150BHP offsets the weight somewhat. All in all, I've found it to be very well built, solid feeling and one of the nicest cars to drive around that age.

BostonB

The GTI is a nice cruiser I'll give it that. Even if it rolls a bit. The 2.0 8 valve is 115BHP and the 2.0 16v is 150BHP. Very hard to find clean one. They nearly all been abused.

daedalus2097

Yeah, hence my first was imported from the UK as there were no decent ones for sale in this country. My second one was imported by the previous owner and needed a little work but well worth it IMHO. The 16v is head and shoulders above the 8v I reckon, but horses for courses...

JHMEG

BrianD3 wrote: »

Contrast what happens when a Golf Mk3 and a Civic EG are subjected to the same test

IIRC the Golf 1.4 CL didn't have any airbags at all. Maybe the OP could tell us if his does. (The golf in the video has 2)

BostonB

daedalus2097 wrote: »

Yeah, hence my first was imported from the UK as there were no decent ones for sale in this country. My second one was imported by the previous owner and needed a little work but well worth it IMHO. The 16v is head and shoulders above the 8v I reckon, but horses for courses...

35bhp and and a slighty lower suspension can't have made that much of a difference. Never driven one though.

JHMEG wrote: »

IIRC the Golf 1.4 CL didn't have any airbags at all. Maybe the OP could tell us if his does. (The golf in the video has 2)

Was it an option?

BrianD3

I'd imagine that airbags were optional on the CL at the start but became standard later on. Lots of Mk3s did have airbags and safety was a selling point of the car. Also, the Mk3 did equally well when previously tested without any airbags.

JHMEG

BrianD3 wrote: »

I'd imagine that airbags were optional on the CL at the start but became standard later on. Lots of Mk3s did have airbags and safety was a selling point of the car. Also, the Mk3 did equally well when previously tested without any airbags.

Last 1.4 CL I drove was a '95.. it def didn't have any airbags (just checked with the owner).

crosstownk

IIRC, airbags were optional extras on the MkIII

JHMEG

If the were optional I'd say not a lot of people paid the extra for them, as they'd be seriously expensive.

@Furet: does your's have any airbags?

Amtmann

JHMEG wrote: »

If the were optional I'd say not a lot of people paid the extra for them, as they'd be seriously expensive.

@Furet: does your's have any airbags?

Mine has only one airbag, located in the steering wheel. I don't know if it was optional when the car was bought, as mine is 3rd-hand.

Thanks for all the replies lads, fascinating to get your views.

bazz26

Afaik a driver's air bag was made standard and passenger air bag optional on the MkIII Golf from 1996 when it got a mild facelift which included colour coded bumpers and mirrors, GTi style tinted rear light cluster and central locking.

crosstownk

bazz26 wrote: »

Afaik a driver's air bag was made standard and passenger air bag optional on the MkIII Golf from 1996 when it got a mild facelift which included colour coded bumpers and mirrors, GTi style tinted rear light cluster and central locking.

Hmmm - something rings a bell there, bazz. I think you could be right - especially with the colour coded bumpers, mirrors. My Dad had a 1996 MkIII and it definitely had colour coded bumpers and mirrors and he's not the type to order 'unnecessary' extras. I can't remember whether or not it had an airbag.

JHMEG

Speaking of which, am I correct in saying the A4 of the same era (96) base model 1.6 ("CL" if you like) only had one airbag?

colm_mcm

That would be right. dual airbags weren't that common in the mid 90's.

bazz26

Yeah I had a 1994 Accord a good couple of years ago and it had no air bag. It did have ABS though.

JHMEG

bazz26 wrote: »

Yeah I had a 1994 Accord a good couple of years ago and it had no air bag. It did have ABS though.

Yeah but the Accord isn't a "Premium" car is it? Altho the later model (98) has 2, upgraded to 4 with the facelift.

BostonB

JHMEG wrote: »

Yeah but the Accord isn't a "Premium" car is it? Altho the later model (98) has 2, upgraded to 4 with the facelift.

I would have expect an Accord to have all the gadget of the era. 4 wheel steering and all the bells.

daedalus2097

BostonB wrote: »

35bhp and and a slighty lower suspension can't have made that much of a difference. Never driven one though.

The power isn't a huge difference, but it's where the power is. I know people who prefer the 8v as it has more low down torque, but it starts to run out of power as it moves up through the revs. The 16v on the other hand doesn't have so much torque down low, but can just keep pulling and pulling all the way up to 7k RPM. Never noticed any difference in the feel of the two cars suspension-wise TBH, but I only ever drove an 8v a few times.

As for the airbag, I think it was standard on the GTi and VR6 and an option on everything else, and probably more common in UK-originated cars where airbags weren't such a VRT magnet.

JæKæ

Have a mk III golf in Canada. It had the clutch replaced a few months ago, so it's smooth as hell shifting gears.
I had a 1.4 at home, but this is a 1.8. Nice and nippy. I disagree with earlier points made about the style of it-I reckon it doesn't look as feminine as the mk 4 and 5. Less bubbly.