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VR6 Reliability

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23K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  VWspec  
#1 ·
Ok, first off I did a search and didn't find the info I was looking for. I am not new to VW and I will say that my experience hasn't been the best. I currently have a mkIII 2.0L and as soon as it hit 100k miles the car has been plagued with problems. I bought the car with 40k on it and it was a reliable car until after 100k. The only problems I had were a short on the ecu, broken door locks, and the stupid door trim falling off everyother day. After 100k it was another story. I have heard horror stories about the MkIII VR6 motors. I am very interested in purchasing a MkIV 12v or 24v VR6. Would you consider these cars to be reliable? Is there any problems with the 12v that is not experienced with the 24v or vice versa? Thanks in advance! :)
 
#3 ·
SupermanwOOt said:
what year is your golf? the early MK3s are known to have several electrical problems, but mechanically, they are fairly sound.
The VR6 is a workhorse. It is fairly reliable but I am inexperienced with this engine. I had a 97 golf and no problems arose except the ones it had when I bought it.
It's a 96 golf. Greg, I just passed the 100k mark this weekend, and I have not had any problems with mine. I got it with 50k more than 2 years ago, and have only had a few problems at the start (had to replace fuel line, few other small things that I can't think of right now), but since then, I have had NO problems. The engine feels stronger than before (could be the pulley/chip combo too). But I push it hard sometime (I think I have a similar driving style as you do..hahaha), but mostly keep it under control. The 24v is a pretty new engine (the came out in 2002 I think)...But from what people have said (that I have heard) is they love the 24v. I have said before if/when my 12v dies, I would drop a 24v in...but the more I think about it, I think I would rather just have the 12v rebuilt.
 
#4 ·
silverGTI said:
SupermanwOOt said:
what year is your golf? the early MK3s are known to have several electrical problems, but mechanically, they are fairly sound.
The VR6 is a workhorse. It is fairly reliable but I am inexperienced with this engine. I had a 97 golf and no problems arose except the ones it had when I bought it.
It's a 97 golf. Greg, I just passed the 100k mark this weekend, and I have not had any problems with mine. I got it with 50k more than 2 years ago, and have only had a few problems at the start (had to replace fuel line, few other small things that I can't think of right now), but since then, I have had NO problems. The engine feels stronger than before (could be the pulley/chip combo too). But I push it hard sometime (I think I have a similar driving style as you do..hahaha), but mostly keep it under control. The 24v is a pretty new engine (the came out in 2002 I think)...But from what people have said (that I have heard) is they love the 24v. I have said before if/when my 12v dies, I would drop a 24v in...but the more I think about it, I think I would rather just have the 12v rebuilt.
Ha....it's a '96 you big dummy! I already know all about your car mario brianni, just lookin for more info. Did you get the crank pulley on?
 
#5 ·
The early MKIV's had a couple electrical problems, but the motor itself has always been reliable. For a couple years the coils, MAF sensor and temp sensors were a problem, but they have since been fixed. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. Wait, I have one!
 
#9 ·
Not a whole lot has gone wrong with mine, and I am being completely honest. I just maintain it according to the service manual intervals. Other than a brake switch and a Mass air flow sensor, nothing serious at all. But then again, I also got paid to update my window regulators BEFORE they could ever break, so I have never had a window problem, ever. :wink:
 
#10 ·
yeah i had a window fall into my door but i hear thats prity normal i hear, um i had a front grill fall out but the clips broke which i linked to hitting a raccoon, and some problem with the lights my main harness went out
but other than that my VR ran like a champ..... saved my life too,,, had it been a honda i wouldnt be here right now :(