PhilCook

iTrader: (1)

Guys, I am currently driving round in a Mk3 golf VR6. It's standard, bar a lowering kit.

It's pretty nippy with its 180bhp (or thereabouts) and it's got some grunt to it. However, its starting to bore me to death. The clutch gave up the ghost last week and took the release bearing arm with it. Given it was a hydraulic clutch, it went straight to the garage............ but got me thinking, do I sell it and replace with a Series 2 turbo??

Now, I know I am mainly going to get a blinkered response from an RS dedicated forum, but wanted peoples views on how these old motors fare up these days??

The crux of it is, we have a 3yr old to drive round, and the missus thinks an old 89-90 reg car is "dangerous and unsafe". But surely an MOT pass is an MOT pass. All cars over 5 years are as unsafe as each other in my eyes.

Granted, in an accident, the golf would probably be a tad better built, but most of the RS's left have been rebuilt these days so have decent suspension/brakes/floorpans etc etc


Guys, give me your honest views before I got spunking £2500-3000 on a shonky old car thats going to end up in a full blown family argument and the missus refusing to get in the car, lol


Help me convince said lady that 200bhp of CVH power is much better than the Vag-Slag

DazS1Turbo

I bought a MK3 golf gti to ferry my 3 year old around, l lot safer than an S2 Turbo in a crash IMO

I dont know that for fact but it's really is built like a tank

stickertone

stick with the vr6 mate, you wont be worried where you leave it and listening out for every knock an rattle....

Markb_s1

definitely stick with the vr6 imo

Chopshop85

iTrader: (4)

In a crash the mk4 escort is not a nice place to be. However, the solution is try not to crash lol.

Unless you really really want a series 2 then go for it. Be prepared to lose your temper and most of your savings on it though.

If you are not 100% I would stick to the vr6.

PhilCook

iTrader: (1)

I've had a few Turbs in my time, so know them pretty well.

If the clutch went on an S2, could have done it on my drive. thats what had me thinking it over.

Plus I miss the recaros, mmmmmmmmm, lol

DazC

iTrader: (1)

the series 2 won't be dangerous if it's maintained properly. buy one and just stay on top of the little niggles and they can be fine. they probably are a little bad in a big crash but then you won't be driving like an idiot with your kid in it.

however i do agree that you'll find the series 2 will have age and abuse against it. you'll need to find one which has been looked after for any form of reliability.

if i was you i'd get an s2 as a toy and buy a cheaper vw for daily duties. that way you can have your fun but still have something to fall back on.

TOMMY_RS

i would keep the golf mate.
a lot safer IMO, s2's are nice cars don't get me wrong but i think i would much rather have a car that is going to be more relible and safer etc for everyday use
s2's ect need to be kept for shows and sunny weekends IMO

Chopshop85

iTrader: (4)

I use my S2 for daily use. Been fine for the last 14 months as well. Mind you that was after a brand new engine, but still not a std engine.
As someone said, stay on top of the niggles and its fine. I think its the same as every car though, if you give it alot of punishment then it wont last. People tend to give rst a good battering a bit to often.

The funny thing is that my S2 has been about 500 times more reliable than my old bmw 3 series. That was shocking, longest it went without something breaking was 3 weeks.

bigryrs

iTrader: (10)

keep the golf mate rs turbos are a waste of money and a general pain in the arse!!

Robs Frst

keep the Vr6. agree with the above.
What about Fiesta rs turbo much better than a s2.

Christian and Beccy

iTrader: (14)

I see Tony Mannock browsing this thread, I expect he will tell you to divorce (or split up with) the missus. They are trouble anyway and end up taking everything you own.

It's Czech Mate

S2's are good fun and I love a good one

However they just dont compare to a modern vehicle in a crash and whilst i am prepared to roll with the punches should that happen, no way would i expose my kids to that risk

Its a big no for me to use an old car to ferry the kids round on a daily basis.

66doug

You have to consider the safety features of newer cars.
Airbags, side impact bars, abs etc, would much prefer everyday car to be a newer VW, as I use for ferrying small kids around.

TOMO

Ive had my series 2 for 3 1/2 years and drove it every day even in the foot of snow at christmas lol and its never missed a beat keep on top of maintanence and they are fine. I actually think driving it everyday is what keeps it ok lol

as for the kiddie dont drive like a numpty and dont crash, simples

do it phil you know you want to.

milesy23rst

iTrader: (16)

Get a series 2 m8 and just keep on top of all the little problems that crop up they are just as good as a modern car providing you buy a decent one

ske247

my series 1 rst wasnt that unreliable even though it was a complete nail, i would prefer an rst over a vr6 any day of the week but safety wise and ferrying your little un around the golf would no doubt be safer, although your not destined to be in an accident just because you've got a turbo of course. its all about what your priorities are i suppose....i reckon you should go and get yourself one, i can imagine it being miles more fun than a vr6, just get your toe down when your kids safe at home

PeterRST

iTrader: (1)

Well if you're worried about safety I wouldn't bother with the RST and rather quickly get rid of the Mk3 Golf aswell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyU7oqPEFxs

It wasn't the safest car when new (note the rear window collapsing because of the roof caving in) and 15 years of rot (and it does rot a LOT!) won't help much either...

xr2wishy

iTrader: (2)

if you're worried about safety, get a cage fitted in it, it can be modified to keep the rear seats, would be a pain, but there is your added safety.
also to add, when i've got anyone else in the back i take no risks at all, when i'm on my own in an outback area, then it's all upon me if anything happens.

1223456

Get the vr6 sorted, then get saving for a knackered s2 with good shell

will cost you a few pennies, and you can build it at your leisure meaning it will keep you occupied round the house which will help convince the miss's

I very nearly bought a VR6 but the fact that you need big pennies to get any real results from tuning put me off. Solid reliable cars though that still look good today.

MunkeyboyRS

The lad that owned my rst before me used to take his kids out in it, you can tell from the kiddy seat marks in the back seats. I would use mine for taking kids about in as they would make a mess! But really on the safty front I would really want to take my kids in it, not that iv got any( I hope!) get a range rover for the kids and a rst for you!

PeterD

Dude, something else to think about is if something breaks like an aftermarket intercooler, turbo, KE jet fuel pipes etc etc

Some of the bits you cant just wander off to a motor factors, halfrauds or the local scrappie to get and the car could be out of action for a few days, would be a right james hunt if you could get your kids about because of that.

Not a problem if you have a backup motor, but in my experience the mrs will whinge her tits off

RST's are brilliant fun though, take care of it and it'll always make you smile.