considering a MkIV Golf or Jetta - what should I look for?

Ian F wrote:

HiTempguy wrote: 2.8L Audi V6 != 2.8L VW VR6

Umm... I hope "!=" is supposed to mean "not equal" as the Audi 2.8 is not a VR6.

Precisely.

Helterskelter wrote: VR6 has the firing pulses of an inline 6, I believe.

Hmm. Looking at it, you're right. (searches for excuses) Okay, I think it makes funny sounds because of the different length intake runners. Half long, half short. Etc.

Just a guess, though.

Treb wrote:

DukeOfUndersteer wrote: the 2.8 V6s are terrible motors...

Not to threadjack... but why? Somewhat closer to the topic...the sound from a VR6 has always struck me as weird. (Odd firing pulses?) Matt

The Audi motor has decent torque but makes seemingly 0 power after 3500 RPM. Pretty boring motor to drive enthusiastically. Plus they require $1k timing belt jobs. The VR6 in the Golf does make some really cool noises and is fun to rev out and uses a timing chain.

i agree, with you that the 2.8 isn't the greatest motor, but if you compare the price of a a4 with a 2.8 versus the 1.8t you'll notice a 2k difference. Yes, the 1.8t's are easier to make power with, but the thread starter is looking for something to get him to 200k. I have seen a4's with that kind of mileage, I mean its rare for a vw/audi car to go that long, but still.

The VR6 isn't a V6 IMO. It is an accordian'd straight 6.

Question: considering a MkIV Golf or Jetta - what should I look for?

Answer: Something else.

(My '01 1.8T was a nightmare that got progressively worse. If I had to do it over I would stick with a 2.slow and use it as a disposable appliance, showing it absolutely no love.)

or better yet, get a 1980's diesel rabbit, those things last forever.