OK, I drive a 5 door, 2 L, 16v, Mk 3 Golf Gti putting out about 155bhp. Critics have universely slagged the Mk 3 and it is usually regarded as the weakest of Golf versions. They are wrong! I love it. It may not have the purity of a Mk 1 or the dynamics of a Mk 2 Gti. Nor may it have the quality of a Mk 4, but hey, try one, you might just like it. It pulls hard all the way to nearly 140 mph, revs to 6700rpm, has plenty of grip and the back end can be forced into play if you try hard enough! All on private road of course. It's chunky, in a handsome kinda way, quite economical considering the performance and only costs £300 fully comp a year to insure. The only downside is the steering lacks the direct feel of a Mk 2 Gti and the ride height is comically high. Go on try one, it may exceed your expectations!

as it is 10 years old its starting to cost more money replacing parts, as all cars do but vw parts aint the cheapest, but i suppose they do last, can't afford new car but makes me think, when spending all this money on it. regarding rattles and squeaks probably worry to much, like everythhing to be perfect, suppose its fun to drive likes corners.

I loved this car!

Performance:  I had this 2 litre tuned with pretty much everything I could afford.  Chip, air-filter, camshaft, was enough to make it a respectable performer.  Also it had an Eibach lowered suspension with 16" wheels and low-profile tires.
Build quality:  Great.  It's a VW.
Appearance:  I loved the boxey European look.  Hatchbacks are the most practical cars in my opinion.
Cost of ownership:  Not too bad.  Insurance was higher because it says "GTI".  Premium gas, but it performed excellently with it.
Fun Factor:  5/5.  I loved cruising down river valley road at night with the moon-roof open.  It was heaven on wheels!

great handling you can feel the road and grips well in the corners
mines done 140000 miles ands is still going well with no problems
overall a great car

just go and buy one