Years after owning one as a daily driver, I’m still enamored by cars like this VR6-equipped VW Jetta. Mine was also a third generation model known as a MK3, but saddled with the wheezy 4-cylinder and automatic transmission. I still loved it, but the VR6 / 5-speed combo was the one to own. This example has covered a mere 31,396 miles from new and is listed here on eBay for $7,995.
The VR6 is one of those rare motors that found its way into plebian rides like the Jetta but sounds like a damn exotic with an intake and exhaust. In this case, I’m happy to see the car remain in stock condition, as it’s near impossible to find a VR6 car that hasn’t been extensively (and poorly) modified. The GLX models also got the upgraded BBS wheels, smoked taillights, and rear spoiler seen here.
The fact that the factory airbox remains in place in nothing short of amazing, as most of these at least have had their original air intake “swiss-cheesed” to create a sort of poor man’s cold air intake. The seller doesn’t go into great detail about its maintenance history, but these aren’t super needy cars when they’ve been loved like this one clearly has. The only tweak I’d make here is to maybe polish the intake runners to give it some extra pop.
This one has the lower-spec cloth interior, as the high-end GLX trims usually had leather, heated buckets. Nothing wrong with cloth as these were still super supportive for stock seats, and they’ll be easier to preserve over the long term. For a fun-to-drive car with an entertaining motor and good handling out of the box, this is tough to beat for a daily driver you’ll enjoy slogging through the morning commute in.
Nice one, Jeff! Years ago my buddy bought a red VR6, 5-speed. His was a ’99 and the first car I’d ever heard of anyone buying over the Internet. He picked everything and clicked “Order,” and the dealer called him and said “Well, do you want to drive one?” and he said no just to let him know when he could pick it up. Anyway he wanted me to give it the Italian tune-up and at one point I got some air under the wheels on a rise in 3rd. The tires squealed under acceleration upon landing, eliciting laughter from all four passengers. Say what you want about German cars but even the cheap ones are happy to drive all day with your foot on the floor. Thanks for the memories!