Buying VR6, need input

I want to know how these things hold up...i was driving my brothers and it doesnt seem to have any problems but was talking to a dealer and said he was working with one and it was a mess just want to know what everyone thinks of them.

What year is it?? MK3s are awesome they will run forever if u treat them right my mk3 had 190k on it before i got rid of it.. I have heard that the 99-01 models have been known to be a little bit of a pain but the 02+ models were strong.. And if u go with i think an 04 and up r mayb 03 as well they have the 24v rather then the 12v.. plus a 6speed

mk3 are junk... they are quicker but have more electrical wiring and stuff issues than mk4. I wouldnt reccomend a 99 or 00 either. 01+ is ok. They do run forever but require maintenence. (I get 28-30mpg in my 01 too!)

vdubman that called the VR6 equiped car junk....

Anyhow, VR6 are nice if they are taken care of, otherwise be prepared to spend big money. You must maintain them, not have to, but must.

Newbie Needs Help
I have been lurking here for a couple months now and decided to come in and find some things out about my car. I bought a 2001 GTI VR6 and I need to know a few things about the car and places to go and find some mods.

I have owned four VDUB's in my life, they include a 1973 VW Beetle, a 1980 VW Rabbit, a 1987 VW Jetta GLI and the finally the boss 1988 VW Sirocco(sp).

I need to know what I can do for mods with this car. I want headers, catback, CAI, performance clutch, the works. Just give me all you got. I am the second owner of this car, the first owner too great care of this baby, it had 108K miles on it when I bought it. There are bilistein shocks and springs on it, I think those are aftermarket.

The coolant temp stays on 190 regardless of how hot it gets outside, is this normal? The fan runs even after you turn the car off. If I remember correctly this was normal of VW's. Can you use an alternate t-stat like a 176 and not throw codes?

Any and all suggestions will be appreciated.

do not get before 2001 id say, many ignition coil problems and cat converter failures early on and numerous others, get it used with at least 50k on it everything happens before. otherwise my glx vr6 is fast corners well and comfortable. and for the temp being at 190 thats because of the radiator cooling it constantly. good luck on headers there arent any, there is a down pipe with the cat you can get that has bigger pipes(500 or more$), then they have the cat back system that is good another 500. assuming you intall yourself, then get an oem intake system. then for real power get some performance injectors and get it chipped up. it already has 174hp and 181 trq, doing that will give you at least 30 with the exhaust and intake if you get the right stuff. the injectors and chip im not sure dont have that yet.... id say get a turbo but that would be really pricy, as if injectors arent each can run you at least 150 a piece and thats replacements.

Don't put headers on a VR6, it'll lose power.
I would start with an intake, chip, exhaust, cams, pulleys. After that I'd get a shorter final drive and an LSD.
Techtonics makes good stuff for our cars, for the MKIV I like GHL for intakes, eip is alright, but their parts never fit properly, eurosport & neuspeed also make good products.

Thanks guys.