DE wheels only came 5 lug, assuming this wasn’t hub swapped, to run those wheels it’s gotta be a vr6 equipped car.

Yes.

Correct, but buying any 24v means it’s only mk4 chassis.

For simplicity 12v, for reliability 24v. Neither are great and both have chain guide issues due to metal on plastic contact points. No matter what you’re looking at a car that’s a minimum of 16 years old. 24v would be my choice because they came in the mk4 which was just an overall more pleasant daily experience than the mk3 as a total package. The 24v also comes equipped with the o2m six speed manual, which is more expensive service wise, but more than makes up for it in durability and driving experience. The mk3 is a well loved generation but it isn’t a particularly great car.

It’s a mk3 gti vr6, rounded turn signal in the front, amber colored, so it’s a North American model from between 1995-1998.