Mk2 Golf GTi For Summer
Discussion
The time has come once more to look for an 80’s hot hatch for the summer. After considering the 205 GTi (other half doesn’t like them) and looking for a Strada 130 TC (couldn’t find one), I’m now aiming to get a cheap Mk2 Golf GTi as a ‘starter hot hatch’.
The idea is to get used to having a second car that is 20 years older than my current car, requires a bit more looking after and realistically will need a couple of bits doing to it, to see how much use and enjoyment we get out of it without it costing a fortune. If we do like it then it could be moved on and replaced (with an increased budget) in the future.
Therefore, I’m looking for an unmodified (or very sympathetically and subtly upgraded) car for under £1k, and that is about as much as I know at the moment!
What would be the best thing to look out for? Ideally I’d like a late 3-door, big bumper 16v, but assume it’d be a pretty sorry example for less than a grand. Are the 8v considerably cheaper, what about 5 doors or unpopular specs/colours? Were there any noticeable improvements/detractions throughout the production run? Are electric windows an asset or an unreliable hindrance, etc.?
I want a runner with some MoT, and I’d rather not be looking at something that requires a re-spray or welding, but don’t mind fiddling with broken door locks or missing bits of trim.
Am I dreaming or is this within the realms of possibility, and if so, what are the common problems/bodges to watch out for?
Cheers
The idea is to get used to having a second car that is 20 years older than my current car, requires a bit more looking after and realistically will need a couple of bits doing to it, to see how much use and enjoyment we get out of it without it costing a fortune. If we do like it then it could be moved on and replaced (with an increased budget) in the future.
Therefore, I’m looking for an unmodified (or very sympathetically and subtly upgraded) car for under £1k, and that is about as much as I know at the moment!
What would be the best thing to look out for? Ideally I’d like a late 3-door, big bumper 16v, but assume it’d be a pretty sorry example for less than a grand. Are the 8v considerably cheaper, what about 5 doors or unpopular specs/colours? Were there any noticeable improvements/detractions throughout the production run? Are electric windows an asset or an unreliable hindrance, etc.?
I want a runner with some MoT, and I’d rather not be looking at something that requires a re-spray or welding, but don’t mind fiddling with broken door locks or missing bits of trim.
Am I dreaming or is this within the realms of possibility, and if so, what are the common problems/bodges to watch out for?
Cheers
My friends had two 3 doors one 8v and one 16v and they both were solid as a rock.. Cant go wrong with a mk2 golf...
These had done a ton of miles and any problems were generally easy to sort out with a hayes manual..
I am no expert but look for accident damage and rust if you suspect its too good to be true... Its tough to find one with original body work for not alot of money....
These had done a ton of miles and any problems were generally easy to sort out with a hayes manual..
I am no expert but look for accident damage and rust if you suspect its too good to be true... Its tough to find one with original body work for not alot of money....
Edited by Pitchshifter on Thursday 23 April 15:25
I'm looking for one too, however I am a bit more picky than you but I am willing to spend twice as much - maybe more. 3 door 16v with some history for me please..
For £1k I reckon you could find a reasonable looking 16v, high miles (a given really), the odd bit of rust and tired gearbox. 8v-wise, I think you can get quite a decent car for that sort of money. Historically Oak Green has been THE colour but I dont think people are bothered anymore. I would say that the darker colours do seem more popular. Personally I am not really a fan of Tornado Red but that's just me. Cheap Mk2's often seem to be red!
I know very little to be honest, but for something nice to look after (and what would be less desirable on the whole I'd expect) it'd have to be an earlier car. I dont think there are any downfalls on an older car, no revisions per-se, just updates. 'Mk2 was in production for quite a while..
For £1k I reckon you could find a reasonable looking 16v, high miles (a given really), the odd bit of rust and tired gearbox. 8v-wise, I think you can get quite a decent car for that sort of money. Historically Oak Green has been THE colour but I dont think people are bothered anymore. I would say that the darker colours do seem more popular. Personally I am not really a fan of Tornado Red but that's just me. Cheap Mk2's often seem to be red!
I know very little to be honest, but for something nice to look after (and what would be less desirable on the whole I'd expect) it'd have to be an earlier car. I dont think there are any downfalls on an older car, no revisions per-se, just updates. 'Mk2 was in production for quite a while..
Grew up with Mk1 and Mk2's so there aren't many bits of one I haven't taken apart and rebuilt!
With a Mk2, there are a few things to look for. The post '90 cars are referred to as '90' spec (although in reality this came in mid 89). This was the change to big bumpers, narrow door trims, one piece front windows, and half tint tail lights for the 16v. 90 spec cars tend to be the most desirable. Extras would include electric windows, air con (v.rare), leather interiors, wheels.
16v spec included BBS wheels and half tint rear lights. The 16v is a joy to drive, but requires being worked a lot harder than an 8v and thus over a good b road a 8v can often be nearly as quick due to its increased torque. Both engines are readily 'tunable'.
A change in 8v engines came about in '87 (when the cars also went from quarter lights to single pain front glass) and they moved from mechanical 'K-Jet' fuel injection to the 'Digifant' F.I. Personally I would suggest looking for a 'Digi' car, but don't rule out a good K'Jet because of it.
Areas of rot are usually around the rear corners below the lights and once its present here its a bugger to get rid of properly. Front panels on small bumper cars are also prone. Otherwise just check the turrets and the inside of the A-Pillar where you open the door.
For me it would have to be a 3 dr car - the 5dr just isn't as good to drive IMO, it looses some of the excitement somehow. The shell is actually stiffer but it just doesn't feel as good!
A snap of my old one along with a friends below for inspiration!
With a Mk2, there are a few things to look for. The post '90 cars are referred to as '90' spec (although in reality this came in mid 89). This was the change to big bumpers, narrow door trims, one piece front windows, and half tint tail lights for the 16v. 90 spec cars tend to be the most desirable. Extras would include electric windows, air con (v.rare), leather interiors, wheels.
16v spec included BBS wheels and half tint rear lights. The 16v is a joy to drive, but requires being worked a lot harder than an 8v and thus over a good b road a 8v can often be nearly as quick due to its increased torque. Both engines are readily 'tunable'.
A change in 8v engines came about in '87 (when the cars also went from quarter lights to single pain front glass) and they moved from mechanical 'K-Jet' fuel injection to the 'Digifant' F.I. Personally I would suggest looking for a 'Digi' car, but don't rule out a good K'Jet because of it.
Areas of rot are usually around the rear corners below the lights and once its present here its a bugger to get rid of properly. Front panels on small bumper cars are also prone. Otherwise just check the turrets and the inside of the A-Pillar where you open the door.
For me it would have to be a 3 dr car - the 5dr just isn't as good to drive IMO, it looses some of the excitement somehow. The shell is actually stiffer but it just doesn't feel as good!
A snap of my old one along with a friends below for inspiration!
TimCrighton said:
The 16v is a joy to drive, but requires being worked a lot harder than an 8v and thus over a good b road a 8v can often be nearly as quick due to its increased torque.
Here we go again... bulls
t. You work the 16V harder because you can, and because it's so much fun. 8V's only seem stronger in some circumstances because you're not comparing it with the top-end rush. Oh, and shorter gearing.Great pics though!
TimCrighton said:
With a Mk2, there are a few things to look for. The post '90 cars one piece front windows,
Incorrect, came out for the '88 model, along with the central rear VW badge, updated badging, less-pronged grill, right-hand drive wiper pattern.TimCrighton said:
Extras would include electric windows,
Incorrect, electric windows were always standard on 3dr 16Vs Sorry for being a smartarse
Perhaps you'd like to read my post again:
[quote]A change in 8v engines came about in '87 (when the cars also went from quarter lights to single pain front glass)
[/quote]
;-) - If you want to get really padantic then we can start talking about 256mm brakes vs. 239's and M/C piston sizes - but like you said - no one likes a smart arse.
As for the 8v vs. 16v arguement - ultimately the 16v is quicker, I totally agree, but its not as tractable and therefore the 8v is easier to drive, and for the majority of road drivers therefore simpler to drive quicker.
[quote]A change in 8v engines came about in '87 (when the cars also went from quarter lights to single pain front glass)
[/quote]
;-) - If you want to get really padantic then we can start talking about 256mm brakes vs. 239's and M/C piston sizes - but like you said - no one likes a smart arse.
As for the 8v vs. 16v arguement - ultimately the 16v is quicker, I totally agree, but its not as tractable and therefore the 8v is easier to drive, and for the majority of road drivers therefore simpler to drive quicker.
Hi all, i know very little about vw's but i am in possesion of an early C Plate 1/4 light 8v 3 door in black. Original down to the suppliers dealers number plates still fitted to front & back of car. Original file with receipts for £££ Egine rebuild at 100.000 Done 144 now , been garaged for 4 years. Starts instantly (K Jetronic i think) with no smoke. Body is very tidy. Interior tatty (front seats) I have some original VW fabric, & an old fashoined haynes manual that actually lets you repair things. I don't have the time to do anything with it, so it would be available if interested!!!!
I have been told the alloys fitted were a rare option (teardrops i think)
I have been told the alloys fitted were a rare option (teardrops i think)
Edited by rwwr on Tuesday 28th April 22:27
I have had three GTis (if you count a Mk 1 Jetta GLi that is) and the last was a 1990 16 valve GTi. I didn't keep it long because the gear ratios drove me crazy - 2,000rpm at 40mph and 4,000 at cruising speed was just too noisy and intrusive on a decent journey. Why they fitted such a close ratio box I have no idea butit quite spoiled the enjoyment for me. OK if it is a fun car to hoon around, but not if you want to use it daily and do some mileage. Good build quality though as always with VW at the time.
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff