Mk2 GTI 1.8 16v

[Dave Mk2]

Hi, im on the lookout for a mk2 gti 16v. I would like to know how reliable they are, and what to look for when buying. What are there're most common problems, what to avoid. Anything that will help me make the right choice Also how different is the 16v to the 8v?(performance wise)
Cheers guys

>> Edited by Dave Mk2 on Friday 11th November 11:55

[stone]

Hiya mate. I've got one that might be for sale 91 Runout edition in Tornado Red - Mail me through my profile for more info

Cheers

[dern]

Look for rust.

Make the owner start it from cold and make sure it'll idle from cold without him holding the throttle down and also make sure it idles when warm too without cutting out. Idling problems are common and a pain in the arse to sort out.

Mine's done 165,000 miles and it's reliable now I've sorted out my idling issues. How much do you want to spend on one?

Mark

[EmmaP]

Hi Dave!

You never told me that you had joined PH! Look, I started a thread about this for you already: www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=200209&f=86&h=0

Nice profile piccie I shall have to keep an eye out for her

And I can see that I am going to have to watch what I say around here now that I know you are a PHer

Edited to add that I hope you're not logging onto PH when you should be working What would Trevor say?

>> Edited by EmmaP on Friday 11th November 13:12

[stone]

dern said:

Look for rust. Make the owner start it from cold and make sure it'll idle from cold without him holding the throttle down

Also make sure that the MFA is working and check for the infamous 2nd gear crunch Iguana seems to know lots, there's some good info on his profile

[Dave Mk2]

Thanks guys for all the info, anymore is welcome! Im a bit tight and don't really want to spend more than £1000 at max. Ive found at gti with only 78,000 miles for only £800 but theres got to b a catch that i have yet to find!

Hi emma, i want rid of the one i have at the mo, for something faster! :P

I shot that with my new super-wide angle lens!

[EmmaP]

Dave Mk2 said:

...I shot that with my new super-wide angle lens!

Ooh, nice! I've just noticed a spot of vinetting in that shot Have you got the right lens hood for that lens young man?!

Terrible isn't it, this need for speed? I'd best not let you sit in the Corrado then!

>> Edited by EmmaP on Friday 11th November 18:00

[20vt_mk2dub]

I have an Oak green 16v mk2 - they are brilliant cars and still give a lot of new crap a run for their money 10+ years on

Check out this really good buying guide:
www.matey-matey.com/golf_buying_guide.shtml

[iguana]

Dave Mk2 said:

Also how different is the 16v to the 8v?(performance wise)

That & other things covered in here-

clickys-

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=220081&f=23&h=0&hw=16v+golf

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=1&f=23&t=213156&h=0&hw=16v+golf

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=178152&f=23&h=0&hw=16v+golf

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=196900&f=23&h=0&hw=16v+golf

[iguana]

This is still 16v, just a tad nippier than ya average valver tho

http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=428120&a

[hiasakite]

Try get one that doesn't leak if you can... fell the bottom of the door cards and footwells if its been raining heavily recently....

[iguana]

hiasakite said:

Try get one that doesn't leak if you can... fell the bottom of the door cards and footwells if its been raining heavily recently....

Indeed can be lucky & is just a ripped or missing door membrane- ive had that on a couple of Golfs, but ive got the phantom leak at the mo, door card is dry, ive taped up sunroof to rule it out & when tested the drainers seem fine anyway, bulkhead above fuse box is bone dry- had bad leak there on prev Mk2 silicone sealer to the rescue.

Yet despite all of that still have a fishpond in drivers side well after rain!

Pah old cars eh! might just give up on it & keep a couple of Koi

[Dave Mk2]

Well it starts off as a wide angle, but soon zooms out into a fisheye

Is it true that an mk2 gti 8v is faster off the line than a 16v??

[dern]

I'd sell you my 16v but it needs some welding to the inner wing to secure the bonnet hinge and I haven't got time to sort it out. I'll do it and sell it next spring I think.

[20vt_mk2dub]

Mk2 8v Gti's are quickly lower down the revs (but being quick off the line is all about reaction time not the car)...

however when the 16v hits 3-3500 revs - the happy times flow quickly.

its a quick beasty

[granny]

The 16v is quicker all through the range including 0-60.

The 8v produces something like 112bhp and the 16v 139ish. It is a bit heavier but that extra power does make up for that.

i have a 92 8v and its been reliable apart from needing a new gearbox when the diff self destructed.

I have decided to take it off the road for the winter and do some jobs hoping to get it to show level for next summer.

Sourced a secondhand box through ClubGti for £65 and got a local specialist to fit it for £130 so not that expensive. As long as you keep on top of the little jobs and check things regularly then they can be reliable everyday cars.

Also try Edition38.com which is a good source of info.