Old golf or Polo GTi as an everyday car?

[Chris71]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me how robust and reliable mk2 golf GTIs and Polos of the same vintage are?

I need something with folding seats I can carry mountain bikes in. Peerless reliability to get me to work, a decent motorway drive and reasonably solid. The last point is due to an unusual requirment that it must be able to mount a kerb for parking in North London!!

Chris.

[greatgranny]

I run a 1992 MK2 GTI 8v which I use 3-4 times a week.

I have had it 18months and it has only failed me once when my youngest daughter decided to pull the imoboliser (sp?) apart.

For a 15 year old car mine is comfortable, quick enough with good handling and has PAS, sunroof, electric front windows and averages 35mpg even around town.

Buy as original as you can with good history. Watch out for rust around the fuel filler and windscreen. Also 2nd gear crunch.

Parts are cheap and there are loads of owners clubs to ask advice.

How much are you wanting to spend?

I paid £1600 for mine which may have been too much but it has loads of receipts, full dealer history and owned for 10 years by a older guy who hadn't thrashed it.

You will not be dissappointed.

[chris71]

Well, I dunno. To be honest I had intended to get something completely non-descript as a work horse (something old and Japanese!) for sub £1k, but thought if I opened up my budget a little I might be able to get something nearly as practical with a bit more fun factor. The thing is, I do need peerless reliability and something I can stick a mountain bike in the back of without feeling too guilty!

[hiasakite]

mk2 8v GTI are pretty bullet proof- only things that could have left me stranded over the 6.5 years I've had mine are:-


- leaking master cylinder (identified by slow loss of brake fluid)
- leaking water resevoir (identified by loss of coolant)
- failed alternator (battery not charging)
- slipping fan belt (replace and retension)
- frozen handbrake caused by condensation freezing the handbrake cable to its 'sheaf' (solution - do not use handbrake overnight and when below 5 degrees- ie leave in gear with wheel turned into curb)

ie its never left me stranded- however it is a 20 year old car and yo do need to keep an eye on it (fluid levels, worn suspension, bushes, calipers etc)- and it will need maintenance as parts wear etc..

However - provided you are prepared to do this- it will be reliable and a hoot to drive too..

[Chris71]

Thanks.

Are the 16V's more problematic?

[greatgranny]

Chris71 said:

Thanks.

Are the 16V's more problematic?

I don't think there is anything to suggest they are more or less reliable.

I would buy on condition and not be too hung up on 8v or 16v unless you specifically want a 16v.

[Chris71]

Cool. Can anybody recommend a GTi forum? I'm sure theres loads out there given it's cult status.

Looks like a genuine possibility.

Whilst I'm here though - any votes for quick polos of any description (GT/G60 etc etc)?

[hiasakite]

Try www.clubgti.co.uk/

[mattyb123]

www.clubpolo.co.uk is well worth a look too. I have never had any probalems with my polo and i have done 20k in it now! Built like a church