Is a MK2 Golf gti a classic?

[Madkat]

Thinking about buying a MK2 golf gti as i want something 'Special' that i can get on classic insurance (cheaper) but i also want it as a reliable(ish) (most of my driving is at the weekend) runner and it seems that it's get what you pay for with the MK2 prices varying from 600 quid to five grand.

I'm a bit inexperienced with older cars indeed a MK2 gti would be about the same age as me. While cheaper insurance isnt the sole motivating factor it is a big one for me and obviously few of these policies show up on the typical compare the market website etc.

Am i doing the right thing and can anyone make other suggestions for a turn of the 90's car that would work on classic policy?

[Madkat]

The ones I've been browsing online all or nearly all look like they rust around the rear window tailgate as mentioned and sunroof. Surface rust i'm not too afraid off but mechanical under-body rust more so. If i could find one that's been properly waxoiled that would be better. Im getting more used to the practicality of the 5 door car now. It looks like they all suffer from seat bolster wear (not really bothered) but the 16vs seem harder to find. Time of year doesn't help i know. What about security living in liverpool the insurance grit their teeth here (unjust truly).

Flux direct seem to come up with some very tempting quotes on compare the market which is the first thing that attracted me to the Golf. And Classic policies seem to be a bit more understanding than most insurers after a very minor fault accident. Safety is one thing i will need to consider when moving from a more modern car. No airbags, Does the MK2 have ABS? pre tensioners. I don't mind getting my hands dirty on a few jobs but i'm getting to the point now where i've eventually found a decent garage and body shop and would be happy to let them do some bits. Things like servicing brakes suspension etc i'd do myself though.

Edited by Madkat on Monday 6th January 14:51

Edited by Madkat on Monday 6th January 15:21

[Madkat]

So if i wanted something that i could feel confident for the age jumping in every time and taking out. what £2.5k+ or more or less?

[Madkat]

aka_kerrly said:

Madkat said:

So if i wanted something that i could feel confident for the age jumping in every time and taking out. what £2.5k+ or more or less?

It really depends where you look and who you know, a friend of mine recently gave £900 for a absolute gem. A almost completely original 1986 GTI 16v 3 door in monza blue with a service history from day one. Given a dam good clean I expect he could flip it for £2.5k+ with relative ease.

The most I've spent on a mk2 is about £1500 but I've seen a fair number of golfs from £100-4000 and even after years I still can't fathom the pricing. Find a more mature owner who appreciates what they have or a keen enthusiast who knows their stuff and you to might find a gem. Sadly there are a lot of dogs out there but the breakers are filtering them out at a reasonable rate.....

That's good to know, Shhh are they under the radar presently to most buyers as they seem to be quite varied in price. I couldn't really bring myself to spend much more than £3k on one. Unlike the A-series mini which now go for silly money (well not really silly as such). I shall start trying to obtain some quotes from insurers people have mentioned.

I am sorely tempted by a Corrado (love the VR6 after driving a MK3 golf) was unimpressed with the rest of the car and the seeming flat spot to 4000rpm (that may of just been the car or been used to turbo's for the last few years. But ultimately the Golf has the practicality i want. Putting bikes in it etc etc and other household jobs. and the VR6 insurance isn't feasible for me unfortunately.

Oh i use pedals for 95% of my commuting so i'm not to fussed about it not starting on a cold morning for example.

[Madkat]

It must of been the MK3 golf i drove but it was sluggish to 4k but came 'on cam'? after that. I currently drive a Octavia VRS which as a general car its very good and will be hard to beat but its a jack of all trades master of none. I'm getting constantly fed up of the way newer cars are going so want something to invest in.

I didn't know that about the Corrado so that could swing the argument. The other half probably wouldn't like either but i'd bet she'd dislike the Corrado most even if it is the most 'Modern' as such. I've been informed by an old colleague that the G60 is the quickest but also the most costly and fragile (the supercharger is a bit fussy). Is the standard 1.8 any good as well?

Man maths would say that seeing as the car will be used mainly SDP i don't mind paying a bit for running it on fuel and maintenance etc But i refuse to pay more than about £500 insurance for my next car. (Presently disputing a PI claim after a fault accident at about 5mph bump, doesn't help with an 'L' postcode and now a dented NCB the one year i didn't protect it, Murphy's law).

[Madkat]

So should i be concerned about high millage cars C170k, Is it just the head and ancillaries that's the difference between the 8v and 16v (MK2 Golf). And when talking about the Corrado would the 2.0 have more usable torque than the 1.8. Torque to me is more important than outright power as its fairly built up round here so there is a fair amount of stop starting. Same of course goes for the Clutch are they pretty durable and the brakes from what i'd imagine would be good too. I do like ABS so do any models have that?

[Madkat]

Well after a quick compare the market session Flux direct are coming back with some extremely tempting qoutes a corrado 16v can be insured for the same as the MK2 golf at £390 and the VR6 Corrado for £588 so pushing the top of what i'm prepared to pay just so long as flux are happy with buying from compare the market.

It makes the £649 or whatever it is i'm paying for the Octy now (without claim) in perspective and may be all the ammo i need to change. I think the Corrado is one of the best looking cars ever and i dont think i'd be too fussed on either engine But i'd feel like i should of gone the whole hog and got the VR6. Its yet to be seen if a three door with 2+2 isn't practical.

Just noticed SWMBO G60 for sale in the classifieds.

Edited by Madkat on Tuesday 7th January 15:14

[Madkat]

Thanks all, The E30 is another temptation think i'd be looking at a 325/328 but they don't seem as good on the qoutes i done so far. Not ruling it out and i will probably look at one in comparison.

I don't mind paying a bit more for the right car but only to a point and it seems like those in the know here that 2k should be more than enough. I believe the Corrado has a thatcham cat 1 alarm/immobilizer but what about the golf?

[Madkat]

So as the Corrado doesn't have the plastic arch trims is this a better buy? Can see what i'm letting myself in for. I assume Galvanizing didn't turn up till the late 90's at VW then?

[Madkat]

Can you get a pair of bikes in the back of a corrado, not sure about the golf either?

Thinking of going to look at some come June. I've had a look at a corrado before but it wasn't in the best of nick but it did leave a lasting impression (a good one that is).

[Madkat]

soxboy said:

Getting sick of it 'self-closing' on my head!

Know how you feel lol. Thing that will probably swing in the golfs favour as i don't have a bike rack anymore and don't like having bikes fixed to the exterior of the car.