Discussion
Whatever the market says the Mk 2 was a far better car - better go, ride , seats ,grip and especially brakes . I owned both in period and whilst the Mk1 was flawed , and strangely characterless (maybe it was memories of the sublime Alfasud it replaced ?)the Mk 2 was just a brilliant all round package and still one of the cars I miss the most.
I had a MkI 1600 Gti as a stopgap between cars many years ago and it was great fun - even had the rare Campaign alloys, but had some rot and the inevitable flexing bulkhead around the clutch cable mount. Bought the VW small reinforcement bit which helped, but the brakes were pretty poor - lucky it didn't need them much!
Some years later I had a MkII 16V for a few months (another stopgap) and despite mine being a multiple owner shed it was even more fun!
If I was looking for a Golf Gti now I would try to find a 1.8 MkI or a 16V MkII, but you will need to be picky - they are all getting on now!
Good luck if you do go for it.
Some years later I had a MkII 16V for a few months (another stopgap) and despite mine being a multiple owner shed it was even more fun!
If I was looking for a Golf Gti now I would try to find a 1.8 MkI or a 16V MkII, but you will need to be picky - they are all getting on now!
Good luck if you do go for it.
Guess the price before clicking the link....
http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=...
I wish the seller luck.
http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=...
I wish the seller luck.
Previous shed Mk1 1.6 GTI owner - it was as rough as they come, and I sold it in about 1999. It was an '81 and even at 18 years old has to be one of the rustiest, most bodged, cars I have ever owned! I liked the steering, but the brakes were shocking. They got to a point value-wise where people cut corners. The fuse box often filled with water. The sills might as well have been plasticine!
Coming from the '69 Cortina I'd been using daily up to that point, it was a revelation. Going back to it after driving some more modern stuff highlighted its weaknesses and the way perceived (and actual!) quality has moved on.
Having said that, one that has survived the MOT tester's wrath this long, or has had the remedial work to keep it solid, could be an enjoyable steer. It is very rare that there isn't at least one decent sized bodge and not many will have had the proper bare shell removal of rot they will need at some point.
I would concur that a nice Mk2 would be a better bet as a daily and will feel usefully more solid. They like to rust too, unfortunately....
One of my wife's colleagues has a lovely Mk1 Campaign in lhasa green that he's owned from new - now that I would be tempted by, but I doubt it will ever be sold
Coming from the '69 Cortina I'd been using daily up to that point, it was a revelation. Going back to it after driving some more modern stuff highlighted its weaknesses and the way perceived (and actual!) quality has moved on.
Having said that, one that has survived the MOT tester's wrath this long, or has had the remedial work to keep it solid, could be an enjoyable steer. It is very rare that there isn't at least one decent sized bodge and not many will have had the proper bare shell removal of rot they will need at some point.
I would concur that a nice Mk2 would be a better bet as a daily and will feel usefully more solid. They like to rust too, unfortunately....
One of my wife's colleagues has a lovely Mk1 Campaign in lhasa green that he's owned from new - now that I would be tempted by, but I doubt it will ever be sold
I've had a Mk1 Campaign for 30 years; will never sell it but don't use it all that much these days; in fact it's been SORN for a couple of months pending a bit of rust repair and an electrical problem which is now fixed, so hopefully back in action soon.
I agree with what's been said about rust - sills, scuttle, arches, roof, suspension tops, all can go. The other thing I'd mention is the electrics; wiring, circuit boards and instruments etc. all getting old and can be troublesome.
On the other hand, it's done 209000 miles, is easy to work on (so I'm told) and most parts are easily available and not too dear.
There seem to be many good ones around and the best do go for high prices - I suppose the advice is to get one that's bodily sound as a priority. I don't think you could be done if you could get a good one at c£5k
I do still enjoy driving it - performance still just about stands up but nowhere near modern warm/hot hatches, as you'd expect. I am starting to really notice the differences from moderns in terms of size, noise, ventilation etc. let alone equipment.
It does attract attention and you'll always get people talking to you and even taking pictures.
What you'll also get is a brilliant owners club vwgolfmk1.org.uk good source of advice and great annual gathering as well as local meets etc
I guess the most telling thing is that I always look back at it when I park it
I agree with what's been said about rust - sills, scuttle, arches, roof, suspension tops, all can go. The other thing I'd mention is the electrics; wiring, circuit boards and instruments etc. all getting old and can be troublesome.
On the other hand, it's done 209000 miles, is easy to work on (so I'm told) and most parts are easily available and not too dear.
There seem to be many good ones around and the best do go for high prices - I suppose the advice is to get one that's bodily sound as a priority. I don't think you could be done if you could get a good one at c£5k
I do still enjoy driving it - performance still just about stands up but nowhere near modern warm/hot hatches, as you'd expect. I am starting to really notice the differences from moderns in terms of size, noise, ventilation etc. let alone equipment.
It does attract attention and you'll always get people talking to you and even taking pictures.
What you'll also get is a brilliant owners club vwgolfmk1.org.uk good source of advice and great annual gathering as well as local meets etc
I guess the most telling thing is that I always look back at it when I park it
Balthazar said:
I have always liked these cars and I am thinking about this car now.
For about £5k you can get a pretty decent little motor.
True cult status - very strong demand and highly regarded among VW enthusiasts.
What could go wrong?
For me, I just don't see the appeal. £700 maybe, but £5k!!! For about £5k you can get a pretty decent little motor.
True cult status - very strong demand and highly regarded among VW enthusiasts.
What could go wrong?
I'd rather a TVR thank you.I also fail to see why you'd want a Golf over the better looking Scirocco?
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