My New Retro Ride - Golf GTi mk.2 16v
Discussion
Well it was time for a new retro car. Only just got back from picking it up and am rather tired so only a brief description. It's a mk.2 16v and completely original bar a smaller steering wheel and uprated speakers. Car seems solid and it would appear the adage is true that they really don't show their miles. This one has 140k on the clock but still feels brilliantly put together. Initial impressions are the steering and throttle feel are absolutely top notch, second only to my old MX5. Handling and performance seem pretty good, although the spongy brakes are a let down.
It's not perfect, the gearchange is rather sloppy (needs some new bushes or linkage bars), the dash lights don't work and the heater only blows luke warm. However for under £800 with FSH and spares, I can't really complain. Anyway, here's some pictures with my mate's Scirocco. These were only taken with my phone so I will replace them with some better ones. Otherwise, enjoy!
It's not perfect, the gearchange is rather sloppy (needs some new bushes or linkage bars), the dash lights don't work and the heater only blows luke warm. However for under £800 with FSH and spares, I can't really complain. Anyway, here's some pictures with my mate's Scirocco. These were only taken with my phone so I will replace them with some better ones. Otherwise, enjoy!
Edited by Negative Creep on Tuesday 13th January 02:10
Thats a lot of fun for 800 quid! the valver engines will run and run as long as you service them. mine had 158k when i swapped it out.
Worth spending 30 quid to have a specialist to set them up as they tend to go out of tune in 8-12 months, the difference can be night and day.
The gearchange can be improved by changing the plastic 'ball' inside the mech under the gearstick, they tend to get a bit ropey and chewed up.
Worth spending 30 quid to have a specialist to set them up as they tend to go out of tune in 8-12 months, the difference can be night and day.
The gearchange can be improved by changing the plastic 'ball' inside the mech under the gearstick, they tend to get a bit ropey and chewed up.
I was going to look at that one when I was looking for a 16v. I ended up getting this one http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... . Happy motoring
Nice 
i've had an Oak Green 16v SE in the past...... had the same wheels & headlamp washers
does it have "rainbow" interior??... should have if it's an SE
sidgolf said:
great car.could be a special-edition golf(to mark 10 million being produced)what with it having headlamp-washers and those special wheels-could be mistaken though.
you could be righti've had an Oak Green 16v SE in the past...... had the same wheels & headlamp washers
does it have "rainbow" interior??... should have if it's an SE
Just a quick update as I have some new wheels, some 17inch Kahn RSRs. I know most people go for small wheels these days, but I think they suit the car rather well
Still need some good pictures and yes the side moulding and aerial have come off. Bought the trim clips from the dealer but they seem to be the wrong size, so will have to figure out some other way of getting it to stick. Slowly working through the faults: water leak, tyres and lack of dash lights have been sorted. Still on the list are sorting the rear brakes/handbrake and getting the heater to blow hot. Gearchange is half sorted; I changed the cup and ball so you don't accidentally get reverse instead of 1st, but its still easy to get 3rd instead.
Problems aside I am really enjoying the car. Not as quick as I hoped but really does handle and most importantly is fun to drive. I may well keep it for longer than I first planned!
Still need some good pictures and yes the side moulding and aerial have come off. Bought the trim clips from the dealer but they seem to be the wrong size, so will have to figure out some other way of getting it to stick. Slowly working through the faults: water leak, tyres and lack of dash lights have been sorted. Still on the list are sorting the rear brakes/handbrake and getting the heater to blow hot. Gearchange is half sorted; I changed the cup and ball so you don't accidentally get reverse instead of 1st, but its still easy to get 3rd instead.
Problems aside I am really enjoying the car. Not as quick as I hoped but really does handle and most importantly is fun to drive. I may well keep it for longer than I first planned!
back on original rims would be best! It so rare to see an unmolested GTI these days!Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff