Golf MkII GTIs - characterful classic or a load of crap?
Discussion
Hey all,
I'm looking at getting a new car soon and I've been looking into the Golf GTI MK2. They seem to offer a decent amount of power, lowish weight, awesome looks and cheap insurance costs, with some seemingly good examples for under £1500. I don't really want to ask this lot on a GTI-enthusiast's forum, because I will be unlikely to get an unbiased answer.
They all seem to have around 160,000 odd miles on them, and good service history - I would not buy anything that looks to have been neglected. While this seems like a lot of miles, I have been given mixed opinions on whether or not these things will be falling to bits. Some reckon VWs are tough, reliable cars if looked after and if regularly serviced then a GTI could have staying power, and others are taking the "20 years old, 160,000 or so miles, must be on death's doorstep, huge bills await". I've even had people saying a head gasket repair could cost £800, and a new clutch could cost £500. Truth or utter bulls
t?
My dad used to own one of these back in the day and reckons if I buy one now it will be a great car if it works, but he thinks I will be throwing my money away because it will just be broken more than it work. He reckons I will be better of in a MK4 GTI, costing less than 2k for a 10 year old example with 80,000 on the clock. To me, the Mk4 has no character and looks like a fat, bloated family car with a GTI back stuck on it. It could very easily pass as a regular, bog spec Golf.
I want to take a chance on a Mk2, I think if I can get a clean, looked after example I'd have a car much more enjoyable to live with than my current Fiesta, even if it needed a bit more money spent on it. However, if there is someone out there more informed than me and thinks I might aswell throw my money on an open fire rather than buy a Mk2 GTI, please let me know!
Dave
I'm looking at getting a new car soon and I've been looking into the Golf GTI MK2. They seem to offer a decent amount of power, lowish weight, awesome looks and cheap insurance costs, with some seemingly good examples for under £1500. I don't really want to ask this lot on a GTI-enthusiast's forum, because I will be unlikely to get an unbiased answer.
They all seem to have around 160,000 odd miles on them, and good service history - I would not buy anything that looks to have been neglected. While this seems like a lot of miles, I have been given mixed opinions on whether or not these things will be falling to bits. Some reckon VWs are tough, reliable cars if looked after and if regularly serviced then a GTI could have staying power, and others are taking the "20 years old, 160,000 or so miles, must be on death's doorstep, huge bills await". I've even had people saying a head gasket repair could cost £800, and a new clutch could cost £500. Truth or utter bulls
t?My dad used to own one of these back in the day and reckons if I buy one now it will be a great car if it works, but he thinks I will be throwing my money away because it will just be broken more than it work. He reckons I will be better of in a MK4 GTI, costing less than 2k for a 10 year old example with 80,000 on the clock. To me, the Mk4 has no character and looks like a fat, bloated family car with a GTI back stuck on it. It could very easily pass as a regular, bog spec Golf.
I want to take a chance on a Mk2, I think if I can get a clean, looked after example I'd have a car much more enjoyable to live with than my current Fiesta, even if it needed a bit more money spent on it. However, if there is someone out there more informed than me and thinks I might aswell throw my money on an open fire rather than buy a Mk2 GTI, please let me know!
Dave
MkIIs are great cars, as you say most have high miles now, but lots of them have been cherished by loving owners. By 'cherished' I mean driven as they are supposed to be (hard), but looked after with servicing etc if that makes sense. Bits are cheap from ECP and GSF. I would say take the plunge and go for it.
160k? Just run in then! hehe.
If were being serious about getting one, then Id be wary of dodgy looking ones. But also I would be learning as much as you can about these, learning everything in the engine for a Kjet one, how it works etc? If it has a WUR mod done on it? Learn what to spot. If I were you, Id be living on ClubGti forum or GolfGti.co.uk to learn about them. They are expensive cars if you have no mechanical knowledge and need to entrust a garage to carry out every thing. If you can work on it yourself, then it won't be a problem!
If were being serious about getting one, then Id be wary of dodgy looking ones. But also I would be learning as much as you can about these, learning everything in the engine for a Kjet one, how it works etc? If it has a WUR mod done on it? Learn what to spot. If I were you, Id be living on ClubGti forum or GolfGti.co.uk to learn about them. They are expensive cars if you have no mechanical knowledge and need to entrust a garage to carry out every thing. If you can work on it yourself, then it won't be a problem!
I had the choice between one of these or a 106 GTi. Ended up with the 106 however I do still feel a bit sore about it, I love the looks and character of the Golf. My problem was that I couldn't find any that weren't ropey/massive miles for less than ridiculous prices. I will have one eventually, possibly as a next car.
I've had mine for about 4 years now & use it daily. Just be careful & get a well looked after example, mileage isn't important, condition is, they are 20 years old after all. But they are still plentiful, how many similar aged escorts do you see on the road now?
And if you are feeling keen, drop a 20v turbo engine in, it makes the daily commute MUCH more fun!
And if you are feeling keen, drop a 20v turbo engine in, it makes the daily commute MUCH more fun!
You're young! Go for it!
I'd personally go for either a Corrado though, one like the SOTW! :P yum! If you're young and dont need too much space, then go for the coupe VW!
My mate said he had a dream I had a white Corrado VR6, I wish it was true! :'(
End of the day, its your money, if you find a good one, you'd be laughing, if you find one which needs tinkering, you could learn a lot!
I'd personally go for either a Corrado though, one like the SOTW! :P yum! If you're young and dont need too much space, then go for the coupe VW!
My mate said he had a dream I had a white Corrado VR6, I wish it was true! :'(
End of the day, its your money, if you find a good one, you'd be laughing, if you find one which needs tinkering, you could learn a lot!
steveo3002 said:
go on ed38 and see the sort of muppets that own them now
Bit of a sweeping generalisation there, I think most MK2 Golf's on that site are immensely well cared for.That's a bit like saying "Go on PH and see the sort of muppets that own MX5's.
I have just sold my MK2 GTI 16v.
I had always wanted one so when I saw one cheap I bought it, wish I hadnt.
I just couldnt get on with it at all but to be honest I think I bought a bad one.
Get a good one however and you will love it.
This has got to be my favourite MK2:
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