1982 Volkswagen Golf GTI review from UK and Ireland

Various small electrical problems. Steering rack attachment cracked at 155,00 miles and a little bit of rust here and there.

The punishment that this car has taken is not normal - like tearing up a beach for 3 hours - it used a lot of petrol - towing trailers - the car has traveled at least 70,000 miles with a trailer, with at least three motocross bikes on board and also one load which one of which weighed 1.5 tons. Since reaching 300,000 miles things have become easier - the car now no longer goes out in winter and other than regular servicing has had no other parts than a thermostat. This car has never had the head removed nor any internal engine part replaced yet still gets a good trashing every time it goes out (the rev limiter is very regularly tested). All of this must be a testament to fully synthetic engine oil which has been used in the car since I got it. Overall, I am amazed at how much punishment a car can take and still come back with a very big smile looking for some more, which is a good description of how I feel when I step out of it.