1989 Volkswagen Fox GL review from North America
"Fun car, but loves to spend time with the mechanic"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Fuel pump went out @ 136000.
Idle Air Control out @ 136000.
Oil leak @ 136000.
Radiator out/replaced @ approx 120000.
Fuel line leak/replaced @ approx 97000.
Speedometer makes loud noise over 25mph sometimes & moves back and forth.
Dash lights completely out on left hand side & dim on right hand side (have had to super-glue the switch to stay in "on" position.
Front windshield leaks (have had to caulk both upper corners).
Driver door handle "sticks".
A/C does not work (the car "has it" but has not worked since I bought it).
Temperature/heat sensor & light out @ approx 120000.
I am having a good bit of "hesitating" going on with the car. I first took it in to a place that said I just needed a tune-up and the Idle Air Control valve. I had the idle air control replaced & a week later it started hesitating again & completed broke down. Other mechanic said it was the fuel filter. Had that replaced & is still doing the hesitating. Am currently trying to find out why the car just won't run!
General comments?
I have a love-hate relationship with this car!
I love the gas mileage I get with this car. I can fill it for the week and drive approx 300-325 miles (approx $13).
Original radio/cassette player still work great!
It can be fun to drive at times, but has been expensive to maintain recently!
Recommended reviews
  | I recommend the Fox, but like ANY used car, inspect it before you buy it |
| More fun than a Camry of the same vintage, but without the reliability |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | ?? Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 4/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 93000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 136000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Accord |
| Date of Entry | 25th January, 2004 |