1987 Volkswagen Fox GL 1.8 gas

Summary:

For $500 bucks it is the value of the year

Faults:

Axle boots replaced (for $65.00 each I replaced the axles and they came with new CV joints guaranteed for life).

Water pump (for $18.00).

Rear brakes (for $20.00).

Rear tires (for $35.00 each).

Starter motor (for $90.00).

General Comments:

I bought this car from the original owner for $500 bucks. I intended to use it as a tow vehicle behind my motor-home, but the thing is so much fun to drive, and cheap to run (32MPG) I use it almost every day.

It will go just about anywhere. Once a month my son and I take it off-road and attempt rugged Jeep trails. I have come close to high-centering the car, but so far it has brought us home every time. It's traveled over 200 miles off road since I've owned it.

Foxes have two problems: Mild power, and weak brakes. The poor acceleration is not that bothersome, but beware that the brakes are NOT that powerful (even when brand new) and I do not recommend ever overloading OR modifying the car to tow a trailer.

Surprisingly, the chassis is well sprung and well balanced. Running Cheap-O $35.00 tires the car flat honks around turns, and that is probably the #1 appeal of the car (for me).

Cheap to buy, cheap to own, reliable, and fun to drive pretty much sums up my Fox experience.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st December, 2001

25th Feb 2002, 14:56

Is it a 5 speed? Is it a hatchback and is the body in good condition?

7th Oct 2002, 02:00

I also have an '87 Fox GL...it's great to drive. I actually got it last year @ 105,000 miles, but it was taken care of well by the previous owners. It's a 4-door, 4-speed manual transmission w/power nothing except the radio/tape deck. It's pretty reliable and not too expensive to fix, which is really good since I'm a broke college student and I do a lot of interstate driving.

It does have its quirks, like easily squeaking tires and occasional horn-sticking. It also feels really light on the highway, probably b/c it is a pretty small car. But overall it's easy to maneuver, it handles well, and it's a good car overall.