Faults:

Handbrake needed tightening.

Rear pads changed.

Brake light bulbs blown a few times.

MFI don't work.

General servicing.

General Comments:

Bought the car after my Honda died. Paid £200 for it and was expecting to keep it for 6 months, but being so reliable, I've had it nearly 2 years. Had the MK1 GTi before, which I loved. Find the MK2 more comfortable, and with PAS, electrics etc (all still work) easier to live with, but not quite as fun and go kart like as the MK1.

Has the 2nd gear crunch. Know it's common so didn't put me off buying it.

Burns a bit of oil, but as long as it's topped up it's fine. Super reliable and never failed to start.

Engine is great with lots of torque, and pretty quick.

Simple to work on. Almost indestructible and I would definitely buy another one. Getting rarer now as well. Wish all cars were made like this.

Fantastic.

Faults:

New Front Shocks.

Clutch.

Rear brake calipers.

Usual seat wear and some smaller bits and bobs.

General Comments:

First off never underestimate a VW with 200000+ miles on the clock! If looked after these cars are excellent with crisp handling, still respectable hot-hatch performance and good understated looks (if kept standard) I highly recommend the the 16v engined over the 8v because once you've learnt to use its top heavy power band you won't be disappointed - plenty of rolling roads have proved the lower end torque advantage on the 8v to be a myth (in standard form anyway!) and they do handle better. I also think once you've built up some muscles the non-powered steering offers better road feedback. Even after driving more powerful cars (also got a BMW 535 and wife's Corrado G60) I miss the feel of real driving and light weight precision of this car. I can see why so many are still popular on the Neubeuring as they make good track cars.

Looking to get a lower mileage 2.0 16v Corrado engine in it at some point (if this engine will ever die!)

Faults:

Water pipe split in traffic on the M25 but I had been sat there for 2 hours.

Heater matrix split pouring boiling hot coolant over myself and my passengers legs, not a pretty sight... VW refused to replace/fix it despite a recall (which the car hadn't been through).

Alarm went up the wall - no fault of the car, but I will never by a Clifford alarm again.

Usual wear and tear items for MOT such a CV gaitors.

General Comments:

The best fun you can have in an appreciating classic.

I prefer the 8 valve engine because of the torque. Fantastic power from the start.

Superb handling, bettered with uprated poly bushes throughout and a Boge Turbogas lowered and uprated suspension kit.

The bolster on the drivers seat wore with time, but this can be expected of a car of this age and mileage.