1990 Volkswagen Golf Driver 1.6
Summary:
A joy to own and drive
Faults:
Nothing major. Just new exhaust/tyres, etc. as you'd expect. Oh one thing, the second gear is a common (minor) problem on these cars as it was on mine. It grumbles a bit when going into second, usually just until its warmed up a bit (10 - 15 mins). If you linger on the clutch a moment longer though it engages cleanly.
General Comments:
This car was a pleasure to own. I would look forward to work just for the time I'd get to spend driving it there and back. Unfortunately, the unthinkable happened a couple of weeks ago and I took a tricky corner a little too quickly in icy conditions and drove it through a wall. Incindentally, the police were amazed that I was completely unhurt, testiment to the strength and design of these great cars. I would never have believed destroying a car could be this upsetting. I'm totally devastated about it. I loved that car. Only cost £1200, looked the business and was so great to drive.
Mine was non power assisted steering and this is something I can highly recommend, the amount of feeling you get through the wheel is amazing. The car was very easy to maintain, it really did use no oil at all and used next to no water. Whatever the weather, it would start instantly and run great.
Performance wasn't amazing, but then again I was only 19 and had it insured 3rd party for £175! Around town it was great though, especially for beating people away from the lights if that's your thing.
I really can't recommend mk 2 Golfs highly enough, you can get a nice one like mine for very reasonable money and with the addition of a £100 big bumper kit and a set of second hand BBS alloys, it'll look superb. Just don't crash it or let it get stolen as it's unimaginably depressing.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th February, 2001
21st Jan 2006, 13:34
I totally agree, I was much the same, same age as you, had big bumpers and it does make the car look a lot better for it. I also crashed and it was like I had killed my dog I felt that bad about it, like I had lost a friend it felt that bad. mine crashed into a canal and I came out totally unscathed much to everyones amazement.
These are very solid and very fun cars looking back on it. I've had faster, better handling cars since, but for some reason the golf was more fun to drive.
I totally agree with your review - spot on.