Great fun and safe car. An all round great car. I love it
Not a thing has gone wrong with this car.
This is one of the best little cars I have ever owned. A great bit of fun and speed.
I would recommend any one to get one. Very safe and reliable, all round a great car. I love it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd December, 2007
Superb, a must for anyone!
Nothing gone wrong so far, just a couple of issues I already knew about.
Car is off road at the moment, needs a little welding to pass it's MOT.
Engine will sometimes cut out when started cold, have to keep the revs up at about 1500 until it warms up a bit. No biggie though.
Bodywork needs some attention due to a little cosmetic rust and one or two dents.
A fantastic little car. I got it from my mums friend as a gift for passing my test. The owner before that hadn't given this car the due care and attention, so the car is a little bit worn out, but I have no complaints. It sat on a driveway for 7 months before I picked it up, and it started first time! It starts first time every time. Plenty of power in the lower ranges, though you really need to put the foot down to get up to motorway speed. This car, for all the care it hasn't received, is still excellent. It feels incredibly solid to drive, but watch out for cobbles. That older style body shell transmits sound and vibration like you wouldn't believe (perfect for those who really like to feel the car). The paintwork is still lovely and bright, and when I had all the grime removed at the carwash, it SHINES! I would recommend this car for anyone.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th May, 2007
A classic - built to last, reliable and totally thrilling!
Electrics are getting tired. Ignition switch just replaced.
Boot catch worn and difficult to open.
Rear wiper needs re connection - motor tested OK.
The original groundhog! The harder you drive it the better it gets, positively glued to the tarmac!
Recent top end re-build showed that the head and pistons were still in 'mint' condition. The gearbox is still as tight as ever, very positive.
Hit 4.5k revs and your pilot's license is required - I fall in love with this beauty every time I get behind the wheel.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th January, 2006
Underrated classic with impressive performance
Alternator failed after 5 days of ownership.
Headlamp seals disintegrated letting in moisture.
CV gaiters cracked leading to steering vibration.
Although the car came with a full service history, the stamps being from a Volkswagen dealer, I was still surprised about how many parts needed replacing, although (if I didn't visit a Volkswagen dealer), they were readily available and not too pricey.
I cannot get over how fast the car is, and have found that the 120 mph speedometer isn't necessarily enough...
The brakes are perfect, with loads of bite.
The car does not have power steering, and is very heavy to drive, but I have got used to it.
It is very quiet and comfortable and a pleasure to drive on long journeys.
It looks fantastic, especially with the four lamp grille.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th January, 2005
A practical, reliable, well-built car which is great fun to drive - a true 'people's Porsche'
Rear caliper handbrake mechanism disintegrated.
Driver-side seat bolster is worn through to the spring.
Rear damper leaked.
Temperature sender failed.
Wheel bearing worn.
Difficult to select 1st gear.
Electric window mechanism and relay failed.
Sunroof wind deflector guide arms corroded and failed.
Some of the problems noted above are common in the golf, specifically:
The rear brakes do very little and hence are prone to seizing.
The temperature sender is a very common failure point - if you have erratic idling check this first.
The electric windows are poor, not much can be done except replacing the mechanisms when they fail.
The gearbox bushes are prone to wear, and hence gear selection can suffer - replacement is not difficult, but re-adjustment is 'fiddly' and can take some time to get right.
It is perhaps a sign of a high-mileage car that the driver-side seat wears, however the vast majority of GTIs have seats with ripped bolsters, perhaps due to the quite high (and supportive) bolsters.
I'm conscious that there are many problems noted for my car, however I received it free from my brother who didn't maintain it very well. The build is excellent, however this tends to result in well-used examples which are subject to the usual wear and tear (see damper and wheel bearing). The bodywork is immaculate, and the engine block is made from over-specified iron allowing for some extremley high mileages.
Handling is first-class, immense fun. The brakes are good, steering direct, and the engine very flexible.
The 8v has more torque than the 16v, hence it's a little more practical around town and has better initial pull. However, the 16v has significantly more power, and will rapidly catch and pass an 8v. The 16v has slightly uprated brakes and suspension, and sits slightly lower, giving a more sporty ride. I'd suggest the 8v is more practical, but the 16v is better for the racers among you.
The car is becoming a little uncomfortable, as perishing suspension bushes result in jarring over rough surfaces. Road noise is a problem on motorways, and the design of the car means that road dirt gets sucked onto the rear hatchback, which tends to seize the rear boot lock.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th November, 2004