Faults:

Not too much has gone wrong with my car. Mostly simple maintenence, although I had a few problems with the exhaust system.

Small metal dough-nut between the downpipe and the resonator destroyed during the summer of 2003.

Left mirror slightly damaged, roughly the same time as the metal dough-nut.

Leaky Oil Pressure Switch recently replaced.

General Comments:

This is my First Car, in more than one way. My parents bought it new in 1987, a white four door, when I was a mere 3 years old. It was the first car I remember seeing as a child.

It has been Driven From Vancouver to Penticton (BC, Canada) hundreds of times over, without problem. Many of these trips were in terrible weather.

On my 18th birthday, after a new Passat was purchased, the keys to the Fox were handed to me. Thusly, I learned to drive in it.

It's a great little car, very tight handling, and snappy response from the throttle, even though the engine is getting quite tired. It got even better once a decent stereo system was installed, as the stock tape player and speakers just don't measure up to anything.

Being a small car, it's quite uncomfortable in the back seats, and could do with more leg room up front. I have gotten used to this, however, as the seat is practically molded into my rear.

It's an Excellent little car that has held up well, and will for sure hold up until I can get my hands on a VW Corrado!

Faults:

Only routine maintenance required.

CV joints needed frequent replacement when I first got the car, but not again after that.

Averages about $600/year in maintenance, tires and repair.

General Comments:

I can't believe this engine. It won't die! It still passes emissions testing too. And only 460,000 km young.

Had to replace a ball joint, clutch cable, and master cylinder in the past year. Now up to $800 / year in repair and looking at a transmission replacement. Guess it's finally time to get a new car.

All parts have lasted far longer than most other vehicles. I just can't believe it. It makes it hard to appreciate other vehicles.

Faults:

Went through three sets of tires during the few miles I had driven it.

I also went through that many sets of brakes!

Not to mention two sets of rear struts.

The hood once ripped off and smashed in the windshield at 75 miles per hour!!!

Starter went at 72000.

Fender rusted out after the driver's side tire fell off (ball joints snapped) and squashed the fender upon impact with the ground.

General Comments:

There is much to be said about this peppy little Volkswagen. Simply I loved it.

I beat this car to the fullest extent one can beat a car. It was my first car, of course. I would take it off-roading and drive it like I was in a Bond movie, and for the age of the car, I am actually surprised it handled it so well. It speaks loudly for the vehicle's durability.

For being a budget car, it handles tight.

The 1.8 liter engine also has great get-up-and-go, and really makes the car feel zippy, though at top speed (only 92 mph) the handling gets a bit watery.

At a light weight, the car feels surprisingly well clung to the road.

I am six-foot three-inches tall, and there was headroom to spare in this sub-compact vehicle, though my feet sometimes felt a little to close when operating the clutch.

I liked it so much that I actually owned two at the same time! The second was a 1989 with a 5 speed. (The '87 was getting some much needed repairs after the ball joints gave out)

I drive a new Intrepid now, and constantly wish it was as small and fun as the 1987 Volkswagen Fox.