1981 Volkswagen Golf CL 1.6 turbo diesel from Romania

Summary:

Robust, but very tough on it's passengers.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

A very robust car with surprisingly low fuel consumption, but I'm very glad I sold it.

When it comes to comfort it's pure nightmare (a friend named it a tractor on wheels). Imagine traveling more than 600Km on a tractor and you get the picture.

Maybe a good car to drive for short, crowded distances where other cars would take up too much fuel, but a definitely no-no car for those who want to travel in comfort or go in a vacation with their car. My next car would be a Mercedes 500 Sel or a Dodge Ram Van. I have no intention to become a farmer on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th July, 2005

21st Aug 2005, 16:51

Errrr... there's a chance it's worn out after all these years and miles.

20th Nov 2010, 09:10

I think you've got the dub all wrong if you wanted a luxurious modern car.. I've got a normally aspirated diesel, and I love it!

In reply to 20th Nov 2010, 09:10

17th Sep 2022, 00:55

Hello, I'm wondering if you still have your NA Diesel golf. I'm always interested in hearing about owner experience with their VW diesel and turbo diesel Golfs. Anyway, I have an '81 NA Mk1 and a '83 Mk1 Turbo diesel. Always like to hear what others have to say about the pros and cons of their VW ownership. Thanks for your response.

In reply to 17th Sep 2022, 00:55

1st Oct 2022, 16:03

No Golf, but I had two Passats in the early 1990s, a petrol and a diesel one. Petrol was 2.0, and the diesel was a turbo charged 1.6. Not fast, noticeable lack of performance compared to the petrol. I believe this engine was used in the Golf from same time period. Did 45 mpg + and was reliable enough, got 150,000 out of it before the head gasket went. In the end I preferred the petrol Passat - despite only 35 mpg, it gave less problems overall and went to 180,000 miles.

1981 Volkswagen Golf Formel E 1.1 E from Norway

Summary:

An alternative for beginners

Faults:

Broken seal in master cylinder. (Costs too much to fix. The seal costs about 1/1000 of the repair costs.)

Clogged carburettor. (I'm using the manual chock.)

Engine coughs up oil into the air filter.

Lots of rust!!

General Comments:

This is my first car, but I've driven quite a lot of different cars, and I can't really say that this one ranks on top. Since it's going to the junkyard soon, I'm raping it all I can just to squeeze the last drops of life out of it. The handling is OK, but could be better. Everything is stock. The interior is quite nice and is probably what's most preserved about this car. I bought the car from an old lady who only used it for grocery shopping in the weekends and such. The engine is actually quite powerful if you stop paying attention to the economy meter and just drive by the sound of the engine.

BTW; Volkswagen tries to such every penny from you. I went to the local certified auto shop, and with me I had my Haynes manual. The manual clearly stated what was wrong (there was only one alternative) and the guy behind the counter started talking about expensive repairs and that this and that was wrong. I knew what was wrong, but the guy behind the counter claimed the manual was wrong. Later on we fixed the problem. The guy behind the counter was wrong. What an idiot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th September, 2002

1981 Volkswagen Golf MK1 GTi 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fast off the mark, but high maintenance

Faults:

Where do I start? Alternator, radiator, brakes, injector.. all gave me such problems.

The biggest problem was when only 3 injectors were working properly and hence running the car on 3 cylinders.

Lost fuel pressure as well and the repair cost 450GBP so I sold it as junk at the end.

General Comments:

Considered by some to be an iconic symbols of the "hot-hatch" 80's, but it's not worth the extra insurance premium and paranoia of it being stolen every night.

I spent a fortune getting CAT1 alarm fitted, but the only great thing this car has to offer is the 0-60 acceleration, and the looks.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th September, 2002

1981 Volkswagen Golf CL 1.3 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Fusebox shorting out.

Dirt in the carburettor.

General Comments:

For it's age, the MK1 Golf runs really well, the engine is pretty sound and with only a couple of problems, it's not bad for an old car.

I suggest investing in a K & N air filter as this makes a lot of difference.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th January, 1999