1988 Volkswagen Golf Reviews

Steering ball joint went bad.

CV joints went bad.

Rear wheel bearing went bad.

Track rod end went bad.

After only a few months, the compression was getting worse and it became hard to start.

Probably blew the head gasket because before I sold it, because it started to leak oil all over the engine compartment.

VERY easy on the fuel always; measured 0,45 litres/10km no matter how I drove it (without trailer).

Hauling a trailer it got 0,65 litres/10km.

Acceleration was pretty good for only having 54 HP.

Noisy if driven at normal highway speed (110km/h).

This car was in bad shape, but I got it cheap, and used it for about 6 months until the winter came.

Not much went wrong actually. I replaced all the rear braking system and a new steering rack.

Well, I wish VW built cars like these again. I mean, this car is so reliable, and having a 1.6TD, it is really fast when the turbo kicks in and also very economical. It returns 60 MPG in urban conditions - driven carefully.

Although mine was bought in a not very pleasant state, the solid German quality is still there when compared with my previous Peugeot.

Being a GTD, it looks much like a GTi from the outside with the same kit etc... it also sits 5 people quite comfortably.

Remember it is an old diesel, so it is very noisy, but much more reliable than what they are building today.

Handling; I cannot say it is better than my previous Peugeot, because it is not, and not as comfortable either, but much more reliable and better built for sure.

I would recommend this car, because it was built to last forever, and if taken care of, it will out last you.

Handbrake needed tightening.

Rear pads changed.

Brake light bulbs blown a few times.

MFI don't work.

General servicing.

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.

First off, yes, the car has 594 k miles on the odometer. that said, I bought this car at a lien sale with the speedometer cable missing so it has more miles than listed :). Bought it with the heater core leaking like a sieve, needing a tune up, severely faded paint, needing all 4 struts, missing the radio and the heater controls, and the seat belt lock on the drivers side. It also has a large dent in the passenger side front fender. The ignition switch is also worn and needs replaced. starting is a matter of getting it started and hitting the right spot to keep it running.

I paid $400 for this car on the novelty of the miles it has :) (VW rep asked me if I wanted to do a commercial heh). lacking the funds to immediately fix the problems, I simply made the car "usable" in that I cut the hoses going to the heater core and joined them to allow for proper water circulation, did a tune up (cap, rotor, plugs, air and fuel filter). It starts reliably and runs as well as can be expected with a car with so many miles... pickup is a chore, but she cruises highway speeds admirably and gets decent gas mileage. This is a daily driver for work while slowly restoring it :). I love the car and everyone here just shakes their head when they see the odometer. This is my 6th vw (several gas rabbits, several cabriolets, 1 66 beetle and 1 diesel rabbit.) I love vdubs, you just can't keep them buried :)