Faults:

Passenger side wheel bearing.

Heater core replaced at 80,000.

Driver side door lock.

Brake light switch on pedal got stuck because the spring inside broke.

Door panels pop off hinges at bottom of the door.

Headliner was droopy so I ripped it off.

General Comments:

Got this 1.8L up to 115 mph with just a K&N filter charger. This is just a regular golf too.

Was wondering if anyone had some tricks for gaining more poor mans horse power, this car is so addicting.

I found that if you keep up on oil changes this motor will treat you good.

Faults:

Rear brake callipers seized (common problem)

Outer CV boots split.

Water temperature sender failed causing serious engine rev problems.

Oil temperature sender failed causing a small oil leak.

Split water hose.

New fuel pipe.

Sump rusted badly causing a leak.

General Comments:

Very solid VW build quality, not a squeek nor a rattle to be heard.

Engine needs to be revved, take it over 4500rpm and it feels like a turbo chargers kicked in.

Loads of torque.

Providing the oils been changed every 5k and it will go for ever.

Faults:

Brake linings were disintegrating when I bought the car.

One of the drive-shaft gaiters was leaking.

A brake hose was almost worn through.

The near side electric window winding mechanism was non-functional.

These faults were identified shortly after I purchased the car. Despite them, the car was sold to me by a dealer with a brand new M.O.T. certificate. I subsequently complained, and each of these faults was rectified.

During the time that I have run the car, the second drive-shaft gaiter began leaking oil. I have had this rectified too.

General Comments:

I have found the car to be very reliable. It has always started easily and run very well thereafter.

The mileage of 26,000 was genuine as demonstrated by the full Volkswagen service history and the M.O.T. certificates.

I am very impressed with the general mechanical integrity of the vehicle, although I do not find the paintwork as durable as on some of the older model Golf 2's which I have owned.

I have had the car converted to run on premium unleaded petrol and find that the consumption is about 35 m.p.g..

My only reservation about the car is that it does not have power steering, which my wife finds awkward.

I expect to have this car for many years. Despite its age it is obviously a product of integrity and quality.

Faults:

Rocker cover gasket 3 times! I suspect this is due to warped rocker cover.

All HT leads replaced due to misfire.

Clutch lever snapped.

Heater control valves failed causing no internal heating (found this out on first cold night of winter!!).

General Comments:

Overall an excellent car. My parents owned the car previously and they had it bought it 11,000 9 months old (11,000miles).

The car has very good handling and is responsive. Just a little pointer to owners of 8v GTI's, use Shell Optimax, you can really tell the difference.

I have driven hire cars (Fords, Vauxhalls) that are less than six months old and their engines sound rattly and knackered. The golf has 121000 miles and still sounds new when started and just soaks miles up no sweat.

Excellent car.