Faults:

Exhaust system had to be replaced at 179000km.

The alternator gave up service at around 210000km.

New shock absorbers at 212000km.

Had to replace rear muffler again at 230000km.

General Comments:

This was a very economical car, both to buy and, generally, to run. We mostly did city driving, getting around 8.0L/100km., and often doing 140-150kmh on the freeways would turn around 7.5L/100km. It would use around 5.5L/100km at a steady 90 kmh on B class roads. It did have problems though in that the ride, even after the new shock absorbers was extremely rough on the French roads. The dashboard would vibrate a lot too.

It was a very good little car during the time we had it, but Volkswagen obviously didn't tune its suspension for the common rough roads that you get in countries all over Europe, instead tuning the suspension for freeways.

Faults:

I have every receipt since brand new so to long a list to write here in all the years.

Major ones - head gasket at 96000miles

New clutch (from original) at 90000 miles.

Rear dampers at 46000miles.

X2 new exhaust boxes.

Power steering pump - 76000 miles.

L electric window motor.

Rest minor irritations easily solved.

General Comments:

I have driven the Mark I to Mark V, but the Mark II is the most complete GTI EVER.

Faults:

The Golf suffered from hesitation after a decent run on the motorway. Generally a miss fire or stalling. fixed by a new hot air duct from the exhaust manifold to the inlet trunk.

The dashboard started to rattle.

The Inlet heater valve kept closing at speed so the engine tried to suck oil through the breather.

General Comments:

I loved the car!

It did over 20 thousand miles with me and was going like a train when I foolishly sold it.

There was plenty of boot and back seat space.

It was quick, economic and reliable.

It was very quite on a long motorway cruise.

Faults:

I replaced the Pierburg carburettor with a manual Weber, as the old one was revving to high at idle, and was becoming uneconomical to run. It's worth replacing the carburettor as the car pulls so much better in 2nd and 3rd gear, and generally drives a lot better.

Replaced front disc's and pads, due to general wear and tear.

Replaced rear bushes, again due to general wear.

General Comments:

Engine is very solid, and will hopefully go for another 40,000 miles at least.

Gearbox is excellent, still very smooth and positive when changing gear.

I would recommend replacing the battery with a Silver Bosch, that you would normal fit into a TDI Golf.

The car is starting to showing it's age, as current cars are loaded with so many toys.

The external styling still cuts it, in a retro kind of way. But the internal looks very 80's with all of it's square edges and shiny black plastic.

Too small to be used as a family car, and would make an ideal shopping car.