1992 Volkswagen Golf GTi 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The hottest of the hot hatchbacks

Faults:

Centralised door locking malfunctioned at 58,000 miles.

Tyres needed replacing at 64,000 miles and again at 89,000 miles.

Tailgate catch broke at 72,000 miles.

Rear brake light failed at 79,000 miles.

Engine started to leak oil at 84,000 miles.

General Comments:

Despite the five mentioned problems, the Golf GTI withstood its high mileage very well and gave excellent reliability.

Engine performance and handling were both brilliant.

Comfort and space were also good.

Fuel bills were a bit on the high side.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th May, 2006

1992 Volkswagen Golf cl 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Still not sure if I want to keep it or get something else to be honest

Faults:

Refused to start 2 days after buying it. Had a new distributor,new fuel pump, ignition switch replaced and replaced the rocker cover gasket all within first month of buying it... still need a few things done!

General Comments:

Like the car, it feels comfortable to drive.

Plenty of room for kids in back and the boot holds all my shopping!

Back end slides out if I take corners too fast which is a bit scary as I am a novice driver.

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

Review Date: 18th July, 2005

1992 Volkswagen Golf CL 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An excellent, solid driving machine

Faults:

My fuel pump needed replaced.

Oil sump gasket leaked and so needed replaced.

Rear wiper stopped working although washer still works.

Clutch cable needed replacing as it had worn almost completely.

General Comments:

This car drives extremely well, it is always comfortable on any road surface, it has excellent power considering the engine size is quite small for a car this bulky, it presses on to well past 100mph while still giving an impression of safety.

However, the under steer this car suffers from is slightly worrying, especially in the wet.

The steering is extremely heavy at low speeds as there is no PAS, due to this when doing close maneuvers the car feels like a tank to drive.

The interior is spacious and comfortable with excellent driving position and pedal location.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 2004

3rd Feb 2005, 15:19

Agree with you Steve, I've got a 1994 1.4 Ryder, it will plod to over 115 on a long, long uninterrupted stretch, feeling surefooted.

I too experience the under steer, and parking is the all time worst nightmare; YOU NEED TO HAVE POPEYE STRENGTH.

My wife's 1988 1.3 12v Corolla outshines it in every aspect, except the unwarranted cool repute and cult following on Golfs, which made me buy one in the first place. IT IS RELIABLE THOUGH.

1992 Volkswagen Golf GTi 2L 8v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Solid reliable transport

Faults:

Clutch replaced at 165,000 miles.

Rattling cat removed (It's a J plate so this is legal) at 170,000 miles.

Small hole in drivers seat appeared at 180,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car has been fantastic, since I acquired the car servicing has been done 'when I can fit it in' rather than at the correct intervals, and never at a dealer.

However it has never let me down, even when the clutch was on its way out it still soldiered on (slipping a bit!) for 6 months before I replaced it!

The performance will not set your trousers on fire, but overall journey times are surprisingly quick (There is no point in revving this car, use the torque of the engine between 3500 and 5000 rpm and progress will be much swifter, and more relaxed!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2004

1992 Volkswagen Golf Mk3 VR6 2.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Very fast, but not too cheap to run

Faults:

My timing chain tensioners snapped causing engine damage at 57000 miles.

Rear brake caliper seized causing the handbrake to stick on.

General Comments:

The car goes like a rocket it has lots of modifications and does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds.

Very comfortable car and well built.

Lots of fun.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th February, 2004

1992 Volkswagen Golf VR6 2.8 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Extremely affordable performance.

Faults:

The original BBS Alloys corroded badly on the inner face and were replaced with newer versions.

General Comments:

I purchased this car for my wife when she became pregnant to replace her MR2.

She refuses to let me replace it with anything, but a newer one!

Wonderful fun car, much enjoyed, safe and reliable transport.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st October, 2003

1992 Volkswagen Golf VR6 2.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An absolute nightmare

Faults:

Brakes worn when purchased, £300 bill.

ABS sensor light stays on.

Fans do not always cut in, resulting in engine overheating.

Minor oil and water leaks that the VW dealership insist they cannot repair.

Faulty ECU. 4 months for Volkswagen to diagnose (they spent 3 months blaming it on the immobilizer) and a £1250 repair bill.

Timing chain snapped. Full engine rebuild required, costs in excess of £1200.

Central locking won't lock all doors. Main agent say it is to do with the immobilizer (see above).

General Comments:

When (if) the car works, it is a pleasure to drive. Great response from the engine passed 3500rpm and very good handling for the type of car.

Ride is on the harsher side of firm.

The main agents are useless and very expensive. £62 per hour at my local garage.

Service costs are reasonable providing you do not need any extra work done.

Fuel consumption is surprisingly good. Over the last 3000 miles it averages 25.5 mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th August, 2003

29th Aug 2003, 10:10

Was this car bought new or used? Was the immobilizer a factory fitment or aftermarket and who installed it? As for Worn brakes, timing chain breaking, assorted leaks and flakeyness... it sounds like you just bought a car that hasn't been maintained. There's nothing Golf specific about that scenario.