1987 Volkswagen Golf GTi review from North America

In thirteen years:

I replaced the clutch twice.

The rear shocks once.

One tie rod end.

Both CV joints.

One head gasket (my fault as I let the coolant run dry).

1 radiator.

Brakes (all around, rotors and pads) 3 times.

Tires 4 times.

5 tune ups.

Numerous exhaust systems.

1 fuel pump (at 260,000 kms).

Brake lines (at 265,000 kms).

3 batteries.

1 alternator (my fault again as I crossed the cables while boosting another car) and that's about it.

I would say total repair expenses for the above since owning the car new were about $6000 Canadian.

The exhaust systems went because being a sports car, I drove it like I was at Monte Carlo, and loved every second of it.

A truly great car. Unfortunately, I neglected to rust proof or oil guard the car and the body just simply fell apart. If I had have kept the body up, I would have continued to drive this car.

If you find one where the above repairs have been done and the body and drivetrain are in good shape, get it. You will not be disappointed. An example of the fun you will have, highway off ramps marked at 60 kms/hour could be taken at 120 kms/hour very easily.

The one performance problem I did find was the car is it's a little bit too top heavy causing some body roll and poor wind resistance (side to side).

In the snow, it was fabulous, especially when you put a set of 70 series snow tires on it. I would drive through snow that most small SUVs would get stuck in.

Repairs, contrary to popular belief since it is foreign, are cheap cheap cheap. Find a good German mechanic to take care of it for you.