1987 Volkswagen Scirocco 1.8L 8v from North America

Summary:

Wish I was 16 in 1987 so I could've bought one new

Faults:

When I first bought this car for $100, it ran very poorly. Had an overheating problem, and was very lazy to start.

I replaced the radiator cooling fan, installed a new ignition coil and spark plugs, and changed the timing belt, and it runs like a charm now.

The shifter bushings were bad, all 4 shocks are wrecked, the alignment was crooked, the hood didn't open, and the fuel tank rusts on the inside.

The seat-tilt mechanism likes to break, as do the handbrake cables.

I've spent a lot of money on this car.

General Comments:

However, even though I've spent a lot, I wouldn't want any other car. The Scirocco is the best car I've ever owned. And I have had 13 cars so far. American muscle, Japanese economy and reliability; even an Italian car.

I'd still put my faith in the Scirocco.

It attracts curious glances, the 8v purrs nicely under load and is reasonably quiet on the highway.

The handling... Oh how it turns. It just dives into corners, and that's with a base 8v with busted shocks. I imagine a 16v with new suspension would tear your face off.

It also gets stellar mileage. With a light foot and the right situation, you can get the computer to read 65 MPG at 70kph.

Truthfully I get closer to 35 MPG because I have a leadfoot. And really that's the only issue with the Scirocco. It's not very fast, so you find yourself ruining your fuel economy just to keep up with Cavaliers and Neons.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2015

1987 Volkswagen Scirocco from North America

Summary:

I only wish it could be brand new again.

Faults:

General wear and tear maintenance things: brakes, brake-lines, springs, shocks, gas tank was a recall and fixed at no charge by dealer. I drove the car every winter but three in Michigan and Maine and am paying the price for that, since it is a rust bucket even tho it is in mechanically excellent shape. The brights indicator went a long time ago and would cost $2 but tons of labor so I live without that. Mechanically it has been wonderful.

General Comments:

The car drives like a dream and kicks butt on passing and cornering.

It is fun to drive and has held up everywhere but rust-wise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st September, 2008

1987 Volkswagen Scirocco 16V 1.8 PL from North America

Summary:

Classic VW, Blast to drive !!

Faults:

I Picked up this little jewel on Ebay and drove it home from LA to Las Vegas. The timing belt broke in my driveway when I got home from the 4.5hr drive and bent 8 intake valves. This Scirocco 16v must have know that I was going to take her apart and rebuild.

General Comments:

Total blast and a fun toy! I love kicking some Civic A$$ at red lights. I like the fact that Kids and Adult kids still drooool over this car from time to time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th July, 2007

11th Mar 2010, 14:06

I had a 86 VW Scirocco; the motor mount some how cracked the chassis???

1987 Volkswagen Scirocco 16V 1.8 16v from North America

Summary:

Reliable-but-finicky

Faults:

Bought it with leaking head-gasket and OVER-HEATING problem in 2006. But I wanted it... no head warpage, no block warpage, just elbow grease and a Bentley Manual. This car was from Long Island NY and has more than 175,000 miles, maybe 200,000 - odometer stopped working around 1992. Replaced all sensors in head to make sure. New water-pump, alternator, and Timing BELT. All electrical grounds OK and checked. Transmission OK with slight grind into 2nd.

General Comments:

Pretty agile, not too much faster than my '91 8V GTI. But, you can't beat 7200 RPM and the build quality. My sport seats are not worn, no interior deterioration, just worn-in and comfy. Couple oil leaks and you have to monitor everything mechanical for possible break-down and/or trouble- like any 19 year old car. Been my DailyDriver since 5/06, nothing serious since. Monitor engine temp and oil leaks, otherwise, not much diff from any other 75-92 watercooled.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2007