1984 Volkswagen Scirocco GTi review from UK and Ireland

Heater Motor burnt out

Temperature sender sensor needed replacement

Oil pump failure caused engine seize and needed replacing

Hot start problem

Water leaked in if left standing any more than a week or so

Suspension springs needed replacing.

I had always wanted a Scirocco GTI having had and enjoyed many Sciroccos. These are very rare as they never really took off like the Golf GTIs of the same period despite having basically the same configuration and breath-taking performance.

The GTIs were last of the Sciroccos between the legendary Mk1s and what most people consider the MkII shape (Y-A reg if you're British).

It has been a car of many challenges, but all the trials and tribulations were nothing compared to the sheer enjoyment of the ride!

The car had suffered from chronic mechancial neglect over the previous couple of years even though it still looked good. It had only been used off-road for a couple of years and had not been MOT'ed for a while.

The engine seized on the night I bought it on the way home after hitting something in the road that bounced on the oil sump. However, I think the car had only been used off-road for a few years before I got it and this was just waiting to happen.

I replaced the engine after it sat for 5 months in the back yard with one from a Storm that I had picked up very cheap that was almost beyond repair. I also replaced the original 14" alloys with the 15" ones from the Storm. This did improve the looks and handling.

It handled beautifully and was extremely quick of the mark. The early Mk2 shape did not have the body kit and extra weight of the post 1984 models which gives the car a much more responsive feel and an extra 10mph at the top end, 125mph is not bad for a 1984 car with just a 1.8 engine!!

The fuel injection system 'Jetronic' by name is fascinating in these DX engines. It does not have an ECU like most systems, but works on a simple arrangement of sensors and clever mechanics.

Trim is generally good and the GTIs benefited from a full size alloy spare wheel rather than the misnamed "space saving" spare wheels. Later models traded the extra space required for the alloy spare wheel with a larger fuel tank. The GTI only has a 42 litre tank whereas the later injection models have 52 litre.

There is plenty to go wrong with a car this age and lots to replace. Refinements in the design were made in later models from the seals around the doors to an improved fuel pump and some extra refinements to the fuel injection system that mitigated some of the vulnerabilities of the system in the GTI. The heater motor is a different design than the later ones and difficult to get hold of.

Only consider buying one if you have plenty of cash and enthusiasm. However, you wouldn't be disappointed once you can start enjoying it!!