Leaky roof which cost £600 to replace.
Cylinder head rebuild at 87000.
Suspension replaced due to hard ride on inappropriately fitted wheels.
Engine mountings needed replacing twice in 18months!
Rear brakes cleaned and serviced due to excessive handbrake movement.
A gorgeous looking car, especially in white with a black hood.
The 1.8 litre engine has some serious grunt, even in carb form.
Don't expect recent VW build quality however. This model was devised over a decade earlier and rattles, shakes and squeaks are part of the experience of owning one of these.
Not quite recognised as a classic yet and because of this parts can be hard (or even impossible) to find.
A wonderful experience when topless for the driver, less so for the passengers due to buffeting.
Consider the running and possible repair costs before purchasing used. Look out for an enthusiast's car or a VW dealership trade in.
Do not buy from a dealer without a warranty. I did and quickly regretted it as £1000s of repairs were needed in the first year.
I know what you mean about repairs... 6 months after purchasing and 5000km later, the list goes as follows:
1 blown oil radiator, resulting on water mixing with oil, major spill and overheating 8luckly no damaged to the head:) )
1 thermostat
1 headgasket set
Usual preventive maintnence (sparkplugs, belts, filters)
Its now in the garage with fuel pump related problems (still haven't figured out wich pump is failing..)
No rattles on a 1988 car with 118.000 km... apart from the windows when rolled down and rearview mirror...
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