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.

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.

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.

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.