Faults:
Badly corroded exhaust system replaced.
Brakes were fairly poor - rear cylinder leaked brake fluid meaning the cylinder and the brake shoes needed replacing.
Weight of the car meant front discs and pads needed replacing frequently
Head gasket blew after at 90,000 miles.
Glass in both front headlamps fell out!
Fuel leaks from cracked hoses.
Link in accelerator cable was worn, which caused a particularly embarrassing moment on a blind bend, however easily sorted using a few cable ties!
Wheel bearing needed to be replaced.
Engine began to periodically run very badly; would be running perfectly, then begin to splutter and choke, very often meaning the car would not go above 40mph, quite scary if this happened whilst overtaking!
General Comments:
The Golf was a bargain at £495, and, despite the problems, I really can't complain considering I did 20,000 miles in a year, mostly motorway driving.
For a fairly heavy car, the 1300 engine was surprisingly nippy, revved very well and could manage 105mph despite the 4 speed transmission.
Insurance a bit on the steep side for a 1.3 at group 7.
Built like a tank, the Golf could take absolutely anything thrown at it. A collision with a Renault which pulled out in front of me at 40mph resulted in a slight dent on my wing, and one ruined Renault!
Bodywork cannot be faulted, few cars of this age would still look so tidy and be absolutely free from corrosion.
I found the interior to be very pleasant and comfortable.
Handling is reasonable, but be careful in the wet!
I was extremely upset when the time came to get rid of the Golf; I booked the car in to several garages, none of which could find the cause of the occasional poor running, as it would run perfectly as soon as they attempted to test it! Sometimes revving the engine very hard would clear the problem temporarily.
Although the Golf had it's problems, I've never trusted a car as much before or since, am seriously considering selling my 306 for a mark 2 GTI later this year.
