Faults:

Clutch cable.

Heater matrix.

Head gasket.

Valve.

Erratic idle.

New exhaust.

Problems with trip computer & rev counter.

General Comments:

I am impressed with the performance, having previously owned a 1.3 Golf. The acceleration up to 60mph is impressive, but it deteriorates after this.

It holds the road very well.

The looks are great, but very basic interior - no PAS or electrics.

Very heavy steering.

Can be expensive when they go wrong, but don't always go to main dealer as there are cheaper alternatives. Visit scrap yards wherever possible.

D.I.Y work is possible with a basic knowledge of cars.

Faults:

Replaced front lower wishbone to rectify impact damage from a previous owner.

The Bolster on the drivers seat are worn.

General Comments:

The car is now 14 years old is still in excellent structural condition for its age.

The interior is now starting to look very dated. On the whole though the interior has worn very well.

The car is very quick, its lacks a bit in torque, but once "on cam" give's very good performance. In pure performance time the car is still very competitive.

Faults:

Driver's door leaked due to a broken seal. The seal had been broken by a poorly fitted after-market alarm system.

Brake calipers replaced due to 'rusted beyond recovery' brake bleed nipple. The brake fluid had not been changed for several years by the previous owner.

General Comments:

A cult car with a huge following - loads of clubs and support. Answers to any questions are easily found as are spare parts.

Always feels like you're going faster than you are, involving and fun to drive.

Insurance can be more than you think, especially if the car has been modified like mine (lowered, alloys, badge-less grille, exhaust).

Faults:

Fuel pump decided to fall apart.

The sump had a hole in it.

The springs in the driver`s seat broke.

Ball joints failed causing major handling problems.

Float in the carburetor became porous.

I could not engage 2nd gear.

General Comments:

For a 1.3 this car can shift. I drive it hard, but it still keeps going.

I have had 110mph out of it.

The boot is ideal with huge amounts of storage space.

Faults:

1) Nothing serious, except for clutch change at 50,000 miles and new exhaust at 60,000, but these were due to wear.

2) Developed a noisy hydraulic tappet noise just after purchase, but cost £50 to fix and runs smooth now, a bit of a juddery tickover though.

3) Rear driver door seals letting in water during rain and car washing.

General Comments:

A brilliant car, cost £1000 to buy and the running costs are not that high. Non-PAS steering a bit heavy at low speeds.

Fantastic performance for a car of its size, though the body roll may get a bit excessive.

Overall, it's a great car.

Faults:

Well, nothing so far. Alright, I'll admit I've only done 1,500 miles but before my MR2 Turbo I had 5 Mk2 GTi's in a row and they were all fantastic.

Common problems though have included:

1) Idle stabilisation valve gives up. This can be rectified temporarily by cleaning the valve with carb cleaner but eventually £75 has to go to Mr. VW.

2) Crunchy 2nd gear.

3)Leaky rocker cover gasket.

4) Noisy hydraulic tappets.

5) Faulty distributor unit.

General Comments:

I think the fact that I sold my 240bhp MR2 Turbo in favour of a 1988 Golf GTi says it all really. I don't think there is any other mass produced car with the reliability, build quality and longevity available for the price. And if they are kept maintained and serviced the depreciation will be next to nothing.

Faults:

Nothing much. I've had it 9 years with no major problems except a main bearing oil seal.

Body work has deteriorated more than most Golfs - probably my fault for not looking after it well enough!

General Comments:

Amazingly reliable after 130,000 miles.

Brilliant to drive. Pity it didn't have power steering though!

Faults:

Head gasket went. Fixed in 2 days.

Electric window played up a little, then stopped. Handbrake wasn't that effective.

Alternator went south!

General Comments:

I'm getting a 16v! This car is a REAL drivers car, oozing with appeal due to its rugged driving. Who cares that it has no power steering - the steering felt much more pleasurable. Feels like you're driving very hard.

Pricey second hand too.

Faults:

Bad rust on rear tailgate. Apart from that it's pretty bombproof.

General Comments:

Excellent handling and brakes, surprisingly spacious inside. I'm quite shocked that I like it. Average engine. Headlights are garbage, my motorcycle gives better vision at night.