Faults:

I've only owned this car for a short time so, I'm not really very qualified to complete this section. However in the short time I've had it, one of the rear breaks has begun to cease.

General Comments:

Once you have this car warm, even with the standard exhaust it creates a beautiful, rich, pulsing, booming tone on tick over alone. During the acceleration, as opposed to whining, the engine just beautifully roars. That's the sound.

If you have it warm enough (which you will be aware of by the MFR oil temp reading), it will perform exceptionally! The engine can feel so torque that you can almost distinguish about 10 different levels of throttle pressure. As you climb to the top end of a gear, the acceleration seems to increase rather than diminishing and going flat, like an overreved fiesta. Incidentally, you can easily find yourself accidently wheel spinning upon 2nd gear entry if you are not used to the engine.

You can tell the difference if you use Shell optimax, the engine likes at least 98 octane.

Breaking and handling are also a strong point in this car. I feel safer doing 90 miles an hour than I would doing 50 in my diesel Peugeot 205. You can simply wrap this vehicle around a corner and your passenger won't sustain fatal head injuries on the window or... you.

Then, when the time comes to stop (which is always a disappointment), the car comes to a smooth halt with the assistance of a break disc on all four wheels.

Considering I got this car for 600 pounds, with the body work in immaculate condition you can't really go wrong.. I won't be driving anything else until it completely disintegrates, or I destroy it.

Faults:

Rear brake callipers seized (common problem)

Outer CV boots split.

Water temperature sender failed causing serious engine rev problems.

Oil temperature sender failed causing a small oil leak.

Split water hose.

New fuel pipe.

Sump rusted badly causing a leak.

General Comments:

Very solid VW build quality, not a squeek nor a rattle to be heard.

Engine needs to be revved, take it over 4500rpm and it feels like a turbo chargers kicked in.

Loads of torque.

Providing the oils been changed every 5k and it will go for ever.

Faults:

Brake linings were disintegrating when I bought the car.

One of the drive-shaft gaiters was leaking.

A brake hose was almost worn through.

The near side electric window winding mechanism was non-functional.

These faults were identified shortly after I purchased the car. Despite them, the car was sold to me by a dealer with a brand new M.O.T. certificate. I subsequently complained, and each of these faults was rectified.

During the time that I have run the car, the second drive-shaft gaiter began leaking oil. I have had this rectified too.

General Comments:

I have found the car to be very reliable. It has always started easily and run very well thereafter.

The mileage of 26,000 was genuine as demonstrated by the full Volkswagen service history and the M.O.T. certificates.

I am very impressed with the general mechanical integrity of the vehicle, although I do not find the paintwork as durable as on some of the older model Golf 2's which I have owned.

I have had the car converted to run on premium unleaded petrol and find that the consumption is about 35 m.p.g..

My only reservation about the car is that it does not have power steering, which my wife finds awkward.

I expect to have this car for many years. Despite its age it is obviously a product of integrity and quality.