Faults:

Not much other than routine service items.

Heater fan bearings.

Battery at 7 years.

Exhaust at 95,000 miles.

Glow plugs at 120,000 miles.

Two shock absorbers at 125,000 miles.

A couple of wheel bearings.

General Comments:

A stonking motor! Virtually a GTi turbo diesel. GTD was the top spec diesel with sunroof and big wheels.

Exceptional performance in the mid- range and 52 mpg overall average. Glued to the road round bends, but ride a bit harsh.

Reliable except when taken to dealers who made a complete mess of the fuel injection. Major rows with dealers in South Manchester area about their poor quality of service. Eventually took the car to a non-franchised dealer who are much cheaper and better.

Great car terrible dealers. VW need to sort their franchised dealers out quickly.

Finally sold it with 140,000 on the clock because I needed a bigger car for the kids. My favourite car in the last 20 years.

Faults:

Window winder snapped, a couple of bits of trim were missing when purchased, but other than that it's been faultless.

General Comments:

For a 11 year old car that has covered virtually 200,000 miles the car's condition is amazing. The interior is nearly mint. I had to change the gear lever gaiter as it was manky, but the rest is near perfect. Even the driver's seat is unmarked and intact.

It's had one previous female owner and came with a full service history. Even with the mileage it uses no water, nor oil, starts on the button and runs really sweetly, with no clattering, rattling or general nasty noises.

It could do with new suspension (so I might as well lower it) but still corners really nicely... miles better than my previous 325i. Quick, if not exactly fast.

Faults:

Carburettor faults.

'Wax Stat'.

Dodgy stalling carb: On long motorway hauls, the carb lasts about 40 miles, and then stutters for the rest. I always have to pull it over and let it clear up, before I start driving again.

Poor cold starting performance: Carb needs a bit of heat before it runs right.

Sticky power steering: Bit scary on the motorway, cos there is there isn't much feeling through the PAS.

Rusty doors (on a VW?)

2nd gear crunch.

General Comments:

It doesn't really inspire you to drive it all the time, like an 8v GTi does, but it handles well... I suppose!

It isn't the quickest of cars, and it is far better than the 1.3, but if you can afford one, the post '88 8v GTi is a much better bet.

I've been told that a Weber Carburettor on it makes a world of difference, but would you spend £200 on a car worth about £900?

I wish I never sold my GTi in the first place!