Faults:

Nothing yet. I have had to fix a few minor things, such as door handle and front wheel bearing. Very minor.

General Comments:

It is a fun to drive convertible. A manual transmission is fun, but can be annoying in stop and go traffic.

Anyways, I bought it as a weekend car, as putting the top down and driving the car is so much fun. The convertible top is manual, so fewer things can wrong.

It is a noisy ride, but if you were concerned about that, do not get a convertible. Wind blowing in your face and connecting with Nature is priceless.

Faults:

Had to replace all the belts

Had to replace the valve lifters

Had to replace the exhaust manifold

Had to replace window switch

And the correct grade oil (20/20) is impossible to find.

General Comments:

Well this car is an interesting one. I thought VW was a brand of simplicity and reliability. I was wrong. I have put more money into this vehicle then my Jaguar. I don't know what's scarier that I have this combination of vehicles in my garage or that that this one requires more upkeep. The car performs well for having such a small engine, but the interior and exterior is the most dull combination possible early 90's and German. I don't dislike this vehicle I just can't say that there is any great thing that makes it stand out, and maintenence has been an issue. I guess it is partially my fault for not doing enough research on the car before I bought it, so with that in mind I guess if you can find one cheap enough to make up for it's running costs I would go ahead and get it.

Faults:

Leaky roof which cost £600 to replace.

Cylinder head rebuild at 87000.

Suspension replaced due to hard ride on inappropriately fitted wheels.

Engine mountings needed replacing twice in 18months!

Rear brakes cleaned and serviced due to excessive handbrake movement.

General Comments:

A gorgeous looking car, especially in white with a black hood.

The 1.8 litre engine has some serious grunt, even in carb form.

Don't expect recent VW build quality however. This model was devised over a decade earlier and rattles, shakes and squeaks are part of the experience of owning one of these.

Not quite recognised as a classic yet and because of this parts can be hard (or even impossible) to find.

A wonderful experience when topless for the driver, less so for the passengers due to buffeting.

Consider the running and possible repair costs before purchasing used. Look out for an enthusiast's car or a VW dealership trade in.

Do not buy from a dealer without a warranty. I did and quickly regretted it as £1000s of repairs were needed in the first year.