Faults:

Hardly ran when I got it due to a bad electronic fuel regulator.

Exhaust was rotted.

Changed fuel line and filter.

General Comments:

This car for an '89 is mint. it was a VW dealer car. there is a sticker on the window that said "VW loaner car, do not sell" it performs quite well. and the interior is mint, and the exterior had 3 small rust spots that I immediately repaired. if this one ever died. I would either repair it or find another one exactly like it.

Faults:

The usual long term maintenance items have been done: brakes, shocks, springs, exhaust, timing belt, ball joints, etc.

I've kept up very regular oil changes, and the engine still purrs, but does use about a liter per oil change.

I've patched the driver's seat myself, and have done rocker panel repairs, along with repainting.

General Comments:

The 5 speed has been great.

It's fun to drive, despite the manual steering.

I have averaged up to 46 mpg and do no worse than 38 mpg for short driving.

Viewing the regular maintenance in comparison to monthly car payments - this car, and my wallet, come out way ahead.

Faults:

Transmission wouldn't shift out of second. Replaced it with a used one that works and it's been a great car ever since.

General Comments:

The Fox has been a great car that really stands up to some serious abuse. I race these cars in demolition derbies because they are so quick. I have raced other VW's and they are not as stout as these cars. VW's engines and transmissions of this era are very interchangeable and the cars are easy to work on. I feel bad about destroying these cars, but I know that once they hit the boneyard there's only one thing left to do with one anyway so it's off to the races.

Faults:

Fuel pump went out @ 136000.

Idle Air Control out @ 136000.

Oil leak @ 136000.

Radiator out/replaced @ approx 120000.

Fuel line leak/replaced @ approx 97000.

Speedometer makes loud noise over 25mph sometimes & moves back and forth.

Dash lights completely out on left hand side & dim on right hand side (have had to super-glue the switch to stay in "on" position.

Front windshield leaks (have had to caulk both upper corners).

Driver door handle "sticks".

A/C does not work (the car "has it" but has not worked since I bought it).

Temperature/heat sensor & light out @ approx 120000.

I am having a good bit of "hesitating" going on with the car. I first took it in to a place that said I just needed a tune-up and the Idle Air Control valve. I had the idle air control replaced & a week later it started hesitating again & completed broke down. Other mechanic said it was the fuel filter. Had that replaced & is still doing the hesitating. Am currently trying to find out why the car just won't run!

General Comments:

I have a love-hate relationship with this car!

I love the gas mileage I get with this car. I can fill it for the week and drive approx 300-325 miles (approx $13).

Original radio/cassette player still work great!

It can be fun to drive at times, but has been expensive to maintain recently!