Faults:

Car was reliable, but parts were costly. Most repairs were maintenance items. The car was traded in at 153,500 in need of a radiator and fuel injection work. I was pleased with the car and enjoyed driving it.

General Comments:

Great fuel economy, engine burned no oil even at the 150k mark and still ran at manufacturers specifications.

Faults:

Nothing much really! the rear windows kept dropping down so I propped them up 'permanent'! Car ran poorly on winter mornings due to 'carb icing' not really a big issue.

General Comments:

This was my first car and I was more than happy with it. My brother owned this car for 5 years previous to me and then I used it for 2 more years.

The 1.3 8v engine isn't the quickest, but with a little persuasion is surprisingly nippy. I added a kn filter and free flowing exhaust which made it run a lot better, kept up with loads bigger engined cars with ease. Apart from regular servicing no other costs. The car never let me down and for a nearly 19 year old car ran beautifully. Rust was virtually non existent apart from a few spots near the front doors. Parts are easily available and the car still has retro, but desirable looks and can use gti parts. such a strong car my bro had a rear end shunt in it from a lorry which would have wiped out most cars, the golf is a tank! no power steering means its heavy, but great feedback from the road.

Faults:

The alternator belt slipped off once.

The right front wheel rotor had to be replaced.

A ball bearing squeaks occasionally.

Two window wires broke, forcing me to wedge up the two windows for good.

The trunk leaks mildly.

Moisture occasional gets in the distributor cap, resulting in replacement of cap and rotor.

General Comments:

This car cost me $800 and could not be better for the money I spent. I have put about $300 into it in a 6 year span; it's like driving for free.

This car is best suited for men (or women) who have limited car knowledge, don't panic, and good common sense. Most problems can be fixed temporarily until the driver gets home. It is a good idea to spend $40 on AAA Plus because after 20 years, parts tend to wear down.

MY gas mileage is around 36 miles a gallon.

I recently was cited for speeding, cruising at 85 miles per hour.

Faults:

1. The fuel pump failed completely, there was an original recall after production, but with a Bosch replacement everything is fine. The fuel pump hesitates on a low tank still. This may be the internal pump in the fuel tank.

2. CV joint

3.Catalytic converter

4.Starter

5.Alternator

6.Motor mounts (2)

7.Door handles.

General Comments:

For a car that is eighteen years old, this car is awesome.

First off the silver paint job probably containing lead to give it its durability, is probably in better shape than any other car just five years old.

With stock suspension and wheels with extra wide tires the car handles like a rally car.

Under the hood lies a beast. The 1.8 liter four banger cruises fine at 80 mph.

With a little pedal to the metal the car quickly reaches 90 and 100 mph like a v8.

If the oil is maintained and changed once a month or every 1500 miles then you will see a difference in performance as well.

Not only does the oil have to be maintained, but so does the tranny fluid for maximum performance. As long as there is a nice transmission with the gears changing you should be fine, but if there is any hesitation, just add a lil fluid until you can accelerate from 0-30 and 30-60 with only one change in the gear transmission. Don't rely on the dipstick. 5 qts. total should be fine. The tranny fluid should be changed at regulary scheduled intervals.

I do have a flowmaster exhaust that came with the car when I bought it. This gives it a lot more power along with my new straight pipe and catalytic converter for optimum air flow.

The seats are starting to wear in the front and the air conditioning filter is breaking apart, but everything is maintaining otherwise with proper care and maintenance.