Faults:

Nothing major. Just new exhaust/tyres, etc. as you'd expect. Oh one thing, the second gear is a common (minor) problem on these cars as it was on mine. It grumbles a bit when going into second, usually just until its warmed up a bit (10 - 15 mins). If you linger on the clutch a moment longer though it engages cleanly.

General Comments:

This car was a pleasure to own. I would look forward to work just for the time I'd get to spend driving it there and back. Unfortunately, the unthinkable happened a couple of weeks ago and I took a tricky corner a little too quickly in icy conditions and drove it through a wall. Incindentally, the police were amazed that I was completely unhurt, testiment to the strength and design of these great cars. I would never have believed destroying a car could be this upsetting. I'm totally devastated about it. I loved that car. Only cost £1200, looked the business and was so great to drive.

Mine was non power assisted steering and this is something I can highly recommend, the amount of feeling you get through the wheel is amazing. The car was very easy to maintain, it really did use no oil at all and used next to no water. Whatever the weather, it would start instantly and run great.

Performance wasn't amazing, but then again I was only 19 and had it insured 3rd party for £175! Around town it was great though, especially for beating people away from the lights if that's your thing.

I really can't recommend mk 2 Golfs highly enough, you can get a nice one like mine for very reasonable money and with the addition of a £100 big bumper kit and a set of second hand BBS alloys, it'll look superb. Just don't crash it or let it get stolen as it's unimaginably depressing.

Faults:

Worn front n/s hub.

Electrics due to the amount of dodgy wiring of alarms/immobilisers over the years (7 owners!).

Cambelt snapped, no extra damage done.

Driver's seat worn.

Heater only works on 3.

Electric window's fall off the runners and stick.

Wheel bearings all round.

Rocker cover gasket split.

Idle stabilisation valve changed.

New distributor.

Plus all the usual stuff, tyres, exhausts, filters, brakes....

Alternator overhaul + new voltage regulator.

Gearbox very noisy (thrust bearing gone).

General Comments:

Have lowered by 30mm, and the handling is superb, apart from such a hard ride.

Top car to work on (I think).

Inside everything is in the right place.

Nice driving position.

Faults:

Interior trim started popping off the week it was purchased.

Bumpers shoddy, missing bits.

Had to rebuild the transmission in 1996 due to slippage in the differential.

Seat covers have ripped.

Heater broke.

Dash light wonky.

Doors leaks water, fixed repeatedly.

General Comments:

Despite my problems with this car, I like it - primarily because it's a diesel. Just did a mileage check this weekend and got 44 miles per gallon in the city.

Burns no oil. Starts every time. Has never stalled, not once, in 10 years. Never gives that gasoline motor hesitation in wet weather. I love the noise - sounds like a British Black Cab.

There's plenty of reason to be annoyed about the shoddy trim from the Mexican plant - Volkswagen shut it down I believe, and reopened it after improving workmanship.

Fun to drive, and that's saying something for an engine with 52 horses.