thoughts on potential alternative to a mk1...

**ryana89** · 01-01-2011, 07:38 PM

Ummmmm, don't want to sound obvious but perhaps a MK2

PS: I think you'd find parts would be easier to source for a VW as opposed to a Pug

......depends if you can find a good parts supplier for either

**walshydub** · 01-01-2011, 08:32 PM

I think it all depends on what sort of car you want.
I used to have a 205 gti and it was probably the most fun car i've ever owned. They are fast, handles very well and look great. I don't think you could have more fun on a tight, twisty road in any other car in the same bracket.
However, being French it was fragile, the dash squeaked and the electrics were iffy but mechanically it never let me down. I owned one in England so getting parts wasn't an issue, but i'd imagine it would be over here.
as for the MK1 they are tough little cars but you won't get a comparable version (i.e a GTI) so you'd have to mod it to get it to a similar driving experience.

If it were my money i'd get a 205 or a MK2 GTI (or an MX5

)

**eltonking** · 01-01-2011, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by ryana89

Ummmmm, don't want to sound obvious but perhaps a MK2

PS: I think you'd find parts would be easier to source for a VW as opposed to a Pug

......depends if you can find a good parts supplier for either

to most people that would be obvious, although i'm really not a fan of MK2s... theres just something about them i thoroughly dislike...
the fact the pugs french and parts etc could be a b!tch to get on to is putting me off it...

...that and they don't even compare to a mk1 in my opinion...

**eltonking** · 01-01-2011, 08:40 PM

...didn't mean to offend... :/

(just noticed you were a MK2 owner..)

**ryana89** · 01-01-2011, 08:48 PM

Haha, its ok your allowed to have your own opinion.

MK2's are chubby MK1's, and some don't like that 'phat' look..... or the extra weight

But being a VW, they seem to grow on you, I never used to like the look of pre 70's Beetles, now I adore them!

**sparkie** · 01-01-2011, 09:09 PM

I used to own a 306 turbo diesel, an awesome car, fantastic handling, better than my Mk3 Golf Tdi, there is also something a bit quirky about the French design, something with a bit more art ? maybe, where the Golf is always so functional. There are also plenty of people selling parts. Remember that if anything Peugeot had as good a support network through the 70s and 80s as VW. Love the look of the Pug over the Golf actually! IMHO

**themmc** · 01-01-2011, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by walshydub

If it were my money i'd get a 205 or a MK2 GTI (or an MX5

)

MX5 is a great, fun, car. I owned a 1990 one for a while with the 1.6L engine. Very sweet to drive, not quick, but when you get it perfectly through some twisty turns it's motoring nirvana. The gearbox is the sweetest thing - you can change gears literally with your wrist and no arm movement. There are HEAPS of upgrades (eg. Flyin' Miata 1 800 FLY MX5s). The 1.6L engine is classic twincam beauty. Very reliable etc. It was lifted from the Lotus Elan in so many ways. That's a complement - Lotus Elans are just lovely to drive. If you've never driven an MX5 (or Lotus) then you're missing out.

I currently drive a Peugeot 206GTI. It's fun. Been very reliable - lovely to drive. Peugeot makes nice handling cars, but unfortunately not 5 door, so 77TSI Polo for me.

**paulie71** · 02-01-2011, 11:05 AM

Agree with some sentiments that the Mk2 isn't everyone's preference. Hence when I needed a daily driver 5 years ago, I sought out a 93 Mk1 Cabby as they are essentially an old Mk1 with fewer miles and improvements on a great design (plus the ragtop of course!). I still love the simplicity and looks of a Mk1 any day. I was helpig a mate out with a 98 CL Golf Yesterday and found so many similarities (and of course differences) to the Mk1 you can see the Mk1 Golf pedigree coming through the generations, just like my Cabby.

We own a late model Subaru and I have driven so many hire and company cars in my career that I reckon I have seen many reasons to own a new car and get it maintained by someone else (ie: a competent mechanic), but you can't go past that simple pleasure of working on one of the best designed and constructed cars around. These cars are so simple and so well built, even with their inherent quirks.

While numbers are dwindling, think of the relative numbers sold versus the survivors, then do the math on other makes and models of the same vintage. Italian and Japanese cars of the same era are few due to the flimsy metal used so the have by and large rusted away. Also the design of Japanese cars lent itself to age rapidly. French cars are unique but their marginal relaibility is well documented. Australian cars of the same era were just tractors with springy seats.