Newbie Golf MK2 GTI questions

[ryana89]

Well first off I'll re-introduce myself.
My name is Ryan and I am (have and always will be) a massive Volkswagen fan.
I do not own even a car yet (only 17!) and thus Im am considering what I may buy.
Im a massive fan of classic Volkswagens (Beetles, Type 3's, Kombi's) but I also like quite alot of the new models aswell.

Paticularly MK2 Golf GTI's and MK3 Golfs, I'm quite interested in purchasing, prefferably a MK2 GTI, but I'm still doing my research on them. I love the classic car look and the simpleness (1.8L with a 5 speed tranny).
I do have a few basic questions on MK2 GTI's though as I do not (yet) own one, any input is welcome.

Reliability wise how are the MK2's?

Is there any areas (electrics, engine, transmission, suspension, frame) that need worrying about more than others?

And servicability wise how easy are they to maintain for a handy-man?

I spend quite alot of time over on Aussieveedubbers.com (I advise you to check it out if you havn't already) and have asked simliar questions to those above and a MK2 GTI is deffinatly in the choice of cars for me to buy. But I thought I'd come to a more predominatly water-cooler forum for more advice and input.

Anyway, thanks for reading and any input/adive is welcome.
Cheers
Ryan

[Spyda]

Its like driving a corola.

If your going to buy a golf, a mk2 is what you need. Just make sure you get the exhaust manifold changed to a mk3 duel downpipe as its prity damn slow without one.

[ryana89]

Sounds simple enough

Thanks

[joshyd-mk2gti]

Reliability wise how are the MK2's?

Is there any areas (electrics, engine, transmission, suspension, frame) that need worrying about more than others?

And servicability wise how easy are they to maintain for a handy-man?

yo,
def go with the golf, will make a great first car. I prefer the mk2 shape, so I'd go with that (slightly biased..). the mk3 has it's advantages too though.
couldn't ask for much more reliability wise. just make sure you do all the necessary things, check oil, water etc, and it should be sweet (assuming there's no existing problems when you get it). there's no specific problem areas. might want to upgrade the headlight wiring when you get it, as the lights are pretty dull. very easy to maintain and a great car to learn on. grab yourself a manual (I think Bentley make the better one?) and away you go.

[ryana89]

Thank-you josh
You've convinced me even more that a MK2 is for me.
The only problem is where to find one!!! Theres doesn't appear to be many at all for sale (in QLD).

Thanks again
Ryan

[jayjay]

well i've had a mk2 as my first car for about 3 years now..?

it's pretty up and down if you get a ropey one ( mine was a bucket of crap ).

a golf mk3 1.8 cl will never break.... ever.. replace the heater core and.... there isn't any thing else to actually break on it.

a mk2 you learn fast about getting under the hood.

[ryana89]

well i've had a mk2 as my first car for about 3 years now..?

it's pretty up and down if you get a ropey one ( mine was a bucket of crap ).

a golf mk3 1.8 cl will never break.... ever.. replace the heater core and.... there isn't any thing else to actually break on it.

a mk2 you learn fast about getting under the hood.

Ahhh but isn't that supposed to be expected of a first car
Quite honestly I love the thought of a car that needs working on, it makes the owner USEFUL.
A car that needs regular maintanence and constant care is exactly what I want, otherwise where's the fun in owning a car then?

Thanks

[velly_16v_cab]

i bought my mk2 a year ago,

bad points
bits of trim not fitted properly (an easy fix)
Head gasket blown (replaced engine with 2.0 but still not done the downpipe swap so still slow ish)
fuel gauge reading wrong (but i run the car looking at the KM's i have done, no problems so far)
The car had a little 'miss' seem to have fixed this (2 months so far without it)
clicking CV

Good points
Looks (mk2 is timeless)
handling, even on stock shocks and springs its fun to throw about
good km/100 i get low 6's on my run into melbourne
I love it, it puts a smile on my face every time i drive it