VWwA Used Car Guides Golf GTI (Type 1G) 1990-1991

[86gti]

I had a 87 3 door GTi, black with a 2E motor fitted. The thing flew at the time and handled fantastically. I fitted Koni Sports and lower springs. I did a couplke of trackdays in it but my greatest moment was finishing 6th outright in "The Classic Challenge" in NW Tasmania. I loved that car. Problems were only 3 valve stem seals fitted when I first bought it and later I did the head gasket. Otherwise zilch in the way of worries with it.
It is now 86GTIs Golf.

Only problem ive had was a main fuel pump.and new clutch cant really be stated as problems tho..just things that were getting tired.. other than that its the best thing since sliced bread! Will be getting some TLC and some new parts in the next few months...stay tuned...
and as Andrew said
87 3 door GTI
2E 2.0 running K-jetronic
Konis all round...
i love it i love it i love it

[phaeton]

Anyone else with more feedback please post

[Spyda]

Model: Golf GTI
Engine: 1.8 8V 77kW
Year: 1990
Problems: Many problems, one thing after another. I guess you cant expect to much from an 18yr old car. As stated above they just need TLC and a big bank account. Another problem is the power, not enough off it.

On the possitive side, its a great looking car, it handles great, you will hardley ever have to do a 3 point turn, its unique and most engine prity much bolt straight in.

I wouldnt have anything els.

[jayjay]

do i post my experiences? private import 87'?

[GOLFBALLS]

1990 GTI (Aussie deliv)
ENG: RV 1.8 8v 77kw
GEARBOX: AUG
5 door, white.

+ Great looking car, takes a hammering, good fuel economy, doesn't get hot even when its low on water in 35+ degree heat, great chassis balance and general handling even in stock trim, and my control arm bushes and mounts have only just started to pack it in now after 19 years!! reliable as they come, can take it camping on battered corrigated roads no problem, and fit sooo much stuff in the back with the seats folded, and my passengers always comment on how comfy the seats are! Oh yea, and 20vt's fit nice n easy

- Apart from some plain dumb previous owner "repairs" to the body and interior, and the lazy so called vw specialist who used to work on it doing some pathetic attempts at maintenance, the main issues i've had that are factory related are weak park brake setup, seat bolsters, interiors dont handle the Aussie climate very well and parts become brittle (unless you always garage it), availability of factory trim parts is no more, gear linkages, rear parcel shelf is fragile, weak A/C fan system, not enough power from engine, water leak under expansion tank, wobbly front seats, poor headlights, exterior door handle mechanisms always break, MFA displays are often buggered. Oh yea, me too with the PAS pump. It's getting noisier every day!

[jets]

1990 GTI RV engine
First reg 1991
White, every thing stock icluding disc wheels.
I owned car for around 12 years but sold around 3 years ago.
The most impressive thing was the steering & handling.Car always drove straight & sat on the road nice.
I think they look good , particularly the front.
Mine was very reliable only needing front wheel brg[original not greased properly from original supplier], new o2 sensor fitted.Outer drive shaft boots replaced.
When I sold it[170,000kms] needed new clutch cable[heavy pedal] hyd. tappets rattled after starting & A/C needed new seal in compressor & regas.
I didn't think the body was that well built. Doors didn't fit that well with wide gaps around the edges & don't sound that good when being shut. The rubber trim around the LHF window should have been rejected at assy, had lots of pimples. I have seen another with poor rubber moulding as well.
The engine was too small with too little torque at low revs to drive A/C. By todays standards, needs more HP.
The clutch although bitey was sometimes a bit tricky to engage, probably symptom of low torque & light flywheel.Once under way very economical.
In heavy rain, water would get onto belts & they would slip.
IMO engine needed a multirib belt.
Front spoiler was always acting as a grader blade. Maybe in the northern hemisphere it could be used as a snow plough.
Overall a great car & far better than suggested in Dog & Lemon Guide.

[GOLFBALLS]

Overall a great car & far better than suggested in Dog & Lemon Guide.

Yep! That guide is 90% utter crap!