Jowey
Part of things
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Posts: 933
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Feb 13, 2012 13:46:24 GMT
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After selling my E30 I had the pleasure of driving an 8v 4spd and an early 16v GTI the 4spd gear box was really smooth possibly because the car was very low mileage. The 5 spd box on the 16v as has been said above seemed a bit vague, I can't say I have ever enjoyed the feel of a gear change in any VW I've driven anyway. responsive and nimble and a lot less wallowy than my E30 at the time. Can't speak much about reliability but I have a lot of friend amongst the VW scene with 16v Golf/Corrado and I very rarely hear of anything going wrong! I did also test drive a Mi16 converted 205 GTI 2.0 16v with the 1.6 GTI gear box and that thing was phenomenal, I was only 19 at the time and that thing scared the curse word out of me, coming from 1.6 8v Mk1 Golf. Considering the work it had done on it, the 205 was very well priced next to a comparitive MK2 Golf. So I have to agree very strongly with Welshpug test drive a 205 or 309 with a 2.0 16v lump ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png)
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2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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Feb 13, 2012 13:59:57 GMT
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at no point does a 8v have more bhp or torque anywhere thru the rev range , over a 16v, 16v is fatser off the line and all the way to top end where 8vs are left way behind, all the people who say 8vs are better to dive must have experienced a 16v that was worn out and down on power.
they are decent dailys for a 20 year old car, don't comolare comfort wise but they arnt too bad
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Feb 13, 2012 14:12:50 GMT
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at no point does a 8v have more bhp or torque anywhere thru the rev range , over a 16v, 16v is fatser off the line and all the way to top end where 8vs are left way behind, all the people who say 8vs are better to dive must have experienced a 16v that was worn out and down on power. they are decent dailys for a 20 year old car, don't comolare comfort wise but they arnt too bad I've got a rolling road printout from my old 16v (ABF) golf, and IIRC it has more torque from 1800 rpm to the rev limiter, than a 2.0 8v has PEAK. The 8v mk2 I had was a decent car but I didn't find the engine any fun at all. I can't properly comment on the ride/handling of one, since I've only ever driven them when they are absolutely decked on 8" wide wheels, but even like this they drive fairly well.
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Feb 13, 2012 15:01:42 GMT
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Had all three,mk1 gti,mk2 16v and mk2 8v. Obviously mk1 gti was the quickest low down but to be fair a half decent 16v will show 140 on the clock(which is more like 130 odd) but as said above it does need more coaxing than the 8v,despite what any book figures tell you and to be fair my one was pretty fresh with it's head gasket done,4 new injectors,full service etc. The mk2 8v I had was early (b reg) but had a full vw service history on it and to be fair went like fook top end,straight off the 120mph clocks,always willing throughout the rev range and generally a pleasant drive,better for a daily IMO. Also economy was superb on the 8v's,40 very achievable,more 30's on 16v which is still fair in this day and age.
The k-jet is getting on a bit now and your stuck with it in the 16v,it's generally reliable and theres plenty of spares about but the digifant is a lot better and a step forward IMO.
As a daily well that was their original design,they do a lot of miles pretty well,the interior holds up ok,switchgear feels a lot more solid on the mk2 but as said above the newest ones are now 20 years old so can't be expected to be perfect.
IMO if you want one,get one,their always about and plenty cheap enough now,there was a nice looking 2.0l 8v converted late model on here t'other day for around £1400 iirc,looked really clean as well.
Sure there's a 16v on here for £1100 as well?
As said,loads to choose from and tons of spares so even if you do end up getting one with a few bits that need doing you won't be breaking the bank and also you know it will always sell on easy too.
Oh,one thing I remembered from my 16v,it HATED Bosch spark plugs,detested them,any damp and it wouldn't start,just sit there turning over,try bumpstarting it,would run a bit then cut out,awful. New champion plugs cured it,loads of boys at the time said the same thing. Also distributors play up but in this day and age are cheap enough to buy new anyway.
Good luck with your search.
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Feb 13, 2012 15:14:41 GMT
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I loved my Mk2 8v when I had it, used it as a daily for 18months or so and had a great laugh in it Only sold it to buy a van and regretted it not long after. The lights on the dash were pretty much none existent but apart from that it went pretty well, preferred it over the 205Gti I had not too long ago as it felt better put together and a bit safer to be in at speed.
When I sold it on it had 252K miles on the clock and still pulled strong....
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Jowey
Part of things
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Posts: 933
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Feb 13, 2012 15:17:27 GMT
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Now is definitely the time to pick-up a MK2 as a good once can still be had for sub £1500 (sometimes sub £500 if you're lucky)
The prices are sure to start increasing soon so they make a sound investment.
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2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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Feb 13, 2012 17:50:29 GMT
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ive had a couple of mk2's for the past 16 yrs or so ...I'm no fan boy i say things how they are
id say the worst thing you will encounter is the fact so many have now been owned by idiots and bodged to kingdom come , a decent looked after should feel solid and rattle free (ish ) , plenty reliable as well if its been cared for
the other concern is used parts attract scene tax , so you will paying over the odds for second hand bits n bobs now
try and find a adult owned well maintained expample and it will serve you well ..check everywhere for rust
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91 golf g60, 89 golf 16v , 88 polo breadvan
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Lopez
East Midlands
Posts: 867
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Feb 13, 2012 18:53:20 GMT
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I've owned one (88 Digi 8v), my Mrs has one (87 KJet 8v) and driven countless ones.
Absolutely not a fanboy. I'm more a Ford & Peugeot person.
They are good solid cars. Don't rot too spectacularly, easy to work on, great parts supply. Reliable considering the age they are reaching now. Compared to the 205 and 309 they're a little bit er.... boring? Feel quite high-sided, big, a touch cumbersome. I've never really liked the gearchange or the rubbery steering feel. Feels a lot gruntier and more substantial than either the 1.6 or 1.9 205 to be honest, very different ways of skinning the same cat.
16v is as above but more so, I have quite a liking for that engine.
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Feb 13, 2012 18:57:23 GMT
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I've owned my 1990 Mk2 8v with 163k on the clock for about 3 months now and paid £600 for and it hasn't given me any problems. It came with a folder full of history, receipts and MOT's going back 15 years. I've given it a full service and it's had waterpump and belts. Everything else I've done are just age related wear & tear non essential jobs which any car of this age will need (new rear window mechanisms, refurbed wheels, new front fogs, tidied and painted bumpers and door bottoms, window winder handles, gear knob & gaiter, little bits & bobs) It doesn't like being left standing for a few days in the cold and will have a bit of a titty fit but starts after a while. There's sometimes a tiny crunch in second when down changing but once the box is warm it stops, which is common, I've been told. Bear in mind I didn't mind paying £600 for one which was far from perfect so for more money, you should get one which is sorted. Mine has power steering, manual sunroof, no electrics and that's it. It's been lowered on FK Highsport Coilovers and I find the ride surprisingly comfy and solid. Juice-wise, it's excellent for daily driving and I've genuinely been pleasantly surprised at how economical it is. Performance-wise, it pulls really well, spanks boyracers and keeps up with a lot of the modern hatches. Build quality is excellent and the interior in mine is fine (apart from the saggy roof liner) but I think this just comes down to who's owned it in the past. GSF stock most mechanical stuff for it and the prices I've found to be good. Second-hand stuff is a different ballgame as there's a LOT of breakers charging RIDICULOUS prices for parts (scene tax), especially body parts. I'm no Fanboi and I hate the "scene" with a passion but I love the Golf for what it is- a brilliant peice of German engineering. As for comparing it to French GTI's, the 205 is brilliant but I'd pick a Golf as a daily IMO. Here's mine (now has black standard wheel centre trims now) ![](http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z74/scumbag45/pole-1.jpg)
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1993 Mercedes-Benz 190e LE in Azzuro Blue.
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Lopez
East Midlands
Posts: 867
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Feb 13, 2012 19:02:00 GMT
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Since we're on the Alpine White theme, here is my girlfriend's that she's had for about 3 or 4 years - purchased on RR for £350: ![](http://ocukroguesgallery.com/lopez/Golf07.jpg)
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xrmike
Part of things
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Posts: 165
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Feb 13, 2012 19:45:00 GMT
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Ive currently got 3. They are good on fuel, pokey enough (all of mine are 8v) and cheap as chips. Only thing that niggles me is windnoise at high motorway speeds.
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Feb 13, 2012 21:17:14 GMT
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i'd recommend a mk3 polo GT.
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Feb 14, 2012 11:11:05 GMT
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I've had a couple of 16v's so probably a 'fanboy' in the eyes of some but meh I'm gonna give my opinion anyway As already mentioned the 16v has more grunt all the way through the rev range than the 8v, they come on cam at about 4k so unless your used to driving a diesel I can't see what the problem is with that? Plenty of go below that for driving around town sensibly and plenty of top end power when you wanna tan the ass off it, win win The later 16v's had bigger front brakes (256 vented girlings over 239 vw2's iirc). Mine were reliable although one did have a faulty ISV which made it struggle to idle when cold, although holding it at about 1k for 30 or so seconds would have it ticking over as normal. Second gear crunching when cold seems to be more of a golf thing than just 16v, think I've had 3 gtd boxes now and all have done this too. Rust issues seem to be hit and miss, its seems they either have non or hardly any rust, or they have loads of it. I'm yet to meet a mk2 with server rust issues but I have seen plenty posted on the net so its certainly worth bearing in mind when viewing, pay particular attention to under the plastic arch kit as these can act as a water trap. Some one mentioned earlier in the thread that 8v's are more reliable which just isn't true, its the same engine with an extra cam fitted and runs on the same fueling/ignition systems so not sure how one is more reliable that the other? Interiors are well put together for car's of that age but with them getting on for at least 20 years old now they probably won't be perfect, expect a drivers seat bolster wear As with any car tho it's all about how It's been treated in the past. Also don't be put off by high mileage one of mine had over 180k on it and still drove great and pulled how it should, as long as its been looked after mileage shouldn't be an issue If your um'ing and ar'ing about getting a mk2 16v then don't do as suggested above and get a polo GT
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Feb 14, 2012 13:36:55 GMT
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I am not a fan at all of the Mk2 Golf. I consider it the stereo-typical hot hatch, the one people think off when they think 80's hot hatch so they just assume it must be good. If they looked into it a little, they'd realise that they are not exactly what they are made out to be. I would never call one fast. It traded off the reputation of the Mk1 for a long time I think.
Its like Cheryl Cole, shes the sterotypical pop princess, the most famous the one you think off when you say 'pop star' - when actually, ignoring all the hype shes a pretty rubbish singer.....
personally and from my experience I consider the Astra GTE 16v, Pug 205 and Civic VTi all to be far far superior hot hatches, and with the exception of the pug they are cheaper than the Golf. You can use the money saved to sort the Astra's handling and the Civic's barry boy image.
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Last Edit: Feb 14, 2012 13:39:03 GMT by brettsri
87 Mk2 Cavalier SRi Turbo
89 Mk3 Cavalier SRi V6
90 Cartlon GSi3000 24v (Lotus Rep)
90 Senator CD 24v
99 Omega 3.0 MV6
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polo6n1600i
Part of things
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All I need is WD40 & Duck tape!
Posts: 405
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Feb 14, 2012 13:53:35 GMT
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I'be had 4 Mk2 Golfs ove the last few years - A k-jet 86 8v 3dr - good car shame it was rotten! next was a 1.6 Driver 5dr on a G reg - Ok, but a little underpowered. Moved onto a Turbotechnics convered 8v, 160bhp and 239mm discs! last was a J reg Montana Green 5dr GTD - one of 5 made! It was a 1.6 TD tweaked with a FMIC and the boost and fuel turned up. It was on coilovers, had the full 90 kit on and everything upgraded. The best Mk2 I have owned - it still made 45-50mpg too!
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2002 Vw Polo 1.9 TDI sport - Daily Diesel 2006 Vw Passat 3.2 v6 estate - family wagon 1990 Rover Montego 1.6 LX - Project 41
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craig1010cc
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,993
Club RR Member Number: 35
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Feb 14, 2012 15:51:18 GMT
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at no point does a 8v have more bhp or torque anywhere thru the rev range , over a 16v, 16v is fatser off the line and all the way to top end where 8vs are left way behind, all the people who say 8vs are better to dive must have experienced a 16v that was worn out and down on power. they are decent dailys for a 20 year old car, don't comolare comfort wise but they arnt too bad The prob I found (and granted teh 1.8 16v I had was in a corrado so a heavier car) was that it felt like you had to rag the nuts off it to get any where. It may well have had more power/torque than a 8v at lower revs, but it didn't feel like it. Were as my 8v felt like it had lots of low down grunt and therefore felt nicer to drive in normal driving (the 16v was great fun for a full on B lane blast though). Given the choice for a road car, I'd take the 8v every day
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polo6n1600i
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All I need is WD40 & Duck tape!
Posts: 405
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Feb 14, 2012 16:29:30 GMT
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i'd 2nd that - the 8v doesnt have as much power, but its definately the nicer car to drive - especially as a daily - its not quite as frantic. plus with a few sensible mods would see the same kind of power as the valver
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2002 Vw Polo 1.9 TDI sport - Daily Diesel 2006 Vw Passat 3.2 v6 estate - family wagon 1990 Rover Montego 1.6 LX - Project 41
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RobinJI
Posted a lot
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"Driven by the irony that only being shackled to the road could ever I be free"
Posts: 2,995
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Feb 14, 2012 18:03:26 GMT
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As an 80s built hatch, as a daily driver, personally I'd say they're pretty ideal. OK, there's more exciting cars, there's more practical cars, there's more reliable cars, but as a compromise for daily driving, the mk2 is pretty perfect in my eyes.
They're comfy enough for long trips, fun enough to make you grin on a B-road, practical enough to actually have other hobbies besides cars, decent on fuel, parts are cheap and widely available, and they'll rack up silly mileages if looked after, and they won't disintegrate if you do have a knock.
Plus if you want to mess with them, for not much effort they can be made into a pretty serious track car, a comfy motorway cruiser, or jaw dropping show car for little effort or money. There's not much out there as versatile as them in their class.
If I wanted a daily that wasn't an estate, I'd be seriously tempted by one.
You could maybe class me as a fan-boy, but I've got no bias towards VW's, yes I've owned 4 and an audi now, but I've owned non-Vag cars too, and I definitely don't have blinkers to think that VW's are the best things ever anywhere at everything, they're far from it, but what they often are, is a very good compromise of doing everything fairly well, which in a daily I'd say is pretty ideal, and is surely the whole idea of a 'hot-hatch'? OK, a 205 will out handle one, but I'd think twice before carrying my kids in one day to day (If I had any kids), and the boots a fraction of the size of a mk2's...
309s, and mk2 Astras aren't a million miles off them, but parts availability's not as good, and personally I prefer the mk2's looks.
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Last Edit: Feb 14, 2012 18:07:38 GMT by RobinJI
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Feb 14, 2012 18:31:20 GMT
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309 parts are still easy to find, other than bodywork, though if you kno the right people you can get most very easily.
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Feb 14, 2012 18:45:53 GMT
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i had this one as a daily for a about 18 months ![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/nightmaresracing/golf%20gti/069.jpg) great car 8 valve gti only car a can possibly say has been better as a daily is my Audi A4 avant 1.8T sport but the golf was better on fuel
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