Buying a Mk 2 Golf GTI 16v

[rowey]

I am sure this topic has been discussed 1000's of times, but I would appriciate some info.

I am considering buying a Mk 2 16v as a daily runner to tide me over for a year or so. I currently have an S1 Lotus Elise, but after 18 months of enjoyment it has to go as I need to free up a some pennies. I want a car that I can get for about £1000/£1200 that will still be fun. I have toyed with the idea of old mr2 etc, but then thought of the Mk 2 GTI. This has the bouns of storage space, plus I can sling the surfboards on the roof. I would also hope that the Mk 2 has a bit of character, something many cars in this price bracket are going to lack.........

What should I be looking for? If I got one it would be one of the later big bumper models. Also, what are they like on juice, running costs etc. I am fairy handy with a spanner, so no real worries on that front.

Cheers in advance

[Diamond Hell]

Go look in the Golf2 section.

There's loads - even a *buying guide*.

If it's your daily then look out for a 16V G3 - might be a lot easier to find a good condition one for reasonable money - G2s are starting to attract scene-tax IMO.

[Jay]

Check all the rear arches for rust, along with the sills! FSH is a big plus! anything under 130k on the clock is relatively low mileage as these engines can carry on going well after 250k. Also find out when the last cambelt change was.

Check this link for more info on buying Golf's
http://www.matey-matey.com/golf_buying_guide.shtml

[Jay]

Go look in the Golf2 section.

There's loads - even a *buying guide*.

If it's your daily then look out for a 16V G3 - might be a lot easier to find a good condition one for reasonable money - G2s are starting to attract scene-tax IMO.

Especially those Syncro's 

[andyg16v]

For what its worth heres my view.

I have an 89 16v Mk2 GTI Big bumper with 176000 on the clocks. Still starts first time and giver around 35 mpg on the commuter run just going with the flow of traffic. My neighbour runs an 8v which is just as reliable. Many people reckon the 8v is better in normal driving as it feels more torquey, but I guess that is pesonal choice.

Anyway, whatever you go for (mk2 or mk3, 8v or 16v) if you get a Golf then it will be a practical, comfortable and reliable method of getting from A to B that you enjoy when the road is clear and you fancy a blast.