Living with a Mk1 GTI?

[Random Nonsense]

Hi all,

First some background: My first love is the Mini, not the big BMW blob thing, but the classic. I have a 1969 Mk2, and a Mini Minus fibreglass bodyshell (250 made in the late 60's early 70's so pretty special)

Problem is, neither are ever going to be practical for every day use. I have always had a bit of a thing for the Mk1 golf so here I am, trying to find out what they are like if used every day.

[tall pete]

Can't believe no ones answered, perhaps they are all too stunned by the question. Either

A. They only get their cars out on sunny sundays once a year so are too ashamed to answer.

or

B. They are too busy driving them to answer.

Anyway.

I have used my 83 Mk1 gti for the last year every day for 20 mile round trip to work. I also use it to attend the occasional meeting. The only problems I had which actually stopped me using it were with electrics in the damp which was solved by the usual new HT leads, dizzy cap etc.

I have spent a lot of time tidying it up but nothing was strictly neccasary.

So if you want reliable I can recomend it. Fairly good value too.

And then theres the other fun bits, like when a bloke from work with his shiny audi a2 company lease car tried passing me on the dual carriageway whilst sticking his fingers up...

Peter.

[Golfgal]

Use mine everyday and she's good!!

I love her to bits her nickname is trusty he he!!

Left my lights on all day and she still starts she the best car I eva had!!

[vixteris]

at the moment im using mine everyday - no power steering is my only real complaint.  

mines a cab so at the moment im enjoying the natural air conditioning and to be honest its extrememly fun and quick to drive and a real head turner.

there old cars and are gonna have there problems.  they need looking after!  if u do look after ur mark 1 tho it will look after u  

[gibby]

I use my mark 1 cab as my every day driver as it is the only car I have, granted it's a '91, but it is the most reliable and fun car I have ever had, sure I've had the odd problem with her but that happens to the newest of cars. Starts first time every time and I wouldn't want to drive anything else at the moment.  

[carrie]

i agree with vixter the steering is sooo heavy on my cab. other than that its very reliable get one!!!!!!
only problem i have with mine is every morining ihave to hit the relays to start it or it fires up then dies, but hey its another plus point as it has its own free immobiliser

[kr1s77]

I too agree with Vixteris & Carrie with the heavy steering, but is  only noticable when parking. Only had my mk1 cab for a few months but really enjoying it.

[Golfgal]

My steering is fine on my mk1 tin top. Is a bit of a pin parking but she's gud still!!

[SoundillusioN]

FOOOOOOOOOOKIN AMAZING CAR.................

Drivin to work in it
Cruise about in it
Drivin it like you stole it!
Racing it
Doin the shopping in it.
And other stuff

She can do it all.  Keep it clean and oiled and she'll give you everything she's got.  Only gripe I've had is an electrical fault i cudn't find.  When you buy one, check the leccy's.  Especially the condition of the fuse box...

Here's some help, if it helps.  

http://www.campaignregister.co.uk/buying.htm

[MK1_BOY]

When I had a gearbox....
It was the most fun in the world...  I'd come home from a long day driving around on motorways or in London and get in my beast for a little thrashing around the little roads in my area   As for the weekends, I stopped drinking to drive it   ...

They may have a problem now and again but by the looks of your sig pic you'd soon learn how she runs, just like you know your minis...  


  I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMEND BUYING ONE...  YOU WONT REGRET IT