Some advice needed - MK2 GTi

[08micsta]

Hello guys

Ok.... First time Im posting anything in this section so be nice as I know Jack about the MK2- BUT im willing to learn.

So my question is....

I have found a stunning black 2 litre MK2 GTI 16 Valve for a good price here in SA. Please note that the MK2 is as rare as the Dodo around here (AKA Non existant). Especially a 16 valve.

The car is an absolute minter and has a few cosmetic mods of which the rims have gotta go for some BBS.

This is my first car and something I want to restore and truly enjoy.

What sort of issues can I expect from a MK2? Wats the general feeling? Talk me into it guys.... My dad wants me to get something newer but I want to stick with old school....
 
My apologies as Im sure this has been covered but everyones help would be appreciated.

Thanks guys!

Mike

[JC]

i could spend 10 minutes doing a search and posting links to 4 or 5 good buyer info threads on here,

but then again, i shall let you do it 

but i can link to a 5 part buyers guide, 3/4 way down the page

http://www.matey-matey.com/sitemap.shtml

[08micsta]

Thanks Chuff 

Will run a few searches so as not to p*ss you guys off. Just sorta wanted to hear some feedback on the 16 valve.

100kw is quite throaty considering the MK5 has 147kw (And a phatt rear end to drag along).

I assume the MK2 is heavy maintenance judging from what I have read?

Please excuse me guys. I really know nothing about older cars  :embarassed:

Mike

[twistedblack69]

I've had mine for about a month and knew nothing about them either. Had a lot of fun with it, although had a lot of problems due to it being not very well maintained by previous owners. If it's well maintained, then it should be fine, but even in my situation, I still love it to bits, as I bought it with it being a fixer upper in mind

[Ben Lessani]

To get an impression of day to day running - check out the projects section, it will give you the best impression of what its really like to own one.

[Conker]

My 16v has been my favourite car I've owned, and it will take a lot to get me to buy something else. Here's a few observations...

An older car will not necessarily break down more, but more "things" will go wrong than on a newer car if you know what I mean. In other words, it will nearly always get you to work in the morning, but you'll find something to add to the fix-it list on the way.

You will almost never encounter electrical gremlins, as often happens with a modern car. So say goodbye to having to pay for "laptop diagnostics".

You'll loads of comments and conversations as a result of driving a Mk2, more so than many, many cars.

[Goops]

My 16v has been my favourite car I've owned, and it will take a lot to get me to buy something else. Here's a few observations...

An older car will not necessarily break down more, but more "things" will go wrong than on a newer car if you know what I mean. In other words, it will nearly always get you to work in the morning, but you'll find something to add to the fix-it list on the way.

You will almost never encounter electrical gremlins, as often happens with a modern car. So say goodbye to having to pay for "laptop diagnostics".

You'll loads of comments and conversations as a result of driving a Mk2, more so than many, many cars.

so true!

[danny_p]

the 16v is a drivers car,   all mk2's can be good fun  the 16v has the power to make it really good fun to drive

the 16v is proably one of vags toughest engines,   you have to work them to get the best from them and they love been worked

yes 20 yr old car will piss you off occasionaly but it will make up for it. the good thing with mk2's is as and when it needs   the mk2 is compatable with a LOT of parts from later cars espectaly seat  so won't be problems with obtaing parts for a long long time unlike with other older cars

[Gloves88]

I think conker and danny_p's posts above have really hit the nail on the head....never have wiser words been spoken  

[08micsta]

Hello guys

Thanks for sharing your thoughts....

I have heard that a mk2 gti can possibly outperform a MK5? Not sure how true that is but it sounds really fun.

You guys have spoken me into buying one. I shall continue the search.

Mike