What do I do !!

[Andy-H]

I've just been offered a 3dr 1988 Mk2 Golf GTI 16v for my Mk3 8v and I don't know what to do.

The Mk2 has less miles on it but it has a smoothed tail gate that I don't like. How much would it cost to buy a replacement??


Should I go for it and try to get it back to a nice standardish motor.......or do I keep with the reliability I have with the Mk3 ??

I have no clue about Mk2's so any advice would be appreciated. Also what to look out for. Thanks in advance

[nige_s]

Provided its in good condition, no rust and has genuine miles I'd be tempted.  The tailgate is an easy swap and pretty cheap if you hunt round for one that's the same colour so you don't have to repaint it.  It shouldn't be any less reliable than your Mk3.

If its had the smoothed tailgate what else has been messed with it?  Must be something else?  Otherwise if its a genuine car in good shape but a dodgy tailgate I don't think you could go wrong.  In the long run I think the Mk2 will have a better classic status than a Mk3 and potentially hold its value better.

[Andy-H]

Cheers for the reply, It has the smoothed tail gate along with big bumpers fitted. It has been lowered and has some  17's on it (which I would replace) I have only seen pictures so far but I'm planning to go and see it this weekend.

I think it may have been a victim of some fashion consious person back when smooth tailgates were the rage.

Pics of the interior look OK with little wear to the bolster etc. The paintwork looks very clean (respray?).

I suppose the mileage matters not if it's had it's neck wrung for most of it's life. Any engine issues to look for, excessive smoke etc. ?

[nige_s]

All the issues will be the same as when you acquired your car.  Suppose it all depends on what you value you car at and what you think this mk2 is worth.  If you can see beyond the chintz and think it can be transformed into a nice motor for little outlay then it could be the right decision.

You just got to look at the quality of the mods, OK they may not be to everyones taste but if they been executed well then that bodes well for the rest of it, if they're on the bad side of rough then I'd be tempted to move on.

[Andy-H]

Yeah, I'm sure the car has been someones pride and joy at some point,but like you say it all depends if the car has been pampered or bodged.

Are they as comfy as the Mk3?? I know with it being lowered it will be bumpy but the seats??

[Diamond Hell]

Screw the mileage.  Spend all your time inspecting the body.  Engines and gearboxes can be unbolted.  If the body's shagged you're into a world of pain.

It'll be lighter and more responsive than your barge.  Just make sure it's not got tinworm in it.

[DrewGTI]

hiya buddy... how you doing?


thinking of that swap then eh, you did say ya liked the mk2's.


make sure its in good shape as your mk3 is in tip top shape.


 

[Andy-H]

Cheers Drew.

Well I've been to view it tonight and...............

Plus side:
Sweet running motor.
Mint interior, no torn bolster
He has a standard tail gate in the same colour to go with the car (phew)
New rear calipers
Loads of receipts for work carried out
Spare set of wheels (15's)

Bad Parts (maybe not too bad)
No official service history
The Panel under the tail gate is in the middle of some repair (in primer/bare metal on both corners)
Bit of bubbling inside where the tailgate rests.
Has had some welding in the rear floor pan
Usual battle scars you would find on an '88 car.
A Momo steering wheel not much bigger than the boss!

Inside the door shuts etc the car is as good as you'd wish for but there is a bit of bubbling around the top of the strut on the near side.
In all, it seems like this car has been looked after at some point in it's life but it's age has not been too kind to the bodywork.

Strangely still undecided 

Are these good daily drivers??

[DrewGTI]

hmmm. ..  what are the goods and bads on your car buddy?


also when is tax up on both, MOT's


what do you value both cars at?



you got any pics of the mk2?




From seeing your car in person and reading that about the mk2,  your car seems  better condition out the two.

[Andy-H]

Right Mate,

These are the pics I was given.....



And the rear with the Chavvy tail gate



The car has taken a bit of a turn for the worst since these were taken but I think it could be salvaged  It has got 11 months MOT and about 3 months Tax but mine are both due in October.

AAAARRRRGGGGGGHH!!!!! I hate decisions like this

The goods on my car are that Ive spent a lot of money on it getting it as good as I can get, it's reliable,I know the service history, it's clean, comfy (broken neck) and I know my way around it.

To be honest, the only bads I have are the small rust bubbles on the doors. It runs like a dream and does the things I want from it.
But I like the retro of the Mk2, no airbag, no power steering, a sunroof that you have to flap your bingo wings to got it to shut etc.etc.

Mine certainly is the better condition out of the two and I think the guy is wanting to give me some cash my way but how much.......