Buying advice needed

[the boy mike]

Hi all,
Just posted on the new members forum, so now feel qualified to assault you all with a torrent of questions - sorry if they've been answered before - links to relevant previous posts would be appreciated
Basically I'm flogging my old crusty fords and want a Golf Gti. The choice comes down to a Mk1 1800, or Mk2 8v and 16v. I love the styling of the Mk1; but this is supposed to be a "sensible" car that will hopefully require very little to keep it going - I think expecting this of a 20yr old Mk1 is wishful thinking.
So the next question is; 8v or 16v Mk2? I know this comes up a lot and I've read some old posts. I'd prefer the 16v, but not if it's going to be unreliable and crap on fuel. Basically what I'd like to know is:
Does anyone have dyno torque graphs to compare the bottom end torque of the two? I know the 16v is supposed to lack a little bottom end pull.
Given their tendancy to rev, are 16v motors with 100 - 125k on the clock going to be on the brink of death / a costly rebuild? ( realise it has a lot to do with how it's been treated, but generally)
Realistically, what sort of fuel economy am I likely to see from a valver (if I don't abuse it) compared to an 8v?
I know of the horrendous cost of 16v idle speed control valves, is anything else vastly more expensive on the valver?
What, generally should I be looking out for when buying a Mk2, especially a 16v? And what's this I hear about 'boxes falling to bits? What actually fails on them?
Are there any signs of neglect / abuse to look out for that specifically apply to the 16v model?
Is the K-jet reliable? I'd prefer efi, but I know they only did Digi on the 8v.
Is the unleaded problem with the valver only because of the lower octane rating - i.e. will I get away with super unleaded or unleaded with an octane booster and not have to worry about burning out the valve seats?
Is the head alloy or cast Iron?
Like everyone else on the planet I'm after a post '90 spec valver in a nice dark metallic. Will I find a good 'un for about ?1500? I realise I won't get a minter, but I don't want a minger either.
I think that's all.. hopefully I might reward you all some time in the not too distant future with some pictures of my nice new toy

Cheers
Mike

[marcus123]

welcome.

yeh you will find a real nice mk2 16vfor that price, im selling mine for that

go for the mk2 16v,its simply the best golf gti vw ever did.

rust is the main killer on the mk2s really, check the foot wells and door cards for watery deposits.

unleaded is not a problem on the mk2 16v.

economy wise you should be looking at combined figures of around 30.

seriously tho, consider mine, its a bargain

[kniterider]

hello mate and welcome!!

here some answers to some of your question:

bottom end torque on 8v/16v:a) ive had loads of 8v's and have a 16v now, i can honestly say ive havent noticed any 'lack of' bottom end. Even if there was the top end rush makes up for it ten fold!

100-125k mileage/brink of death:a) its been proven that these engines dont fully loosen up till the 80/100k mark, unless the engine has been totally neglected a 16v engine of this mileage should be fine, although valve stem oil seals can fail and cause a bit of smoking, but this dosnt say the engine is 'bad' and there not a big job to do.

economy:a) my 16v dose prob 36mpg ish on a run, and if i decided to give it some it can be around late 20's-30 but its not excessive. (mine has induction kit and full stainless system, so figures may differ to a standard one)

unleaded:a)all day long, although suoer unleaded/optimax etc give a slight increase in mpg/performance.

cylinder head:a) alloy.

you should get a non minger 16v for that money, i know marcus's is up for sale^ but you could have this:


for around ?1300 with a years mot!!!

he he

Gaz

[the boy mike]

Thanks for your replies and offers..
They both look like tidy motors, but I'm after something with original BBS rims really, also I really hate red cars!
Judging by the amount of late 3 door valvers about, I wouldn't have thought they'd take too long to shift
If the bloke hasn't sold it already, I should be looking at a '91 pearl grey beastie tomorrow..?
Cheers again - will keep you posted

[kniterider]

let us know how u get on mike!!!

Gaz

[the boy mike]

Cheers for your advice guys.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=12631.0

Will hopefully get some more pictures up soon