Total Newbie to VW's - Help on Mk II please

[Silky]

Hi All,

I'm a newbie here, so dont know much about Golf's.
I currently have a 306 S16 and would like to change to a Mk II 16v.
Not knowing much I need to ask a few questions, so sorry if this repeats lots of previous threads.
I just would like to know what year the big bumper version came in, as I'd like a black or Oak green golf, preferably with leather if this is possible.
Also, are the 16v's all 1.8s ? What sort of BHP are they producing, 140/50/60 bhp !!

I'll probably have about 3.5k from my S16 so have this to spend on as good a Mk II as possible. So gonna start looking about now.

Last thing, what sort of mileage should i be looking for, obviously the engines wil be strong but how does the bodywork and interior hold up on these, should I stay away from any certain models, or high milers ?

Thanks
Michael

[reserves]

The 'Big Bumper' models were introduced in 1990, along with Power Steering as standard, you can get big bumpers on G plates but be careful they have not been added afterwards, H & J are always big bumper.

Leather was a rare option, A/C also rare but sometimes added afterwards, J reg's often have E/W as standard.

Engines hold up well. Check Speedo is working as it'll cost you around ?100 to get fixed (along with the on board computer).

[jv]

Hi Michael,

Welcome to the site and the world of Golf GTI

Big bumpers came in at '90 G. An '89 G will have small bumpers. They ran until '92 J although there are a handful of '92K very late registered vehicles.

Oak Green is the 'classic' colour. It usually commands a premium, down to you whether you think it's worth it

All 8v's and 16v mk2's are 1.8, the 16v producing 139bhp

Most late mk2's are going to be at least 100k miles now because of their age. As long as it has a good service history and is HPI clear then don't worry too much. The bodywork and interior is built to last! You might find bits of interior trim missing but it is all easily replaceable.

2.5k would get you a very good late mk2 16v. Don't buy the first one you see, go and look at a few... good luck  

jv

[jv]

Sorry 'reserves', we must have been replying at the same time

jv

[golfvr6]

Big bumpers came in 1990 onwards, all gti mk2s are 1.8s. 16v produces 139bhp and 123.5lb per ft torque. Go for the 16v in oak green  

[Biz]

Look at quite a few cars because mk2 GTIs are getting on in years and there are a lot of dogs about. Always look for crash damage as most hot-hatches have seen some 'action'. Check for history as if there is loads of history then the car will be looked after. Bodywork wise check boot, doors and sills for rust. Interior check for water leaks, wet carpet in footwells and boot and a nice tide mark at the bottom of the door cards is a good sign of water leaks, could mean rusty floorplan as sound deadening under the carpet gets wet, rots and then rusts the floorplan.
Also check ALL the electrics as the fuses box can get wet and play havoc, so check lights, e/w, central locking (pump packs up), all dash functions and MFA!! Non working dash can cost a fair bit to fix.
Engines are pretty tough providing they are looked after! Make sure the engine is cold on start up as noisy tappets can be a problem (more 8v than 16v) and check there's no sludge in oil and water as head gasket will have gone.
Also make sure the front slam panel is black, if it's been colour coded probably means the front has had a smash.
The Mk2 is a blinder of a car if you get a good one and a big bumper in Oak Green is one of the best. I think it's best to go for a standard one as they haven't been messed about and quite often the best but they are getting rarer especially with less than 100k, so you may have to travel. But a minter will be worth it!
Cheers
Biz

[golfvr6]

3.5k should get you a mint J reg 16v. Look at as many cars as possible. If you can take someone along that knows golfs inside out. There are some low mileage ones out there still (under 100k miles), just got to find them. Good Luck!  

[Gambit]

i would not pay 3.5k for a mk2

i seen a 96 mk3 vr6 advertised for 3800 and it came with a full service history, and 92k on it

the cars are out there, you jsut need to look hard enough

mine cost me 1200, and only had 79k on it when i got it last august, and it came with leather interior also

happy hunting
Craig
91 16v

[GTI16vGaz]

i would not pay 3.5k for a mk2

i seen a 96 mk3 vr6 advertised for 3800 and it came with a full service history, and 92k on it

the cars are out there, you jsut need to look hard enough

mine cost me 1200, and only had 79k on it when i got it last august, and it came with leather interior also

happy hunting
Craig
91 16v

How do you get your arches that black, paint?

[Gambit]

auto glym bumper renovater - best stuff out there - its like a thick gloopy gel (looks more like snot) that you apply with a cloth

alternativly you can use shoe colouring on them. you know the little bottles you get with the spongy applicator on top? get a black one of those and dab it on all the balck plastic - works a treat

dont use actual polish though!!