General model information..

[Darren*]

I'm currently looking into the possiblity of getting a Mk2, so I'm looking for general information about these models to give me a broader picture fo what to look for and how to go about getting insurance quotes a little better! I hope a few of you guys can shed a little light over my glum question!

What years did the Mk2 run from? 87 - 92?

What models came with the Mk2? There are ALOT of models of Golfs out there as far as I can see, but I'm curious to see what models where avaliable in the Mk2 era and what year they came out exactly! What models were standard, and what models where editions?

What was the engine size range with the Mk2 Golfs? 1.3 being the smallest factory, and 2.0 being the biggest factory fitted? What was there in between?

Thanks! 

[Organisys]

There is a good haynes called you and your golf gti, which has all this stuff in. look on amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1859608108/qid=1117797232/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i2_xgl/202-9206781-6538241

[tobz.]

The model ran from 1984-92 and the basic model range was C, CL, GL, Driver, Gti.
I'm not 100% but I think the engine options were something like:
C 1.3 & 1.6
CL 1.3 & 1.6
GL 1.6 & 1.8
Driver 1.6 & 1.8
Gti all 1.8

Then were other editions like the synchro (4x4 carb), the ryder (just a different trim spec), and of course the rallyes, g60's etc which were all LHD.
The complete range got a facelift in 1988 which removed the quarterlight windows in the front, updated the interior and exterior trim, 8v gti went over to electronic injection, (16v remained as mechanical injection for the models life).
In 1990 the range received another update with the arrival of big bumpers and again the revised trim.

I hope this helps identify what's out there.

Toby

[Darren*]

Thanks Toby, just what I was looking for! 

Did the Driver come in 1.3 too, by any chance? I saw a 1.3 Driver for sale in Auto Trader so I'm just wondering! Whats the chances of coming across a 1.3? In alright condition that still has life left in it? Due to insurance reasons, I don't really have much choice!

Did any of the models range from any particular years? Is there any particular model that would be easier to get hold of?

[monkeyalan]

The mk1 driver was a 1.3 . I think Tobz was right saying the mk2 was only 1.6 or 1.8

[tobz.]

Yep mk1 drivers were 1.3 but mk2's were all larger as the 1.3 wouldn't quite fit in with the 'sporty' image of the driver.
The 1.3 was part of the model range from 84-92, obviously the later models will have slightly better trim specs, the C model is sparse and the CL slightly better. There's definately a good chance of finding a good 1.3 with plenty of life left in it due to the fact that it was not exactly top of the list for boy racers therefore they are likely to have had older owners.

I actually have a 1984 1.3C which I use as my winter/tescos shop/going to the tip/leave it at the pub overnight car. I bought it for £120 on ebay, it had been owned for 19years by an old lady who had decided to give up driving at the age of 78!!! It has a genuine 70k on the clock and no body rot at all, I bought a complete gti interior for £50 as the other one was a bit tatty. I put it in for its mot in march and it passed without me having to spend a thing on it. It's a great car and will happily sit at 80-85 on the motorway, I've even pushed it as far as 110mph but then remembered it's over 20years old and decided not to push my luck!

As you can see there are bargains to be had out there and a 1.3 mk2 isn't the end of the world and they can still be made to look great.
Good luck with the search.

Toby

[tobz.]

One other thing that's probably worth mentioning is that most 1.3's have a 4 speed box or a 4+E box. The 4+E isn't really a 5 speed box as it won't go any faster in the E gear but it will cruise more economically. Don't therefore be put off by a 4 speed model as the only advantage of the E gear is lower fuel consumption.

[Darren*]

Thanks again Toby!

The 4-speed wouldn't be a problem to me, I'm currently driving a Mini!  Do you just slip into 'E' as if you where going into a 5th gear then? (Is it in that order; 1, 2, 3, 4, E ?)

I guess Ivel got a bit of shopping around to do. Insurance shopping that is! Insurance is a joke over here, going how things are at the minute with quotes I'm going to be left with driving the Mini until its rotted.  Are there any particular VW insurance companies out there that might be worth checking out?

Apart from that, and the few 1.3s popping up here and there, what I'm looking for in general and the price I'm looking to spend seems to be in order!

[tobz.]

Yep the E gear is in the fifth gear position after fourth.
There are companies that specialise in VW insurance but are usually tailored for gti's or classics.
I have my gti insured with HIC (herts insurance company) and I have my 1.3 insured with elephant which were by far the cheapest quote at the time.

[monkeyalan]

Admiral, privlege, tesco,adrian flux, greenlight and a few others i can't remember seem to be faves around here. There's a post somewhere. just put insurnace in the search and you'll see it .