86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

[Heinz CA.]

hell of a deal, mechanically sound, slight dings, needs new paint but hey 95K original, 5 speed, 1.8 liter i think? and all works well for damn cheap! tires decent too. What mpg to expect? Im thinkin approx 30???? just need a commuter that I wont mind getting dings, easy to park, economical, and looks kinda fun to drive , beats commute to SF w/ Yukon at 13 mpg!!! I'd love to hear comments on this model, Thanks guys!

 

[ob]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

I personally don't know anything good or bad about the VW Golf.Others here may.You ought to also try searching some reviews on edmunds or one of the other auto forums around the net that are vehicle specific.Some can help to pinpoint the highs and lows of specific vehicles and aid in your decision.Parts availablity and price,overall reliability,and any other issues that may apply to the vehicle etc...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

I have a Jetta and I am happy with it (wifes car). Check on the timing belt interval it may be a good investment to keep it in top shape. Yes, fun to drive.

 

[Heinz CA.]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

yup great drivin it! was at1/8 full and to fill was 11 gallons???!!! flushed cooling system(only neglected part) and flushed w/ water repeatedly today and am running Prestone flush thru it for a few more days, had great results w/ it in old 66 truck. Also poured in can of B12 Chemtool(I swear by it for fuel systems) before fillup today. Sure it needs paint(clear coat peeling) some very small dings and maybe front tires, and a stereo(little at a time) but a good commuter! Can't wait to find out mpg, I'm thinkin close to 30 mpg???

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

Depends how you drive it-my girlfriend was getting 36-38mpg from hers.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

Yeah, but an imperial gallon is bigger than a US gallon, Nos...<br /><br />I got 30 ish in my 87 Jetta 1.8 gas(per US gallon)<br /><br />at 309,000 km I replaced the original timing belt.. gasp... car died at 350,000.. well it wasn't dead, but major blowby kept freezing the pcv tube in the winter and puking oil out all the gaskets<br /><br />the car was good for what it was, but I guess my 81 Scirocco had spoiled me... the Jetta was a huge letdown from what I expected<br /><br />my sis had an 85 golf with the auto trans... it was problematic.

 

[KRS]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

what is "a good deal"???

 

[ZmOz]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

If you're willing to endure the embarrassment , why not get a diesel and get 50+ MPG?

 

[stan_deezy]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

Brilliant cars!<br /><br />Bullet-proof (not literally!) mechanicals, just check that timing belt and make sure the timing is set-up correctly (it's a pig to get right but once it's done it's a flyer!).<br /><br />Holds the road like a go-kart and you'll end up leaving more expensive in your rear view mirror with a big grin on your face.<br /><br />Parts are available pretty easy.<br /><br />Loads of good forums around to help although most of the ones I know are UK based but there's bound to be some in US and we Brits don't bite (much). Try golfgti.co.uk they don't just cater for the GTi either and they have a section for all vdubs from Mk1 onwards. Go say hello and you'll get a friendly welcome.<br /><br />Go on, buy it, you'll regret it if you don't and I can always give you a hand over the net if you do ever have problems

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

Back when I had an 86 Jetta 5 speed gas I got about 30mpg. I drove it like I stole it and never had too much trouble other than a broken motor mount once and typical brake pads, tires, exhaust, etc. I had it for 3 or 4 years and kinda wish I had it now. It had 150k or so when I sold it and everything still worked well.<br /><br />Sadly VWs of that age are rare around here because of road salt turning them to swiss cheese before they've worn out.

 

[Heinz CA.]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

So far I really like it as a commuter, i put new wipers, and fanbelt on and flushed cooling system. Is a great runner and spunky too! lets see, 14 gal tank(bone dry)and Im at 220 miles and 1/4 tank left and thats city driving as well as some freeway. How often to change the timing belt? Not sure if it's been done and it's at 96K. Thanks and any forum links would be great!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

Opinions vary however if you ask most mechanics will say about 100k miles.

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

60k is what VW recommended when my girlfriend had hers.

 

[Heinz CA.]

Re: 86 vw Golf (gas) what all think?commuter

Thnaks guys, i think I'll remove belt cover and look at, but prob. a good idea to change(age not miles) a bit cramped, may have shop do, but god runs like a champ, no leaks, no burning, and spunkylast mpg checked was 25 mpg, was idling a lot due to me flushing out cooling system, but needs minor tune, plugs, wires cap, I'm thinkin i should get real cllose to 30 mpg, also slight muffler leak(but sounds nice) and i got it for $650.