I was wondering if any owners/expert could point me in the right direction?

I’m thinking of buying a cheapish late 70’s to early 80’s VW Golf because I hear they are very economical. Which model VW golf is the most economical, and how much fuel does it burn per 100k’s? At the moment I only seem to be getting 220 miles out of a tank, on the highway, from my 72 1600tp Beetle.


1972super

All pretty much the same mechanically although the later ones ('79+ I think) had the emition control stuff hooked up to the engine so it took off some of the hp available and hence increased the fuel comsuption a little. I liked the look of the later ones because of the bigger plastic bumper. If you have the same opinion, you can go for the later ones and remove the emition stuff (although I am not sure how legal is it). I used to get about 11lt per 100km city driving and about 8 or 9 on the highway
Raf

out of a standard golf ive allways found you get about 400k out of a tank 35-40lt weather you drive in the city or highway, diesel about 5-600...as for which is the better!! its the one with the least amout of rust!!! especially in the A pillars personally i dont think the latter or german ones are any better.

Grab one with a desil motor, cheapa to run as wel but not nearly as fast, but it depends wat you want cheapness or speed

Thanks guys, so I'll be looking for a Golf GLD? Suprisinly, compared to Beetles on the market there doesn't seem to be many Golfs for sale between ($2000-5000) but a huge amount listed for under $1000

72super

hi my mark 1 diesel gets 640km on 36 litres, and it goes well too. do try and find a rust free one like i did, they are out there. And yes a GLD is the one you want.
Try to avoid the 76-77 as these were built here in australia and not quiet as good as the german ones from 78 on

640 km on 36 litres, wow that's great! What is the average selling price of a 1978 or later mk 1 Golf in resonable condition?

Just keep in mind that if a diesel breakes the pocket aches, and most of them have been getting on a bit now!so beware!!!! if something goes wrong with the injection system, most times you may as well throw away the engine!...for a hack i would reccomend a petrol as if something goes wrong its all really simple stuff to do yourself.

do the diesel golfs have a problem with running on biodiesel/vege oil? something to think about as its cheap and good for the environment

Have always liked the idea of using vege oil in a diesel car, have the book at home, just need the motivation to get things rolling oh and the money.

I recall the petrol golfs stopped in 78/79 and then they sold diesels for a further 2 years 79/80. Correct me if I'm wrong.

My family bought the last diesel golf sold in australia...its a 1982 I think...its a great car...burns 6 litres of fuel per 100k's....

yes my car uses 36litres to travel 640km and thats the same on the highway as it is in town, and its only the stock 4 speed!
the car has done 200 000 km now with NO engine trouble. just keep changing the oil and filters regularly and you will see plenty of trouble free motoring.
you can pick a good one up for not very much now, just wait for the right one
cheers
Andrew

Mine uses heaps of fuel but prolly cos its got a 1.8l gti engine wif a 45mm dellorto in it LOL.

Diesels are best if they are a 1.8l. 1600s are loud and flatulant. Look around for a modded 1800 petrol with a 5spd. Not quite as good as a diesel, but not far from. In my mk2 gti 1800 (112bhp, not crappy aus spec) with close ratio 5 spd and K-Jetronic fuel injection, I got 600 ks out of a tank of Optimax(40L) travelling from Bairnsdale to Canberra. I regularly get 6.5 L/100 highway and less than 10 city, but I am no slouch. The extra petrol burned is worth the comfort and driving pleasure of a later model. Try to find a Mk2, with the right right foot, you would have an excellent miser. They sell privately for as little as 5-7k!