Hello hello, just started uni and need a more reliable car for the 45 min drive. I would like to stick to VWs but was thinking of switching to a car which includes water other than the wiper washer...... I like the looks of the older golfs, such as the 2dr mk2 but i know little about them.

what do i need to know?

what variants are there?

anything i should look 4? rust?

Cheers, Rowan

Hi,

I'm no expert but I don't think too many MKIIs were sold in Australia. I certainly don't see many on the road, especially compared with the number of later models around.

Try checking out the Watercooled forum. I'm sure they could help. http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/

Hope this helps.

i used to own a 91 mk2 GTI, these were the only mk2's sold in Australia,only as a hatch. there was also a convertible sold but they were based on the mk1 golf.
mk2 was sold here with a 1.8 8 valve engine, close ratio 5 speed or 3 speed auto, some had some power options fitted, came in black, red, silver or white.
if you do look at buying one, DO NOT buy an auto, i know from experience.
guessing these cars will be showing signs of rust now, so look carefully.
anything else i can help with?

there has been a couple on the water cooled forum for sale lately

Ok. Mk2 Golfs. You guys only got the 8v varient?
so that's either the carb based 8v, the GTi 8v (mostly digifant engine) or the "country" Raised suspension permanent 4x4 drive found in the "syncro".


Generally mk2 golfs are the most robust VW made in europe, there are still thousands on the road in the UK, mostly GTi's or drivers (1.6 psec or 1.8 8v on carbs).
Above average MPG, safety and handling but they have their weakpoints.

Obviously check there's no accident damage.
Check whether there's a sunroof, if so the drainage channels which ext the sunroof recess get blocked and cause leaks, just clear out the channels.
Rust - scuttle panel, inner wings and filler cap surround. Also the shape of the mk2 makes a vacum at the back so the tailgates suffer if not looked after.
Engines are bulletproof, my digi was on 185,000 miles when I sold it on, my earlier mk1 had (8v also) and was on 189,000 both still pulled like trains and were easily modified.
In the UK people value the 16v varients more as they rev like demons and can take mostly anything on the road up to a point.
Then there was the rallye, 4x4 G6o (supercharger), full leather LHD only, rather quick.
Oh, and the Driver, still loads on the road, they were GTi spec without the injection.
Standard carbed engines respond well to cams, exhaust and will ned brake upgrades to cope with extra power.
Brake upgrades are swapable from audi's, use the 256mm for most things.
Any questions please just ask, as there's too much info to just put in a post.
Want to see some? Check out http://www.no-rice.com 

The rallye:

The GTi, unsure whether this is an 8v or not...

Pola's GTi

from what i've seen they only ever sold the mk2 golf as a 4-door gti model here...

i have seen a couple of 2-door ones, but they were private imports.

great cars though!

kai

right, the "more-door" GTi are over here too, pople vastly prefer the two doors looks, so you see more of them modded. However, there are also fans of the "more-door".... here you go...
[img]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-3/977055/miss_g_front(Medium).JPG[/img]
(g60 supercharged)