What's it like to own a MK1?

[Guest]

Some of you might know that my daughter, 16, has been learning to drive.
So far she hasn't done much damage to Madam Jetta (one scraped wheel).
But she won't be allowed to drive my car without me in it (I need it for work)
So ....
I'm thinking I might buy her a car.
My idea is to get something old and not too precious because paying for comprehensive insurance will be out of the question.
I'd love to have a MK1 Golf Cabriolet in the family but my better half says they're too old and will be expensive and unreliable to run.

If we bought one it would have to be structurally and mechanically sound as we are not mechanically minded.

What do MK1 owners have to say on the matter?

What should we expect to pay for one?

What could we expect to go wrong/need repair?

What other options should we consider?

[Golf Loon]

They are old, need to be owned by people who can tinker with them as they are old and break often.

No power steer and no AC usually puts off the Girls.

I`d recommend a Golf 3, bulletproof and cheap. I see em for $3.5k pretty often, or a SEAT for even cheaper.

Both these are stronger, made in the 90s and safer and more modern to drive.

Thats my opinion.

[mrlex]

Opinion Number 2

What do MK1 owners have to say on the matter?

My Cabrio is a '93 and i tinker with it but NOT because it breaks, but because i enjoy it. Just make sure things work when you buy it as it takes a while to find parts etc...Its a great car, tough as nails, goes alright, good on petrol, good fun with the roof down! Some did have power steering, electric windows/roof and aircon...not sure if theres any in Aus? Power steering can be fitted, mine had aircon once upon a time also.

What should we expect to pay for one?

$4,000 - $6,000 for a low milage, good conditioned one.
Sometimes as low as $2,000 - $3,000...

What could we expect to go wrong/need repair?

Anything? like any second hand car you buy...who knows!

What other options should we consider?

Late Mk1 Golf Cabrio or a Mk3 Cabrio for the extra, comfort and reliability.

[jayjay]

while i'm not actually a mk1 owner, my mk2 is actually older than all of the australian delivered mk1 cabrios and they run very similar mechanical systems.

My golf was in horrible condition but with a bit of luck (you're in sydney already) you can find someone who has all the knowledge in the world on how to maintain/repair the relatively simple mechanics of the fuel injection and engine.

If you were to buy a golf mk1 cabrio, definitely go for the later model australian delivered ones because they'll run mechanical fuel injection (a lot less mucking around then carburettors) and their fabric rooves will be 30 years old and perished like most of the rest of the car.

really, it's everything you'd watch out for in any other car one would buy. except roof leaks.

Personally, I'm with Golf Loon, in the sense that a golf mk3 is a 20 year newer design. There are parts easily and cheaply available and they cost about the same - as in bombs will cost 1000-2500 and perfect examples go up to 8, 9, 10 thousand. (excluding mk3 cabrios)

[Spyda]

You should be looking at a mk3 like Mat said.
Good solid cars that arnt too old. I dunno which ones came with abs and air bags but you might want to look in to that aswell.

[cab93]

They are old, need to be owned by people who can tinker with them as they are old and break often.

WASH YOUR MOUTH OUT MR LOON!!!!


But it's true.....Body and mechanically the car would be up to it, It's just the rest of the car that may give trouble. Generally parts are not that expensive.

Any car of this age will have similar problems.


Michael

[Preen59]

Looks like times have changed and learner driver girls don't want beetles anymore eh? (Not meant to be sexist, just an observation..)


My first car was a Mk1 (still own it). To be honest if i didn't want to fiddle i probably would have bought a laser or a corolla etc. They are good cars. Parts are cheap and easy to find.

I had a Laser sedan a couple of years ago for a while and it was faultless. Drove it to Newcastle once and everything! It was so good that my old man bought it off me when i was finished with it for a courtesy car for his mechanical workshop.

Unless you want to keep it in the family (which is understandable) i'd be looking at a mid to late 90's japanese car like a toyota, ford/mazda (same cars) etc.

[Jarred]

Unless you're willing to get your hands a bit dirty on the weekends every now and then, or pay a premium for someone else too, then a mk 1 isn't for you.

there would be some that are faultless and in perfect nick, but they'll set you back the best part of 6-7grand, especially coming into summer. a mk 3 golf, or similar SEAT would be alot better buy for similar (often less) money, plus better economy, newer build & quality, so on and so forth.

my 2 cents

[paulie71]

Unless you're willing to get your hands a bit dirty on the weekends every now and then, or pay a premium for someone else too, then a mk 1 isn't for you.

there would be some that are faultless and in perfect nick, but they'll set you back the best part of 6-7grand, especially coming into summer. a mk 3 golf, or similar SEAT would be alot better buy for similar (often less) money, plus better economy, newer build & quality, so on and so forth.

my 2 cents

Tend to agree with the idea that unless Dad and Daughter are willing and able to get their hands dirty, a Mk3 Golf might be a goer. In saying that if there is a desire to own and learn about mechanical repairs, you can't go past the Mk1 due to their simplicity, even a late Mk1 cabrio.

[jettapilot]

Thanks to all for your helpful replies.

Keep them coming.

There are a couple of MK3's in my neighbourhood. One is a cabrio and I feel like I should leave a note so they come to me first if they ever wish to sell.

To be realistic, it's probably not going to happen in the immediate future - the child has no money and no job. I'd maybe buy the car but not the fuel!
I like to be informed and prepared for when the time comes.

As for the Beetle - I haven't mentioned it. I just showed her a pic of the golf cabrio and the look on her face said she'd be happy with something like that.
She's not very 'girlie'. Beetle's not her style. (Bit like her mum really)

[WABIT]

ok, this is my little story

was turning 18, dad owned a manual VR6, a '85 model U.S spec cabrio (slightly modified) and a R32 skyline (animal!)

dad said, ok, pick witch one you like and you can buy it from me cheap cheap

now, in school, i was the type of bloke to have a passion for a wide range of cars, not just OMG V8 bro.... so i took the cabby out for a weekend and loved it! could do some decent burnouts! grip through courners, pull your arms off the steering wheel during take off and second gear!, crunch gears while you smash it in 2nd and it just revs like a demon!, was awesome!

so, was the VR6's turn, turned it on, reversed out the driveway, 1st gear, 2nd gear, BRAKES ON! u-turn, BACK HOME! no chance! HAHAHAHAH!

then the skyline, jumped innit, very responsive through the steering, pedals and motor! drove that for a bit and realised my fate would possibly be with a powerpole if i choose this car....

so i chose the mk1! and i dont regret it yet as its such a unique car and when done right, can go pretty damn quick, especially when the others have to slow down through corners

so thats my story

dom

[Brisben]

Nice story Dom.


I have had a couple of old 1982 / 3 mk1 ones and these needs quite a bit of attention but are great cars, engines are strong as. Its the rest.

I have a 1993 cabroilet, owned for nearly two years, and whilst I tinker occasionaly, simply by choice, car rarely needs anything doing, I just like to fiddle. You know, painted brake calipers etc etc.

The car has broken twice, first was inexpensive, sheared a bolt from the steering rack, this time I broke it it is going to be more expensive as it is an electrical fault.

Having said all that it is a daily driver, I do in excess of 70 km per day 5 days a week and it hasn't caused me any problems really. it does give me oodles of pleasure though.

I could go and buy a new car today, I had one before but it was boring to drive and no fun.

Wouldn't swap it unless someone was buying me a porsche..

[scoob02]

Take a Mk1 out for a spin, and work out if its suitable for a learner or newly licenced driver.

My first car was a Mk1, and although i loved itl, it certainly isnt the safest method of transport going around these days....no airbags, no abs and 1970's construction methods which surely wouldnt be as safe as a 1990's or later car

Reliablility isnt that much of a problem, but bear in mind a cabby is 15 years old now

If i was in a similiar position to you, my first priority would be driver safety...I would be looking a something newer but still with a VW badge on it...Mk3 Golf or a Cordoba

[mikinoz]

After my day, I would rather not own one any more.

[GRN_VAGN]

I love my Mk1

Have had it a Month, and its a Get in turn key and drive sorta car.
It has its rattles and knocks. and being lowered it has its clunks, scraps, and tyre scrubs

My wife likes it, and me 10 month old daughter loves it... she allways says "dad dad awweeeeeee" .

But yeah it all depends on if you like to fix things yourself, can get hold of parts and what not. How much you drive, ect ect. Im fixing up a 79 Corolla atm, sorta help take the load of the golf from time to time, But im Just a sucker for old cars, Buy it, drive it, break it, fix it, drive it. repeat process LOL