To buy or not to buy a MK2 as a daily driver, that is the questions?

[Major]

G'day all mk2 people.

I am a big fan of the VW marque and finally I have been granted permisson from the minister for finance to get a car to play around with and be my daily driver. As a result my search has led me to this forum. The aim is to gather details about the golf mk2 (also like mk1's), which will hopefully help me to make a decision whether to buy one as a daily driver.

I only have a budget of around $3,500. So I am not sure what this is going to be able to get me.

The main thing for me is it needs to be a daily driver and reliable. With the added value of being a bit of a project car.

Really keen to get your thoughts.

Regards Major.

[ozgti]

I did, but it's off the road for now awaiting some engine work. (read Kjet died!!!)

[RedMk2Gti]

This question has been asked many times. Some die hard Mk2'er will give your encourage answer, obviously it is a 'yes'
I use my Mk2 as semi-daily, it is reliable although after spending a fair bit of money to make it as reliable as it is now. But all Mk2 are old, it has no working air cond, rattle everywhere, it is not a comfortable car to drive daily especially if over 30km or stuck in traffic, but I still like it because it's cool So its all depend on what do you want your car as daily, you want some head turner or a comfy daily.

I did, but it's off the road for now awaiting some engine work. (read Kjet died!!!)

I've never seen yours On road Colin, lol

[Bora Sport]

Obviously it depends on how far you want to drive each day. If well cared for it should be totally reliable. Personally I think the Mk2 is well ahead of a Mk1 as a daily driver. It has aircon and power steering. However as mentioned above it is an old car now. I'm not a fan of cable clutches but you need to move to a Mk4 or a VR6 to solve that problem.

Its a long time since I drove one but my fondest memories are of my 16V Mk2. We had an Oz delivered GTi at the time and although much much slower it was still fun to drive and they handle really well. just add a 2.0 litre bottom end and the power problem is solved. You can pick up a whole Mk3 2.0 litre engine for a couple of hundred bucks these days.

[ryana89]

Red pretty much summed it up.

I use mine as a daily, but it wouldnt get driven more than 70k a week, on average.
In the 2 years its been dailyed I have had a week here and there waiting for parts to arrive/fix the car.

Do a little research here and there (which sounds like you've already done) and deffinantly take one for a test drive.

MK1 = Project
Mk2 = Daily/project
Mk3 = Reliable daily

[Major]

Thank you all for your insights.

I am aware that like any old car things are going to go wrong from time to time. To be honest it probably wouldn't potentially travel anymore then 15km a day.

What are they like mechanically and are parts expensive?

Again thanks, really appreciate the adivce.

[AusScare]

I wouldn't do one as a daily, I've become too used to: electric windows, good aircon, good stereo, light steering, easy gearbox, power on tap (125kw vs 77kw), thus why I have an SP25 as a daily, and mk2 to play with..

[Domel]

I wouldn't do one as a daily, I've become too used to: electric windows, good aircon, good stereo, light steering, easy gearbox, power on tap (125kw vs 77kw), thus why I have an SP25 as a daily, and mk2 to play with..

Well, my Mk2 has all of these things, maybe except the power, but still 102kW (16V) for a car that weighs roughly a tonne is more than good enough

In all seriousness though, if it has to be an older euro I reckon an e30 318is would be a good choice (you would need to up your budget a bit though) - as powerful as an 16V Golf but in my eyes a lot more reliable (although I haven't had any major dramas with my Golf so far, knock on wood).

[Major]

In reality I only have a small budget. Which ultimately means I could buy a late model 90's car that is boring, or go for something a bit older with a bit of character. Thus my reason for looking into the mk2's. There isn't to many of them on the roads these days and I am also a big fan of cars from that era. I find it much more enjoyable driving an old classic then a new car.

[ryana89]

RE: Mechanicly they're really not that complicated once you get your head round a few things.
I think I've heard people say they're similar to small Toyota's of the time.(?)

Parts are availiable if you look around (read various specialist part suppliers/internet)

If you've got some spare time Major, grab a coffee/beer and read through some of the MK2 build threads in the MK2 area and Restoration/project area.

[AusScare]

In reality I only have a small budget. Which ultimately means I could buy a late model 90's car that is boring, or go for something a bit older with a bit of character. Thus my reason for looking into the mk2's. There isn't to many of them on the roads these days and I am also a big fan of cars from that era. I find it much more enjoyable driving an old classic then a new car.

In which case, definitely go for the mk2. If I had to get a car for under $5k I'd get a mk2 (well I did a few years ago).

And there are heaps of mods available to keep you happy

[Major]

Again, thank you to all. I think my mind is made up to go for one. Now the problem is trying to find one.

If anyone knows of one in Vic, please let me know.

[ausgolfer]

In all seriousness though, if it has to be an older euro I reckon an e30 318is would be a good choice (you would need to up your budget a bit though) - as powerful as an 16V Golf but in my eyes a lot more reliable (although I haven't had any major dramas with my Golf so far, knock on wood).

Seems an odd thing to say if you haven't had any dramas.

I've had my mk2 for 10 years, driven hard and daily for 8 of the 10 years, had I not modified it I would have basically had no issues with it.

Can't say I know of any around for sale. But if they do seem a little loose or tired don't fear as some new bushes and bearings are a relatively cheap way to have an awesome little car.

[Domel]

Seems an odd thing to say if you haven't had any dramas.

I've had my mk2 for 10 years, driven hard and daily for 8 of the 10 years, had I not modified it I would have basically had no issues with it.

Can't say I know of any around for sale. But if they do seem a little loose or tired don't fear as some new bushes and bearings are a relatively cheap way to have an awesome little car.

Well, I said I've had no major issues, which doesn't mean no issues... it seems I didn't knock on wood hard enough as the alternator and a/c compressor have decided to die today and last week respectively, also had some issues with unstable idling, stalling and other miscellaneous electrical problems previously (whereas the e30 has been extremely reliable the 3 year I've had it).

Don't get me wrong I love my Golf, but again in my opinion old BMWs, e30s in particular, are more reliable, that's all.

[Mk1_Citi_Golf]

Well, our Mk 2 does 100km a day mon to fri from the Barossa to Adelaide with no problems. It's up to 450000 km's now as well!! It is 1z Tdi powered though and I fitted power steering so it's fast, easy to drive and fuel efficient to! Can't beat it!