Need expert opinion

[Tulloch]

Okay, I'm looking at buying my first Golf, and the model I have wanted for a while now is the iconic Mk2 GTI 16v.

I have been looking for quite some time, and I saw this post on Gumtree:

VW GOLF 16v GTi Genuine rare fast car volkswagen | Cars | Gumtree Australia Botany Bay Area - Botany

Now it looks like a bit of a bargain from market prices that I have seen, however when I looked closely I wasn't totally convinced that it was a true GTI, but a standard golf mk2 converted to the 16v through an engine swap. This is mostly because the GTI badges are missing, and there isn't the red badges that I have seen on the doors of other 16vs. Fuelling my suspicions, there are no interior photos. Also, i was under the impression that the GTI's didnt come with the option of a sunroof, although I could be wrong on that point. When I prompted the owner for more information, he replied that it was an 86' model, although I was under the impression that Mk2s were 87-93?

Your opinions are appreciated, I would absolutely love it if you could prove me wrong here.

[RedMk2Gti]

THIS, is a real Mk2 GTI
It is a South Africa import, that's why it has many difference to German or UK Mk2. Badges can disappear for over 20 years old cars.
And... Mk2 were between 84 to 91.
Why so cheap ?? Mk2 can never be expensive in Australia

[Tulloch]

I appreciate your knowledge. Looks like I might have finally found my GTI

[moostin]

Okay, I'm looking at buying my first Golf, and the model I have wanted for a while now is the iconic Mk2 GTI 16v.

I have been looking for quite some time, and I saw this post on Gumtree:

VW GOLF 16v GTi Genuine rare fast car volkswagen | Cars | Gumtree Australia Botany Bay Area - Botany

Now it looks like a bit of a bargain from market prices that I have seen, however when I looked closely I wasn't totally convinced that it was a true GTI, but a standard golf mk2 converted to the 16v through an engine swap. This is mostly because the GTI badges are missing, and there isn't the red badges that I have seen on the doors of other 16vs. Fuelling my suspicions, there are no interior photos. Also, i was under the impression that the GTI's didnt come with the option of a sunroof, although I could be wrong on that point. When I prompted the owner for more information, he replied that it was an 86' model, although I was under the impression that Mk2s were 87-93?

Your opinions are appreciated, I would absolutely love it if you could prove me wrong here.

Hmmm not sure, I not an expert by any measure but there are a couple of things that don't seem to add up!

The gti seemed to come with a sunroof as std however I'm sure that they were all steel that one looks like glass in the picture.
The front slam paint looks like it's been painted silver to match the rest of the car it should be matt black

At the end of the day it'sa mk2 16v and at under 4k its cheap, if I had the room i'd be on my way to Botany?

[walshydub]

Not sure where you did you're research but yeah MK2's are 84-91.
As previously mentioned this is a SA car, which are different to the Wolsburg built cars. They're generally better equipped but not built as well.
Even the newest MK2's are 19 years old now so they're all gonna have been messed with in some way. This car is a lot for the money, but if you can stretch to $5k there is a nice Aussie delivered car with a 16V conversion in the classifieds of this forum.

[RedMk2Gti]

but if you can stretch to $5k there is a nice Aussie delivered car with a 16V conversion in the classifieds of this forum.

I believe he wants a original car not something with 16V conversion, I'm sure he saw the other in for sales section.

[Stiggy_21]

Yes this is a SA car, so its prob a bit diferent to mine. The 16v was built from '86 to '92... It's a '87. It has the 42mm inlet manifold.. So it's early.
Mine does have a factory manual sunroof, and it was an option. I don't know when the glass ones came out tho. But if it works and looks like it properly fits
Dont worry about the km's, mines done nearly 180k, and runs like a dream!!
Id say get it now, coz it's been for sale for a while!!
At least check it out. Check for rust, hicups in the engine department etc..

[walshydub]

I believe he wants a original car not something with 16V conversion, I'm sure he saw the other in for sales section.

Alright mate, just trying to help the guy with some other options.

Anyway a Mk2 with an ABF conversion is a very good value at $5k and it was carried out by a professional. Could do a lot worse.

[OEM G60]

I've never looked closely at a South African 16V, it's definitely a lot different to European 16Vers. Weird that the rear VW badge isn't there, and there isn't a recess for it. No red piping on the bumpers/around the grill either which the early ones had in the UK. Couldn't comment on if it's genuine or not but most people here seem to think it is, books should tell you too. Glass roof is odd too, as Stiggy said the 16V had the option for a sunroof, they were made by 'Golde' for VW, never seen a Golde glass roof. Guess this one was something that was an option in SA.

Just had a search, check this one out, '87 16V for Sale in SA, looks like the same trim etc...
Nissan Owners Club - South Africa - Nismo :: View topic - 1987 Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V 2.1l

EDIT ^ Should of read that all, that one started life as an 8V

[Domel]

That's some good research there, OEM G60. I didn't realise the SA Mk2 was that different (including the side mouldings and black front and rear valance - although this could be custom...)

[Spyda]

Real GTI = German VW GTI not some SA factory mock up.

[OEM G60]

That's some good research there, OEM G60. I didn't realise the SA Mk2 was that different (including the side mouldings and black front and rear valance - although this could be custom...)

Yeah i hadn't noticed till i looked closer at that one for sale. I reckon that rear panel is the weirdest not having the recess for the badge, you'd think they'd all be the same, but that red one in my link doesn't have it either. I thought it could of been a mod, but nothing else seems to be so it would be a bit weird to smooth the rear and not bother with anything else! Notice the 16V on Gumtree has the bee sting and the red one in my link doesn't as it was an 8V. Wonder if they were the stock 16V wheels over there?

[Stiggy_21]

also, the '87 should have 239mm front disks(??) later models had 256mm.. unless a conversion was done.

from what i've seen, all the SA ones are missing the rear vw badge (smoothed over), and obviously have different badges throughout.


RYAN!!!!!! your the expert with SA cars

---------- Post added at 12:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:17 PM ----------

nissan owners club - south africa - nismo :: View topic - 1987 volkswagen golf gti 16v 2.1l

i want that mk1 pickup!!!!!!!!!!!

[GOLFBALLS]

Hmmm. Normally when someone is considering any mk2 from S.A i'd say run far away!! BUT, this one looks ok. The smooth back panel is factory (my old UK spec '86 GTI had this with the "VOLKSWAGEN" badge on the left and "GOLF GTI" on the right). I've also seen that black lower front & rear before on south african cars.

But, I think that glass sunroof is highly suspect, especially as it says there's rust there. I've never come across glass sunroofs on mk2's before.

It also looks like its had a minor biff in the front judging by that front bumper and the angle of the grille...

[ryana89]

Real GTI = German VW GTI not some SA factory mock up.

My life is a lie!

also, the '87 should have 239mm front disks(??) later models had 256mm.. unless a conversion was done.

from what i've seen, all the SA ones are missing the rear vw badge (smoothed over), and obviously have different badges throughout.


RYAN!!!!!! your the expert with SA cars

---------- Post added at 12:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:17 PM ----------



i want that mk1 pickup!!!!!!!!!!!

Haha, Id consider Red the African spec MK2 expert.
All I know is the SA factory didn't seem to follow the "rules" that the Germans may have set out.