Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (1984 - 1992) 1.3 3d (1990/G) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm poor. I want to be overtaken and bullied.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My dad always comments that it is a great car, and one neighbour commented on how it is going well.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I did say yes to this when I first submitted this review. But I have changed my mind. If I was buying a Golf now I would check which carb it is, and be very circumspect about the possibility of possible probs with the Pierburg carb.

What are you likely to buy next?

I would love another Golf. Maybe a MK3 GTi.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£230

When did you buy the car?

July 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Good deaI bought the car after replying to a classified ad on a site called Gumtree. I was careful to make sure the owner was not a dealer. In fact she gave a bit of sales spiel, but was a nice young lady.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Known for reliability and long life.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

It's been said before, but I have to say it again, this car corners beautifully. In other old cars I've driven (Sierra, Maestro etc.) I would be waiting for the car to turn over at any minute. I take corners as fast as I can in London and the Golf is steadfast. The 1.3 is slow to pull off, but another thing that surprises me with this car is that it still has plenty of power even when I am up at 70mph. It could do more, but that is on the carriageway in London. Again, other cars, like my Sierra either didn't like that speed because they lost power or complained for other reasons.

What's it like to park?

No problem for a male driver.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It turned out nearside CV Boot was gone, which was bout £40 to have fitted. Since I first submitted this review I started driving on the motorway and encountered a common problem with Mk2 Golfs - the dreaded Pierburg carb. I experienced a phenomenon known as carburettor icing, and hence the engine cut out twice on the M3 and once on the M25, and that was just on one journey - scarey stuff. Apparently this is a prob that is worse when raining or when the air is moist, but it is one reason I am now thinking of selling this old car. The carb could probably do with cleaning as well as it sometimes grumbles even in London if the weather is cold and the choke is on.

What's most practical about your car?

A great runaround and quite economical with petrol. The boot is quite spacious, and despite me being tall 6ft 5, I found another adjustment on the side of the seat that drops the level of the seat and, in doing so, gives me even more leg room.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Air freshener from Poundland.