Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 1.8 GTI 16V 3d (1990/G) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Buy a clean one now for under a grand, look after it and watch it appreciate in value.
Costs
Parts are a lot cheaper now than they used to be. Servicing and bits have averaged around £500 a year over the past decade. Not nearly as economical as the 8-valve, though.
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On the road
Driving
Superbly agile, grippy and communicative. Rock-solid at speed: hunkers down satisfyingly at around 100 (autobahn permitting!) and just piles on the stability to 130 mph and beyond. Truly exhilarating on demanding, twisty B-roads.
Performance
Still amazing after all these years. So-so low-end grunt (by the amazing standards of the 8-valve, anyway), the fun really starts from 4,500rpm. By 6,000 rpm the hairs on the back of your neck will be standing up. Never fails to amaze.
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Living with it
Reliability
Pretty much bullet-proof: 15 years of trouble-free use. One or two interior plastic bits have dropped by the wayside, but nothing of importance.
Image
Those chunky, purposeful, ruffty-tuffty looks have aged remarkably well. Seems to have gone from cool to iconic without an intervening phase of looking dated. Sad to see some suffering the indignities of back-street max-powering, though.
Comfort
Firm, supportive, perfectly shaped front seats (the standard seats were made by Recaro). Drive 1,000 miles in one sitting and you won't feel a twinge. The ride is, however, very much on the firm side: hit a pothole and you'll know all about it.
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Security and Service
Security
Thankfully, much less of an issue these days, as the scallies have long moved on to flasher things, although a leather interior can still attract unwanted attention. Armoured doorplates and a decent alarm/immobiliser still essential.
Service
Untouched by VW dealers since the warranty expired, of course. Properly fettled annually since then by Tim at BR Motorsport in Leamington Spa. Worth the trip.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Coolant needs topping up rather a lot these days. The oil-pressure sensor has twice provided a convenient escape-route for the engine oil. Otherwise flawless in a decade and a half.
Other
Has got through its fair share of speedo cables, rear brake callipers, PAS belts, electric window bowdens, alternators and fuel pumps. The interior is not quite as robust as it once seemed. Electric door mirror motors seized up ages ago. But hey.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes