VW Golf GTi Hatchback 1981-

Want to know everything there is to know about this car?

  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Probably your best bet for a performance car under £1500.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Cheap(ish) insurance, very cheap to maintain if you use GSF or ECP (non-genuine parts).

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very torquey engine, very chuckable round corners.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Excellent around town, but runs out of puff on the 1/4 mile strip.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Will plod on way past 150k miles with routine servicing.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Looking a little dated now, but still cool in the right circles.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Nice comfy seats, excellent driving position.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Needs aftermarket Cat 1.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Don't bother with VW dealerships - you will be paying through the nose for a poor level of service.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Bulletproof, but tappets are getting noisey.

    Other

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes