Buying a MKII GTI... Good idea?

[RENIK]

My friend is selling his '89 GTI and I can pick it up for a steal. The car needs a bit of work, so I wondering if I'm getting in over my head.
The rear right wheel was slid into a curb and was knocked out of alignment. Now the front of the wheel is angled out to the right. This should be just a simple rear axle replacement, right?
Also, how hard is it to do a head gasket replacement on the 16v block? That's something I definitely want to get done, since the car has 140k miles.
I'm looking for this to be an auto-x project car. I'd rather not slam my A4 around too hard, and it costs so much more to modify.
Thoughts?

[oildrpr]

i luv mk2 gti's, especially 16valves. i say go for it!

[Kruat]

I say do it. There very easy to work on. I miss mine almost everyday. 92 GTI 16v, lots of work done, built motor, 6spd tranny, roll cage, coilovers..etc



I even had a GLI once too...miss it also...lol

[RENIK]

What kind of power did it put down?
How close is the performance-per-dollar ratio compared to modifying a 92-95 Civic HB?

[Carbon]

do it. mk2 16v's rock

[ThirdStrike]

do it. mk2 16v's rock

+1 !!!!!

[retrohasen]

+1 !!!!!

+2

[sliverwagon]

My friend is selling his '89 GTI and I can pick it up for a steal. The car needs a bit of work, so I wondering if I'm getting in over my head.
The rear right wheel was slid into a curb and was knocked out of alignment. Now the front of the wheel is angled out to the right. This should be just a simple rear axle replacement, right?
Also, how hard is it to do a head gasket replacement on the 16v block? That's something I definitely want to get done, since the car has 140k miles.
I'm looking for this to be an auto-x project car. I'd rather not slam my A4 around too hard, and it costs so much more to modify.
Thoughts?

I'd say go for it, a modified MKII is so sick.

I would like to get a MKII 4 dr and work on that.

[QUOTE
I even had a GLI once too...miss it also...lol
[/QUOTE]

she was beautiful

[tdn]

I also say go for it. I find myself looking at used mkII's ALL THE DAMN TIME. I'm really tempted to pull the trigger and buy one, but as much fun as it would be to work on, it wouldn't be as much fun being homeless.. I go to college, paid for by myself with a part time job.

[Arclight]

I had a 90' GTI and loved it...wish I still had it as a daily beater. It was reliable and very stout...I drove it from MA to OK to MA to GA to CA to FL before I sold it. The only issues it had were the head gasket and the radiator. The cruise control was tempermental and would forget to shut itself off now and again. Other than that, it was a simple, cool little car. I keep an eye open now and again for a used one...

The parts for it are plentiful and cheap. IIRC, European Car mag did a multi-part write up on a MK2 they turned into a track car. The articles are probably still on their website.

Good luck!

[maxh2o]

I too L-O-V-E the A2 GTis and would give my left nut for a Wolfsburg '92 16v!!! I've had several A2 GTis and had a blast driving them.

That being said, I've gotta ask how much experience working on VAG's or extra $$$ do you have stashed for the work thats going into prolly replacing the axle and any other damage there may be to the rest of the suspension and linkages (if any) as well as getting the head gasket done and if there is any damage to any other engine parts (valve damage)?

I personally felt confident with the cars I've purchased in the past because I had them looked over by a great VAG mechanic I trust and use whenever I get in over my head. I hope you have one too.

[iin10ded]

i've owned several old gti's [mk's 1 2 and 3] and they're no doubt great cars, 1 of my favorite looking cars of all time. BUT if you want a cheap reliable beater i might spend the $ elsewhere as these cars have a very dated suspension and engine design. a civic, miata, mx3, etc will have much newer bits, be more reliable and probably cheaper to maintain.

if it's a driver and you love them, go for it. if you're wanting the most performance for the $, look elsewhere.

[RomanA6]

now really, why did you have to ask? you know you are going to buy it!

YES! DO IT! and MOD it!

[maxh2o]

. . . if you want a cheap reliable beater i might spend the $ elsewhere as these cars have a very dated suspension and engine design. a civic, miata, mx3, etc will have much newer bits, be more reliable and probably cheaper to maintain.

I gotta 2nd this. I sold my last GTi and bought a miata for my DD, and the reliability issue is a non-issue.

[supamannn99]

lol i probably would get lynched by all you peeps if i bagged on the GTI