My Trusty Old Golf 2: A Reluctant Hero
add_circle Pros
- It's a great value for money, considering the price I paid and the condition it was in.
- The build quality is surprisingly solid, despite its age.
- I've found the parts I need to be relatively easy to find and affordable.
- It's been a reliable car, despite all the repairs I've had to do.
- The engine has a lot of life left in it, and it's been a game-changer for me.
- The suspension could be better, but it's not a deal-breaker for me.
remove_circle Cons
- It's an old car, so I've had to deal with a lot of repairs and maintenance.
- The previous owners didn't treat it very well, so I've had to fix a lot of things.
- It's not the most fuel-efficient car, but it's not a major issue.
- The interior could use a bit of an update, but it's still comfortable enough.
- I've had to deal with some unhelpful customer support, but that's not unique to this car.
Gallery


Editor's Summary
I've had my Volkswagen Golf 2 for over two years now, and it's been quite the adventure. I've had to deal with my fair share of repairs, but that's given me a chance to get to know this car inside out. The price was right, and the condition wasn't too bad, considering. But as soon as I took it for a spin, I knew I'd made the right choice. It's been a wild ride, but I've learned a thing or two about what makes this car tick.
Specifications
I've owned my Volkswagen Golf 2 for over two years now, and it's been quite the adventure. I've had to deal with my fair share of repairs, but that's given me a chance to get to know this car inside out.
How I Found It.
I stumbled upon this Golf 2 by chance when I was looking for a second car. After driving a Lada, I was itching for something a bit more like a real car. I considered getting a VAZ 2109 or an Opel Kadet, but then I saw this Golf. The price was right, and the condition wasn't too bad, considering. But as soon as I took it for a spin, I knew I'd made the right choice. This old girl had more life in her than I thought.
Repairs Galore.
I shouldn't have been surprised, given the way the previous owners treated it, but I still was. In the two years I've owned it, I've had to do a lot of work:
The steering column had to be replaced.The transmission, clutch, and flywheel all needed to be overhauled.The engine block had to be welded and machined.The suspension and shock absorbers were replaced.The generator and starter motor were swapped out.The ignition system and carburetor were rebuilt.That's not even counting the little things I've fixed along the way. I'm not blaming the car, though – it's just that the previous owners didn't take care of it. But hey, at least the parts are affordable and easy to find.
Reliability.
You'd think that after all those repairs, this car would be a lemon, but it's actually been pretty reliable. Why? Well, once I fixed one problem, I didn't have to come back to it for two years. Part of that's because I try not to skimp on parts – it's hard to find good quality stuff, but it's worth it. And this car has never let me down on the road – it's always gotten me home safely.
Fuel Economy.
With the 1.8-liter engine, I get around 10 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway and 11-12 in the city. When I talk to other owners who say they get 9-10 liters, I think that's pretty normal for this engine.
The Verdict.
So, what's the takeaway? My Volkswagen Golf 2 is a reliable car that's easy to maintain and affordable. It's comfortable to drive, stable on the highway, and fun to handle. The only downside is its age, but I'm not complaining – it's been a solid companion for me.
