VW Golf GTi Hatchback 1981-

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

  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Make sure you know what you're getting, otherwise you're in for a rough ride, however cheap it is...

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Expensive parts, and lots to go wrong on a hot hatch this old. Not great on petrol either.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Can't fault it, no frills, a light car with a powerful engine. Very involved and potentially a bit hairy, but fun.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Weighs nothing, will show a new GTi a thing or two, loves to be flung about. Take it through the gears hitting the rev limiter all the way - fantastic.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Depends on how much action it's seen... Mine seems OK, but things do crop up from time to time.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Lots of tatty ones about, but it's still THE GTi - and good ones still look very good.

    Comfort

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Basic all round, but you're not buying it to keep your bottom happy.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    As supplied laughable, protect it well or it will get nicked in about 34 seconds.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    N/A - Didn't use VW garages.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes