Ava Romero
The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 is a hatchback and the second generation of the Volkswagen Golf, launched in 1983. It is larger than its predecessor, the Mk1, and has a rounded exterior design. The Mk2 Golf was produced until 1991/1992 and about 6.3 million second-generation Golfs were built. The Mk2 Golf is considered fun to drive, but it requires regular maintenance due to its age. Some owners have expressed concerns about rust and the need for repairs, while others have praised the car's reliability and simplicity. It is also noted that the Mk2 Golf may not be the safest choice for an inexperienced driver due to its age and lack of modern safety features. Overall, the Mk2 Golf is a classic car that has a dedicated following, with some considering it a piece of incredible engineering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Production Years | 1983-1992 |
| Production Location | Germany |
| Units Sold | 6.3 million |
| Wheelbase | +75 mm |
| Length | +180 mm |
| Width | +55 mm |
| Height | +5 mm |
| Weight | +120 kg |
| Engine | 8-valve |
| Safety | Poor compared to modern cars |
| Handling | Light and responsive |
| Reliability | Good if well-maintained |
| Rust | Prone, especially inner wings |
| Lights | Sealed-beam square headlights (1985-1986) |
| Awards | "Car of the Year" by What Car?* (1985)* |
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What You'll Learn
Mk2 Golfs are fun to drive
The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 is a fun car to drive. It is the second generation of the Volkswagen Golf, launched in 1983, and was Volkswagen's highest-volume seller at the time. It is larger than its predecessor, the Mk1, with a wheelbase that is 75 mm longer and exterior dimensions that are 180 mm longer, 55 mm wider, and 5 mm taller.
The Mk2 Golf is a fun car to drive because it is simple, well-made, reliable, and easy to work on. One owner commented that it is "super fun" to work on, and that it is so simple that "you could teach a retarded monkey to work on a mk2". Another owner said that it is "heaps of fun" to drive. The Mk2 is also a more reliable daily driver than the Mk1, which can be unreliable and high-maintenance.
The Mk2 Golf has good bolstering on the front seats, which are firm enough to drive for hours on end without feeling tired or in pain. The car also has all the necessary creature comforts, such as electric windows, power steering, a huge boot, and space for five passengers.
However, it is important to note that the Mk2 Golf is an older car, and as such, it requires more maintenance than a newer car. Some common issues to look out for include gearbox syncro issues between 1st and 2nd gear, body rot, and issues with the alternator, starter motor, and water pump. It is also important to keep an eye out for rust, as this can be a common issue with older cars.
Overall, the Mk2 Golf is a fun car to drive, but it requires more maintenance and upkeep than a newer car. It is a good choice for someone who is mechanically inclined and enjoys working on their car, but it may not be the best choice for a first-time car owner or someone who is not comfortable with regular maintenance and repairs.
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They are simple to work on
The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 is a fantastic car to work on. It is a great DIY-friendly classic that can save you a fortune if you're the hands-on type. The parts support is pretty good, and the parts themselves are cheap and easily accessible. The Mk2 is also a comfortable and useful hatchback, which makes it a great all-rounder.
One of the best things about the Mk2 is how easy it is to work on. The car is very accessible, with many of the important components being easy to reach and work on. The sills, the bottom of doors, and the rear valance are all simple to access and check. If you're looking to do some basic maintenance or more involved work, the Mk2 is a great choice.
Leaks are a common issue with the Mk2, but they are usually easily sorted. The main areas for leaks are the missing grommets in the bulkhead, around the windscreen seal, missing door membranes, sunroof, and heater fan air inlet. These issues can be frustrating, but they are typically not too difficult to fix. Gear linkages can also wear out, but this is also an easy fix with a linkage repair kit.
The Mk2 is also a great choice for those who want a fun and reliable daily driver. It is a solid and precise car to drive, with good steering and firm seating. It is also very cost-effective, with low maintenance costs. Many owners have used the Mk2 as their daily driver and have had no major issues. It is important to stay on top of basic maintenance, but the Mk2 is a reliable car that can handle high mileage.
The Mk2 is also a great choice for those who want a fun driving experience. It handles well and is a comfortable drive. It may not be as powerful as some modern cars, but it is still a lot of fun to drive. The Mk2 is a lightweight car, which makes it very responsive and easy to handle on narrow and winding roads. It is a great choice for those who want a classic car that is also fun and enjoyable to drive.
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They are reliable for their age
The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 is a reliable car for its age. While it is an older car, it is simple, well-made, and can be relied on if you keep on top of basic maintenance. The Mk2 is also easy to work on and built to last. One owner reported using a Mk2 daily for 9 months without fault, and another said they had owned two Mk2s, which were the best cars they had ever owned.
The Mk2 is Volkswagen's highest-volume seller, with about 6.3 million second-generation Golfs built. The Mk2 was produced from 1983 until 1991/1992, so the cars are now 30-40 years old. Considering their age, the Mk2 Golf is a good investment, and parts support is pretty good. They are also easy to work on, so you can save a fortune if you're the hands-on type.
However, they are old cars, and some parts may need attention, such as the alternator, starter motor, and water pump. Body rot is also a common issue with older cars, and while the Mk2 is better at fending off rust than the Mk1, it is not immune, so it is important to check for rust when buying. The pre-1990 cars are better protected and have more cavity wax injected into them.
The Mk2 Golf is also less safe than modern cars, with less metal to protect in a crash. However, serious crashes are pretty rare, and the Mk2's smaller size and weight make it well-suited to narrow and winding back roads. Overall, the Mk2 Golf is a reliable car for its age, but it requires more maintenance and attention than a newer vehicle.
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They are cheaper to run than modern cars
The Mk2 Golf is a comfortable and useful hatchback that is fun to drive. It is also a great all-rounder and a decent investment. The parts support is pretty good, and it is a great DIY-friendly classic. If you are handy with a spanner, you can save a fortune. The parts are cheap to get from various motor factors. However, it is an old car, and you cannot just jump into one and use it as you would a new car.
The Mk2 Golf is also more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, which is a consideration for hot hatch buyers. It is also more reliable than the Mk1 Golf. While the Mk1 Golf is not an unreliable car, you have to keep on top of it for it to remain enjoyable and reliable. The Mk2 Golf is less high-maintenance, and you won't have a problem as long as your expectations are realistic. It is an older car, after all.
The Mk2 Golf is also a safer car than its predecessor. While it may not have all the safety features of modern cars, it is still a safe car that has been driven for many years. It is also a smaller car, which makes it easier to navigate narrow and winding back roads.
Overall, the Mk2 Golf is a great car that is fun to drive and reliable. It is also fuel-efficient and has good parts support. While it may not have all the safety features of modern cars, it is still a safe car that can be driven on a daily basis.
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They are less high-maintenance than Mk1s
The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 is a hatchback and the second generation of the Volkswagen Golf, succeeding the Volkswagen Golf Mk1. While the Mk2 was larger than the Mk1, it was also slightly more rounded in its exterior design.
When it comes to maintenance, the Mk2 Golfs seem to be more reliable than the Mk1s. While the Mk1 Golf is not considered inherently unreliable, it requires more attention to remain enjoyable and reliable. On the other hand, the Mk2 Golf is described as having lower maintenance requirements. This could be partly due to Volkswagen's improvements in addressing rust issues in the Mk2, making it better at fending off rust compared to its predecessor. However, it's important to note that neither model is completely immune to rust, and proper care and maintenance are still necessary.
Some owners of the Mk2 Golf have reported minimal problems, praising its reliability, especially with the 8-valve engine. It is also known for being easy to work on, similar to most cars from that era. This simplicity in maintenance contributes to its reputation for being low maintenance.
However, it's important to remember that the reliability of any car, including the Mk2 Golf, depends on factors such as mileage and the level of care it has received over its life. As with any older car, certain parts may need attention or replacement to ensure reliability. For example, keeping an eye on parts like the alternator, starter motor, and water pump is recommended. Additionally, while not as prevalent as in the Mk1, some Mk2 Golfs may still experience rust issues, particularly in certain areas like the inner wings, filler cap, sills, and the bottom of doors.
In summary, while all cars require maintenance, the Volkswagen Golf Mk2 is generally considered to be less high-maintenance than its predecessor, the Mk1. This is supported by owner experiences, improvements in rust prevention, and the overall simplicity of working on cars from that era.
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Frequently asked questions
The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 is considered fun to drive, with its 1.8-litre engine, power steering, and simple design. However, some users have noted that the newer models are less fun at high revs. The car is also not as powerful as modern alternatives, but it is still considered a good choice for those who enjoy driving older vehicles.
The reliability of MK2 Golfs depends on their maintenance. While some owners have reported issues with rust and part failures, others have found them to be reliable daily drivers. It is important to regularly maintain the vehicle and be aware of common issues to keep it in good condition.
The safety of MK2 Golfs has been questioned due to their age and lack of modern safety features. While serious crashes are rare, it is important to consider the potential risks and make informed decisions. The car may not meet current insurance standards, so it is essential to check with insurance providers before purchasing.
