Volkswagen Golf Mk2 (1983 – 1992) Review

Volkswagen Golf Mk2 (1983 – 1992) At A Glance

4/5

+The definitive 1980s hatchback, sold, well made, practical and reliable

-...and just a little bit dull

Volkswagen’s re-invention of the influential Golf trod a rather predictable path. More rounded styling - now done in-house, instead of by Giugiaro - clothed familiar engines and similar looking interiors, but incorporated some rather useful improvements inside and on the road. Base model was now 1272cc, but this was still slow compared with class standards - the rest, though, were on the pace.

The new car gave customers what they wanted and huge sales success duly followed, although some enthusiasts lamented the late car’s sparkle and character. Evolution of the theme meant it remained on the pace during its life - and as a diesel, the Golf GTD was one of the most influential mid-sized cars of its era.

Build quality and reliability were untouchable for its time, and as a consequence, the Mk2 cemented the Golf's position as Europe's favourite family car.

Ask Honest John

Why is the footwell of my Mk2 Golf wet?

"I have a 1989 Volkswagen Golf and the floor of the passenger footwell is soaked. I have been using the heaters a lot this week to demist the windows, I can’t find any leaks in seals around the doors or windows. What could it be? "
Have you checked your coolant level? It could be that the leak is down to a faulty heater pipe or matrix. Also, check the windscreen surround and the door membrane.
Answered by Keith Moody

How much is my Mk2 Volkswagen Golf worth?

"How much should I ask for a Mk2 Volkswagen Golf automatic with 60,000 miles and one owner prior to me. It has the original cassette player, a full-service history, four new tyres and a year's MoT. A littlegem Need brakes looking at, otherwise perfect"
When it comes to Golfs, high-performance models such as the GTi tend to command the strongest prices. However, there is a solid market for unmolested examples in good condition. A really good non-GTi example would be about £2500 on a dealer's forecourt or about £1900 in the classifieds. One that's a bit scruffy and in need of some TLC would be anywhere around £1000, while a non-runner or a project would be £750. Try to find a similar car to yours and price it accordingly - but be careful, the market can be skewed by people asking more because it's their car's been modified.
Answered by Keith Moody

How can I trace my father's old car?

"I’m trying to find the last car my dad had before he died. The reg was G473 WMO and it was a Volkswagen Golf Driver Mk2. I've tried all search sites including the DVLA without any success."
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that car is still on the road. You could try the Mk2 Golf Club (http://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/forum/) to see if the car is known to them.
Answered by Keith Moody

Do you know how much my 1991 Volkswagen Golf Driver is worth?

"I own a 1991 Volkswagen Golf Driver Mk2 1.8. It's done 73,000 miles and has had one previous owner. I've spent £2000. Do you have any idea of what it's worth?"
We can never provide a valuation for an individual car, but we can give you an idea of how much it is worth. The big money in Mk2 Golfs at the moment is with GTIs - however, there is plenty of respect for the Driver as it offers the GTI body kit with non-fuel injection engine, which makes it a great starter classic. Prices for solid, MoT'd examples of these currently sit at about £1000, with the very best examples nearing £1500 while a tatty project is about £500.
Answered by Keith Moody
More Questions

What does a Volkswagen Golf Mk2 (1983 – 1992) cost?