Your problem with a Mk 1 Golf will mainly be rust, especially with the cabrio which, incidentally, did not have power steering. If a Mk II, then better a 1.8 16v because the normal 8v engine was a bit dull (I used to run both). E30s are all timing belt engines apart from the 318iS, which, with 140PS and a timing chain is a good choice. Again, beware rust. The old SAAB 900 has a lot of charm, and chain cam engines, but avoid the horrible 3-speed auto. 205GTI prices are currently shooting up and though they don't normally have a rust problem they are very light build, so you don't want to have a crash in one. More here: classics.honestjohn.co.uk/