VW Golf I facelift 2 1.8 Kat., 98 PS, 5-speed manual, convertible (1989–1993)

Research for this car

• Generation guide VW Golf 1 (1974-1993): known problems and buying guide

  Check the sills, wheel arches and tailgate first, then the Cabrio roof, oil leaks and worn suspension.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Sills, wheel arches, rear panel and tailgate: look underneath and inside the wheel arches, and check the spare wheel well, the fuel filler neck and the panel below the windscreen. A bad result is bubbling paint, soft metal, or rust through the metal.
2. Cabrio roof (Cabrio only): look at the top inside and out, along the folds and the seals. Look for water stains on the seats and damp in the cabin. A bad result is a tear at a fold, or water marks in the cabin.
3. Oil at the seals: look under the engine and the gearbox for fresh oil at the crank and cam seals and the gearbox input seal. A bad result is any fresh oil, or a leak at the oil pan.
4. Suspension and steering: bounce each corner, then check the springs and the top mounts. Check the steering rack for play. A bad result is a knock over bumps, a broken spring, or play in the rack.
5. Cold idle (K-Jetronic fuel injection): start the engine cold and listen to the idle. It should settle just under 1,000 rpm without hesitation or stalling. A bad result is hesitation or stalling.
6. Manual gearbox: shift through every gear from cold, second included. A bad result is a crunch from first into second, or a vague, sloppy lever.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions