From: squiec@rs6416.ecs.rpi.edu (Craig L. Squier)
Subject: Re: Purchasing used VW
Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 00:30:25 GMT

In article <1992Nov11.215908.676@gmuvax2.gmu.edu> lcarr@gmuvax2.gmu.edu writes:
>Hi.
>
>I have already posted this to rec.autos so those of you who read
>both groups please excuse the redundance(sp).. 8)
>
>It was mentioned to me that I may want to post my question here so 
>I will give it a try.  ( I didn't know this newsgroup existed.)
>
>I am interested in buying a used VW, preferably Golf or Jetta, between
>the years of 82-86.  Any help/advice would be useful.   Such as things
>to look out for, common problems, some models better than others, etc..
>Anything you can tell me I will welcome.  8)  
>
>I have already received one horror story on how bad VWs can but I can't, 
>and don't want to believe they're that bad.  
>
>Thanx in advance....
>
>-lisa
>
>*I prefer email to lcarr@gmuvax.gmu.edu because I normally don't 
> read this newsgroup and although I plan to start it will take me
> a little while to catch up and I don't want to miss anything.. 8) 8)
>
>*sig in the works......
>
>
>

  You have to be specific in which model type you want. From 80-84 the
 Jetta was on the A1 chassis type( kinda like a Rabbit with a big trunk)
 From 85-on it was on the A2 chassis(likewise a Golf with a trunk).
 I liked my A1 Jetta better than any A2's that I've driven, but I'll be impartial and list the good/bad points by model.
  A1 Jetta 1980-1984
   GOOD:
     1)Lotsa room for it's size, deep trunk(compared to what it looks like)
     2)Easier engine to work on (before electronic engine management)
     3)Cheaper to buy(older)
     4)Cheaper to buy aftermarket soup-up parts for......your discretion.
     5)Cool gas mileage(@25-32, diesels higher)
     6)More squat(hence sportier appearance)(at least I think so...)
     7)The GLI model is rare AND cool looking if you can find one(105hp)
   BAD:
     1)Since it's older its harder to find A good rust-free example.
     2)Rust prone in some specific areas:a)Bottom of A-pillar
                                         b)Hood &Engine Compartment
                                         c)Trunk Lid
     3)A little more cabin-crampage compared to its big brother
         ( But its lighter making it a little more nimble)
     4)Some electrical problems(Mainly the fuseboxes because of leaks through
            the antenna and harness grommets in the firewall)
     5)Less horsepower than Big Bro(Lighter though so it's not too noticeable)
  A2 Jetta 1985-present
   GOOD:
     1) A little bigger sizewise
     2) Big trunk like its predecessor
     3)More hp available ( GLI too  @115-123hp)
     4)MAny improvements over little brother(power accessories etc.)
     5)Diesel models are REALLY reliable(also get @42-50mpg)(some with turbo)
     6)More of them out there to buy 
   BAD:
     1)Generally more expensive to fix(newer more sophisticated parts etc.)
     2)After market stuff too(also a little more $$$)
     3)Engine more complicated(just as reliable)
     4)More expensive to buy(newer)
     5)More prone to break-ins(buy Armor-Guards)
     6)Heftier( new suspension set-up decreases the effect of the extra weight
                but I noticed a big difference right away)
     7)SELF-TERMINATING TRANSMISSION:
         On many of the 5-speed 020 gearboxes in this period, a circlip was
       left off the trans shaft by the factory (to save$$$) which causes the
       shaft to eventually wear thru the trans bell housing. This causes fluid
       loss and eventual failure(big $$$). You wont know if you have a bad one
       until this happens though :(. So its a risk. I dont remember if theres
       a recall or not( anybody know this???)
  This is about all I can think of. If I were looking, I'd be putting my $$$
  on a nice clean '84 Jetta GLI. I had the chance but my fundage ran out.
  The older GTIs were so cool, the GLI took it one groovy step further......
 -Craig S.
HOPE THIS HELPS YOU OUT.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>