Anybody know much about mk2 jetta's?

[gtdragon980]

Im considering picking up a 1986 Jetta GLI for 900 bucks so I can save some money on gas, and have it as a backup since my e30 is out of commission at the moment. Is there anything I should look out for on these cars, or should I just shun myself for thinking about buying a VW? No, seriously though, I need reliability and something to sip gas and im on a tight budget so I would like to know what you guys think about this car! Thanks in advance!

[dirty30]

Probably not the best car to buy on a tight budget.

[gtdragon980]

Is there any reason behind your statement? I want to know the reasons this car is a good buy or a bad buy.

BTW heres the posting...

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/2192278803.html

[dirty30]

CIS fuel injected cars are getting up in the years and increasingly hard to have diagnosed if you aren't planning on working on it yourself. If you end up getting it be prepared to refresh seals etc. Thats all I was getting at.

I always loved those 8V GLI's. Hope it works out for you.

[ReallyDirtyThirty]

That car seems (atleast from the ad) to be a pretty honest decent car. The price is right too. MK2 V-Dubs (IMO) aren't any worse than E30's in terms of maintenance. Just get on VWvortex and start reading up.

If you buy it, PM me when you're ready to sell it.

[gtdragon980]

Thanks for the information! I am definitely going to be working on it myself, but as the owner explained to me, the car has no leaks. So in that case thats one thing off the list to worry about! Is there anything else that I might need to know? Any different opinions from other members are welcomed!

[KirkerBezerker]

I think these cars may have timing belts not chains. I was reading a craigslist ad not too long ago that had a snapped timing belt.

Find out when that shit was done.

[noE30]

I bought a 1990 jetta for 700 as a winter car. Its been nothing but a pain in the ass. But then again my buddy had a 92 and it worked just fine for him. Try to find out what maintenance has been done recently.
Ive replaced: plugs, dist cap and rotor, fuel filter, fuel pump, and it still has trouble firing. I don't even smell fuel when turning it over.. So I'm currently trying to solve that issue.

[Mlarsen]

my buddy has a mk2 that ive worked on. I dread working on it every time. c.i.s. sucks to deal with.

[Pinepig]

If you can find a later model MK2 they have digi2 rather than CIS, it'll look alot more familiar if you are used to the E30 fuel injection.

As far as buying one, don't ever buy one that has been owned and modded by a youngster if you are looking for reliable DD duty, the reason they are selling is because it's not a reliable DD.:p An original unmolested car is always a better bet.

[ZekeTheSneak]

I know alot about mk2s, very fun cars but always breaking. Motors are questionable. I loved my GTI but was always having motor trouble. If your getting a jetta get a coupe man.

[ZekeTheSneak]

oh and they have decent gas mileage depends on if its a 16v or 8v. 8vs are really slow like a 325e but some can be reliable. All depends on previous owner. If the GLI has recaro interior it pays for itself right there.

[dirty30]

Thanks for the information! I am definitely going to be working on it myself, but as the owner explained to me, the car has no leaks.

My best advice would be to go and drive it, listen for all the usual noise vibration and harshness and make him an offer lower than what he is asking. Make sure to start it a few times when it is at operating temperature and see if it has a long crank. Also make sure the owner doesn't warm it up before you get there. Common problems with CIS are hot and cold start conditions. Idle fluctuation, hesitation etc.

[goinstrong]

My oldest son had 3 Mk11 VWs before he joined the BMW fold (E30 318i currently). It seemed like we were always tinkering with them to keep them running. I thought they were pretty simple and straightforward to work on...easier in some ways than the BMWs.
However, the quality of the cars is not comparable...BMW is by far a better built car.
Someone mentioned the idle issues...if you don't mind a variable idle, then remove the ICV on the VW...you can bypass a lot of frustration by eliminating that loop.
These do have a timing belt, so it is best to replace that ASAP...
Good luck. The one you linked looks like it is original, so that would be a good base to start from...

Tim

[HarryPotter]

lol mk2's.