1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI

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Mileage~171,144 on clock
Transmission5-speed Manual
Engine1.8-litre
LocationMilton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

AUCTION CLOSED

1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

An icon for the ages, the Golf GTI can still impress.

If there was just one car that could summarise the 1980s in a motoring format, then the Volkswagen Golf GTI has to be considered a leading contender. Ably picking up the baton from the achievements of the original Golf GTI which forced every mass-producer to create their own hot hatchback, the 1983 MK2 was far more than just a modernised tweak of the original. This was evident by the demand for the GTI by the vast scores of budding young executives, who appreciated the practicality, build quality and impressive turn of speed.

Powered by what was one of the most refined fuel-injection engines of the era, it demonstrated low-speed flexibility with instant responsiveness at the higher end of the speed scale. Demand, thanks to its impeccable road manners, comparative frugality, reliability and modest servicing costs made it one of the most depreciation-proof cars of the era.

With just two long-term keepers registered in its logbook, the car comes with a stack of invoices reaching back to over 20 years, almost all dedicated to its maintenance. With a strong service record, and evidence that those previous owners looked after the car, it has been mildly revitalised by a handful of tasteful but reversible bolt-ons, including a full set of attractive Porsche wheels on a set of new tyres.

Sold with an MOT to July 2024, this car simply needs a few cosmetic fixes to make perfect, but still presents itself as dependable, comfortable and stylish transport.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Guy the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

There have been occasions, where I have left the daily driver on the drive to use this for my commute.

Guy has long appreciated the virtues of Volkswagen and rates the MK2 GTI as the best of the lot. Having taken on the car in late 2021, he was impressed by the stack of paperwork and the evidence of the mechanical upkeep that came with the car. After a mechanical check over by a reputable garage, he has used the car as a runabout, with several motorway journeys thrown in for good measure, such is his faith in the dependability of the car.

The car is constantly attracting inquiries and regular thumbs up, it has been fitted with a few tasteful but reversible touches.

A change in positive circumstances forces the sale.

Guy

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The standard fit big-bumpers and Porsche wheels add a sense of style to the familiar outline of the car

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with a full set of very attractive 15" Porsche teledial alloys, all of which are in excellent shape. The car also comes with its original steel rims, centre caps and tyres which are presentable with age-related wear.

The Falken tyres fitted on the car are all recent items, dating from 2022.

Bodywork

The floor pan looks solid, with positive signs of recent work. The inner wings and suspension mounts are clean, with the front subframe looking particularly good. The bodywork is neatly presented, with no discernable signs of corrosion observed, but the car does show a handful of minor dings on most of the panels but all appear to be treatable.

The door wells are solid with a couple of spots of corrosion on the front passenger door sill. There were no issues in terms of opening and closing the doors and the panel fit is generally flush.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The paint coverage is even throughout, although there are signs that the car has seen a blow over at some point. As a result, the lustre while presentable, reveals minor signs of imperfections, along with age-related marks and chips. Despite this, the car still displays remarkably well.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in line with the age and mileage of the car, with no observations of significant chips. The glass and door seals appear to be intact. The big bumpers and wheel arches extensions are well mounted, although there are several observations of light scuffs.

The lights and lenses are all in good shape, and the original pairs of rear lights and front/side repeaters are included with the car.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The cabin is very close to factory with VW's reputation for quality and durability very clear to see.

Seats and Carpets

The fabric seats are all in good shape, with just the driver's side squab showing any wear.

The carpets are in good condition, with no signs of dampness.

Dashboard

The dashboard and centre console are intact, with no outstanding issues in terms of damage, other than the odd imperfection or light scuff. All of the functions are operational, with the owner mentioning that the outside temperature gauge on the MFA is not working.

The switchgear is well presented, with no issues in regards to the binnacle and the dials.

The door cards display well, with the headlining intact with some creasing observed.

The owner has recently installed a JVC USB and Android/iPhone Car Stereo, and the original FM/Tape player is also supplied.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is tidy, with no signs of damage.

The gear knob is intact, with wear noted on the top plate and the gaitor is free of tears.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The engine runs smoothly and pulls effortlessly, thanks to years of mechanical attention.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts up immediately, with no warning lights to flag up issues. The car idles well, with no undulations and the engine is free of any knocking or tapping. The presentation shows up its age somewhat, but the hoses and ancillaries are clean. The 5-speed gearbox engages well, with no reported issues with the linkages. The exhaust is in good shape, with no suggestions of blowing while on tick-over.

Suspension and Brakes

The ride was compliant, with the suspension taking up the road conditions without any unwanted noises.

It brakes evenly and in a straight line, with no suggestions of squeals or grinds.

The Drive

One of the main reasons why the Golf was consistently regarded as a best buy when new was VW's application of engineering quality. The car still feels tight and reassuring on the move, despite the 32 years that have passed since it was new.

The owner uses the car regularly and relied on it for a trip into London with no ill effects, maintaining even engine temperature and good oil pressure throughout the day, even in stop-start traffic. The 20-minute test drive was reassuring, with the engine running very smoothly with no unwanted mechanical noises heard on the day.

Electrics and Other

The sunroof was not tested, on account of the black tape that had been applied to the outside. One of the rear parcel shelf hinge brackets is missing, with the shelf itself showing some distortion but still operational.

Along with a few spares, including its original anti-roll bar, original Panasonic stereo tape player, rear lights and repeaters, the car also comes with its original steel wheels and centre caps.

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History and Paperwork

There might be high miles on this car, but it has seen regular mechanical maintenance, and that's evident by the way it drives.

First registered in June 1990, the car has retrained both of the old style V5 documents, which enables us to pinpoint that the first owner kept the car until 2011, followed by the second owner who kept it for another 10 years. The service history and the numerous invoices suggest that despite its regular use, it has been well maintained ever since. The service stamps go up to 2012, with two more added since then. The car has been laid up in storage for 8 years and recommissioned in 2022.

The car has seen a 2022 check-over, following that period of inactivity, with a bill for £1000 which covered mostly mechanical upkeep, including a MAF sensor overhaul, service, new radiator, front subframe overhaul and thorough engine check. Historic invoices cover the usual service and running gear parts, along with new piston rings, bearings, valve guides and timing belts, around 3,000 miles ago.

Along with an impressive stack of invoices, the car retains its owner's wallet and booklets, a batch of previous MOTs to 2000 and old tax discs. The owner will also provide some of the original parts with the car. It has an MOT to July 2024 and comes with two keys and its original toolkit.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
09-09-2022	Service
20-06-2023	MOT	170,969
12-07-2022	MOT	169,482
28-07-2014	Service	168,956
12-05-2014	MOT	168,427
05-05-2012	Service	167,445
03-05-2012	MOT	167,445
11-05-2011	MOT	165,197
30-04-2010	MOT	164,936
30-05-2009	MOT	162,968
18-10-2006	Service	157,847
17-10-2006	MOT	157,847
08-09-2005	MOT	155,054
25-11-2004	MOT	152,923
01-12-2004	Service	152,923
19-03-2004	MOT	143,613
22-02-2003	MOT	134,603
07-02-2002	Service	125,268
07-02-2002	MOT	125,268
02-02-2001	MOT	115,401
01-02-2001	Service	115,401
25-04-2000	MOT	105,956
29-04-1999	Service	99,276
20-04-1998	Service	89,481
20-02-1997	Service	80,128
19-02-1996	Service	79,025
31-03-1995	Service	62,513
04-04-1994	Service	62,371
17-06-1993	Service	41,415
01-10-1992	Service	31,199
20-01-1992	Service	21,352
08-04-1991	Service	11,057

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Key Details

ModelGolf GTI 8V
Transmission5-Speed Manual
Reg. Date05-06-1990
CC1781
Mileage~171,144
HistoryYes - See Paperwork
ColourBlack
Interior ColourGrey
Interior TrimCloth
Chassis #WVWZZZ1GZLW645434
Engine #PB172353
Last Service09-09-2022
RestoredNo
MOT11-07-2024
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
Former Keepers2
Tyre BrandFalken
Tyre Age2022
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned2 years
Key FeatureEvidence of regular maintenance
Auction ID1483

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Vehicle Location

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Seller : GuyC

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Member

Stevieh

Hi, the car looks really good, can you elaborate on the issue with the sunroof and the tape? Is it just a leaking seal? Thanks

Author

GuyC

Hi, thanks! Of course – there is a small part of the seal edge that became detached (20-30mm approx), hence the tape as a precaution. It could be refitted, however a new seal would be a long term solution. There was a minor leak after the seal was detached, but it was attended to straight away. Thanks

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Vehicle Location

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

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