The Volkswagen Golf Is 40 Years Old Today

"Speedmonkey" (Speedmonkey) 03/29/2014 at 12:21 • Filed to: VW, VW Golf, Volkswagen

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Jalopnik hasn't mentioned it yet so I will. 40 years ago today the very first VW Golf rolled off the production line.

Happy Birthday Golf! !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Who's owned one? I had a Mk IV V6 4Motion

Rev Hang Slows My Roll > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 12:33

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I love my 2010 MK6 GTI. I call him Gerhardt.

Dr_Doctor > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 12:34

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I drive a Mk 5 with the 5 cylinder. It has a pretty nice engine note.

JR1 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 12:37

10

Where would we be without the Golf? Well we might still have awesome cheap RWD cars!

ToastyMcBuns > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 12:38

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My MK6 has been awesome! I would get the MK7 R if it came in four door stateside... VW Giveth, VW Taketh away...

thecooper3 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 12:45

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I have a nice red MK4.. 5speed 2.slow, it's been a great little car.

M54B30 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 12:53

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I had a MK3 when I was stationed in Germany. Fun little car - peppy 90 hp engine, two door, 220 km/h top speed, etc. I drove it so hard that went I sold it it was stuck in 3rd gear for good. That thing took some serious abuse from me.

I look at least once a week for a Mk1 or Mk2 GTI

lonestranger > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 12:53

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I had two MkIs, an '80 and a '79:

Happy Birthday!

MagikarpUsedSplash > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 12:56

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It's always been the simple answer to most "what car should I buy?" questions.

Need a new car? Golf.

Small family car? Golf.

Something just for the work commute? Golf.

On a budget? Old Golf.

The newest generation keeps that magic alive, here's hoping VW keep these going for another 40.

Iridium > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 12:57

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I've got a Mk. V, my 2008 Rabbit. Love it to death.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 12:59

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My dad bought a 1979 MK I Rabbit off of a friend back in the early 80's, and it was a great little car. It died a tragic death at the rear end of a Chevy Nova. The replacement was an '86 MK II Golf, which I successfully killed in the early 90's by sliding it into a fire hydrant. Compared to today's cars, they were tiny little things, especially the Rabbit. My Focus towers over both of them. And, I fit my 6'4" frame into both very well.

jkm7680 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 12:59

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Happy birthday Golf! I still lust after the R.

txaggie17 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 12:59

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Amelia, my Mk 6 Golf

WhiskeyGolf > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:01

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I'm on my second 2010 Golf. Turned out to be a fantastic car for me, besides the fire. I love the hatchback form and it's a great car to go for a spirited drive in. I'm really looking forward to getting a Mk7 later this year and keeping it indefinitely.

112358132134 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:04

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112358132134 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:06

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pfftballer > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:08

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I owned a 1983 GTI that I paid $200 for. It ran fine but had a bit of rust. I patched on it in the garage for a while then bought a 1991 ABA 1.8 crossflow from a Jetta and dropped it in with a Garret T3 turbo. I was just sorting out the intercooler and the Megasquirt ECU tuning when I found out my wife was preggers. I posted on VW vortex forums that the car was free to the first person who showed up at my door. A mere six hours later a couple guys from a couple states over showed up in the middle of the night with a tow dolly. They were very appreciative, as was my wife to have it gone. So I like to think I have some positive VW Kharma. My DD is a 1999 Golf Tdi and my sunny day car is a FR-S.

Highbury > Rev Hang Slows My Roll 03/29/2014 at 13:10

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That's a beautiful name.

nappingatdesk > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:16

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The lease on our 2010 Golf 2.5 ends in and couple of months and we just ordered a 2015 Golf 1.8TSI. The best part? The same model costs $80 a month less now! Win!

Shane Elliott > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:21

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I have a Jetta wagon...which is the Golf Variant somewhere else in the world. Does that count?

duurtlang > Shane Elliott 03/29/2014 at 13:22

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Yes

CaptAFR > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:23

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4 Mk I (including a GTI) and one Mk II

My first one looked exactly as the one pictured in this ad:

perrytm42 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:24

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I also love my 2012 MK6 GTI. Her name is Sasha, because she is gray and like having stuff in her trunk.

philzy19 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:25

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My first car was an '85 GTI, still miss that car even with its weird rust spots.

Shane Elliott > duurtlang 03/29/2014 at 13:25

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Excellent.

Mr-Clutch > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:29

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This is my baby, I have owned her since 06. I have been looking to replace her maybe with an NSX or an Mcoupe but I don't know if I should.

AnotherHobby > Rev Hang Slows My Roll 03/29/2014 at 13:31

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Nice color! I like UG. Here's my CSG 2011 (stage 2+), though I've never named mine.

smartley > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:36

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I've daily driven a 1999.5 MKIV GTi VR6 12v since 2006. With 188k still runs great

camsmith328 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:39

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My first car was a 2001 1.8t golf. That was fun but auto, now I drive a 2007 GTI, I'm literally changing the oil right now. These cars are pretty cool.

SubieNick > lonestranger 03/29/2014 at 13:51

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Shit, now I'm hungry. And no, not for rabbits you animals. Pets aren't food. I want cheesecake!

PS - Americans really do put a strawberry on everything it seems ;)

scottyvnc > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:54

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I've had a '78 Mk1 Rabbit, two '85 Mk2 GTIs, 99 1/2 Golf Mk4. I currently have a '84 Mk1 GTI that I will be doing something interesting with and my wife has a 2008 Mk5 GTI. VW blue runs through my veins.

golfball > ToastyMcBuns 03/29/2014 at 13:56

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It does.

bob and john > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 13:57

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does the A3 count? cuz my dad has one right now

Entropy Pi > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:00

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I had a 2006 "New" GTI(Mk V 2.0 FSI) that I had for four years. It spoiled me, I often still refer to it as my street legal go cart. I just got rid of her this last November because unfortunately the people before me abused the car without putting in the extra maintenance, so the costs repairs were starting to pile up. So I replaced her with a 2014 WRX Wagon, while I like my WRX it just isn't the same type of Go kart like experience.

tyredargument > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:01

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You can keep your Evo.

Agrajag > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:06

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Growing up we had an 84 diesel Rabbit. I bought a 2006 Rabbit, then later traded it on a 2009 GTI.

XJDano > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:07

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I have 2 MK1 GTIs, both in pieces.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:09

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vc-10 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:10

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My family has had quite a few Golfs over the years. Currently we've just got the one, a '98 Mk.3 1.9 TDI estate. It's called SuperGolf. It's dark grey with mud and rust patches, and it's brilliant. It's never missed a beat. Nothing major has gone wrong (and nothing at all with the engine) and it must be getting on for 170k miles now.

My dad had a Mk.2 Golf TD, which he loved, and mum had a 2004 Mk.5 1.9 TDI for a while (sold it because it was too small). None of them have ever given us any real trouble.

PukeSchmill > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:15

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2013 GTI

MK6GTI-now with added Miata > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:34

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My Mk6 Golf GTI has been sitting in a garage in the states for the past 7 months! I miss her

DoctorNine > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 03/29/2014 at 14:40

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Someone obviously forgot to explain to her that the seats are adjustable.

Cé hé sin > bob and john 03/29/2014 at 14:41

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No.

Jackknoxnewell > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:42

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Mk4 25th anniversary! Cannot wait to see what the 40th Anni looks like, because th Mk7 is absolutely stunning to look at. /gtifanboy

Rory > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:45

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I had a Seat Leon , thats just a Golf in a Party dress. Excluding my current car , this was one of my favourite cars I have ever had. I have never been interested in Golfs , But I adored this. Even if it was a diesel Hatchback.
I will probably get one again once they go down in Price, Hopefully a Cupra this time!

Cé hé sin > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:45

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Is this the time to confess that I've never owned a Golf and can't remember ever having been in one?

SuburbanDad > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:46

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My first car was a MkI 1980 Diesel. 49 hp. On a cold morning it took about 2 minutes (no exaggeration) to reach 60 mph, and the top speed would just approach 80mph (if descending a mountain pass with a 90 mph tailwind.) 4 speed gearbox. I loved that car. Got crushed by a drunk driver - a PA redneck in a K5 Blazer went airborne over the crest of a railroad bridge and landed on the hood. I walked away unhurt, but alas the Rabbit gave its life.

DougNuts > duurtlang 03/29/2014 at 14:49

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DougNuts > Shane Elliott 03/29/2014 at 14:51

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It's a Golf in Canada. I never knew that until I was behind one the other day with Canadian plates (rare here in KY).

AKSmith > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:53

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I've had 4 VWs; Big Bumber MK2 with the mighty little 8V, MK4 1.8t GTI with a K04, MK4 Jetta GLI 24V VR6, and now my current MK5 GTI

Sn210 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:55

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I think the mk 4 r32 is my favorite... Mk1 is probably a close second

AdrianTheRed > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:56

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MKVI GTI

moetop > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 14:59

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FOREty

stacy flint > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 15:11

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Mk4. probably one of my worst car experiences. anything and everything broke or went bad. and damn expensive for being 13 yrs old.

JeanetteJBaver > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 15:12

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my classmate's aunt makes $76 an hour on the internet . She has been out of work for 6 months but last month her pay was $14412 just working on the internet for a few hours. visit the website................... www.workbarr.com

JeanetteJBaver > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 15:16

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my classmate's aunt makes $76 an hour on the internet . She has been out of work for 6 months but last month her pay was $14412 just working on the internet for a few hours. visit the website................. www.workbarr.com

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 15:26

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My dad had a beige MK3, He said it was so fun to drive....Please don't mention electronics ;-)

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > JR1 03/29/2014 at 15:27

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"Might" Keyword right there...

gabdere > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 15:30

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Glad I owned two!

The reliable one:

The unreliable one:

Whoops ^ blurry pic, dont feel like downloading an other one hehehe

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > Cé hé sin 03/29/2014 at 15:31

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Aldairion > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 15:39

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Just crossed 140,000 miles yesterday in my 2005 Volkswagen Golf TDI. Happy birthday!

kayhoo > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 16:30

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Golf is like your parent's basement. Safe haven. You can screw up and you will always find a place to restart again. Like buying a 5-owner Bimmer that will eat all of your money - the equivalent of being fired at work and moving in with your parents for a year. Or buying a new Suzuki - the equivalent of a divorce. Eventually, you will get back on your feet, and start fresh. And start safe. Like with the neighbor's daughter. She ain't superstar, and she will decorate your living room with porcelain shit, but you will love her because she will be there - for 40 years. Like a Golf. You can have it with GTI, or some nice Highline trim with all the doodahs, but that is just for the good kids, you are a mess and you should be lucky to drive the one that "does not have plastic wheel caps".

E5P3ED > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 16:38

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I came close to owning a Rabbit (lower-end Golf with a revived name in production a few years ago), but I forgot I couldn't drive a manual... ;_;

...So I bought an Acura TL instead.

Juan S. Camacho G. > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 16:55

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I owned a Mk III, now I own these.

No, I don't have 'check engine' lights on or plastic falling into pieces in the interior.

Alan M. Pollock > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 17:09

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my buddy's step-aunt makes $88 every hour on the laptop . She has been out of work for six months but last month her pay check was $16896 just working on the laptop for a few hours. Read Full Article.............. www.workbarr.com

CardboardCutoutAlf > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 17:37

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Owned a 84 GTI, 84 Cabriolet, and a 82 Rabbit L. I will buy another sometime relatively soon. They are a joy to drive when tuned well and I enjoyed working on them. MK1 for life!

americancarfanboi > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 17:37

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Owned a TR mkv GTI and currently own a UG mkvi GTI

Payull > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 17:39

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My mkV GLI (06)

SilverSpade92 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 17:58

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Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Rev Hang Slows My Roll 03/29/2014 at 18:12

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I love that. Fantastic name!!!

George Costanza > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 18:22

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Maybe its just me but there is something about that 80s and 70s style of golf that is so simple that it is amazing. Just the simplicity represents joy. I like the new ones but there is something about the lack of loud exhausts, lower rear window, lack of sloping face, and flat front. I understand everyone complains about cars getting fatter and what not but I really like the current generation but there is something about that style that makes the drive that much more special. I drove a friends golf Mk II I believe for a week and it was really amazing. I think the word I am looking for is nostalgia.

Estomuck > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 18:23

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To me, the MKII GTi is still one of the best looking hatchbacks (or hell all cars) of all time. I still lust for a good conditioned MKII 16v (I owned a falling apart '92 8v in Alpine white), one day I hope find one and restore it. I do own a '07 Rabbit and I love the thing.

Estomuck > Estomuck 03/29/2014 at 18:23

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K5ING > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 18:38

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I bought my 2001 Golf GL (2dr) TDI brand new and it's still my primary car. Why do I like it so much to keep it 13 years? I'll let my avatar do the talking.

ExtraDas > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 19:09

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I wonder if VW is going to do a 40th edition Golf/GTI this time around like they did in the past?

Shane Elliott > DougNuts 03/29/2014 at 19:17

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The MKIV's were Jettas, which is the one I've got. For a while the MKV's were also sold as Jettas, but then they updated the Jetta line so the wagons were rebadged to Golf

Shane Elliott > DougNuts 03/29/2014 at 19:20

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The Mark 4's were badged as Jettas. For the Mark 5, initially they were also Jettas but were later rebadged as part of the Golf lineup.

Captain_Spadaro > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 19:21

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I had a 2005 GLS 4-door with the 2.slow/4AT powertrain. Folks bought it for my sister and I to use during our senior years of HS (dad was selling VWs at the time, and there was a promotion called 'In The Car' aimed at parents with teens in HS, so we took advantage of it). Wasn't a bad car, looking back. Tragically, she was broadsided by a speeding Toyota Sienna on October 10th, 2006. Pic is a lookalike I found on Carmax once.

Reborn Pyrrhic > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 19:33

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Thank you for reminding me I am also turning 40 this year :(

Double0Ten > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 19:59

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Mk2 GTI 8v, mk3 VR6, mk4 1.8t 180, 2.3v5, v6 4motion now a mk6 Golf R!

lumberpile > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 20:01

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This picture is perfect! On the left you have the good looking ones and on the right, you don't.

EBaird > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 21:29

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Had a I, II, IV, now VI!!

sean1 > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 21:45

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I owe bed a 1997 mark one golf (sold as a Citi Golf) in South Africa.

It had a 1.8littre carbureted engine(from the mk2 or 3).

Most fun car I ever owned. Torque steer was unreal!!!

ttyymmnn > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 22:02

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First car I ever drove was my dad's 1982 Rabbit when I was 16. Four speed, four doors, not particularly fast. Dear god, I loved that car. An '88 Fox was next for the first car I owned myself, but I followed that with a 2001 Golf. This time a 5 speed, but still four doors, and a bit faster. I'm approaching 200,000 miles on that one. And while the interior is pretty much shot, the headliner is falling, the rear defroster and wiper haven't worked in years, I still love that car to death. It will be hard to let her go.

ttyymmnn > gabdere 03/29/2014 at 22:03

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There's a reliable one?

ttyymmnn > Cé hé sin 03/29/2014 at 22:04

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There's still time.

tocs > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 22:15

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mitsustiggy > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 22:46

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had an mk3 gti and a mk4 gti, were great cars!

MOARPower > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 23:20

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Had a MKV and loved every minute of it. Hated selling it, but had to for work purposes.

WinrickRacing > Speedmonkey 03/29/2014 at 23:58

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I love my mk4 GTI... But... it was a leased car, then bought, then totaled, bought & fixed by me, and then driven cross country. It's had a hard life. List of things broken/stories:

- Airbag light stuck on.

- Rear windshield wiper comes on itself when you hit bumps. Sometimes stays on all day. Replaced relay... think it's a wire running around the hinged in the hatch.

- Left axle clunk when turning. Just replaced axles two months ago. Has play...

- Right quarter panel's been replaced and the clear coat was never put on.

- Head unit was in the back of the car for a while due to the fact that after the shop was done with the welding they didn't run the wire from the headunit to the monsoon amp. So I hacked a HU in the back where the amp when and ran a switch/audio cable to the front of the car. Now the HU is back in the front but the right front speaker doesn't work.

- Coolant temp sensor is gorilla glued in... The thing popped out at the mall last year and this was my quick fix. Hasn't fallen out yet! My friends and I refilled it with cups of water from a pretzel stand (did coolant flush once I got home).

- Windshield was fogging up; thought it was the heater core. Replaced heater core - heater core/HVAC box showed no signs of a leak. Window continues to fog up and I can no longer switch between heat/AC as the foam on the flaps in the HVAC box fell apart when moving it around while doing the heater core. So I have to take that out again.

- Exhaust rattles due to the fact that it has a 3" turbo back and it hits the rear torsion beam. Made own exhaust hanger but can't get the second bolt in. Still rattles.

I love it and I really want to hit 200k miles (at 107)... but the new Mustang GT's are looking so good right now. :D

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > SuburbanDad 03/30/2014 at 00:09

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My dad's dad won a 1980 Diesel Rabbit from a PA lottery scratchoff. It was a white 4-door with blue vinyl interior, 4 speed, and a hand-crank sunroof. My dad hauled cars from the Westmoreland plant from the time it opened until it closed. It was slow but dead-on reliable until it blew a head gasket after overheating.

Yuri Correa > E5P3ED 03/30/2014 at 00:37

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You could just buy one and force yourself to learn it. It's not that hard, really.

Dsscats > Shane Elliott 03/30/2014 at 00:41

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Is your avatar photo a 300ZX?

Dsscats > Speedmonkey 03/30/2014 at 00:42

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I share my birthday with the Golf. Now I know.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > DoctorNine 03/30/2014 at 00:42

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So are her titties!

caddyak > Speedmonkey 03/30/2014 at 01:18

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Mk5 was definitely the best looking one so far. Hard to believe that car debuted in 2005. Looks so much cleaner and more modern than the 6

WallCouldTalk > Speedmonkey 03/30/2014 at 01:27

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Not yet. We're getting an MkVII Golf R when it comes out (and decide to have kids. What?! It'll make a great mom-mobile and my family needs at least 290 hp.)

The Don > Speedmonkey 03/30/2014 at 02:45

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Mk. 1 here, diesel no less. Interesting tidbit, if you install a turbo off the turbo diesel Rabbit pickup, you end up with a turbo diesel Rabbit that can and will smoke a 240Z at the dragstrip.

993_4S > Speedmonkey 03/30/2014 at 07:21

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I have a MkV R32 here in the US right now, previously had a MkIII VR6 Syncro in Luxembourg (the one with the 190hp engine from the Corrado)

webmonkees > Speedmonkey 03/30/2014 at 08:16

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Mk2s are nice, but yes, there is that time-warp thing.

I love you but I've chosen hooning! > ttyymmnn 03/30/2014 at 09:01

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Except for the MKIV, they're all pretty reliable. My MKII was an unkillable beast, never had a major problem and maintenance was cheap. However, one night somebody drove into it and then just left.