Oh the ambition I'm sure you think some people have money growing out of their *rses... and still live with their 'rents.
I think the 12k is a bit light , but build quality and design was so good, that's why there's still quite a few about. Each to there own but for me my Mk2's are way in front of the two other Germans compared.
I think maybe there are two different types of people in this thread - those who are genuinely enthusiastic about their GTI, and those who are slightly less interested. I'm not a rich guy, I don't live with my parents, but I like everything to be right about my Golf and I'm willing to spend the money to do that, from initial outlay to parts and workshop costs. There are bargains to be had, true, but not that many and if you're looking to own a car of this age cheaply then maybe that's not a great starting idea. You can get by with a cheapo car and minimal servicing to keep it going, but you won't be able to keep it perfect like that. The number of mk2s has dropped a lot in the last 5 years and so it is beginning to head the way the mk1 went. Some people might look at a mk2 GTI as the car of their dreams, you can't really knock someone's personal opinion. As for the Pug 306, each to their own...
I don't doubt the design & build quality of Mk2s for a moment (otherwise I wouldn't look twice at them), and I know many people who spend huge proportions of their income on old cars knowing full well they'll never get it back, and that their outlay is for pleasure and enjoyment of classic cars (modern or otherwise). But... these are very, very simple cars. Built with pressed steel panels. Spares for them seem to be absolutely everywhere. Not a day passes when I don't see two, three or more running on London streets. They're clearly beginning to command a 'cult' following, but are nowhere near the level of say a VW Beetle - ie if you flashed your lights or waved at every Mk2 owner you encountered on the road, 80% of them would wonder what the hell was wrong with you. It seems that they're overpriced (in other words highly prized) by true enthusiasts, so it looks like I'm going to start looking for one owned by a housewife!
I think they're under priced and will not be happy until mine is worth the 4400 I paid for it (in 1999). Few more years I reckon?
if you know these mercs well like you say youll know they cant be kept on the road for pocket change like the mk2's can. the bmw is a great car but i think they have suffered a bad image over the years as gangster, tinted windowed drug dealers cars. allthough they are awesome cars this sort of thing effects prices. theres bargains to be had, my friend bought a mint 1 owner mk2 that was serviced evry 5k miles since new for 600 quid. its in amazing condition! on the other hand, i paid top whack for my mk1 as it was the car for me. its been brilliant and never let me down so it was worth it. i think the mk1's are much more overpriced than mk2's. but i dont want anything else. i love mk1's maybe thats not very ambitious? but i dont need an expensive fast car to enjoy driving. my hot hatch puts a smile on my face whenever i drive it. cant ask for any more than that.
your wrong. anyone driving a mk2 gti these days is in it for a reason, they chose a mk2 gti. therefore they apreciate them. there will be the exception but id say 90% would know why your waving at them, they may not wave back but they would know why they were waved at.
So you'd understand why someone would be willing to pay a high price for the car that they feel is right for them.
Got nout to do with loving your own car has it that If they want to spend , then by all means they can. I've always wanted a MK3 valver. I now have a MK3 valver. But I got there through owning Polo after Polo after Lupo after MK2, all with engines smaller then 1300 and insurance less than 400. Not spending money I could use on better things... ie. the valver. Makes it oh so much sweeter once you have the car you truly desire.
The cult following comes (unlike a beetle) from the fact that they drive/go like the clappers seemingly forever, sustaining huge abuse if necessary. Buy as good an example as you can afford and you'll never regret the outlay. I certainly haven't. Looks to die for IMO
Exactly - nail on the head. You spend/save money for the car you really want, and are prepared to go that bit extra for that car It's got everything to do with loving your own car
I've seen more than a handful of fairly decent looking mk2s in the for sale section on here in the last week alone for well under a grand tbh.
i dont think the mk2 will go the same way as the mk1 or cars like the early escorts! mind you i might be changing my mind in 10 years time when a oak grean 16v will cost 8 grand! dno really!
