LHD Golf in the UK

Hi Guys,
I'm on the lookout for a nice Mk1 GTi at the moment and have found a nice standard Mars Red one but have now also come across a modified french LHD one.
Its only for me to have a bit of fun driving and tinkering with at weekends so it doesnt need to be that practical really.
What are peoples opinions on running a left hooker?
Cheers,
Rob.

There are two things to be aware of.
First is over taking on Country roads and the second is parking. Think about it, your looking over your right shoulder, if you use that method!

Other than that it's no problem but then I would say that.   

One of my first ever cars was a left hooker and I currently have a LHD Jetta. The overtaking issue rarely crops up. It's only when you come up behnid a bus/lorry etc that it poses a problem. You soon get used to the gearstick being on the wrong side but the biggest problem I have found is I sometimes go to get in the wrong door, which can be a tad embarrassing. A plus point of LHD is better brakes as there are no additional cross linkages like you'd find on a RHD

I use my ex-French mk1 nearly everday with no problems. As already said the only slight issue you'll have is when lining up to overtake - I don't have this problem as mine's a 50hp diesel!

Is the car in the UK or are you importing it?

~  Craig

I once, very briefly, drove a Fiat Barchetta - which of course are all LHD.

I found it instantly disorientating - I've only been driving 4 years, but I'm used to left hand for gears, right hand for door stuff, look up/left for mirror etc. everything is…well… backwards.

I'm sure it would come good if I spent any real time in one - and I'd like to own a LHD golf for the rarity/novelty value, but maybe some more practise first…

Thanks Guys,
I think I'll try and get it if I can contact the seller who has gone a bit quiet at the moment.
I've always liked thing that are a little bit different than the norm so this would suit me down to the ground.
@ Craig, its in the uk already but not registered yet.
Cheers,
Rob.

i have an lhd 911 that is no problem. if you are on your own parking is better as you just climb out onto the pavement. yes overtaking is trickier but then again there's much too much traffic around to worry about that too much anyway these days.

BarbusG60 said

@ Craig, its in the uk already but not registered yet.

Cool, looking forward to seeing a pic.

you cant go to the maccy d's drive through on your own anymore either

markar said

you cant go to the maccy d's drive through on your own anymore either

Only saddo's do that anyway!

I had a golf rallye for 3 years and clocked up 50,000 miles. They are great, easier to drive in my opinion. You may depress the clutch and wind down your window a couple of times, and drive thru and car parks when you take a ticket Are the only problems.

Good luck