Kinda New Here

Hi all,
Properly joining up this time as I wanted to take advantage of the insurance deal and other discounts.
I've had a mk2 golf for a good 20 years now, and a couple of mk5 golfs including currently a Mk5 R32. But last year I decided to swap my old T4 van for a Mk1 Caddy!

So a bit new to the platform, but at least the wiring is pretty much the same as the Mk2! Currently running a 1.8 KR with twin webers, flipped axle, BC racing ultralow front shocks, and a mostly smoothed engine bay.
I'll be using my new discounts on a set of shocks for the rear! 

-J

Loving the pickup.  

The pick up looks great.
I'm considering either a mk2 GTi or an R32 as our next main family car (only gets used 2 or 3 times a week), as you've got both could you give me your opinion pro's/con's of each.
I know the R32 are poor on fuel but do they other expensive issues waiting to go wrong?
Thanks.

The Mk2 is good, but mine is currently in the garage waiting for me to get the VR6 engine back together. Not bad as an occasional daily. Just the usual rust to keep on top of.
The R32 was my replacement Daily, and is good for that. Nice and comfy, very reliable. Tax is a bit expensive, not wonderful on fuel. Front wings and sills do get rust spots which need a good bit of body work to sort. People worry about chains over 100k but its down to how well they are serviced. The general rule is as long as they don't sound like marbles in a can, you're good to go. The chains almost never snap, the guides go and they drift out of time if there are issues.
Hope that helps.
-J

That's great, thankyou for your reply.
I had heard that chains were something to be aware of as they're a very expensive fix. I like to do my own maintenance & repairs where possible, what are they like to work on?
I'd hope to pick up one that's old enough to be in the lower tax band, as we don't do too  many miles the fuel consumption isn't a massive issue, what mpg do you get in normal driving?

They do need looking after, so I only tend to use OEM parts on mine. I wouldn't bother with the older low tax cars, they are pretty rare and I would rather look for a well maintained car. The boss move is to find a Jap import R32, they are even lower tax, just watch out for the insurance, I've seen a few people with import cars being stung more for insurance. Make sure whichever one you get has good service history including the DSG, haldex etc.
-J

That's great. Thankyou. Just need to find the right one now. All the Jap imports I've seen are dsg & I need a 5dr manual (compromise with the wife, who hates auto's!)

Get her to try the DSG if she hasn't before. They are quite good. I was considering selling mine but it's not very standard! 😂 

Welcome to the forum