Mk1 diesel

Hi everyone,

This is my first post, and aia guess you could say I am returning from some time away.   I used to own a white mk1 GTi 15 years ago, and I have very fond memories of the experience.

RNP600Y anyone???   I dont think I will ever forget that plate!

Anway that is not why I am here, my current runaround (106diesel)  is approaching its used by date and I was considering what to get to replace.  I need something cheap . reliable and something that can sit on the motorway happily.  I do 90 miles a day on the m5, and I onbviously need it to be economical, and I suddenly had a thought, mk1 diesel!?!

I just want to ask when (if ever ) did they start doing the mk1 diesel in 5 speed?  are they readily available?  and will the diesel engine except a 5speed from say a Gti?  will it bolt straight on etc.?

Now I am sure all these questions have been asked before it would be great if someone could tell me and I may well be back into the world of mk1s!!


Many Thanks, Nigel.

Many thankjs

Welcome to the site mate.

They did do a 1.6 and a 1.6 TD

However in the UK only the 1.6 were supplied in 4 Speed.

You can fit a 5 speed and its a straight swap

Are you planning on buying one or have you bought one.

There was one for sale here if you look in the cars for sale section.

Cheers

The first Mk1 diesels from 76-80 ish were all 1.5 4 speed. I think the first 1.6ds with factory fitted 5 speed gearboxes were around X reg 1982 (like mine). All before that are only 4 speed, and many of the late 1.6s are only 4 speed because, as I understand it, the 5 speed box was an optional extra at the time and it seems a lot of buyers didn't go for it. There are a few gearboxes from Golfs/Polos etc around the Mk3 era that fit the Mk1 for a good 5 speed conversion (should be easy to find). 'Bert' knows the precise details if you want to know more.
I must say though, 90 miles a day could be enough to tire out any used car, let alone a 28 year old one! I do about 36 miles a day in my diesel on country roads and through towns. Although it's good on motorways and can take you from one end of the country to the other without missing a beat, I'm not sure I could put it through 90 motorway miles every day, even if it was willing to do so to the bitter end.    

I'm just being honest. And I'm one of the biggest Mk1 diesel fans you'll find! They're rare in really good condition (which you would need it to be to start doing the sort of mileage you talk about)
If you're open to ideas : Although boring and prone to tin worm, the Mk3 Golf TDIs are excellent mpg, fast enough for most, and generally trouble-free if you get a good one to start with. I think that would be my cheap and cheerful choice for 90 miles a day on motorways. I owned one. Just being honest. I know it doesn't compare to any Mk1 Golf…