Mk1 Cabriolet

Hi

brand new to the site

I'm looking at buying a Mk1 cabriolet
What are they like to drive etc
What should i look out for when buying one?

I currently drive a Mk4 Ford Fiesta, it is really easy to drive. Takes hardly any efort.
I'm quite worried about the lack of power steering
Also ive never had a cabriolet, are they damp, do they leak.

I thought id ask on the forum, as you guys would know the most

Thanx

Laura

Welcome Laura!

The cabrios are more of a cruising machine than a quick B-road car as the suspension is relatively soft. Many have had firmer suspension fitted or this can be done quite cheaply to a standard car.

If the roof and seals are in good condition they do not leak, in fact the hoods are well insulated and one of the best around.

The steering will be heavy if non-standard wide wheels and tyres are fitted. Generally over 6"x14" wheels will be very heavy.

There is a buying guide link below with more info and what to look out for.

http://www.vwgolfmk1.info/main/Buyingacab.pdf

Buy one, they are a great classic cruising machine and quite cheap to run providing you buy a rust free shell and good condition hood.

Pidge said

Hi

brand new to the site

Welcome to the site you'll find all sorts on here but we're all generally well mannered.

I'm looking at buying a Mk1 cabriolet
What are they like to drive etc

More fun than a tintop on a nice day because you can take the roof off. You can stiffen up the suspension for very little money too and the extra 100kg added to the chassis doesn't spoil the party too much as it's all low down in the car. Die hards will always look down their noses at the Cabby but that's life

What should i look out for when buying one?

I have a Cabby and would advise you to look on here Consider buying from an established member rather than someone joining just to sell a car as they're more likely to have taken good care of the car and want to protect their Club reputation. I searched for ages for mine and ended up going to Scotland from London to but it. Basically there are loads around so be picky!

I currently drive a Mk4 Ford Fiesta, it is really easy to drive. Takes hardly any efort.

I'm quite worried about the lack of power steering

Do watch for wider wheels as my 7x15 are harder to move than the standard but the lack of power steering isn't a huge problem as you get used to it (to be fair though I weigh 16+ stone so hey)  ops:

Also ive never had a cabriolet, are they damp, do they leak.

Keeping a Cabby dry inside is no harder than a tintop as the rubbers do a good job and obviously don't rust up unlike a tintop with a sunroof which is notorious for letting water gush in. Just check seals and use common sense.

I thought id ask on the forum, as you guys would know the most

Thanx

Laura

Good luck with the hunt, take your time and ask as many questions as you want.

Tian :wink:

Can match a tintop all the way!!!

Good luck with your hunt!

Dannyd said

Can match a tintop all the way!!!

Good luck with your hunt!

That's the spirit.

Tian :mrgreen:

Dannyd said

Can match a tintop all the way!!!

Good luck with your hunt!

And some :wink:

hello and happy hunting

something worth remembering is that the steering gets alot easier when the car is moving. something my wife didn't know, cos she is used to power steering and steering when not moving.

good luck hunting.

you have a perfect name for driving a floppy.

Oi!!!!

  :naughty:

wooders said

you have a perfect name for driving a floppy.

carefull youth,you will offend some folk,including laura

he is just jealous as when its a lovely sunny day he cant take his roof down without using a can opener.

Just kidding.

Welcome Laura, the golf will be so much better than (washes mouth out a fiesta!)

So much more street cred than a molly maid mobbile! (just kidding)

Long live cabbys!

Nath

ive been looking at a couple

one is a 1987 clipper in a bronze gold colour
the other 1991 gti in blue

Is there much difference between the two??

Both on ebay
280230479833
250249966927

Pidge said

ive been looking at a couple

one is a 1987 clipper in a bronze gold colour
the other 1991 gti in blue

Is there much difference between the two??

Both on ebay
280230479833
250249966927

There's a big difference between the two cars. I'd go for the GTI every time as it's further up the spec sheet, faster and more fun to drive. The 91 also has the desirable electric roof and windows which is cool, I also prefer the colour.

The 87 is a nice car and it has nice low mileage, it also has small bumpers so if you're not a fan of the Clipper Kit get that one. At the end of the day it's your choice!

You have to decide what you're after before you go and see anything. Get a clear idea of what you're looking for and definitely test drive a couple of options so you know what you're letting yourself in for.

Tian