hard suspension

Hi there,

I am using my golf more and more these days and I would like to make it more drive-able.  When I say drive-able I mean easier to drive in a commute, less tiring.

its the only golf I have owned and I find the suspension hard and unforgiving, which can be great but not day to day!  Its doesnt like potholes or ramps or even pebbles!

Its a 1988 cabrio gti.

So Im wondering is it just a feature of the car or is there something wrong.  Am I expecting to much of my 23 year old car and comparing it to modern cars or is there anything I can do to make it better to drive day to day.

I have replaced the top mounts and the roll bar bushings.

Has anyone any tips or am I wasting my time?

Would it be a sin to fit non GTI shocks.  :dontknow:

i think its the way it is mate my 90 gti cab is the same potholes are like a car crash but it does handle well im planning on fitting coilovers at some point but i think that makes them stiffer it would be a shame to fit none gti shocks i think its a case of putting up with it mate

its all about the type of shocks, i had a mk1 with spax yellow and one with red and the reds where more comfy but a little slopy,(still beter than standard ride) and yellows hard. so if your thinking of changing try to have a ride in other cars fitted with different types, easier said than done i know but will give you some idea

Do you know if your car still has original suspension or coilovers fitted? That will have a big effect.
Also if youve put bigger alloys on but kept the rolling diameter.

Also check the condition of you top mounts again can be crashy if these are worn, cheap ones can go extremly quickly, Febi come recommended.
After that you need to start checking springs, dampers and so on.

Clearly they are not to the level of a modern car, but should be fine for day to day.

pics below of knackered and new (well after a few k) for comparison. as youve just replaced should be like the latter, no worse.