SOT: Considering a MK2, 3 or 4 VW GTI for my new DD, Give me the good, the bad, and the ugly... Options

[Gint]

I don't want to spend a fortune and I don't buy new cars anymore anyway. I like the fact that I can get into cars I've always liked without losing my shorts or spending a a ton of cash. I have a 914, a 4WD truck and a DD (the DD will be replaced with this car) so absolute dependability isn't the most important factor as I can deal with one car having a little down time.

I've been wanting to get an old water cooled VW again for quite awhile. While I'd prefer a MK1 Scirocco or GTI, they aren't exactly plentiful anymore. So I'm looking at the later GTIs. Of course a Scirocco wouldn't be out of the question either. But I can go as late as the early MK4's GTIs. I've heard different things about the reliability of these cars, but I respect most everyone's opinion here and know a lot of you guys have probably owned a few of these. So give me the run down on the different years and their strengths/weaknesses?

[Gint]

Mk1s vs MK2s being heavier cars are a fact of life. While I agree they feel heavier, and the Mk1 is preferred to me as well, they just aren't as plentiful any more, especially in decent condition. And while the Corrado feels a bit duller and heavier yet, to this day I still miss that G60 whenever I think about it.

A 635 is still on my list to be crossed off one day. So many cars, so little time.

Tod, Love that pic!

Paul, I got your email. I thank you very much and that's a nice looking car.

But...

Negotiating for a Mk2 GLi 16v - Not a done deal yet, but it's a pretty safe bet at this point. It will either be in my driveway midnight Friday or I'll still be on the hunt. I love the chase. I don't know why...