8v Mk2 GTI imported from UK

[GTI-VW]

Hi, I'm a new member with an 8v Mk2 GTI imported from UK. See pic http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v127/apdavoren/GTI-VW.jpg

I'd like to find out more about the scene here, especially for parts, advice and info.

The car was owned by a mate in London since almost new and I bought it for 800 pounds when he upgraded to a 16v for the power steering. He has been a bit disappointed with the 16v (lacks low down pull and weighs more) and I have been very happy with the 8v. I had the car in UK and Netherlands and drove it through 15 countries on it's final trip (av. 40mpg) incl. much of eastern Europe before shipping it back (one flat tyre for the trip). Speedo winds all the way to the stop on German Autobahns. And as for endurance we once covered 1400km in 10hours from Italy to Slovenia on the hottest day on record (>40deg) in 2003. That's almost Mebourne/Sydney return ! It now has just under 300k on clock and has rarely missed a beat. No mods except the new wheels and Goodyear F1 205/45 16s.

I do miss nice fast roads & decent speed limits but at least the sun roof gets opened in Sydney. The Scottish Highlands are perfect for a GTI as are the Alps. I highly recommend a touring holiday in Europe by Mk 2 GTI as they're cheap as chips in the UK.

Previously in Oz I owned a 1990 Cabriolet (not too quick but fun) and a 1976 Mk 1 3-door (zippy). I also have a 2001 T4 LHD VW California Coach which is stored in Belgium for next year's big trip.

So yes, I am a big fan of VW/AUDI water cooled cars. Are there many more direct imports here ?

[alex g]

welcome bro, you are in the rite place
if you post the bottom link on photobucket the photo will apear on the topic page

[Golf Loon]

Yeah man, I`m an ex pat pom and have various golfs in Sydders, including a MK2 GTI and a Mk2 Jetta, both South African private imports.
We are going for a cruise next week if you want to come along. See clubs and meets section.

[evorobin]

Welcome. I moved over from the UK with my mk2 GTI also. We had to fit a rear centre brake light and 3 child seat anchor points. Was this the same for you?

[GTI-VW]

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2005/11/GTIVW-1.jpg

dubstarmk2 - Thanks for the tip on displaying image
Golf Loon - Am interested in the cruise. Will keep an eye on the post for details.
evorobin - Similar story on mods for mine though I didn't have to add a rear centre light. What a pain. Spent more money shipping it and getting it to Oz standards than I paid for it. Then we ended up going back to Europe for another 14 months so it suffered in the hands of various house-swappers who cooked the clutch, damaged the front discs and scruffed up the paintwork.

[OEM G60]

Hi mate, i'm another pom who couldn't leave the VW at home !! That sounds amazing the countries you've been to in yours !!
I'm in Sydney also ......

Wonder if thats a South Australia compliance rule or something then ?? Hope mine doesn't need a 3rd brake light !

[syncro]

Wonder if thats a South Australia compliance rule or something then ??

They're supposed to be federal rules.


Hope mine doesn't need a 3rd brake light !

Just put it on until it is registered, then take it off.
If you are in the Manly area go and see Mark Hammond at Brookvale. He will put you in touch with an engineer. Tell him that Phill sent you.

[evorobin]

The shocking thing was the fact the guys looking at the car were amazed I'd read the letter and got the work done. Seems most people don't bother, anyway my handbrake was a little the worse for wear but they still let it through. They were joking their Scottish MOT testing mate wasn't there or he could of checked the pom car :lol:

[GTI-VW]

No real problems with my import except for an enormous cost to have the car taken offsite to be steam cleaned in a special facility. What bollocks ! It came back dirty anyway. It may have been worth having a proper steam clean done at the export end and getting a certificate or similar.

Here's a pic of a rather dirty Golf GTI next to Dracula's castle in Romania.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2005/11/draculascastle-1.jpg

[alex g]

dirty poms :? :lol:

[evorobin]

I wish that was true I parted with 50 notes and STILL had to have it steam cleaned at this end for more cash. Got some of it back but it took another week to clear...