Want an old Mk2 VW Golf GTI? Here's a (nearly) pristine one we found for £4.5k

With this week’s launch of the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX Performance signalling the start of the GTI moniker’s transition to electric, how about a retro, ICE-powered forebear for less than 1/10th of the price?

This MK2 GTI from 1989 seems like a good choice because, despite the 158,000-mile odometer readout, it looks fantastic. We’d imagine it’s got some interesting stories to tell from its previous 13 owners too, not least because its 112bhp 1.8-litre four-pot is paired with a five-speed cane. Lovely.

The (likely) thousands spent on upkeep and maintenance do show. Many believe that the MK2 is the best-looking of all the Golf generations, and the lack of any obvious cracks or stone chips on this one’s exterior does help you understand why. Nice BBS alloys out wide, too.

But it’s the interior where this example really gets the plaudits: from the checked upholstery to the still showroom-fresh consortium of buttons and the Golf ball gear lever, it’s mint. OK, so there are a few specks of dust and dirt in the back along the foot wells and the seat belts, but this thing is 35 years old this year. Cut it some slack.

It’s even got the customary aftermarket subwoofer in the boot, so at least you know it’s lived the 198-decibel lifestyle of most hot Golfs. And all this for just £4,500.

Images: Volkswagen