VW GOLF CABRIOLET

It’s one of the cheapest ways into a classic ragtop. Here’s what to watch out for

HOW’S THE ROOF?

The GTI received a power-operated roof from September 1989. By June 1990 an electric roof was optional on the Clipper, then all cars received one as standard from April 1991. The five-layer hood is a work of art, but it can wear and replacement is costly, so look for signs of holes or fraying, as well as damage to the frame. All parts are available, but some are costly and labour bills can soon add up if major repairs are needed. Replacing a hood costs £240 for the roof itself, plus fittings and labour. The window frames themselves often rust too, so all-in expect to spend about £500-600 getting everything done.

LOOK AT THE TRIM

The standard cloth trim is hard-wearing, but it can get damaged. The electrics are a weak spot, as the fusebox, under the dashboard on the nearside, gets wet when the windscreen leaks. From late 1982 blade fuses replaced the earlier bullet type; these later electrics are more reliable, but still problematic. Check that the rear demister (all convertibles received a glass rear window, but not necessarily heated), heater fan and wipers all work. The same goes for the Gti’s trip computer, parts for which are now scarce. Slow windscreen wipers are another common issue; greasing the wiper spindles can help.

WATCH OUT FOR ROT

Look for corrosion in the sills, wheelarches (check beneath any plastic protective mouldings as best you can), valances, inner wings (including the front suspension strut towers), door bottoms and in the various seams – particularly those for the rear panel and between the tail lights. Also check the bootlid, headlamp surrounds, seatbelt mountings, battery tray and the rear light clusters with their surrounds. Water gets into the boot and the spare wheel well seams can rust through. Also common is rot at the base of the A-posts, leading to play in the doors; repairs can be a nightmare..

SEE HOW IT STEERS

On high-mileage cars the CV joints may be worn, but a full kit costs just £40 per side, with repairs straightforward. The brakes are OK, but lack feel because of the conversion to right-hand drive; the linkage isn’t very direct. There are plenty of upgrades available, from harder pads and bigger calipers to bigger, cross-drilled discs.