The car will start and idle for a few seconds and then die if you hit the gas it won't even start
The more you turn the key on and off with out starting it the longer it will run
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1987 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Though facing stiff competition from other sports compacts in its class at the time, like the Honda S and Ford Escort GT, the Volkswagen GTI is considered the first "hot hatch" to hit the market, combining practicality with performance. Although never as popular as its competitors, it receives rave reviews from past and current owners.
The 1987 Volkswagen GTI gets a new engine, a 16-valve 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder one with a horsepower boost to 123-hp. It means a little lower fuel economy (23/29) but a lot more excitement on the road. The 8-valve 102-hp is also still available. Volkswagen engineering has made the GTI a breeze to handle, with cornering capabilities and wheels glued to the road that give the driver confidence along with a thrill. Good acceleration and maneuverability keep the GTI competitive on the highway.
There is a little body roll and wind noise with the 1987 GTI, say some owners, and the seats and plastic-trimmed interior tend to show their age, but with such easily modifiable and inexpensive parts and an engine that seems destined to outlive any owner, it's easy to see why the GTI is a favorite among owners. Maybe not so cool-looking on the outside, but it's fast, responsive, and a money-saver.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1987 Volkswagen Golf GTI
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by Mitchell H
Oct 03, 2011
Stock:
1.8liter DOHC 16V
Hydraulic lifters
Mild Body Kit
4 Wheel Disc Brakes
Stiff GTI Seats
Sunroof
Mods:
4-2-1 Header
2.5inch exhaust
Dual 3inch tips
2" Lowered on APEX
Neuspeed Front Strut Brace
Shadow Grill
Polished/ Ported Head and ValvesOct 03, 2011
by Omar N
Sep 22, 2010
great little car very roomy for a hatch nack very quick and agil
used by many enthusiast for rally, cirquit,drag and more
it has always been one of my all time favorites and is still in production
with all the mods ive done so far 10:02 on the 1/4 mile cant complaint for a little 4 bangerSep 22, 2010
by Steven H
Sep 05, 2010
golf gti 16 valve stript it and started bulding it going to be tidy
crome leather low fat ect itl be sweet once panted and sorted for the road
cant w8 old school golf look out hear i cum
peace out
spuddyboy xxSep 05, 2010
User rating:
by Mitchell H
Oct 03, 2011
Stock:
1.8liter DOHC 16V
Hydraulic lifters
Mild Body Kit
4 Wheel Disc Brakes
Stiff GTI Seats
Sunroof
Mods:
4-2-1 Header
2.5inch exhaust
Dual 3inch tips
2" Lowered on APEX
Neuspeed Front Strut Brace
Shadow Grill
Polished/ Ported Head and ValvesOct 03, 2011
by Omar N
Sep 22, 2010
great little car very roomy for a hatch nack very quick and agil
used by many enthusiast for rally, cirquit,drag and more
it has always been one of my all time favorites and is still in production
with all the mods ive done so far 10:02 on the 1/4 mile cant complaint for a little 4 bangerSep 22, 2010
by Steven H
Sep 05, 2010
golf gti 16 valve stript it and started bulding it going to be tidy
crome leather low fat ect itl be sweet once panted and sorted for the road
cant w8 old school golf look out hear i cum
peace out
spuddyboy xxSep 05, 2010
by Kevin M
Apr 14, 2010
Build Quality: Alternator bracket likes to loosen itself up
Car Comparisons: Its a VW nothing else compared to it
Performance: It got angry on the dyno and decided to leak coolant everywhere, but it did great
More About My Car: Its full of rareness, so many rare parts on this car its unrealApr 14, 2010
by Anonymous
Sep 22, 2009
Theirs nothing better then owning a mk2 GTI, NO! car is funner to drive. From the second you start it and hear the motor purr, to when you drop the clutch and mash the gas, even in the turns where its balls out wide open throttle because you have the confidence your car can handle it without killing yourself, to just parking it and watching everyone around stare. Its a Blast. VW for LIFE <3Sep 22, 2009
by Daniel W
Aug 14, 2009
like a gocart, with the sports suspension it handles really good compared to the stock model och Golf GTI. It is also more responsive than the 8V model.
Theengine was a bit tricky to take apart and fix due to a seroius breakdown. Cam-belt snapped.Aug 14, 2009
by Diana F
Mar 29, 2009
My First car, Bought in 1998 with only 75k on it.. mint condition.. it was red prior to sliver.. I got the door handles shaved, filled the license plate in.. had remote access to open the doors. Ricardo seats, Volkswagen corrado dash, after market accessories etc. 5 speedMar 29, 2009
by Tim C
Nov 17, 2008
Good old cult classic great fun and cheap to run. Just helps if your a bit handy with the spanners for quick repairs. its been good to me the only complaint is its let down by its old body work. rust is a major concern. But over all a cheap super mini of its day!!!Nov 17, 2008
by Casey R
Jun 19, 2008
Absolutely nothing.Jun 19, 2008
by Jerome T
Mar 28, 2008
I love itMar 28, 2008
by Marcin M
Jan 09, 2008
Its a fun car to drive around the city looks nice very light mad old scoolJan 09, 2008
What users have asked
What's it worth?
I'm the original owner of an '87 GTI w/about 114,000 mi on it. It's got ac, manual trans., and drives like a new car. The inside is in excellent shape - cloth seats have always been protected. Outside there are no dings, but it could use a painting. Any idea what it's worth?
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1987 Volkswagen Golf GTI?Compare this car
1987 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pricing
Original MSRP
$10,645 to $12,560Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy