1992 Volkswagen GTI 16V

The 1991-1992 GTI followed the same basic recipe as the 1987 model the double-overhead-cam motor was introduced in, but everything was turned up a few notches. Starting in the mid-1990 model year, all US-bound A2s received the ‘big bumper’ treatment; new smooth aerodynamic covers front and rear. To help to differentiate it a bit, the GTI’s blackened arches were widened. Filling those arches were new 15″ wheels from BBS. The multi-piece RMs were lightweight and the perfect fit for the design, echoing other contemporary class-leading sports cars such as the M3. Volkswagen color-coded the mirrors and rear spoiler to match the car, as well, and the GTI got a fresh face with more illumination; quad round lights filled the grill, and foglights were integrated into the lower bumper. Prominent GTI 16V badges still encircled the car.

Power was up to match the heightened looks. Now with 2.0 liters of twin-cam fun, the 9A in the GTI produced 134 horsepower at 5,800 RPMs and 133 lb. ft of torque at 4,400 RPMs. Coupled to the close-ratio 5-speed manual, that was good enough to drop 0-60 times below 8 seconds. That may not sound like much today, but at the time it was another league of performance compared to the typical economy car. Holding you in place were the same heavily-bolstered Recaros that special editions like the ‘Helios’ 1989 Jetta GLI Wolfsburg had enjoyed.

It was a recipe for success, but these cars were also relatively expensive in period, and fell into the global recession time frame which affected sales of nearly all European marques drastically. The general consensus is that around 5,000 of the last of these GTIs were imported, putting their rarity on the level of the M3. But because they weren’t M3s, there are far less around today to enjoy and few turn up in stock configuration for a myriad of reasons. This example is far from perfect, but its rarity means that the price…well, you’ll see.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1992 Volkswagen GTI 16V on eBay

Year: 1992
Model: GTI 16V
VIN: 3VWHE21G1NM027057
Engine: 1.8 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 182,500 mi
Location: Coronado, California
Price: $25,995 Buy It Now

For Sale one of the most Iconic GTI of all Time
1992 GTI 16V MK2 finished in Tornado Red
Repainted 1 year ago,
Original Recaro Interior
Refinished Dash looks new
Rebuilt Engine
original BBS wheels refinished as well
New brakes
Coilover shocks
Cold A/C!
182k original miles
Car runs and drives good
All gears are good, although reverse tends to whine a bit when used, common on these older Vw’s

Link to Youtube video here:

Car is Located in San Diego, California
Can assist with shipping
$500 non-refundable deposit due immediately, the rest via wire transfer or certified check
Any questions, please ask! 

If you’re a sane person, I’m guessing that you think $26k for a 182k-mile GTI is..well, not sane. To put it in context, though, look at the pricing of E30 M3s. I’ll grant that the GTI 16V is not an M3 in terms of fit, finish, power, or pedigree, but it does tick many of the same boxes and offers a similar experience in some ways. The high pricing isn’t without precedent, either – a nice example sold in March ’22 for $42,500. Would I rather have an E46 or a 996 for the same price as this car? Well, the BMW and Porsches are really in a different league in terms of performance and comfort, but it can be hard to judge pricing across generations. This car is the ethos of the hot hatch for many, including me, and consequently has an intangible value above and beyond what it *should* be worth.

-Carter