One of GCFSB’s own, Dan, has been chronicling his adventures in refurbishing a 1989 GLI and if you’ve been tempted by his project, here is a solid driver ready for action.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1992 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 16V on eBay
Year: 1992
Model: Jetta GLI
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 186,309 mi
Price: $3,500 Buy It Now
Selling my 1992 Jetta GLI 2.0 16v with 186k. This thing is in really nice shape; starts, runs and drives EXCELLENT, starts easy and pulls hard through the rev range, always running Shell Rotella T6 synthetic, returned 36MPG the last time I took it to Chicago and back. The paint is shiny, it has minimal rust, the Recaro interior is basically mint…overall a great example of a Mk2 GLI. I love this car and I’ve put a ton of work into it, but I’m currently unemployed, have bills to pay, and might be moving out of state if a job offer pans out anyway. So…it’s time to let it go. It’s getting harder and harder to find GLIs that haven’t been beat up and sloppily modified; just add your favorite wheels and coilovers and you’ll have yourself one kickass example of a Mk2 GLI! Or turbo it with Megasquirt and have some real fun. I really want to see this car go to somebody who will treat it right and maybe take it to the next level!
Modifications:
Techtonics 2.25″ exhaust with Magnaflow muffler
Techtonics ECU chip
BFI billet front motor mount, G60 trans mount
Short shifter with weighted linkage (unknown brand, came off a parts car)
Euro Polo GT 3-spoke wheel (original 4-spoke wheel included as well)
P/S and A/C deleted with Toywagen alt pulley
H4 E-code headlights with LED city lights and new French (yellow) fogs
Kenwood Excelon head unit with Bluetooth, iOS/Android input, hands-free calling, etc.
3.5″ Pioneers in the dash, 5.25″ Infinitys in the doors, 6×9 Polks in the parcel shelf
Trunk pre-wired for amp/sub
Tinted windows (100% legal; 50% fronts, 35% rears)
New pull-style Chinese door handles
(EURO PLATE NOT INCLUDED, SORRY, LONG STORY. Original US plate bracket will be included)Recent maintenance:
New timing belt, tensioner, and water pump (done at 184k)
Recent tune-up with cap/rotor and correct OE ($$$) F6DSR plugs
New Kumho Ecsta PA31 tires with less than 2k miles on stock BBS RA’s
Diesel gear reduction starter (starts FAST) and new ignition switch
New Mk4 rear calipers with ECS stainless lines, new rear beam hard lines, new rotors/wheel bearings and Stoptech pads
New fuel filter, accumulator and associated hard lines
New HVAC blower motor and resistorMinor issues:
Some dents on driver’s side doors (there when I bought it, no idea) along with typical scratches/etc expected of a 22-year-old car
Headliner is ugly above rear seat, tacked up to keep it out of the way (again, there when I bought it, no idea)
Front passenger side power window is stuck closed (bad regulator)
Will need Mk3 cables/tubes to make parking brake work (Mk2 cables didn’t reach the Mk4 calipers)
There’s a few issues with this car and some mods that might not be to everyone’s taste, but overall, this looks to be a solid example that you wouldn’t be afraid of using. If you want to get into a modern classic for not much cash, the 16V Mk2 Jetta is a great option, offering a practicality, sport and economy in one package.
-Paul