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The Mk2 Volkswagen Golf GTI arrived in 1983 and remained in production until 1992. You could argue it was a more complete and usable car than the Mk1, better built, more refined but the original Mk1 will always carry the legacy of starting it all.

The car in question

This 1987 Golf GTI 16v Mk2 3 door will be at the next Historics Auctioneers auction. It is an early version car and is easily identifiable by:

Slimmer bumpers
Front quarter light drivers and passenger windows
Smaller, door mirrors positioned further back
Wipers that sweep from right to left
“Bee sting” roof aerial

These details matter.

Finished in rare Monza Blue, this car sits firmly in the “interesting but usable” bracket.

Approx £2,000 recently spent sorting out minor electrical issues
Previously part of a car collection
Recent maintenance includes:
Front and rear discs and pads
Rear wheel bearings
Rear brake calipers
New shock absorbers

Mileage is just over 106,000 miles, which positions it as:

Not a first class show car but not a tired example either.

This car is being offered without a reserve, which means:

It will sell, the only question is where will the bidding stop.

What to look out for (non-negotiable checks)

Mk2 Golfs are simple but they are now old cars. Condition is everything.

Body and Structure

Poor previous repairs (very common)
Hidden rust under plastic trims

Water ingress

Failed door membranes check for wet door cards
Damp footwell (check throughly)

Interior

Sagging headlining
Worn or tired trim (if been replaced make sure its time period correct)

Mechanical weak points

Leaking heater matrix
Gearbox synchromesh and bearings
General engine and cooling system neglect

Risk vs Reward Summary

Risk level:

SPECULATIVE / CONDITION-LED

Auction strategy

This car is being offered without a reserve, so the market will decide its value in real time.

Before bidding:

Set your price based on condition not emotion
Factor in any more money you may have to spend after the auction

During bidding:

Expect late bidding

Walk away points:

If bidding moves into show car strong condition money without the evidence to support it

Where this makes sense:

If it stays within the “useable but honest” price bracket, this would be a great entry into Mk2 GTI ownership.

What makes it a buy:

Original panels and paint
Rare colour (Monza Blue adds appeal)
Evidence of consistent maintenance

Who this car is for:

Enthusiast buyer
Someone wanting a usable modern classic hot hatch
Collector adding an original used early spec car

Who should walk away:

Buyers chasing a perfect, show level car
Anyone wanting the later big bumper version

Final thought

The Mk2 Golf GTI 16v sits in a strong position. It is still accessible while never really been overlooked.

If it looks as well in the metal as it does in the photos, this sits in the right space as an entry level Mk2 GTI. Usable, original and not yet at top-tier money.

Buy on condition and originality, not hype. Get that right and you are buying something that still has room to move.

View the auction listing

If you are seriously considering this car, review the full listing, images and description before bidding:

1987 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk. II 16V

Non negotiable step

Before committing:

Run a proper vehicle history check to confirm mileage, ownership and any discrepancies.

No exceptions.

Run a vehicle history check here: HPI Vehicle Check

About the author

Sheridan is an independent automotive editor and founder of We Blog Any Car. With over 30 years’ experience in the motor industry, his work focuses on market insight, buying signals, and real world automotive analysis, with a particular interest in the modern classic market.

If you’re looking at cars from this era, it’s worth comparing how value and risk differ across similar auction listings.