Year
Used Volkswagen Golf for Sale Nationwide
623 results
Sort by:
About 1989 Volkswagen Golf
Never hugely successful in the U.S. despite its overwhelming popularity abroad, the Volkswagen Golf shut its U.S. production plant in 1988. All Golfs from 1989 on were imports from either Germany or Mexico. The Jetta was a much more popular Volkswagen model in the U.S., probably because it was longer than the Golf (though just as wide) and offered a trunk compared to the Golf's hatchback, making it a more suitable family car.
However, the Golf couldn't be beat for affordability, and although billed as a starter car, many owners have kept their Golfs for decades without much maintenance. The 2-door base hatchback, along with the 2 and 4-door GL hatchback both house a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 100-hp engine and 5-speed manual transmission. Firm suspension and a powerful engine combine to give drivers a bit of pep and thrill on the highway, and the Golf's curve-hugging skills and acceleration proved to be a big hit, giving owners much more bang for their buck than expected.
Above all, at 27/34 mpg, the 1989 Golf got great fuel economy, a standout feature for many owners. Along with the tight handling, drivers also love that they feel safe in this workhorse, powered by an engine that never dies and unburdened with costly repairs. The Golf is a great friend of the wallet, both in initial cost and upkeep. Some drawbacks are the hard-to-find parts, a cheap plastic interior that suffers with age, and peeling paint.
Overview
Never hugely successful in the U.S. despite its overwhelming popularity abroad, the Volkswagen Golf shut its U.S. production plant in 1988. All Golfs from 1989 on were imports from either Germany or Mexico. The Jetta was a much more popular Volkswagen model in the U.S., probably because it was longer than the Golf (though just as wide) and offered a trunk compared to the Golf's hatchback, making it a more suitable family car.
However, the Golf couldn't be beat for affordability, and although billed as a starter car, many owners have kept their Golfs for decades without much maintenance. The 2-door base hatchback, along with the 2 and 4-door GL hatchback both house a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 100-hp engine and 5-speed manual transmission. Firm suspension and a powerful engine combine to give drivers a bit of pep and thrill on the highway, and the Golf's curve-hugging skills and acceleration proved to be a big hit, giving owners much more bang for their buck than expected.
Above all, at 27/34 mpg, the 1989 Golf got great fuel economy, a standout feature for many owners. Along with the tight handling, drivers also love that they feel safe in this workhorse, powered by an engine that never dies and unburdened with costly repairs. The Golf is a great friend of the wallet, both in initial cost and upkeep. Some drawbacks are the hard-to-find parts, a cheap plastic interior that suffers with age, and peeling paint.
4.3 Overall rating
Filter by rating
Erik G
Reviewed a 1989 Volkswagen Golf on Jan 17, 2009
My first ever rally car. A 1989 VW Golf MK2. As of now it is almost completely standard in terms of performance. It's a standard 1,8 CL engine with a standard gearbox. The exhaust is a 2" custom built with a 180 cell race-cat. The car have a full roll cage and competition seats and belts, but otherwise it is a mostly standard interior. We use 15" Silverstone competition gravel tires with Compomotive rims. All in all a basic rally car with most parts standard. However, later this spring my dad and I will start modify the car to compete in another class where bigger modifications are allowed (such as engines, gearbox and so on). We will have a tuned 1,8 GTi engine which will generate around 170-180 hp, together with the Golf 16V gearbox. The gear box will still be mostly standard but later in my rally career we will put together a better Dog-box type gearbox. Also a real differential will be put on and a shorter and more accurate steering. The interior and dashboard will be completely ripped out and a custom built dashboard (hopefully with lots of carbon-fiber) will replace the old one. A bigger exhaust will replace the one we have now and some good looking exterior parts will be put on (such as a rear wing). I will try to update with new photos when the building starts and when the new car is finished.
Is this review helpful?
Paul N
Reviewed a 1989 Volkswagen Golf on Aug 17, 2008
I bought this as a near standard 3dr Gti 16v to use as a track hack having replaced the M3 with the Porsche. The Golf is great fun, especially on the track. Now stripped, caged, bigger brakes, stiff suspension and a cage it handles really well. The body has had no attention and is still solid, quite amazing for its age.
Is this review helpful?
Prashalin N
Reviewed a 1989 Volkswagen Golf on Oct 13, 2011
16V GTi, great condition. GTi brand known for good balance of looks, power and handling. car is agile and holds its own on the bends. maintenance is relatively low for a performance vehicle of this age and is helped by the great original build quality. great thing about the mk2 golf is how its looks do not fade over the years. this is a great car to own and drive
Is this review helpful?
Zeljko D
Reviewed a 1989 Volkswagen Golf on Mar 20, 2008
Very good build quality. Efficient, fast and fuel saver
Is this review helpful?
1989 Volkswagen Golf Trims
| Trim type | MSRP |
|---|---|
| 2 Dr Hatchback | $8,785 |
| 4 Dr GL Hatchback | $9,700 |
| 4 Dr GL Wolfsburg Hatchback | $11,030 |
| 2 Dr GL Hatchback | $9,490 |
1989 Volkswagen Golf Price Trends
CarGurus tracks the prices of millions of used car listings every year. See how the average price of 1989 Volkswagen Golf prices has changed over time.
See more price trendsAVG Price
Not Available
1989 Volkswagen Golf
Index Price
$27,928
3.3%
All used vehicles
All Used CarsManual Transmission CarsLuxury CarsCars with Red InteriorCheap Manual CarsHybrid CarsSports CarsElectric SUVsCheap TrucksSmall CarsThird Row SUVsThree Quarter Ton TrucksLifted TrucksManual Transmission TrucksDiesel TrucksHybrid SUVsDually TrucksOne Ton TrucksCheap SUVsLifted Ford Trucks4x4 TrucksWork TrucksAWD SUVsFord TrucksChevrolet TrucksToyota TrucksTrucks Under $10,000Cars Under $15,000Sports Cars Under $20,000Trucks Under $20,000Used Sedans for Sale with Low MileageUsed SUVs / Crossovers for Sale with Low MileageUsed Hatchbacks for Sale with Low MileageUsed Convertibles for Sale with Low MileageUsed Vans for Sale with Low MileageUsed Minivans for Sale with Low MileageUsed Pickup Trucks for Sale with Low MileageUsed Coupes for Sale with Low MileageUsed Wagons for Sale with Low Mileage
