They suffer from blocked oil pick up pipes if the oil hasn't been changed regular or the wrong oil has been used.

Also have crap water pumps which break up, alot of people replace them with aftermarket pumps which have metal impellors,

Coil packs were shite on the earlier cars aswell.

The plastic clips that hold the window to the regulator also break, Again metal replacements are availble.

Also the tie rods wear out pretty quickly giving a vague feel to the steering.

It shares all the same faults as the mk4 golf gti since they are pretty much the same cars

If you get a good one Paul they are great cars with loads of potential




P.s Make sure you check the miledge as they are so easily changed.