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Find of the Day: 1990 Jetta GLI 16V

[See image gallery at www.vwvortex.com]

Ask most car enthusiasts what model is Volkswagen’s performance icon and you may get a few “Corrado” or “Scirocco” responses, but the bulk of people will say three letters: “GTI.” We all know the little car that started the hot hatch category. The GTI was so popular VW added a sedan version in 1984 for those wanting the convenience of four doors, and swapped the T in GTI for an L: Jetta GLI.

VW offered the GLI again in the second generation Jetta, first with an 8 valve, 123 horsepower engine, and later with the free-flowing and high-revving 16 valve motor with 134 horsepower. By today’s standards 134 horses may not seem like much, but in the lightweight body, there’s more than enough power. Automobile magazine noted the MK2 Jetta GLI 16V has a better power to weight ratio than a 2013 BMW 320i. Not too shabby for a nearly 30 year old car.

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According to the ad, this 1990 GLI 16V has been recently updated. The car has new plugs, wires, fuel filter, cap, rotor, and front motor mount. The car sits on a coilover suspension and 16 inch BBS reps; the original BBS wheels come with the car. There’s also been a few tasteful mods including a front eyebrow spoiler, tinted tail lights, side marker lights, and clear and tinted front turn signals.

The owner states the car still needs some work, most notably a timing belt replacement, shifter bushing replacement, and a wheel alignment. The Recaro seats are in good condition for the age of the car, but the usual bolster wear is present. All-in-all though it appears to be a very solid car for the $4,500 asking price. With some additional time and a little bit of money the new owner could be zipping around town in this light-on-its-feet little cruiser. And while I wouldn’t suggest going out BMW hunting in this GLI, it’s fun to think about giving a few drivers a little surprise when the traffic light turns green.

You can view the ad on The Samba (where there are more photos), which also links to the owner’s Craigslist ad (where there’s more information).

The post Find of the Day: 1990 Jetta GLI 16V appeared first on VWVortex.



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