88 model golf question
 

I'm purchasing an 88 golf over the weekend, and it's my first car. I'm wondering if there are any tips i could get as far as some basic tune-up type things. Just trying to get a general idea of what some good things would be to keep it on the road as long as possible. It's been sitting over the winter and i talked to the guy today, he went out, it started right up. Warmed up a little bit and sounded pretty nice. I know i need tires for sure and an oil change, but any other things that I would need? I'm fairly new to cars and I'm trying to learn as much as I can.

RE: 88 model golf question
 

Find out when the timing belt was replaced last. If it has been over 30-40k miles, replace the belt and the water pump as soon as you can. Always replace those two together if at all possible (if the pump seizes, the belt could break). The engine is an interference design, meaning that the valves and pistons try to occupy the same space if the belt breaks, resulting in bent and busted valves, damaged pistons, damaged head, etc. Summed up, very expensive and time consuming to fix if it happens. In fact, it's probably cheaper at that point to purchase a used engine and swap it in.

Something I also found out is that the oil pumps on 85-92 model year engines (1.8L ) are on the weak side. You can get a bigger and better pump by purchasing one for a 93 Golf w/ the 2.0L engine, it will bolt right in. Easy replacement too, just pull the oil pan and it's right there, two bolts in and out. I'll be replacing mine when I get some extra time.

I would say those are the two major things to do as soon as you can. I would also check on all the electric components, make sure they are in good working order. My 85 has a few electrical gremlins I am hunting down right now.

Now that's basic advice. If you want the real low-down on the car and you are serious in purchasing it, see if the seller will let you have a mechanic inspect it. It might cost a few bucks to do, but if you have a mechanic you or your family trusts that knows VW's, have them look at it and get their opinion. A bit of money right now might save you a few years of headache :-P