My VW Fox

Early 1988 Canadian model
4 speed
281,000 kilometres
Mine 1996-2004

Ever wondered how a Fox handles compared to a Mustang and Prelude?

Here is what it looked like in its better years.

Parts Replaced

Battery
Fuel filter	$20.95
Fuel pump	$328.00
Heater core (twice, second time on recall)	$99.90
Alternator	$155.90
Radiator	$211.80
Oil pan gasket	$9.15
Valve cover gasket	$4.55
CV Boots	$11.95
CV Boots	$11.95
Left driveshaft	$136.25
Rear shocks	$42.85
Rear shocks	$42.85
Rear shocks	$42.85
Rear shocks	$42.85
Front struts (both)
Windshield	$100
Lights galore
Muffler(s)
Clutch & Clutch plate	$170.75
Block heater	$40.85
Front brake pads and rotors
Rear brake pistons, shoes and seals
Oil pressure switch	$5.00
Water temp sensor	$9.90
Ball joint, left	$32.80
Cooling cap	$6.80	Jan-Apr 2000
Distributor cap	$22.55	Jan-Apr 2000
Ignition coil	$74.80	Jan-Apr 2000
Ignition wires	$49.75	Jan-Apr 2000
Tail light problems(update: Fix didn't last)	$0	2000-05-13
Passenger side door handle	$20	May 13, 2000
Tail light problems - round 2	$80.00	July 27, 2000
Exhaust Doughnut	$16.00	July 27, 2000
Fuel transfer pump	$105.40	Aug 3, 2000
Timing belt & tensioner	$38.50	Aug 11, 2000
Heater core hose	$180.00	Nov 14, 2000
Head gasket	$150.00	Nov 22, 2000
2000 wasn't nice to my Fox.
Headlights (H4 Euro)	$210.00	Apr 22, 2001
Radio	$75.00	Apr 23, 2001
Tail light lens enhancement	$83.33	May 8, 2001
Alternator	$120.00	July 26, 2001
Exhaust (nothing fancy)	$370.00	Aug 5, 2001
Purchased 1987 2dr Fox, began project to turn 2 cars into 1.		Nov 03, 2001
Many parts moved: Suspension, Stereo, Amp, Speakers, Seats, Steering wheel, transmission (half of it), wheels, 10.1" vented brakes in the front, tachometer, 2" exhaust, passenger mirror, dual-tone horn, numerous other pieces.
Suspension finished; new strut bearings, wheel bearings, tie rod ends.		Sept 2002
Alignment after suspension overhaul	$100	Sept 9, 2002
Newsflash! The Fox still lives!		2004
Sold! The Fox has been sold to a friend of mine, he has great plans for this great little car.		2004-06-14

Some of these prices are not listed. This is because I am not entirely sure what the cost was. Thus, I expect my all time maintenance fees are +1000, at least.
The majority of the parts above were installed with my blood and sweat. Labour is so expensive.
Most parts were purchased from Bowwow Auto Parts. They are helpful, local, competitive, and you can order over the 'net!
All values are in CDN$, or could also be completely wrong.

Enhancements

Tired of replacing my air filter every year (Prince George is rather dusty) I finally broke down and bought the K&N Air Filter.
My car now has the H4 Eurolights with 100/80 Hella bulbs. These lights light up the road like nothing else. They are incredible, and worth every penny. I purchased mine from FastForward.
The good old radio finally bit the dust, so I bought myself a new unit. Not particularly fancy, but it works quite well. The good news is that although there don't seem to be many harness adapters for the Fox, the wiring (snip, tape) was very simple and straight forward. New speakers are next on the mod list.
I installed a set of newer tail lights (from the 90-93 Foxes) which I think look cooler than the older ones. The girls agree!

My VW Fox

Parts Replaced

Enhancements

Links