The 1997 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a relatively easy vehicle to maintain, and a good choice for the average car owner. The engine coolant reservoir is easily visible in the engine bay. This will allow you to check and replenish the fluid level with reliability. Changing the headlight is no problem, as you only have to reach behind the housing for access to the assembly. Checking the oil level is easy to do, as the oil dipstick is easily accessible in the engine bay.
There are some slight more problematic repairs on the 1997 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Changing the engine air filter is more complicated than usual, as you will have to complete extra steps. While not too difficult to complete, a battery change can be tougher. The bolt that secures the battery is an odd size, and can grow rusted to the vehicle and be difficult to remove. Filling the air conditioning can be difficult, as you will have to make a tough reach in the engine bay in order to complete.
Hans Angermeier has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. He has broad expertise on basic repair procedures covering the majority of cars on the road.