Engine radiator OEM Volkswagen or Nissens

Buy a Nissens one some of the other brands use weaker plastic or don't have proper seams

Mine didn't stop creeping up until I finally replaced the radiator. Nissens has been good over the last 2+ years.

Nissens is top notch, not cheap aftermarket stuff.

Nissens if you prefer to buy a new one, mine has been solid for over 5 years. I like the late model until '91 7/9 all metal Blackstone ones too if you're thrifty, I hoard them. I figure a metal rad won't just blow up and leave you stranded like a plastic end tank one will.

The nissens one. Yes they have plastic side tanks, but they're still good for 8-10 years. (Realistically you probably won't have the car that long) Replace it preventively. Very good for the price. If you go fully metal it'll corrode instead of pop so may as well get the one that's a fraction of the price and will pop 10 years from now. It's a quality unit and is the only direct no modification drop in replacement still available to my knowledge. Even has the thermal switch installed that was for some models with a auxiliary electric push fan.

I replaced my stock blackstone a few months ago with a Nissens from Rockauto. I am happy with it.

Nissens is good, put a long zip tie around the upper plug on the passenger side above the transmission fluid return, the plugs can push out.

I've had my nissens radiator for years and it's fine.

Biggest issues were constant air suspension faults and 2 failures leaving me stranded remedied by converting to coils. Other big expenditures have been 2x radiators (got fed up with Behr and switched to Nissen with no problems since), fuel pump, alternator, ignition switch, and starter.

I needed to replace the entire radiator in the GTI to get a check engine light to go away.