sounds exactly like the new Tstat has failed open. That is the first place to look since new doesn't necessarily mean it is ok.
take it out and see if it is open.
if not open, put it in a pan of water and boil it to see if it is opening early.
was this an oem unit or autozone?
Btw great forum, guys. Hoping to finally be joining your ranks in the fall. Almost bought an mk1 12 years ago but the numbers didn't add up and went british instead. Wound up doing minis, full size, dsm, and was looking for an mk1 2 years ago, but found out we were preggers again so I went BMW wagon. but I am now looking for a fun DD/commuter car to get me back and forth to Uni. again... we'll see
