Author Topic: Buying a golf (part 2)  (Read 7206 times)

Offline tax_dodger

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Buying a golf (part 2)
« on: 23 May 2003, 17:45 »
Cheers for all ur help, decided on getting a mk2 8v. My final budget is ?2500, that includes insurance so if I'm looking at ?1000-1500 for the car itself depending on the deal i get with the insurers. Given that I'm looking for a standard one, I'm hoping for a very good example for that money.

So next question.....

What would you consider a good example? i.e what is a good mileage; do any of the mk2s' have power steering; what year/reg etc

What makes a bad example, ie what to look out for in terms of rust etc. that kind of thing should be easy to spot but I may struggle to spot a thrashed one compared to a well maintained one. Whats your advice for this?

cheers again
chris
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »

Offline sijunior

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Re: Buying a golf (part 2)
« Reply #1 on: 24 May 2003, 02:21 »
Good choice,

I know were there is a very fine example going for your kind of money, In the bucks area.

Its a 1990 , so a late MK2 With the big bumpers, p/steering, l/windows and all that,
90,000 miles on the clock Full VW Service history,
Totaly original "NO MODS".

All he wants is 1500 spondulies.

The only down fall is Its RED.....................

He has pollished it up a treat, so its looking pretty sweet .
Just bare in mind you would have to polish it at least once a month,

Let me know
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »

Offline tax_dodger

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Re: Buying a golf (part 2)
« Reply #2 on: 24 May 2003, 02:34 »
sorry but I'm only after a black one! Bit of a trek to go too since I'm in blackpool.

But thats the kind of spec I'm after, never driven a car without power steering and dont ever intend to!

cheers anyway.
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »

Offline sijunior

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Re: Buying a golf (part 2)
« Reply #3 on: 24 May 2003, 02:46 »
Oh by the way, ones not to buy.

Start the engine, listen for any obvious knocking noice,
Could be Top end.
check the exhaust for blue smoke,If so walk away could be new piston rings, another good sign is to take off the oil cap on the engine, look for white creamy residue,
Do this after the engine has been running for a good 5 mins cause it could just be condensation, if its still there then thats something to do with water mixing with the oil and apparently thats defenatly not good.
If the engine is looking a little bit too clean, ask the owner if he/she has just had it steam cleaned, they could be trying to hide the fact that the head gasket is on its way out.

After that get underneath and check the cills for any sign of rust, check brake hoses for corrosion, check exhaust. check ball joints.
Then make sure all the body panels line up, look for accident damage, might be worth doing an AA check,
Give them the Reg and they will tell you of any history on the car, if registered for about ?35.

Check the drivers seat for any tears, if its torn due to ware and its a low milage car then somethings not right.

Can't think of any thing els at the mo,

Se how you get on. ;)
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »

Offline tax_dodger

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Re: Buying a golf (part 2)
« Reply #4 on: 24 May 2003, 17:17 »
Thanks for that, really dont want to have to pay for any repairs once I get the car so these kind of tips are much apprecited.

Was looking at getting a 8v but had a look on parkers guide and they reckon the 8v's performance is only 'adequate' yet the 16v is described as one of the best hot hatch ever. May reconsider and get a 16v, its a ?100 extra on the best insurance quote ive got so far.
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »

Offline southernmonkey

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Re: Buying a golf (part 2)
« Reply #5 on: 24 May 2003, 17:51 »
there aint alot in it btween the 8 & 16v in my opinion - iv jst ad 2 let ma 16v rust in peace  :'(    the 8v feels quicker early in the rev range - bit more responsive....... the 16 tho wen u giv it sum gets sudden kick up the a#se at 3500!!!!!    8)
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »
u do it fast, u do it furious - then u do it my way!!!!

Offline 87_PROJECT

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Re: Buying a golf (part 2)
« Reply #6 on: 31 May 2003, 02:59 »
agreed....on paper the 16v is a second quicker 0-60...but in the real world...from my experience(and to be fair my reaction timre is pretty good)....but I have never lost a race off the lights to another gti...except the mk1 ...and mine is a completley standard 8v...1987...no power steering...(which i actually prefer except round town!)....windy windows(easier to fix eh mk1 boy!!!)....and small bumpers....(...pls pls pls...Im sure theyre are hundreds of golfs out there that would absolutely destroy my humble little beast...but so far im yet to come accross them at the front of the lights and as for novas...;)

now im sure many of you may disagree...and top end no doubt the 16 valve would have me....but then again so would most cars that can do over 120...(license losing stuff...)

for fun...ease  of maintence...insurance....reliability....cost....fun....(did I say that twice :)...you cannot beat the 8 valve)

if your prepared to put the work in go for "the original hot hatch...)mk1

but do remember that you are not buying a brand new car...an oil change and coolant change...new filters etc is always worth a shout unless its been done VERY recently(and can be proved with reciepts!!!)

these jobs are very very cheap...and easy...not to mention enjoyable and will definateley be worth it!

as I said before dont rush it test drive as many as you can and choose a beauty...they do still exist....

GO FOR IT!!!...
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »

Offline 87_PROJECT

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Re: Buying a golf (part 2)
« Reply #7 on: 31 May 2003, 03:02 »
Maybe Lee fancies a "test ;)" at santa pod...I believe his is a standard 16v...f reg...would be very interesting to see the results and would probably solve any debate...

I personally think Id be ahead to 60/70...then the 16v would do me to the line beating me by about a cars length...

but on the tyre testing ;) ;D
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »

lee

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Re: Buying a golf (part 2)
« Reply #8 on: 31 May 2003, 03:10 »
:D Hello Ben

I would love to race but my gearbox is weaker than a two week old banana.

Cheers
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »

Offline 87_PROJECT

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Re: Buying a golf (part 2)
« Reply #9 on: 02 June 2003, 16:27 »
I got two spare 8 valve gear boxes...dont know if there the same?

no excuses now eh ;)

;D :-*
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »