GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: kmpowell on 08 May 2009, 11:37
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Well it's now only a matter of a few days away from me hopfully picking up my 16v BB GTi. I have put together a Checklist based on info from various sources, and I think I have covered all the bases, but I wanted to pick the forum's brains just in case I have missed anything.
I have seen recent high resolution pictures, but due to the car being a couple of hundred miles away, I've simply not had time to go and see it in the flesh. This will therefore be an inspection and purchase day in one!
Can I just say a BIG thank-you to everybody who has answered my questions and random musings/ramblings, it's been really appreciated. Hopefully it will all go smoothly on Sunday and I will have my BB tucked up in the garage come tea-time. :cool:
It's a private sale and I have done a full HPi and all is clear - so here is the inspection checklist of things to do on the day, your thoughts will be appreciated:
CHECKLIST
1) Check bottom of rear window bootlid for rust under rubber inside car. Rust Around the Rear Boot Catch: The crud problem causes the tailgate to rust around the lock and under the trim so look out for this
2) Seized Rear Wiper: The Mk2s aerodynamics suck dirt onto the back of the car and this affects the rear wiper mechanism causing it to seize.
3) Pop out both of the rear windows and check behind rubbers for the clips (rust).
4) There should be a white bar coded sticker on the inside lip of the boot and half way up the door shut on the B pillar.
5) Look under the bonnet and examine the two main chassis rails and engine bay crossmembers. Look for dents and crinkles which would indicate accident damage.
6) Look under the carpet in the boot and footwells (if possible) and check for creases.
7) Look out for damp carpets and water stains on the door cards. Most Mk2s will suffer this. The fix is cheap but the water could already have damaged the carpets and seats.
8 ) Check the origins of the light lights because a patent part bumper on the front but not the back, combined for example with non-Hella headlamps, might indicate that the car has had a 'front-ender'. Check the light lenses for cracks as these result in MOT failures, as often can a cracked number plate (again both bargaining points).
9) If the car has "insurance approved" security then make sure the owner has the installation certificate. If not then budget £100 for getting a Cat 2 immobiliser fitted.
10) Look at the mileage, and check that this ties in with the most recent MOT.
11) Look at the leading edge of the bonnet and wings, as these should be covered in stone chips.
12) Look for rust around the bottom of the doors, around the lips of all the wheel-arches [but especially the rears], and behind any trim.
13) Check that the spare wheel, jack and brace are in the boot and in good condition, and if not then beat the price down as these are standard equipment.
14) Look at the wear patterns across the width of each tyre. Excessive wear on either side of the tyre implies that the tracking or camber is out. Wear on both outside edges implies that the tyres have been under-inflated, and wear across the centre of the tyre indicates over-inflation.
15) Check to see when the car was last serviced.
16) Find out when the cam-belt was last changed, for VAG engines the service interval is 40k.
17) Fuel Pump Hanging off Car: The fuel pump mounts often break leaving the pump hanging off the car by nothing more than the fuel lines (Driver's side, just in front of the rear wheel), which is potentially lethal... Get is fixed as a priority (GTIs only)
18) Check under the car for fluid leaks from the gearbox and engine. Weeping sump gaskets are common and cheap to change so do not be put off by this as long as it is a 'weep' and not a torrent. Check all the copper brake lines under the car for corrosion (often an MOT failure), and examine the condition of the underseal.
19) Check the condition of the front brake flexihoses (you will need to apply some steering lock for this) looking for bulges or cracks. If these are present then the hoses need replacing. Check the CV boots for cracks and look at the inside of the wheel. If it is covered with grease then a CV boot has split/come adrift and lost its grease. If this grease is old then the CV is likely to be damaged, as it has probably now run dry (£40 + labour).
20) Check the condition of the discs and pads and make sure the disc back-plates are in place.
21) Check each damper in turn. If they are "damp" (pardon the pun) then they are leaking and need changing. You need to push down on the relevant corner of the car to compress the suspension and then release the pressure. The car should rise beyond the starting point and the drop back to where it started. If it continues to bounce up and down or just moves slowly back to where it started then the damper is shot.
22) Look under the bonnet and check the vitals such as the oil, water, and brake fluid levels.
23) Open the airbox, look at the air filter and if possible remove a spark plug.
24) Examine any visible belts for scoring and wear, and check any gaskets for signs of leaks.
25) Look under the oil filler cap and check to see that the oil is the correct colour and contains no "mayonnaise" which indicates a water ingression possibly as a result of a dodgy head gasket.
26) The engine should idle at 1100rpm and drop down to a smooth c900rpm as it warms up,
27) ELECTRICS Now is a good time to test all the electrics such as lights, leccy windows and so on!
28) MFA: As with the MK1, this often malfunctions and is expensive to repair, so check it works before agreeing a price.
29) HEATER MATRIX - Failed Speeds 1&2 on Heater: The thermal fuse on the heater resistor pack often fails causing the loss of speeds 1&2. Heater Matrix Failure: If the heaters blast out damp air then the heater matrix has burst. All Mk2s were recalled to have a pressure relief valve fitted to prevent this occurring. Check to see if the recall has been carried out. One of the hot water pipes that go through the bulkhead should have been cut and the valve added. If not then take the car to VAG and get it done (No expense)
30) Listen for exhaust type noises coming from anywhere other than the tailpipe - this implies that the exhaust is blowing. Confirm this by placing your hand over where the noise appears to be coming from and you will feel a blast of hot gas.
31) Take the car for a drive and make sure that it pulls in a straight line and stops in a straight line. If not then something is adrift
32) Check for blue smoke from the exhaust on full throttle as this can indicate worn valve guides. A good way to check for worn valve guides is to get the engine up to temperature, then on the test-drive drive the car as gently as you possibly can for a few miles [in the highest gear possible] then drop it several gears and floor it. If you see plumes of smoke which then disappear after a few seconds then you be confident that you've got some tolerances adrift somewhere along the line, this will probably be valve guides in a Golf, but it could of course be piston rings or bore wear so think the worst in terms of further negotiations
33) Manoeuvre the car on full lock and listen for clicking/clonking noises which usually indicate worn CV joints.
34) Check the handbrake comes on and locks the back wheels properly and comes off again to allow free movement.
35) Seized Rear Brakes: These were one of VW's less appreciated jokes. The rear discs do so little that the calipers seize up with little encouragement. Replacements are about £65+ a side and if the car is a post 88 car you can fit the Mk3 items which are less prone to seizing.
36) Dodgy 2nd Gear Syncro: The second gear syncro ring fails at about 100k on the Mk2 causing the gears to crunch when going from 1st to 2nd.
:smiley:
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i havent got anything else to add to it but i definately think this deserves a sticky!
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Spot on checklist.
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just make sure you keep to it that all, as when getting excited about a new car its easy to forget to check things, as someone else told me your like a dog with 2 dicks! :grin:
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you had 3 actually :grin:
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16v BB? BB as in Bright Blue? If thats the case then that engine is not original.
Thats a long list with some extra's that are not really neccesary. I wouldnt be too happy if you poped the rear windows out on any of my mk2's though. Imagine if it breaks? whos going to sort that problem out? Dont pop the windows but pull back on the rubber seals and try not to damage the paint while your at it.
15) last serviced... Its a very old car mate. Thats the last thing I would worry about. Your much better off haggling on the price if its not been serviced recently. You can do this at home and its very easy and cheap to do.
25) You might find a tiny amount of 'mayo' under the cap which is normal.
28) MFA is cheap to repair.
Infact all mk2 parts are cheap :smiley:
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16v BB? BB as in Bright Blue? If thats the case then that engine is not original.
Thats a long list with some extra's that are not really neccesary. I wouldnt be too happy if you poped the rear windows out on any of my mk2's though. Imagine if it breaks? whos going to sort that problem out? Dont pop the windows but pull back on the rubber seals and try not to damage the paint while your at it.
15) last serviced... Its a very old car mate. Thats the last thing I would worry about. Your much better off haggling on the price if its not been serviced recently. You can do this at home and its very easy and cheap to do.
25) You might find a tiny amount of 'mayo' under the cap which is normal.
28) MFA is cheap to repair.
Infact all mk2 parts are cheap :smiley:
I think the bb is big bumper.
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Dont pop the windows but pull back on the rubber seals and try not to damage the paint while your at it.
Thanks for the tip.
16v BB? BB as in Bright Blue?
I think the bb is big bumper.
It is indeed a Big Bumper :)
(http://images.pistonheads.com/aimg/1010/1010190-1.jpg)
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A few more areas for rust -
Check the '3rd wiper' space at the front for rust around the plastic cap.
Check for rust behind the fuel filler cap - if you find rust here definitely check the inner wheel arch.
Check the sills - lift the rubber door seal to make sure there aren't any holes! (most old cars go at the sills..)
To be honest, these three are probably slightly more serious than rust on doors and tailgate, as they are part of the shell and can't just be replaced
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A few more areas for rust -
Check the '3rd wiper' space at the front for rust around the plastic cap.
Check for rust behind the fuel filler cap - if you find rust here definitely check the inner wheel arch.
Check the sills - lift the rubber door seal to make sure there aren't any holes! (most old cars go at the sills..)
To be honest, these three are probably slightly more serious than rust on doors and tailgate, as they are part of the shell and can't just be replaced
Cheers for that - added to my 'rust' check areas :)
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Good checklist, this should def be a sticky.
I searched loads of sites to find all this out before buying my MK2, there is also a pretty good guide on http://www.matey-matey.com/golf_buying_guide.shtml (http://www.matey-matey.com/golf_buying_guide.shtml)
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Also check the ignition key fits all the locks on the car. You should lock the car and try to open the boot as sometimes the actuation rod for the boot central locking rusys and seizes so stays open. Easy fix
Try to take it on a 60mph road to check for steering vibration and brake judder.
16v's are prone to valve stem seals if not used often so try to take it to the red line and check for smoke. Also try to find a big bank. Cost down in a high gear then put your foot down hard at the bottem and if valve stem seals are going you will see a cloud of smoke.
Get the engine hot to check the radiator fan works as last thing you want is to get stuck in traffic on the way home and over heat.
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Id raise that speed to 75mph - the heatshield is slightly dodgy and vibrates like mad between 70-75.
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these arent crucial but they are the little things that i missed being a noob.
Might be helpful
1) check lighting on clocks work. this is difficult to see in the day mind you, but annoying to change
2) both seats tilt and slide
3) rear badges match the type and placement of the model and year. (mine had been moved to craftily hide rust bubbles)
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Just buy it! You know it's F$@kin rite!! :cool:
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1) Buy it
2) Find out whats wrong
:grin:
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Thanks all! Well the day has arrived and I am currently sat on the train with a 4 and a half hour journey ahead. 'still very excited! :grin:
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Thanks all! Well the day has arrived and I am currently sat on the train with a 4 and a half hour journey ahead. 'still very excited! :grin:
Well... are you back yet?
Tom
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Did you get it all ok.
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It all went really well guys, thanks. After my journey was extended by an hour due to the circle line being closed(!) I eventually got there and ran through my complete list. Everything checked out and 3 hours later I was on my way home in my immaculate H reg 88k mile 'valver', getting thumbs up from MK5 GTi drivers and the like! :grin:
I didn't get back until quite late last night night, and I had to be in London all day today for work (hence my late reply), but as soon as I got home the first thing I HAD to do was remove the pesky black stripe (I wouldn't have slept otherwise!) that ran around the car (see my previous post), and also remove the 5 million flies I killed coming home! So, it was very dark when I eventually finished because the stripe was stuck on in places with what seemed like Araldite, and the residue was awful!
I finally got all the residue off, and at the weekend I plan to give her a proper mop and then 3 or 4 coats of Swissvx, so you can be sure some proper pics will follow :cool: Until then here is quick one I took this morning (apologies for the crap quality of my sh!tty iPhones camera!) whilst I was backing her into her new home.
(http://www.kevinmichaelpowell.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/golfhome1st.jpg)
Thanks again for all that helped, this place will be my new home for while. :smiley:
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Nice one mate...looks like you got a really sweet motor there!
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Nice one mate...looks like you got a really sweet motor there!
Cheers - she's only had 5 owners and got 88k miles on the clock, FSH, 100% original and unmolested, original dealer sticker, invoice, and also printed picking sheet from the factory(!). Unmarked wheels, and an interior that looks like it's brand new (you'll see what I mean when I put the pictures up).
Now I have got rid of the awful stripe there are only 2 big things that need addressing; a slightly dodgy passenger window that goes down ok but struggles to go back up, and also the drivers door needs realigning.
I'm a very happy bunny. :smiley:
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Nice motor. Get pics up and stop faffing about :smiley:
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Glad you bought it dude. Big up the mk2's on this forum!! :cool:
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Big up the mk2's on this forum!! :cool:
Yep, now for me to find some meets in the Bristol area, and to 'get involved'. :)
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Big up the mk2's on this forum!! :cool:
Yep, now for me to find some meets in the Bristol area, and to 'get involved'. :)
We have a little one in Yeovil mate, where are you?
Loving the golf, it looks the nuts!
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Big up the mk2's on this forum!! :cool:
Yep, now for me to find some meets in the Bristol area, and to 'get involved'. :)
We have a little one in Yeovil mate, where are you?
Loving the golf, it looks the nuts!
Cheers - I'm based in Bristol :)
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Looks very nice, looking forward to better pics.
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Looks great!
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It's still bucketing down with rain here (has been all week), so I've not had a chance to give her a good mop & wax. I gave her a quick clean this morning in the underground garage (much to the annoyance of the caretaker who found puddles of water everywhere! :grin: ). Anyway, until the sun comes out these indoor pics will have to do for the people who were asking for some:
(http://www.kevinmichaelpowell.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Golf/golf_garage_1.JPG)
(http://www.kevinmichaelpowell.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Golf/golf_garage_2.JPG)
(http://www.kevinmichaelpowell.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Golf/golf_garage_3.JPG)
One week on and I'm loving the ownership experience.
:cool:
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That looks very very nice, love how original it looks too !! Great find
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Ahh, your golf looks amazing. Eventually mine will look like this!
Great find!
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Mmmm... Shiny!
If it was me I would be investing some time into a very good sealant and wax routine to help fight the pink. Fk 1000 has good UV protection, so I would be using something like that followed by a good wax for some depth of protection. Dodo maybe.
http://www.seriousperformance.co.uk/Products,52,toView_402.html
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If it was me I would be investing some time into a very good sealant and wax routine to help fight the pink. Fk 1000 has good UV protection, so I would be using something like that followed by a good wax for some depth of protection. Dodo maybe.
http://www.seriousperformance.co.uk/Products,52,toView_402.html
She lives in a secure underground car park, so luckily I don't have to worry too much about the fade. Having said that thought I am a stickler for a good wax, so she will be treated with Swissvax when the rain finally lets up and I get time.
I will also look at that link you posted, interesting stuff. :)
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It's still bucketing down with rain here (has been all week), so I've not had a chance to give her a good mop & wax. I gave her a quick clean this morning in the underground garage (much to the annoyance of the caretaker who found puddles of water everywhere! :grin: ). Anyway, until the sun comes out these indoor pics will have to do for the people who were asking for some:
(http://www.kevinmichaelpowell.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Golf/golf_garage_1.JPG)
(http://www.kevinmichaelpowell.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Golf/golf_garage_2.JPG)
(http://www.kevinmichaelpowell.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Golf/golf_garage_3.JPG)
One week on and I'm loving the ownership experience.
:cool:
Stunning, very nice.
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Where in Bristol is that? It's not the UG I thought it was where a mate used to live. I'm up in Brislington, we have a Bristol meet every last thursday of the month, VAGOwners.co.uk meet @ Bowlplex, Aspects Leisure Park, Longwell Green. :smiley:
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Looks mint, I've always liked red MK2's. My plan is to steal DPB's when he's not looking :rolleyes:
How much did you pay (if you don't mind me asking)?
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Where in Bristol is that? It's not the UG I thought it was where a mate used to live. I'm up in Brislington, we have a Bristol meet every last thursday of the month, VAGOwners.co.uk meet @ Bowlplex, Aspects Leisure Park, Longwell Green. :smiley:
Hi Matt - to be honest I'd rather not say in the public domain where the car is kept. However, I have been pointed in your website's direction and I had a look at your site and I will be popping along to the next meet, so I'll see you there! :cool:
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Looks mint, I've always liked red MK2's. My plan is to steal DPB's when he's not looking :rolleyes:
Sod off that's my plan :tongue:
Looks sweet as anything, well done :grin:
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Tell you what Kittie, you can have it every other weekend and
school holidays dub festivals and she'll be mine the rest of the time.
Saying that, I'd also like to steal your brakes :grin:
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Meh, they don't fit under wheels properly :sad:
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You could always do this :grin:
(http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q171/blessani/dpboffroader.jpg)
(http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=114290.40)