GolfGTIforum.co.uk
General => General discussion => Topic started by: Andy-H on 25 June 2009, 14:13
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I've just been offered a 3dr 1988 Mk2 Golf GTI 16v for my Mk3 8v and I don't know what to do.
The Mk2 has less miles on it but it has a smoothed tail gate that I don't like. How much would it cost to buy a replacement??
Should I go for it and try to get it back to a nice standardish motor.......or do I keep with the reliability I have with the Mk3 ??
I have no clue about Mk2's so any advice would be appreciated. Also what to look out for. Thanks in advance
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Provided its in good condition, no rust and has genuine miles I'd be tempted. The tailgate is an easy swap and pretty cheap if you hunt round for one that's the same colour so you don't have to repaint it. It shouldn't be any less reliable than your Mk3.
If its had the smoothed tailgate what else has been messed with it? Must be something else? Otherwise if its a genuine car in good shape but a dodgy tailgate I don't think you could go wrong. In the long run I think the Mk2 will have a better classic status than a Mk3 and potentially hold its value better.
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Cheers for the reply, It has the smoothed tail gate along with big bumpers fitted. It has been lowered and has some 17's on it (which I would replace) I have only seen pictures so far but I'm planning to go and see it this weekend.
I think it may have been a victim of some fashion consious person back when smooth tailgates were the rage.
Pics of the interior look OK with little wear to the bolster etc. The paintwork looks very clean (respray?).
I suppose the mileage matters not if it's had it's neck wrung for most of it's life. Any engine issues to look for, excessive smoke etc. ?
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All the issues will be the same as when you acquired your car. Suppose it all depends on what you value you car at and what you think this mk2 is worth. If you can see beyond the chintz and think it can be transformed into a nice motor for little outlay then it could be the right decision.
You just got to look at the quality of the mods, OK they may not be to everyones taste but if they been executed well then that bodes well for the rest of it, if they're on the bad side of rough then I'd be tempted to move on.
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Yeah, I'm sure the car has been someones pride and joy at some point,but like you say it all depends if the car has been pampered or bodged.
Are they as comfy as the Mk3?? I know with it being lowered it will be bumpy but the seats??
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Screw the mileage. Spend all your time inspecting the body. Engines and gearboxes can be unbolted. If the body's shagged you're into a world of pain.
It'll be lighter and more responsive than your barge. Just make sure it's not got tinworm in it.
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hiya buddy... how you doing?
thinking of that swap then eh, you did say ya liked the mk2's.
make sure its in good shape as your mk3 is in tip top shape.
:cool:
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Cheers Drew.
Well I've been to view it tonight and...............
Plus side:
Sweet running motor.
Mint interior, no torn bolster
He has a standard tail gate in the same colour to go with the car (phew)
New rear calipers
Loads of receipts for work carried out
Spare set of wheels (15's)
Bad Parts (maybe not too bad)
No official service history
The Panel under the tail gate is in the middle of some repair (in primer/bare metal on both corners)
Bit of bubbling inside where the tailgate rests.
Has had some welding in the rear floor pan
Usual battle scars you would find on an '88 car.
A Momo steering wheel not much bigger than the boss!
Inside the door shuts etc the car is as good as you'd wish for but there is a bit of bubbling around the top of the strut on the near side.
In all, it seems like this car has been looked after at some point in it's life but it's age has not been too kind to the bodywork.
Strangely still undecided :undecided:
Are these good daily drivers??
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hmmm. .. what are the goods and bads on your car buddy?
also when is tax up on both, MOT's
what do you value both cars at?
you got any pics of the mk2?
From seeing your car in person and reading that about the mk2, your car seems better condition out the two.
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Right Mate,
These are the pics I was given.....
(http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp270/andy-mk3/Redgolf.jpg)
And the rear with the Chavvy tail gate
(http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp270/andy-mk3/Golfrear.jpg)
The car has taken a bit of a turn for the worst since these were taken but I think it could be salvaged :undecided: It has got 11 months MOT and about 3 months Tax but mine are both due in October.
AAAARRRRGGGGGGHH!!!!! I hate decisions like this
The goods on my car are that Ive spent a lot of money on it getting it as good as I can get, it's reliable,I know the service history, it's clean, comfy (broken neck) and I know my way around it.
To be honest, the only bads I have are the small rust bubbles on the doors. It runs like a dream and does the things I want from it.
But I like the retro of the Mk2, no airbag, no power steering, a sunroof that you have to flap your bingo wings to got it to shut etc.etc.
Mine certainly is the better condition out of the two and I think the guy is wanting to give me some cash my way but how much.......
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hmmmm... what to do eh?
i love the mk3, many might hate but i love! reason i've took a liking to the mk2 is just its more retro, never driven one so can't compare. . . only going on the looks. if i was to ever have a mk2 it would be more to its former glory and not messed about with. from them pics its beem slammed, single lights, big alloys, painted bumpers etc etc. . . do you want it like that or are you gonna be flooding money into it to get it back to standard? why is he/she wanting a swap? just a change or more in it? lots to think about. . .good luck! :tongue: :grin: :smiley:
if the mk2 is as good as people say and forever calling the mk3 why would someone be wanting the swap and cash your way?
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That's just it mate,
When he turned up it looked nothing like the pictures, twin headlight grill, 15" wheels on it and a black bonnet (he'd put that on on purpose cos he'd seen one done the same and liked it), had the original at home with the tail gate.
Cash my way in the deal, think he's a Mk3 guy as he said mine would be his 4th. Who knows the reason why he wants rid but like anyone selling a car, they won't tell you the whole truth :angry:
Just considering one as a rolling project to keep me busy :wink:
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have you taken it for a test drive ? what did it feel like ? it seems to me that you are a little unsure so if thats the case dont do it untill you have driven it and you know how it feels. then its really up to you if some1 from here said yeah great car go for it and it all goes tits up ya wouldnt be very happy now would you.
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Too true Mate,
Did go for a drive in it, went through the gears OK, no crunching etc., pulled really well but the steering wheel was soooooo small it was hard work.
Plus the car has been lowered 80mm and was very hard....too hard for me with the neck issues so that is an immediate expense.
Thing that I guess I have to decide is is it worth doing the deal, saving it and restoring it to it's former glory, using the money from the deal to finance suspension, wheels and paintwork. Or do I just keep the Mk3 and carry on with what I know. I really like the Mk3 but the Mk2 has always appealed to me.
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I love mk2's, I have mk3 16v though. I think there is something going on here, if I was you I wouldn't do it. I've got a funny feeling that if you got it, you will be on here moaning about it all the time.
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A while back I moved from a Mk3 16v to an 89 Mk2 16v, both standard cars. And I preferred the drive of the Mk2, much more in touch with the road and what the car was doing. The Mk2 felt faster too and it was lighter, but it was without comforts such as power steering and electric sunroof (my Mk3 didn't have air con). The Mk2 still had central locking and electric windows.
I changed from a Mk3 to a Mk2 because the Mk3 proved to be really dodgy and had lots of problems and although it was still fun, the Mk2 was much more fun to drive and even though it was older and had 30k more miles on the clock, it was in better condition.
I also remembered that it was actually a Mk2 that I originally wanted.
The Mk2 is a classic, the Mk3 isn't really. I would definately have a Mk2 again, I wouldn't bother with a Mk3 unless it was an absolute steal.
As for that Mk2 you've been offered as a swap, get the original tailgate and bonnet on, get some smaller wheels on and swap the bumpers back and then you've got a nice de-chavved car.
Also is it just me or did they forget to change the arches when they swapped from small bumpers to big bumpers?
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i do actually like the look of a mk3 but i wouldnt have one because i like the look of the mk2 better and im in love with the look of the mk1 that to me is a proper gti. with your mk3 if it was me i wouldnt do it id hold out im sure theres better mk2s out there. swapping cars might be a way of getting a different car with out the limbo of not having one after you sell yours. i was without a car for all of an hour b4 i got mine. i sold my t4 transporter sunday after noon and was in my golf by 5 oclock sunday afternoon.
its up to you mate if you want a mk2 look on auto trader or here or any other sites and then make up your mind try comparing prices and stuff.
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Hmmmmmmmm.......................
I think I'll go with the old "better the devil you know" on this one.
Gonna give the Mk2 a miss. I think Tweed is right, I'll just be on here moaning about it. I like the look of the Mk3 enough to enjoy it for a long time to come.
If funds allow, I might buy a cheap Mk2 as a toy to try out and compare.
Apparently the arches are G60 :undecided: or so I'm told.
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if your really set on a mk2 buddy go the longer way round. . . sell yours and buy a mk2? seen some lovely ones for not too much on piston heads. all like you say, funds allowed get a cheap mk2 as a project car and fix it up when you get the time . .some real cheap ones out there for a project. :smiley:
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Yep, think that's my plan now.
Keeping the Mk3 for now and take my time to find the right project :smiley:
Thanks for everyone's input. Much appreciated, a little knowledge goes a long way :wink:
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Oops!!!
Went to view a Mk2 8v on Sunday and pick it up on Saturday :laugh:
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you wont regret it mate, i went from a mk2 1.6 to an 8v mk3 gti ... loved both cars, but as soon as i get into a mk2 it just feels 'right' i now have a mk2 gti ... get to drive it on wednesday for the 1st time in 18months :cool: cant wait haha
do like the look of ur mk3 tho :wink:
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Cheers Mate,
I will really miss the Mk3 but also looking forward to the new motor. At least if I can't get on with the Mk2 I'll just buy another Mk3 :smiley: