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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: Driver888 on 08 October 2009, 20:17

Title: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Driver888 on 08 October 2009, 20:17: Hi,

New to this forum so still learning about these cars! Currently in the market for a Golf mk2 GTI. They generally seem to have anything from 120k to 160k on the clock but some are in the 90k's. Can anyone give me anything to specifically look out for with these? Do they rust badly in any particular areas and so on..?

The variations on the prices are huge so I need a little guidance. I think i would prefer the 16v version or even the vr6 conversion is very tempting depending on the insurance! But i am sure with the vr6 there are a whole load of other things to look out for?

Here are some links of cars I have been looking at:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1203644.htm - Bad rear cluster...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1986-D-Volkswagen-Golf-GTi-16v-3dr-Mk2-PETROL-MANUAL_W0QQitemZ120466080057QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item1c0c568139&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14#ht_1808wt_1165

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1287285.htm

Any opinions on those? I am finding it hard to get hold of one of these in good nic!

Cheers
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: oakgreengolf on 08 October 2009, 20:23: try the search function buddy, this site is pretty useful too http://www.matey-matey.com/
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Skywalker80 on 13 October 2009, 10:08: I personally would leave the Red VR6 conversion alone, I still think the engine is too heavy for the MK2 shell, and also there are too many poor conversions done.

The Oak Green is very nice, but personally i'd go for the that D plate 16v, if it runs as good as the pictures look it'll be an amazing car. Also the early shells are known to be the better for stiffness.

As oackgreengolf stated, the mateymatey website is very good, I used it before buying mine. Even though it is getting hard to find a good one now, don't rush into it, look at as many as you can and take them all out for a drive.
The prices for those in the links are getting close to top money, so there should be very little bodywork issues and the interior should be almost mint.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Skywalker80 on 13 October 2009, 10:13: Also, don't be put off by high mileage, Golf's can put up with a stupid amount of miles, and also get better with age.

Check this old top gear guide out, also shows how the engine gets better with more miles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TLbwJxZqtg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TLbwJxZqtg)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Sonic2 on 13 October 2009, 10:32: Always ask the seller why they are selling the car too.

If it's a shed, chances are they will hesitate and can't look you in the eye to tell you the true reason they're selling it.

If everything is in good working order though, take things from there. I guess with any high milage car you just have to be maticulous on looking out for faults and haggle the price with them if they are not pointed out to you.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: shrocco on 13 October 2009, 10:36: that's silly money you're looking at there
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 13 October 2009, 11:45: Quote from: shrocco on 13 October 2009, 10:36
that's silly money you're looking at there

Agreed.
The only one thats looks worth a look is the oak green one.
Still silly money.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Wayne on 13 October 2009, 11:54: Quote from: shrocco on 13 October 2009, 10:36
that's silly money you're looking at there

+2 silly money.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: tony_ack on 13 October 2009, 13:57: Wasn't there a guy on here willing to offer £7000 for a mint oak green, low milage 3 door? He couldn't find one as far as I'm aware.

The early one is rare and a collector's item.

It all depends on how much work you want to put into it yourself. £1000 would get you a servicable 16v which will need a bit of work doing, £2000 should get you something nice. Only the mint cars command £2500+

16v engines tend to need a bottom end rebuild around 150k, but some go for longer. 8v are more hardy (or aren't stressed as much :smiley: ) and usually go to 250k. That said some cars for sale have already had their engine rebuilt.

Try to avoid Pistonheads and ebay, as the cars tend to be priced higher there - instead use the Classifieds on this forum, and other owner sites such as vwgolfmk2 and clubgti. In just the last two weeks I have seen a number of fairly tidy valvers for sale for less than £1000.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Driver888 on 15 October 2009, 18:00: I took your advice and looked harder to find one cheaper. Setting my limit to around £1700 to allow money for any work that needs doing. I am going to look at atleast 2 of these this weekend. Which 2 would be most worthwhile taking a look at? I like the look of the 16v one on a g plate but not sure which other ones would be worth looking at!

http://www.trade-it.co.uk/category/cars-volkswagen-golf/region/w-uk-bristol-south-west-avon-clevedon/VWGOLFMK2GTI8v1990-5356747.html?impression=normal_impression (http://www.trade-it.co.uk/category/cars-volkswagen-golf/region/w-uk-bristol-south-west-avon-clevedon/VWGOLFMK2GTI8v1990-5356747.html?impression=normal_impression)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1190597.htm (http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1190597.htm)

http://www.trade-it.co.uk/category/cars-volkswagen-golf/region/w-uk-bristol-south-west-avon-bristol/VolkswagenGolfGTIMk2-6229701.html?impression=normal_impression (http://www.trade-it.co.uk/category/cars-volkswagen-golf/region/w-uk-bristol-south-west-avon-bristol/VolkswagenGolfGTIMk2-6229701.html?impression=normal_impression)

http://www.trade-it.co.uk/category/cars-volkswagen-golf/region/w-uk-bristol-south-west-gloucestershire-strouds/VwGOLFGTI16VMK22door-6216898.html?impression=normal_impression (http://www.trade-it.co.uk/category/cars-volkswagen-golf/region/w-uk-bristol-south-west-gloucestershire-strouds/VwGOLFGTI16VMK22door-6216898.html?impression=normal_impression)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Mr Blue on 15 October 2009, 21:37: I say hold out for a 16v. Try and find the latest spec you can for the money. One will turn up.

Piston heads is not the best place to look for a mk2 for a reasonable price. Most are enthusiasts which adds to the cost :grin:

I price mk2's on the bodywork. The paperwork is the last thing I'd worry about for £1700
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Driver888 on 15 October 2009, 21:54: yeh i am definatly doing to look at this 16v one

http://www.trade-it.co.uk/category/cars-volkswagen-golf/region/w-uk-bristol-south-west-gloucestershire-strouds/VwGOLFGTI16VMK22door-6216898.html?impression=normal_impression (http://www.trade-it.co.uk/category/cars-volkswagen-golf/region/w-uk-bristol-south-west-gloucestershire-strouds/VwGOLFGTI16VMK22door-6216898.html?impression=normal_impression)

But its done 144k and if it needs a engine rebuild at 150k it does not give me long! I will see if i can negotiate the price down but really want to just see the condition of the body work!
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Mr Blue on 15 October 2009, 22:24: Its always worth a haggle. You never know :wink:

150k is nothing on these old v'dubs! I'd snap that up if it has no rust.
recon box too!

do a search for common rust areas.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: OakeyDoak16v on 16 October 2009, 00:16: I think 3 or 4 but need to find out whats happened to number 3 with regards to the write off.

As said, bodywork is most important. :smiley:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 16 October 2009, 13:10: You can buy mine if you want. Getting a company car in a fortnight. 167K J reg 16v. royal blue 5 door. 6 months tax 11 months MOT - flew through. I need to replace the middle exhaust silencer as it has a leak, that's all.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Driver888 on 16 October 2009, 17:01: very nice but really wanted a 3 door one.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: MooZ on 16 October 2009, 18:53: 16 what?

http://pistonheads.com/sales/1285906.htm
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Gti-Grimes on 17 October 2009, 20:51: Hi there, just registered, looking for a 3dr black 16 valver to get me going. What do you people think? http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1299598.htm
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Ninja on 18 October 2009, 14:51: Quote from: Gti-Grimes on 17 October 2009, 20:51
Hi there, just registered, looking for a 3dr black 16 valver to get me going. What do you people think? http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1299598.htm

Very nice mate, and don't bother with the OZ wheels - IMHO, standard wheels look better than them. If you're going for it, try offering the seller 1800, that's what I'd pay. :wink:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Gti-Grimes on 18 October 2009, 22:27: Yeah defo, would be looking for some nice bbs wheels along the way anyway i reckon. 159,000 miles too much? Only thing holding me back, heard they are pretty bullet-proof it maintained well though... Long journey next weekend anyway, 1hr 15mins on plane from Edinburgh to Birmingham and then 40mins on train to Worcester :shocked: wish me luck :smiley:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Ninja on 18 October 2009, 22:51: Quote from: Gti-Grimes on 18 October 2009, 22:27
Yeah defo, would be looking for some nice bbs wheels along the way anyway i reckon. 159,000 miles too much? Only thing holding me back, heard they are pretty bullet-proof it maintained well though... Long journey next weekend anyway, 1hr 15mins on plane from Edinburgh to Birmingham and then 40mins on train to Worcester :shocked: wish me luck :smiley:

Mines on 150,000 and its still going strong. I've heard they will go on til 250k, so 159K really is not much.. especially for a 20 year old car! I mean what's that?.. 7950 miles a year? Thats a low miler! :grin:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Gti-Grimes on 19 October 2009, 23:06: Phoned up.. deposit has been paid by some1 else :sad: Need some advice.... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200395798107&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:GB:1123 Any advice on whether its worth it... have about 2200 to spend so any little things will be sorted with extra cash from buying a cheaper car. Its a 2 litre engine but looks like somethings missing?? Maybe its just me?? cheers guys.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: yamz89 on 20 October 2009, 00:07: Quote from: Gti-Grimes on 17 October 2009, 20:51
Hi there, just registered, looking for a 3dr black 16 valver to get me going. What do you people think? http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1299598.htm

Just wondering why he's got two passenger seats in there?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Ninja on 20 October 2009, 23:53: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1991-VW-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-GTI-MK2-MK11-8V-Not-16V-G-T-I_W0QQitemZ270463343505QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item3ef8df1b91

Quite nice!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mk2-Golf-G60-not-Gti-3dr-royal-blue-Quick_W0QQitemZ190342711276QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item2c514f47ec

G60 conversion, needs a little work - but looks pretty good for the cash. (bit over your budget however)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Golf-gti-mk2_W0QQitemZ170395763956QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item27ac6104f4

Nice example, but would lose the single headlight grille and get the standard one. (I love standard :smiley:)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Gti-Grimes on 21 October 2009, 18:24: thanks for all that however really after a 3dr 16v , would love the g60 engine but just cant stretch that far as im hopin to pay my not so cheap insurance off....(20yr old with ban on license) :sad: so the search continues, cheers tho mate :smiley:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Ninja on 21 October 2009, 18:39: Quote from: Gti-Grimes on 21 October 2009, 18:24
thanks for all that however really after a 3dr 16v , would love the g60 engine but just cant stretch that far as im hopin to pay my not so cheap insurance off....(20yr old with ban on license) :sad: so the search continues, cheers tho mate :smiley:

No worries mate. I prefer 5 doors, so naturally I picked those :tongue:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Gti-Grimes on 21 October 2009, 18:49: Haha ok nae worries... what do you think of this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350266690428&fromMakeTrack=true .... 2.0l 8v faster than standard 1.8 16v? :huh:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Ninja on 21 October 2009, 18:54: Quote from: Gti-Grimes on 21 October 2009, 18:49
Haha ok nae worries... what do you think of this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350266690428&fromMakeTrack=true .... 2.0l 8v faster than standard 1.8 16v? :huh:

That's a very nice car.. and a good question.

I've been told you can expect around 140bhp from a 2.0 8V, where as the 1.8 16V has 139BHP standard.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Ninja on 21 October 2009, 18:55: Not to sure on that spoiler though! :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Gti-Grimes on 21 October 2009, 19:09: Haha me either think i would have to take an angry moment when i got it home :evil:

four branch manifold,
high lift cam,
panal filter,
2.0 injectors,
stainless steel backbox

Got to have more in th tank than standard 1.8 gti ?? hmmm :undecided:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Gti-Grimes on 21 October 2009, 19:13: UPDATE : after emailing have been informed its not a new engine just the engine has been bored out to 2l. Any info on the gains from this? Bit of a curveball out of my knowledge im afraid.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Ninja on 21 October 2009, 19:24: As I said;

I've been told you can expect around 140bhp from a 2.0 8V, where as the 1.8 16V has 139BHP standard.

Probably quite an even match I assume. Unless anyone more clued up has more solid info.

TBH mate, whatever you choose 8V or 16V, I reckon you'll be happy with. I've got a 1.8 8V and If I give it beans, it does shift.

I've never driven a 16V, but from what I hear - It's a pretty similar drive to the 8V until you get up to the higher revs (where the 8V would normally start to lose powe, the 16V keeps on going.)

Personally, I want to save up for a VR6 or 1.8T conversion, although I'm still undecided.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Gti-Grimes on 21 October 2009, 19:45: Thanks think its defo worth a look then, shame i have to find a way to travel 300 miles :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: RWMT on 21 October 2009, 22:29: If it's exactly what your after, then it's worth going the distance. I made a 880 mile round trip when I bought my 16v, but then again, don't listen to me because I also bought the first one I saw, and it is still the only mk2 GTI I have ever driven or even sat in!

Love it to pieces though :grin:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Neo Badness on 21 October 2009, 22:37: Look at this way if it is "the one" and you do buy it that's a 300mile return road trip to get aquainted to your new motor:wink:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Gti-Grimes on 22 October 2009, 21:00: Yeah flying down and driving back to get "aquainted" haha.... Where abouts in Perthshire are you RWMT? Im in crieff... anywhere nearby? :cool:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Driver888 on 24 October 2009, 13:11: Still havent come across a golf went to look at a 16v one and had clearly not been looked after very well. However only wanted £1600 and it had done 144k.

Anyone have a mk2 golf GTI for sale yet lol!

- Not too worried about mileage if its in good condition
- Would prefer the 16v
- Want Oak Green , Red or Black
- Original BBS wheels preferred

Willing to spend anywhere between £1000 and £2500 depends entirely on the specific car! Someone out there must want to give up their golf ;)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Neo Badness on 24 October 2009, 13:32: I'd just keep your eyes peeled. They are out there, Check gumtree too. Autotrader, even though it's been updated and it's rubbish :sick:

Anyway, found one for you... 16v Oak Green, 3door. Only drawback is it's in N.Ireland. But it'd get you out the house...

http://carandclassic.com/car/C113361/
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Driver888 on 24 October 2009, 14:20: that seems like a good price but its a bit of a treck! I am willing to travel up to 100miles around Bristol. NI a bit too far nice car though so tempting lol
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Tubb on 24 October 2009, 16:21: Quote from: Driver888 on 24 October 2009, 13:11

Anyone have a mk2 golf GTI for sale yet lol!

- Not too worried about mileage if its in good condition
- Would prefer the 16v
- Want Oak Green , Red or Black
- Original BBS wheels preferred

Willing to spend anywhere between £1000 and £2500 depends entirely on the specific car! Someone out there must want to give up their golf ;)

mine's for sale, see here - http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=131768.0
also on ebay
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Neo Badness on 24 October 2009, 17:19: Quote from: Driver888 on 24 October 2009, 14:20
that seems like a good price but its a bit of a treck! I am willing to travel up to 100miles around Bristol. NI a bit too far nice car though so tempting lol

you'll usually have to go a wee bit to find your ideal motor, that is sods law. Rarely if ever is it right on your doorstep. I had to go to deepest darkest Penicuik to find mine... :grin:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Ninja on 25 October 2009, 23:56: Quote from: Neo Badness on 24 October 2009, 17:19
Quote from: Driver888 on 24 October 2009, 14:20
that seems like a good price but its a bit of a treck! I am willing to travel up to 100miles around Bristol. NI a bit too far nice car though so tempting lol

you'll usually have to go a wee bit to find your ideal motor, that is sods law. Rarely if ever is it right on your doorstep. I had to go to deepest darkest Penicuik to find mine... :grin:

Mine was about a 5 minute drive from my house! Just spotted her and was like, I MUST HAVE THAT GOLF. Then bought it a few days later with my overdraft :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: 0scar on 26 October 2009, 00:16: (http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g26/Shadowsmancer/IMG_0607.jpg)

Can I tempt you with a grey one? Really not ready to sell this car and havnt listed it anywhere but I do need to sell my 16v at some point. Im at Uni, this photo was taken before I left so this car is just gathering dust back at home. Really cannot afford the insurance considering im not using it so I reckon I will downgrade to a not so mint condition 1.4/1.6 driver.

Done around 127k.
Just had a new Sachs Clutch
Power Steering/Electric Windows/Central Locking/Sunroof etc.
Lots of other stuff I can talk about...

Its pretty far from bristol, but I could easily drive it to my house in London which would be 106 miles. 1hr 54m which isnt that bad.

Let me know if your interested.
Thanks,
Oscar
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Driver888 on 26 October 2009, 16:47: how much are you after for it?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Gti-Grimes on 26 October 2009, 23:02: Id be another option to take this off your hands. Any more details, pics, price? :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: 0scar on 27 October 2009, 02:07: (http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g26/Shadowsmancer/IMG_0551.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g26/Shadowsmancer/IMG_0524.jpg)
Really these photo's were not taken with the intention of selling the car, fan grills are missing... were taken out for cleaning
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g26/Shadowsmancer/IMG_0552.jpg)
Not an ideal photo of the back, but the only one I have. You can see that the back of the car had not been detailed at this point, hence it looks pretty sh!t. Oh well.

Will post up full details when I find the time, working 9-7 with my course! Its pretty much my ideal car, would probably of gotten rid of the 6x9's and bought an original grill if I wasnt so busy. Has a Scorpion exhaust which sounds fantastic, not too loud.

Its not perfect, couple of surface scratches, absolutely no rust though or bubbling or anything like that.

Main putting off point right now is that it has just failed its MOT, but the garage was a complete joke. Failed me straight off for having no rear seatbelts. Rarely have people in the back so I just keep them under the seats...

A few other things like wheel bearings need adjusting, ideally I would get it through its MOT and sell it for £2500+ but I literally have no disposable money with rent + uni fees and the whole lack of time thing. Selling the car without MOT would lose me money but I cant see myself getting it sorted for ages, so I would be open to offers.

Its great to drive, only issue ive ever had is that the clutch went quite recently, luckily I was at home. But £250 later and thats all sorted. Got it checked for any problems like head gasket when I bought it and it went fine, no issues at all. I believe it would be fine to collect without an MOT, but you would have to be taking it to an MOT station, but I will research that one.

Mileage is 124.5k as opposed to what I originally said.

Let me know if you still interested,
Sorry about the photo's being too big!
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Gti-Grimes on 27 October 2009, 13:36: Sounds pretty ideal to me. Better give 1st refusal to Driver888 though seeing as he was here 1st. Only problem for me is i come all the way down to london or wherever and its needs hundreds spend for the mot. Which depending on any deal we could come to, i may or may not have. :undecided:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Gti-Grimes on 29 October 2009, 17:30: Flying down to London to see this on Saturday , facing a nearly 8 hour drive home afterwards though :shocked: Any comments or advice when i meet the guy?? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1313204.htm
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Ninja on 29 October 2009, 22:02: Nice one mate!

This guide is taken from Matey-Matey - http://www.matey-matey.com/golf_buying_guide6.shtml

::: Things to Look For When Buying a Second Hand Car :::
[Part 6]

Â» Specific Models: Mk 2
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. Do not be deterred from buying a car with seized rear brakes as they have little impact on the condition of the rest of the car and most Mk2s suffer from this at some point.

Smoky Engines: As with the Mk1, worn valve guides are common on higher mileage examples causing the car to puff blue smoke.

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. Inexpensive to fix with scrapyard parts or even with some cleaning and WD40, but a good bartering point nonetheless.

Rust Around the Rear Boot Catch: The crud problem (see above) causes the tailgate to rust around the lock and under the trim so look out for this, as bodywork and paint repairs will be required.

Leaking Door Foils: The door membranes shrink and let water into the car like a sieve. 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.

Dickey MFAs: As with the MK1, this often malfunctions and is expensive to repair, so check it works before agreeing a price.

Tired Oil Pumps: The 8vs can suffer from oil pump failure, which will be terminal for the engine. If the service history and oil changes are lacking or the engine is full of exhausted oil, budget to replace this as a precaution. The 16v did not suffer from this, as it used a more heavy-duty pump derived from the diesel engines.

Knackered Hall Sender: See Mk 1

Pinking: All 16v Mk 2 models and pre 88 K-Jet 8vs were designed to run on high octane 4-star and thus will pink unless a timing adjustment is made [see before]. The 16v timing cannot be adjusted and so a V-SAM or similar is required.

Failed Speeds 1&2 on Heater: The thermal fuse on the heater resistor pack often fails causing the loss of speeds 1&2. The resistor pack can be replaced at a cost of £50 from VAG or just replace the thermal fuse with a slightly uprated one from any good electrical shop for £2.50. Again a good bartering point.

Badly Set Up Pieberg Carbs on Non Gtis: This carb was over complicated and regularly leads to poor running, if possible the Weber direct replacement is a good option.

G reg Cars with 90 Spec Kit: Only the 1990 and onward cars came with big bumpers but some owners of 1989 G reg cars fit the kit and sell the car at a premium by claiming it is a late model car so check the car's age on the V5.

Inability to idle: Usually caused by an air leak but often caused by a faulty idle stabilisation valve on the post 88 cars. These are expensive to replace so be wary (£140 from VAG) but can be cleaned with carb-cleaner if not too far gone. Rubber hoses in the engine bay are exposed to heat and the air pipes attached to the inlet manifold are prone to disintergration.

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)

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)

Failed Lift Pump: The in-tank lift pump (GTi only) can often fail and will cause the car to hesitate and suffer bunny-hopping style fuel starvation before eventually conking out. This can be masked by keeping the petrol tank full, so be wary of a car with a full tank. Luckily the pump is inexpensive at £30 and easy to change.

Noisy Main Fuel Pumps: This is normal so do not be too concerned.

Damage Around Door Handles: See Mk 1

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. The solution is a gearbox rebuild or recon box, which will cost upwards of £150. Once worn the problem will not worsen (unless abused) and you can adapt you driving to prevent the gears from crunching (double de clutch, or a small pause between gears). As long as you drive to prevent the gears crunching it will not damage anything else.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Driver888 on 30 October 2009, 21:23: Just wondering if you could get back with a price for me on the golf Oscar? If anyone else is considering selling their MK2 Golf GTI 16v then please let me know I am willing to travel most of the country ha! getting that desperate. Cheers
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Driver888 on 31 October 2009, 07:56: Dont mean to bump my own thread again its getting a bit long now but could really do with some advice on this little gem I have just found

http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/1136308.htm

Its a complete bargain the only thing putting me of is the mileage seems dodgy. How would i verify that the mileage is actually hanging around the 80k mark? This car is bang on what i am after!
Title: Re: Looking to buy a mk2 GTI
Post by: Neo Badness on 31 October 2009, 15:46: Mk2s are of an age whereby you don't buy on the mileage on the speedo but the overall condition and service history. Just make sure its been looked after and if you want it go for it.