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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: Jack4688 on 01 June 2011, 15:20

Title: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Jack4688 on 01 June 2011, 15:20
Some of you may have read/commented on my topic on a mk3 I was interested in a few weeks ago - but having looked at a couple I've been put off by the rust problems and the fact that the interior looks much worse than in photos :grin:

Now having finished my exams I'm very bored and started looking again, but at mk4s. I haven't been able to get really excited about a 1.8 or 2.0 but the 1.8 20vt seems right up my street and I have a few questions:

1. Do the 20vt models necessarily have the wood trim? There's one I'm interested in on pistonheads (http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1932473.htm (http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1932473.htm)) but its a standard ad and only has pics of the outside. I emailed the seller but hasn't replied yet which is fair enough not everybody checks their emails every hour like me :laugh: It wouldn't be ideal but if they all have it then there's nothing I can do about that - aside from ripping it out after I've bought one

2. Is £1,700 for a 152,000 mile 5 door about right or should that raise eyebrows??? Based on whatcar.com's car valuation (which in my experience isn't particularly accurate) it seems about right, but i'm no expert. :undecided:

3. Are there any problems unique to the mk4 golf and the 20vt engine that I should be wary of?

Thanks for reading guys :afro:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: jnufcuk on 01 June 2011, 16:30
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38557.0

Theres a good few common faults some are easy some are not lol

If you havenet already get yourslef a code reader from ebay (about £20) can become a life saver. Looked at a couple and it came in very handy picked up like 10 fault codes which if i didnt would of cost a bomb to fix.

All the ones i looked at seem to have the wood trim which i agree is  :sick:, but you can replace it with black or quite popular silver r32 trim with bits of ebay of even sand and paint them yourself  :wink:

As for the price cant really comment just make sure its had the cambelt and waterpump done  :smiley:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: nottyash on 01 June 2011, 17:13
I think thats a lot for a high milage car. Personally about £1200 no more.
Mine was £1550 for a 51 plate with 101000 miles on. There are plenty of overpriced cars out there, but plenty for sale. Its a buyers market and so long as your not after a particular colour or spec there are bargains to be had :smiley:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: dantheman6554 on 01 June 2011, 17:21
To be honest with you mate, if your swayed easily by wodden dash id look else where, that could be the least of your problems on a 152k vehicle, 

Dash can be taken off sprayed and replaced in a few hours,   put that to the back of your mind

Dependant on what model your looking at, AGU, AUM, AUQ, ARZ

Boost leaks, (pipe condition)
Bushes
Suspension
Oil leaks
Emusification

Just take your time when looking, 152k, is more like diesel mileage to be honest, try and go a bit lower 110 - 120k

Dan
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Jack4688 on 01 June 2011, 18:15
If you havenet already get yourslef a code reader from ebay (about £20) can become a life saver.

Would that be a Vagcom then? I can try it out on my Polo first to get used to it

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38557.0
As for the price cant really comment just make sure its had the cambelt and waterpump done  :smiley:

Thanks :afro:

I think thats a lot for a high milage car. Personally about £1200 no more.
Mine was £1550 for a 51 plate with 101000 miles on. There are plenty of overpriced cars out there, but plenty for sale. Its a buyers market and so long as your not after a particular colour or spec there are bargains to be had :smiley:

Not really after a particular model/spec other than 5 door. There are a couple of other ones closer to home than this 1.8T, but they are 2.0 and 1.8 and the faster one has my attention for now :grin:

To be honest with you mate, if your swayed easily by wodden dash id look else where, that could be the least of your problems on a 152k vehicle, 

Dash can be taken off sprayed and replaced in a few hours,   put that to the back of your mind

Dependant on what model your looking at, AGU, AUM, AUQ, ARZ

Boost leaks, (pipe condition)
Bushes
Suspension
Oil leaks
Emusification

Just take your time when looking, 152k, is more like diesel mileage to be honest, try and go a bit lower 110 - 120k

Dan

Thanks, it's the 150bhp one, so is that the AGU? I was only wondering about the dash and trim because I couldn't see it from the ad. What are you specifically referring to with emulsification? The mileage may not be such a problem with it being serviced every 6 months (or so the owner claims....) though I am suspicious as to why he's selling after owning it for a year - maybe he's like me and gets bored of the same car after a short while  :laugh:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: daz veedub on 01 June 2011, 19:17
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CAN-Bus-VW-Audi-Trouble-Code-Reader-Scanner-U281obd-/110616589183?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item19c143337f

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=189447.0

Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Jack4688 on 01 June 2011, 20:10
Thanks Daz, that is cheaper and with cheaper postage than the one I was looking at!

Am I advised by everyone here to get the VCDS/Vag-Com whatever it's called before looking at a potential purchase?

I've done another search and found a couple more worth a look and within an hours drive - anyone know if the 'bodykit' on this one is easily removed?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201120387553452/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/2000/engine-size-cars/1-7l_to_1-9l/quantity-of-doors/5/model/golf/make/volkswagen/page/1/keywords/gti/postcode/hd14dx/radius/40?logcode=p (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201120387553452/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/2000/engine-size-cars/1-7l_to_1-9l/quantity-of-doors/5/model/golf/make/volkswagen/page/1/keywords/gti/postcode/hd14dx/radius/40?logcode=p)

Apparently factory fitted and it looks like small bits added on to the sills and bumpers so I'm hoping I could rip it off and chuck in a skip :grin:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: daz veedub on 01 June 2011, 20:14
looks good that mate

if u buy it before you chuck that kit in the bin call me ill gladly come remove it free of course  :cool: :smiley:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Chris36 on 01 June 2011, 20:26
Look for Good history, if not FSH. Cam belt, waterpump changes, Aircon working (aircon clutch failure common), Rear axel bushes replaced. Accident damage etc. Make sure it boosts properly.

£1000 to £1500 will get you a late Good FSH 1.8 T

Look at plenty as there are many for sale.
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Wayne on 02 June 2011, 00:04
I've done another search and found a couple more worth a look and within an hours drive - anyone know if the 'bodykit' on this one is easily removed?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201120387553452/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/2000/engine-size-cars/1-7l_to_1-9l/quantity-of-doors/5/model/golf/make/volkswagen/page/1/keywords/gti/postcode/hd14dx/radius/40?logcode=p (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201120387553452/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/2000/engine-size-cars/1-7l_to_1-9l/quantity-of-doors/5/model/golf/make/volkswagen/page/1/keywords/gti/postcode/hd14dx/radius/40?logcode=p)

Apparently factory fitted and it looks like small bits added on to the sills and bumpers so I'm hoping I could rip it off and chuck in a skip :grin:

I would check it is not a Vortex set up before binning it.
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: dantheman6554 on 02 June 2011, 10:21
Didnt know they factory fitted barry boy head light brows  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Jack4688 on 02 June 2011, 13:31
That one's towards the bottom of my list now, decided late last to increase my budget a bit as I reckon I shouldn't need to worry too much about how much money I have left over from the sale of my Polo - though I do want some in reserve, if I can still get £2700 for it from a dealer near me then £2500 will be my maximum. Not ideal but I don't think I'm going to sell it privately - I may drop the price and see if it tempts anybody....

Anyway back to Golfs, I found a very good looking sub 100k one just a few miles from me: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201120387646689/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/3000/transmission/manual/price-from/2000/fuel-type/petrol/seller-type/private_adverts/model/golf/make/volkswagen/radius/10/page/1/postcode/hd14dx?logcode=p (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201120387646689/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/3000/transmission/manual/price-from/2000/fuel-type/petrol/seller-type/private_adverts/model/golf/make/volkswagen/radius/10/page/1/postcode/hd14dx?logcode=p)

I also bought myself a code reader so will wait until that arrives in the post before going for a look :afro:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Gozza on 02 June 2011, 14:33
Why a 5 door out of interest, 3 doors look much better.

Also I would say to get an AUM engine. Ensure clutch has been replaced, rear suspension mounts and Cambelt/waterpump.
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Jack4688 on 02 June 2011, 14:45
I've owned nothing but 3 door cars so far and want a change, something easier to get other people in the back.

How is the AUM different to the AGU(is that right?)?
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Gozza on 02 June 2011, 16:50
I may get shot down but my understanding is the AGU is the earlier engine <-1999/2000 which is less tunable as smaller turbo but stronger engine internals.

AUM is more tunable due to a better turbo, but not such strong internals. Some people get the AGU engine and then add the later turbo for the best combo.

Depends on your plans, if you want to map the ECU go with the AUM, if happy with 150 odd BHP go with the AGU.
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Jack4688 on 02 June 2011, 17:16
If that is the case then this one down the road will be an AUM right? Does the smaller turbo of the older models have less lag or are we talking smaller as in a minuscule amount? A remap was on my mind but I'll see how it is as standard first.
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: daz veedub on 02 June 2011, 18:46
the agu has the k03 turbo where as the aum has the k03s

like what was said the agu is stronger and people stick the k03s on as a stright bolt on mod  :wink:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Jack4688 on 09 June 2011, 13:22
Taken a deposit on the Polo and had a look at a few Golfs that were not quite what I was expecting.

May have a look at this GT TDI within the next day or so:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201123389884083/sort/priceasc/usedcars/transmission/manual/price-to/2000/seller-type/private_adverts/model/golf/make/volkswagen/postcode/hd14dx/radius/20/page/2?logcode=p (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201123389884083/sort/priceasc/usedcars/transmission/manual/price-to/2000/seller-type/private_adverts/model/golf/make/volkswagen/postcode/hd14dx/radius/20/page/2?logcode=p)

I've never driven a diesel, no one in my family has ever owned one either.... Anything I should be wary of for a diesel?
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: s-l-i-x on 09 June 2011, 13:29
^^ not a bad price  :smiley:

If you can get over it sounding like a tractor, then go for it.
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Rhyso on 09 June 2011, 13:30
My advice - don't buy one  :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Jack4688 on 09 June 2011, 13:34
^^ not a bad price  :smiley:

If you can get over it sounding like a tractor, then go for it.

Exactly! That's always put me off diesels before but this one is a black five door that's nearby and it's at least one of the PD models :afro:

My advice - don't buy one  :grin: :grin:

Not helping! :tongue:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Wayne on 09 June 2011, 13:34
Taken a deposit on the Polo and had a look at a few Golfs that were not quite what I was expecting.

May have a look at this GT TDI within the next day or so:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201123389884083/sort/priceasc/usedcars/transmission/manual/price-to/2000/seller-type/private_adverts/model/golf/make/volkswagen/postcode/hd14dx/radius/20/page/2?logcode=p (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201123389884083/sort/priceasc/usedcars/transmission/manual/price-to/2000/seller-type/private_adverts/model/golf/make/volkswagen/postcode/hd14dx/radius/20/page/2?logcode=p)

I've never driven a diesel, no one in my family has ever owned one either.... Anything I should be wary of for a diesel?

Do you cover a lot of miles if not then stick to petrol.

That has a lot of miles on it.
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Jack4688 on 09 June 2011, 13:39

Do you cover a lot of miles if not then stick to petrol.

That has a lot of miles on it.

Well not a lot but I do do long journeys. It's just this one seems to tick most boxes and the asking price is more affordable
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Rhyso on 09 June 2011, 13:43
May have a look at this GT TDI within the next day or so:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201123389884083/sort/priceasc/usedcars/transmission/manual/price-to/2000/seller-type/private_adverts/model/golf/make/volkswagen/postcode/hd14dx/radius/20/page/2?logcode=p (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201123389884083/sort/priceasc/usedcars/transmission/manual/price-to/2000/seller-type/private_adverts/model/golf/make/volkswagen/postcode/hd14dx/radius/20/page/2?logcode=p)

That's silly cheap  :shocked: :shocked:  And it has 16 inch alloys, not 17's

I'd question why the H/G went as they are not known for it  :undecided:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Jack4688 on 09 June 2011, 14:31
I'd question why the H/G went as they are not known for it  :undecided:

Will do :afro:
Title: Re: Mk4 buying advice
Post by: Jack4688 on 10 June 2011, 16:06
Called the guy and it was sold, except that he was still having people view it... So I couldn't be arsed going to look at it and have a bidding war :laugh:

But I have given a deposit for a 1.8 I had a look at earlier in the week in Bradford and hopefully will get my Polo sorted beginning of next week to hand over to the chap who gave me a deposit.

Anyway... The Golf I have bought (or intend to at the moment) is a little older than I have been looking at - S Reg - and is definitely in need of a service, but it's dead cheap and so I can think of it as a banger.... But a nice Mk4 banger :smug: