GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: GTi_Lee on 30 April 2007, 19:07
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Right I've read the guide for what to look for and I've got cash waiting. There's still a question that comes to mind...
What should I expect if I do end up with a mk2? What are the common problems? I know I should expect problems as it is a 16yr old car now.
I'm a complete newbie when it comes to the ins and outs of cars. My plan is to get a Haynes manual some tools and keep the golf maintenance going from there. I'm expecting it to be a struggle but I think it'll be worth it, fingers crossed. So yeah as well as a car it'll be a learning exercise too as it'll teach me about the mechanics side.
Any experiences you guys could share would be great.
Regards,
Richie Lee
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A summary of the jobs I have done on my two Mk2s to date (all needed!) :
- Front engine mounts x2
- Clutch
- New Shocks
- New water pump
- New Oil pump
- back box and centre box
- rear caliper and pads
- front discs and pads
- rocker cover and sump gaskets
- temp senders
- oil pressure switches
- speedo cable
- seat bolster repair
- new clocks
- gear linkage
- relay shaft (gear)
And the list goes on!!!! Apart from the clutch it has all been DIY, and with a decent set of sockets and spanners you can get through most things. Just allow plenty of time and expect mistakes!!
Most of these are pretty typical and are wear and tear items- my old Peugeot was much worse!!
Welcome to the happy spanner club :grin:
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Always expect the easiest of jobs to be a complete nightmare !!
Jobs done
New alternator
New ARB links
New front discs and pads
Refurbished BBS RA's
Replacement tailgate
Cambelt and tensioner change
-40mm Eibach lowering springs
New Boge shocks
New top mounts
Stainless exhaust (Front pipe back)
Jobs to do
New rear discs and pads
Electric windows ?
Electric mirrors ?
Respray ?
Oh...and a grin from ear to ear EVERY time you drive it !! :grin:
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mk2's are a pain in the arse with too many problems to list! but in my opinion they also offer one of the best driving experiences you can get for the $! good luck!
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Sounds like a perfect learning exercise. :grin: might be a bit costly though.
What do you guys think of this that I've found?
1991 H Reg VOLKSWAGEN Golf 1.8 GTi 16v
3 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 110,000 miles, Black, MOT-06-2007. Exceptional Condition and Drive. Insurance Group:15, UN TOUCHED EXCEPT WHEELS THIS GOLF DRIVES GREAT LONG MOT BLACK 3 DOOR MODEL RECENT CAM BELT.. SURFACE RUST ON REAR QUATER PANNEL NEW TYRES RAINBOW INTERIOR. £1,250.
is £1200 a bit steep? It's from a car dealership near swansea way. MOT til June, which I think is quite sketchy, I dont wanna buy it then fork out hundreds to pass it's MOT a month later.
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Sounds like a perfect learning exercise. :grin: might be a bit costly though.
What do you guys think of this that I've found?
1991 H Reg VOLKSWAGEN Golf 1.8 GTi 16v
3 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 110,000 miles, Black, MOT-06-2007. Exceptional Condition and Drive. Insurance Group:15, UN TOUCHED EXCEPT WHEELS THIS GOLF DRIVES GREAT LONG MOT BLACK 3 DOOR MODEL RECENT CAM BELT.. SURFACE RUST ON REAR QUATER PANNEL NEW TYRES RAINBOW INTERIOR. £1,250.
is £1200 a bit steep? It's from a car dealership near swansea way. MOT til June, which I think is quite sketchy, I dont wanna buy it then fork out hundreds to pass it's MOT a month later.
That's a good price I think,if it's as good as it says! It's 3 Dr and black, is it big bumpered? Go see it and say i want a 12 month MOT with it or i'll walk away, chances are they may sort it for you! However it says long MOT, when it clearly hasn't...... :undecided:
Tim
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I wouldnt buy a car with less than 10 months ticket on it.
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Cool. I'll call them up and have a chat with them. It looks like a "big bumper" model, looks a bit weird on what seems to be 16" aftermarket wheels though. What have they done to the bbs's!? either way I'll keep my wits about me and check it all out and demand 12months MOT before parting with any cash.
Richie
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don't let your cash rule your head though.
If it's not right walk away, no point in buying it just becasue you have the cash.
Tim
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Buy the very best car that you can afford, with the most service history, and the least amount of owners, try and find a sub 90K car.. they can be found! expect to heamorage money for all the time you own the car, never buy the car of this age because the colour looks nice!! walk away from molested cars, ask to see the car on a ramp before purchase, fair wear and tear is OK, botched repairs.. do a runner!
Make sure you keep your mobile charged,, for when you go out in it!! :rolleyes:
Tom
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all vw's are a pain in the a55.
expect a headache
constant problems. buy a vauxhall :rolleyes:
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not up for getting a nova! :tongue: haha yeah i'm expecting problems but didnt realise it'll be that much of a constant battle. I'll have a nose around and hold out for "the one" so to speak. Are there any sub 100k 16vs out there anymore? I havent seen any whatsoever!
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I think its the age mate, if I had any other 20 year old car (My 16v is E reg) Id prob have lots more problems! On the plus side even after 20 years mine has never been welded! They dont rust like many other cars!
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Definately don't think milage is a major issue with GTis as long as they have plenty if recipts with them! - I've got a 16v Mk2 with 230000 on the clock and whilst I'd have the engine rebuilt if I could afford it, the car still pulls well and doesnt smoke, etc - At home we've had around 5 Golfs (3 GTIs 1 Driver and a GL) and a Santana and the lowest Milage one (8v GTi) was 126000k ands the one thats had the most work so far!Missus has got a Corrado G60 with 180000 which is driven daily and has been pretty reliable (Charger rebuild overdue though)
generally as long as its been looked after (with plenty of recipts to prove it) you can't got wrong with Mk2s - if you can get that dealership prove a fsh and mot sorting that sounds a good car...
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i think the average for mk2's is around 150k ish? but hey, they're old cars!
i've seen a couple of sub 100k cars go for stupid money - £3k +!
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They're great cars for their age.
Mine is now 20 years old and needing some tlc. Instead of using it as my daily driver (Ive just bought a Seat Leon TDI for that purpose) I can keep it to one side and do it up over time, while still enjoying it at weekends, etc.
Having a mk2 GTI is very addictive, they look so good, drive well and are easy to work on, its just they're age that make them money pits!! :sad:
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Well I just got a decent price for insurance by Chris Knott for £840 so that's only £200 more a year than I'm paying now for a group 2 Ibiza. Looks like I'll be jumping over to the german side, well I drove a VAG before anyway but proper german I spose instead of Spanish German. Think I'm getting myself in for some sketchy 20year old car motoring and I cant wait :grin:
Just gotta be patient and look for that car now. Although if I do have any problems I'll either be consulting Haynes or you guys on here, I'm going to be spending a lot more time here.
Out of interest is there central locking with the car? I've been asked by insurance companies whether it has an immobiliser fitted and I was just like "whatever's standard" but I dont actually know what kit is standard.
Thanks guys,
Richie Lee
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although I can't speak for 90> spec cars, I'm pretty sure MK2 never had factory fitted immobilisers -
AFIK Central lock was an fitted as standard on some and extra on others...
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ahh right I see, i guess I'll just have to ask when i go see the car.
Just got another quote for £792. Getting cheaper and cheaper all the time! Well cheap for a 20yr old anyway.
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just buy a good un & u'll never look back. ive driven them now for about 5years as daily drivers, and everyday it still puts a smile on my face.
plus they look cool as fook in comparison to modern motors!!
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GTi_Lee, who are you trying for insurance if you don't mind me asking ?
Sound like good quotes to me for a valver - Only asking cos my stepsons likely to be driving our 8v Gti project and hes 20 - the quotes hes had are a joke
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I've been driving mk2's for 12years now and hope to be for a number of years to come.
As with any cars of the age there will be little niggly things but nothing too major. Just find one that isn't rotten and replace anything as it breaks.
MK2 gti ownership, what to expect?................As Gambit says, a great big grin everytime you drive it!!!
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Try looking on this website for your car. From what I have seen, the guys and gals advertising are pretty honest and list the bad points of their cars as well as the good points. Plus there is the added bonus that if they are advertised here, they belong to an enthusiast and have been looked after. And someone else on this site will undoubtedly know the car.
Be prepared to travel though to view it.
Things so far I have done with my car.
Four new tyres.
Bought and am refurbishing another set of wheels. (Sebrings)
Fitted armoured door plates.
Modified and fitted new parcel shelf.
Replaced rear suspension.
Replaced exhaust complete.
Replaced front shock mounts.
Replace all door, boot, glovebox locks and ignition switch. (After some low life punk knackered the door locks!!! :angry:)
Replaced rear interior wheel arch covers for carpet ones.
Replaced cambelt.
Replaced the piston rings and big end bearings. (Engine still in car)
Replaced all brake pads.
Replaced front bumper. (Bought new and painted it.)
Modified gear box, by changing 5th gear for a taller one.
Replaced front engine mount.
Repaired rear window demister.
Changed position of antenae from wing to roof.
Changed gear stick gator.
And all this since November last year when I bought her.
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Hey Tobz, I've only just seen the text in your sig ! PMSL :laugh:
For insurance try MartinB at HIC, see the insurance section on this site for the number.
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Sounds like a perfect learning exercise. :grin: might be a bit costly though.
What do you guys think of this that I've found?
1991 H Reg VOLKSWAGEN Golf 1.8 GTi 16v
3 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 110,000 miles, Black, MOT-06-2007. Exceptional Condition and Drive. Insurance Group:15, UN TOUCHED EXCEPT WHEELS THIS GOLF DRIVES GREAT LONG MOT BLACK 3 DOOR MODEL RECENT CAM BELT.. SURFACE RUST ON REAR QUATER PANNEL NEW TYRES RAINBOW INTERIOR. £1,250.
is £1200 a bit steep? It's from a car dealership near swansea way. MOT til June, which I think is quite sketchy, I dont wanna buy it then fork out hundreds to pass it's MOT a month later.
That's a good price I think,if it's as good as it says! It's 3 Dr and black, is it big bumpered? Go see it and say i want a 12 month MOT with it or i'll walk away, chances are they may sort it for you! However it says long MOT, when it clearly hasn't...... :undecided:
Tim
Havent been to see the car yet but will attempt to go see them tommorrow morning. They just ammended the ad to having brand new mot with new timing belt and water pump changed and also brakes changed. They've now put the price up to £1449 still reasonable? Apparently bodywork is "very straight" and "everything inside works perfectly"
Think I'll offer them £1250 orig price if it's in as good a nick they say it is.
Woo excited now! Want to get behind the wheel of a valver! Should be another world of performance compared to the humble 64bho ibiza :laugh:
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Hey Tobz, I've only just seen the text in your sig ! PMSL :laugh:
For insurance try MartinB at HIC, see the insurance section on this site for the number.
Heh heh yeah Gibby that quote just had to be immortalised somehow!!!
And I 2nd what Gibby says about Martin at HIC we have 3 policies with them now in our household and they are all very reasonable/very comprehensive.
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I didnt actually manage to go to see the car today but I'll be going tommorrow! I've called them up and asked about the motor and it's had 8 previous owners. No service history but has got quite a few MOTs. It was in for it's MOT today actually which was why I didnt go down to see it. I hope it's a good one, but I aint keeping my hopes up.
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That seems a little steep to me for a car with no history, and evidence of regular oil changes and previous work done is always comforting. Why is there no history? I've only once bought a "no history" car and spent as much on it as I'd paid for it. Never again. Got fooled by a gleaming paint job and great interior.......
My last GTi was a 97,000 miles, full MoT with full history and decent condition (8v) and got it for £750. Obviously the Valver commands a premium, but for that money I'd want plenty of background myself.
Personally unless you are 100% happy on viewing I'd walk. There will be plenty of others, and if you are on a budget you want some peace of mind.
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I got my 8v GTi for free, it had been stood stationary for about 5 years (driven for 1 in the middle). I got it resprayed, did a thorough service on it and it drives perfect, doesn't burn oil, doesn't use water and doesn't half shift!
I've looked after it ever since, never really needed to do anything to it - only things I've done is for performance/looks - no major money spent on maintenance at all!
£1250 seems expensive, but I guess thats just me.
My only tip - find one without a leaky sunroof!
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Well what the dealers said to me was at first that there was some history and then said that there were MOTs? I'm not sure whether he meant both or just MOTs. Either way I'll have to go check out the car tommorrow and take it for a test drive before I make any kind of decision. I'm prepared to pay £1250 if it genuinely is a good motor but if it's naff I'll have to walk away. It has had new tyres, new brakes, new water pump and new timing belt though and passed it's MOT today as far as I remember. If I was to purchase the vehicle what would you say is a reasonable price for it? £1449 is too steep as far as I'm concerned especially if it's a 16yr old car with a unproven 110,000miles regardless of whether it's a VW or not.
Richie
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$$$ on repairs or smashed knuckles.
but....lots of smiles per mile.
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being a student and all it looks like smashed knuckles it is! Bring it on! :laugh:
That's when I get my car that is. This Swansea one sounds decent but the possible lack of service history is making me a bit nervous. Should I really be that concerned if it does turn out to be a good motor which drives well and doesnt bellow blue smoke but without service? Any opinions really appreciated!
What should I do first if I do get one after a Haynes manual and a decent set of tools :p? Oh yeah it's got some minging 16" 5 spoke wheels that I would like to change. Anyone know good places to get some 2nd hand bbs RAs or a nice set of wheels that actually suits the Mk2?
Richie
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Read This
http://www.matey-matey.com/golf_buying_guide.shtml
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Got it printed off mate, read it religiously last night :grin:
I cant really expect FSH with a 16yr old car but I was hoping for some! Another off putting factor is 8 previous owners. Hmmmm sounds like it's had a good going over witha recent cambelt change too, but as said before, i shouldnt have any preconceptions until I see the motor up close myself :) Hope to be part of the club soon guys!
Richie
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Right I just called up the dealership I'm about to go and take a look at the vehicle but the guy on the other end seems adamant that he wants £1449 for it. No previous history but there are 4 previous MOTs. They just spent £300 getting it to pass the MOT. Do you guys think it's worth taking a look? Or is £1449 just taking the mickey?
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right I been to see the car and the verdict? no deal.
Basically they told me it was 110,000miles, but the clocks said 56,000. I questioned them and they said the prev owner changed it and I asked whether it could be verified at all and they said no, this comnbined without any service history wasnt good. I was pressured into buying the vehicle and I nearly even put down a deposit but I didnt give them anything in the end.
To be fair it was a decent looking motor the bodywork was ok with surface rust around the quater panel by windows and "cracking" of the lacquer in the paint on the roof. There were also tears on the drivers seat. When I reversed it, it smoked a lot which was worrying and the clutch seemed very heavy :undecided:
Overall even though the car was fairly decent they wouldnt budge on price and wanted £1475 with 6months tax. I finally declined but nearly swayed! I'd have to say the boy who talked to me was a decent enough guy, only his father was an arse, and found him quite rude if i'm honest :angry: I said i'd call them back but I dont think I will. He wasnt a very nice guy.
If any of you guys know of any decent valvers let me know please! I dont want to be ripped off by some dodgy welsh delboy!
Regards
Richie
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That sounds like a bag of spanners and well overpriced, you did the right thing.
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Yep, you did the right thing - Too many question marks. Be patient and you find a nice one. Its good to look at a few first :smiley:
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walk away....nothing to see here.
Smoking is a no no.
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well done for walking away. it sounds a bit of a old dog to me and to many unaswered questions. just wait and keep looking and a nice one a turn up
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If you want to spend about £1500 then keep a look out on all the watercooled forums and get one that has been looked after by an enthusiast and probably had some nice mods done to it in the process, a good one will turn up sooner or later, guaranteed. Job done.
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expect headaches. Oh yeah, and it helps to know lots of filthy swear words so you can shout at it whenever it stops working.
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If you want to spend about £1500 then keep a look out on all the watercooled forums and get one that has been looked after by an enthusiast and probably had some nice mods done to it in the process, a good one will turn up sooner or later, guaranteed. Job done.
£1500 is going to have to be a really good example for me to part cash with.
Watercooled forums? Could you give me a link? I'm looking at this site, autotrader, ebay and pistonheads at the moment.
Richie
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There's a load of other forums and enthusiast sites out there, so go to the main page of this site --> http://www.golfgti.co.uk/ Scroll down to the "Useful Links" bit and under "Enthusiasts site" there's a load of links to other forums like Edition38, no-rice, club-gti, demonvw etc etc, just remember where your loyalty lies ! lol :wink:
P.S. Not all the sites are forums by the way so will not have a for sale section, e.g. dubmodder
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Richie, Heres my thoughts.....
A mint with low mile 16v or 8v, enthusiast owned will probably cost up to £3K to £2K respectively. A very tidy say 120K - 170K with lots of history and no major mods should cost no more than £1.5K to £1.2K respectively. By very tidy I mean wants nothing doing to it, has no rust, runs and drives well, you may have to allow for 1 niggle at this price say slight blow on exhaust or needs a tyre or 2, or low tax.
When looking if it has a VW oil filter - its a good sign!
From these prices (£1.5K to £1.2K) I would then begin subtract what needs doing. Say £100 per panel need straightening or respraying, £50 per seized rear caliper, £30 if the fog light is cracked, £75 dodgy starter motor, £250 if the suspension is tired, £250 if the wheels are fooked etc etc. Basically subtract the price of the parts needed plus a bit for sundries. :wink: Then if your confident you can see a nice car after a few hours with a spanner make them an offer. (If its something your not sure about just walk away ther will be another) They will no doubt refuse but politley tell them why and give them a bit of paper with your phone number and offer on and you never know.................They may call you back in a week or so.
This occasionally works. I got my car this way. I bought mine in June 98! Topbook was £6K. Mine was advertised at £5.5K. The owner said very good condition in the ad and when I phoned him he was cagey. I went for a look and he was not speaking the truth - it needed quite a lot doing. 2 siezed rear calipiers, disc and pads all round, both doors and boonet badly scratched / marked, coolant leak on radiator and heater pipes, wheels ruined, tired rear suspension and the car was badly presented (filthy inside). There was more faults but I cant remember atm. I offered £4250 and walked. I week later he phoned back saying its mine if I want it.
I sorted the car out over the next month. It was on 60K miles - now its 190K and has run since then almost without fault. It has been a brillant car and cheep to run. Use quality VW or german OEM parts and you wont go wrong. The MK2 GTi is a great car which you will really enjoy owning. :cool:
My prices are open to discussion and I hope others will comment :smiley:
ps. I agree about enthusiat forums been the best place to find a good one. However, there is more chance of finding a bargin in the autotrader or local press. Enthusiasts know what they have got and every pounds its worth!
Good Luck!
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liek already siad if you do get a good one you could be lucky and have to spend very little at all, just give it a little tlc, mine has done over 200k and sometimes i thrash the hell out of it, although it does smoke sometimes it still goes like hell, and feels tough. I have a spare engine reayd to drop in if it goes! good luck. oh you could try www.volkswizard.co.uk but im sure they will be far too dear.
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I dont really mind some mods to the car, such as single headlight& grille conversion and different taillights.
I dont even mind a little bit of surface rust!
I've been scouring the net for ages now and all I seem to find are absolutely blinding examples for over twice my budget (i'm sure they're worth it) or seriously run down examples for a third of my budget :sad:
I'm gutted in honesty! Didnt know it'd be this hard. I'm glad I declined the one I went to see but is it really that impossible to find a golf which is mechanically sound with proof of mileage for the price tag of £1200-£1500? I'd say my limit is a car with 120-130k miles.
ahh I guess I'll have to play the waiting game for the infamous black valver of my dreams to pop up.
Richie
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Hi, new member and new GTi owner!
2 weeks ago I bought my first golf, a J plate 1991 8v GTi on ebay, hadn't even seen it, paid for it and went down to collect from Brighton to drive back to London - wouldn't recommend risking it!
BUT, I was VERY lucky.
The car is fantastic! The engine is is great condition and typical for the age and mileage. The interior is in keeping with the annual usage shown on MOT's, as is all the trim parts. As the brochure describes it, is how the car is; August 91, pre roll out spec, i.e. everything a cost option except power steering and sunroof. There were minor issues, sunroof would not open and had dropped - solved by opening and seeing a nut and bolt undone, easily fixed! Hub cap missing, paint work faded, exhaust blowing - middle sections replaced!
It is not perfect, the fog lights have had water ingress, the drivers door and wing have a very minor accident/parking scrape. The passenger door has tiny amounts of rust on the base, and the rear corners under the lights have rust. The boot lid has been replaced, noticeable mainly by the lack of black foils around the glass on the boot under the spoiler, (addition only on light colour cars) probably because of a repair at some point.
However, I am over the moon with the car, the sunroof does not leak, the engine runs perfectly, I have averaged 37.3 mpg over 1000 variable miles, some very, very fast paced, and got up to 50.1 mpg.
These cars are amazing, and are very well made. This particular car now has just hit 105,040 miles, cost me £150 for the exhaust and bits of trim. I have a budget of £200 for timing belt, service and filters etc, and with the MOT till October and tax till September as I bought it, this car is set to have cost me less than £1000. I paid £605 for it.
If I have any advice from this for you, I would say that research is key, (I sold VW's in 1995) take a good mechanic with you if you are unsure about a car. Go with your gut reaction, if it seems wrong walk away.
http://www.volkswizard.co.uk/vwbrochures.htm This site has expensive, immaculate models for sale, but has good research material on it. Compare what you are looking at with similar ads and you should fare ok. People tend to be more open to negotiate more if you know about the car and how it should be.
lastly, good luck, I hope you get one soon and can join the thousands of happy owner/drivers. I am delighted that I did.
Dougie.