Things to look for on mkv purchase?

[Egbutt Wash]

I also own all the above. An Edition30 in red (dsg).The Car that Egbert wishes he could afford a year so after he bought his     But wont admit it.

I could afford 100 Ed30s.

Sorry 700

[maxp]

The usual things; full service history, not rough owner (Quintin "Rough people, rough cars), no homemade mods, not an ED30 unless driven by a little old lady (way too many crashed and repaired), not an 05 (catch fire), check DSG is smooth, don't buy a manual (too much risk of an over-revved engine), 5 doors not 3 for easy resale, red colour if possible (safer and less likely to be crashed), no sweaty smell, and finally don't pay a penny more for any of the costly original extras such as xenons, leather seats etc., they are not worth a bean to a secondhander.

Consider a set of secondhand wheels to fit winter tyres.  After a 4wd subaru you will hate the wheel spin and axle tramp when the temperature drops below 6C and your summer tyres just don't work.

Burn the baseball cap.

Internet Satire detector says: I HOPE SO

[solly]

Ok, I see that there are some interesting points made by some owners. Thanks for all the advice. I'm probably going to go towards the manual box as I know the dsg is quicker but I think I'll miss that clutch pedal!
I'm probably going to buy from a dealer as i want the warranty and the 2 years service package, therefore being able to ensure the cambelt is done on a service and the warranty covers it if it was to go wrong before the service takes place.  The only things I want is steel grey or black and leather.

What's this about the stereo draining the battery? I was going to change upto the model with the sd card slot but is it advisable to not?
Spontaneous explosion? For real?  :shocked:Which year should I avoid?

I was looking for a model with the monza 2 alloys, 18s. Anybody know how much they are to buy if I get a model with the 17's?

Thanks

p.s the baseball cap is staying!! It's in a drawer with all of the other unused clothing! 
 

[moffspeed]

On the forums there are isolated tales of Mk5 Golfs catching fire spontaneously - but it doesn't necessarily seem to be restricted to GTIs or a specific plate - I wouldn't let it effect your choice > in relative/statistical terms it is far more likely to be stolen, driven into or even flooded !

Monza 18's look great and give the car a nicer stance - they were near the top of my want list also - until I drove an "18" equipped car and realised I couldn't live with the harsh ride (OK I'm getting old, but in my defence my weekend car is a TVR and that rides OK). Cambelt change at 60K / 4 years is essential but don't get too hung up about buying a car where this work is imminent as it is a good bargaining tool and , in real terms, the necessary work is equivalent to the cost of 2 new front tyres and a full tank of petrol.

Best advice I can give is that, irrespective of whether it's a poverty spec base model or a fully loaded ED30, the quality, reliability and dynamics of the car will shine through and delight you.  The only provisos would apply to any car purchase a) buy the best you can afford and b) make sure it's been well loved and has a complete and fully documented service history.

[ub7rm]

Ok, I see that there are some interesting points made by some owners. Thanks for all the advice. I'm probably going to go towards the manual box as I know the dsg is quicker but I think I'll miss that clutch pedal!
I'm probably going to buy from a dealer as i want the warranty and the 2 years service package, therefore being able to ensure the cambelt is done on a service and the warranty covers it if it was to go wrong before the service takes place.  The only things I want is steel grey or black and leather.

What's this about the stereo draining the battery? I was going to change upto the model with the sd card slot but is it advisable to not?
Spontaneous explosion? For real?  :shocked:Which year should I avoid?

I was looking for a model with the monza 2 alloys, 18s. Anybody know how much they are to buy if I get a model with the 17's?

Thanks

p.s the baseball cap is staying!! It's in a drawer with all of the other unused clothing! 
 

There have been a few reports on here of cars catching fire, coincidence or otherwise they all seem to be 55 plates.  Read this link for what I think is almost definately the cause.

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,14440.0.html

I think all the reports I've seen on here have been from people who had very recently purchased their car so to me this theory holds together very well.

As said though, it is not a widespread problem and I wouldn't let it worry you.