Advice request-thanks

[Philip James]

I'm close to purchasing a 5 door 2007 GTI with 37,000 on the clock. Seems very tidy (5 door red, non colour-coded, 17" monza's, seats in black leather with red stitching) and is from an independent dealer.

I'm going to try to hardball him on price-he's looking for £9995; if I stick at absolutely no more than £9000 do you reckon I'd have a chance? I imagine he only paid £8k for it from the previous owner?

If he's sticky - I know the timing belt&water pump haven't been done (he told me). If he offers to do that if I buy for £9.5k or less I think I'd go for it. However my question is how could I be sure/prove that it's been done? I don't think it's possible to check visually? I wouldn't trust too many dealers!

Thanks everyone for any advice

[kingbilly]

you are obviously as trusting as me...

you can undo a couple of self tapping screws towards the top of the cam belt cover...this will enable you to prise back gently the cover to see the belt

take a marker pen and write your reg number on the belt...when the stealer replaces with new belt make sure you get the old one back...if it has your mark...then all is good...

i did this last year when mine got changed...i even took photos of the markings before belt changed

however, i can't find the photos...which would have shown you exactly what to do...sorry

[Jimble]

^Only problem with that is he doesn't own the car yet, how would he be able to mark it before he buys it? Unless he gets an agreement to do it at a later date?

[kingbilly]

jimble,

well spotted...if only i had read the post correctly...sorry

phillip,

as you say...offer the stealer £9k on the promise of bringing the car back for a cambelt/waterpump change...after you have marked it...£419 as per vw website

note that you can't prove the waterpump has been changed...as vw won't give you the old one back...for some convoluted reason

[Philip James]

Thanks lads. Just to say it's not a VW dealership-sorry I think I phrased that wrong. It's a private car dealer. I think I'd be best to hold on £9k and get the belt done myself with my local indy mechanic.

Fortunately I'm in no rush to buy a car so I can walk away if he won't drop the price. Although it's a lovely one he has for sale...