christ thats cheeeeep!
even if you factor in worst case scenario a replacement engine it'd still probably be worth it.
Callum_K the bodywork sounds like its a major plus point of the car I'm looking at - its had new sills & underside of the car is clean apparently. Plus a mate has a bodyshop so bodywork won't set me back too much. Re the engine I think the same as you - also golf parts seem to be so cheap, compared to BMW E36 parts.
When I bought my current car a BMW E36 it had minimal service history, bushes were shot, engine oil was black & not been changed for a long time, but was a unmolested factory sport model in the best colour (Avus Blue) in mint condition inside & out, full leathers, parking sensors, BIG spec, only 60k miles.
I bought it, polybushed it all round, replaced the drop links & ball joints, new track rods / tie rods, dropped it, wheel alignment, all new fluids & oils, filters & lots of other small improvements & it drives & handles beautifully, really hugs the road & the engine runs puuurfectly. I can't fault it at all.
Only problem was I overpaid for it - i paid what you'd pay for a minter with FSH
I'm open to doing something similar with a 16v but gonna hunt high & low for a bargain this time
