What to look out for when buying a 1.8T

[threadders]

I'm going to look at a golf GTI 1.8T tonight but as a gti virgin and not too sure what to look out for.

The car has done just over 90k miles and looks ok in the photos i've seen.

Anything I should look out for re the Turbo ? can you tell when they are about to go bang ?

Any help will be appreciated.

J

[GolfGL]

Dont know too much bout the turbos but drive it hard and see if it pulls like a turbo should, take someone with you to see if it smokes. Make sure you check the mpg counter should be over 20 but depends where its driven ie motorway or round town. rev it and listen for air escaping from the system. check whats been done particular attention to ignition coil, lambda sensor, MAF as they are prone to fail or mess with the running.

[GazB]

Dont know too much bout the turbos but drive it hard and see if it pulls like a turbo should, take someone with you to see if it smokes. Make sure you check the mpg counter should be over 20 but depends where its driven ie motorway or round town.

Over 20, what 1.8t have you been driving , should be over 25 and ussually around 30mpg

[Scott_1.8T]

Yeah mine averages 30 on the back road journey to work driving normally, but when caning it that can drop to 15mpg!   

Worth also looking at the panel gaps all round.  I looked at one that had horrible gaps around the passenger door and had receipts for all the suspension having been replaced on that side.  Pointed to the fact that it might have had a knock and the owner didn't have a decent explanation for it, so I walked away.

Gaps should be spot on, they're well screwed together cars.  Drive should be really nice and smooth, they're not the quickest cars as standard so don't expect to be blown away. 

Good luck and when you've got one put the pictures up so we can have a look!