ADVICE NEEDED! second hand mkv ... what would you do?

[gattuso8]

Hi everyone, I'm a gti enthusiast and I just found an opportunity to fulfill my dream. Its a second hand gti mkv at 17000 kilometers. The dealer has cut the price significantly, lowering it to 34000 euros (from a brand new price of around 42000 euros, cars are really expensive here in Turkey). Its got everything, including leather seats and a sunroof. But I don't know how I should judge the car. What should I look for, to see if the car is worth the 34000 euros. Can you suggest anything that I should specifically look for/check before buying? Of course, I'll take it to the vw garage to get it checked before buying, but I don't want to get a nasty surprise after I've bougt the car.

A friend of mine told me that the turbo charger on the gti is somewhat dodgy and that it would surely have some problem after 10000 kilometers. Do your turbos work fine?

I appreciate anything, any suggestion that I can check on the car before I buy. Thanks a lot!!!!!

[speedynz]

Your friend is talking out of his doner kebab about turbo trouble.

If you are taking it to a VW garage then ask them to check for obvious signs of abuse.

I know that Greek drivers are slightly ( ) more enthusiastic than British ones so have a good look over it for the usual signs of care. Kerbed alloys, bodywork damage, stuffed tyres etc. A service pre-sale would be good too. 10000kms is a good time to change the oil especially as it's just been run through a very hot Greek summer.

If it checks out and the deal is as good as you say it is then buy it.

[Cass]

Agree with speedynz here. Only way to go here is have the car inspected by a VW dealer or independent VW garage. Nothing major to worry about with a GTI at this mileage. Make sure the body/wheels/interior are all pristine and have a full mechanical inspection done. Then test drive it. The car should be sold with a VW service history and a warranty so you shouldn't have to worry about it

Make the right decision and walk away if you are not happy.

Enjoy

Cass