More questions from another newbie for the experts...(first buy)

[valleyboy]

I have lurked on here for ages and have posted a few times.... but the time has finally come.

myself and the wife cannot hold out any longer and we have to have a GTI and join the club.

We are a bit limited but the prices have come down a bit :embarassed: were going to part ex her fiesta.

we will only have about 12k to play with.... here is our criteria 

We are not really bothered with spec, only thing we would like is the 18" monzas as they do look way better than the 17's.

Must be 5 door (little people will hopefully be along in the not to distant future)

Not bothered by colour.

Don't mind manual or DSG

It will more than likley be a 2005 model, I now cars these days can go for well over 150,000 way more if looked after but i still have this silly high milage thing in my head....

we have spotted these guys...

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+GOLF/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-50-71-89-4294966995-4294967159/advert.action?R=200819309706799&distance=81&postcode=NP45JR&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=GOLF&min_pr=10000&max_pr=&max_mileage=

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+GOLF/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-50-71-89-4294966995-4294967159/advert.action?R=200821310280349&distance=11&postcode=NP45JR&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=GOLF&min_pr=10000&max_pr=&max_mileage=

does the milage look ok on these, don't know why im so paranoid aslong as the service history matches i should be ok? are there any obvious things to look for in a high mileage?

i'll stop know cos i could go on all night, i guess i just want a bit of reassurance!

Thanks for any help/advice

[Spaced]

I am no expert, But here is my advice. It looks like 12K is about right for an above average mile 54/05 model, I would go for a manual, as an out of warranty high mile DSG would worry me, and not all early DSGs have the paddle shift. And I wouldn't worry to much about getting the larger wheels, I would prefer a tidy set of 17s than a tatty set of 18s (the 18s only look better on the 3 door anyway, just my opinion) also some people say that the GTI is nicer to drive on the 17s.

Following my recent experience I would check the aircon works, and check all the electrics are ok. You should hear a pfff noise from the turbo when you change gear, but any whining noises are not good. The car should also pull away strongly in 3rd gear practically from idle with no hesitation.

One other thing, if you do get one use 98 RON Unleaded it does make a difference with these engines.

I am sure other people can add their advice.

[neg]

Yep agree on the aircon, I have had 2 compressors on mine under warranty.  Also check both windows motors, they gp up/down fully and with one touch.

DSG - you hear the horror stories but I wouldnt let this put you off, get a full serviced car and you cant go too much wrong, if its over 40k make sure its had the DSG oil changed as this is due at 40k and is around 200notes.

DSG - make sure it has paddles, you say you might not use them but they are very useful.

Wheels - check for corrosion/white worm on the 18's, especially if the car is out of warranty.

Check delivery stamp in the book to see if its an import or not

98RON means the FSI technology works better - which it turn gives you better MPG and response.

Can't belive how much they have dropped in price recently, £12k for a Mk5 GTI - its a fantastic car for that money and those 2 you have linked look ok to me.

[valleyboy]

cheers...

two things...

what i 'white worm'? i guess it the 'bubbling' of the laquer on the wheels?

"Check delivery stamp in the book to see if its an import or not", i guess this will be in the front of the service book?

i'm a bit paranoid looking at 'private' sales aswell, i know a freind of a friend that has his own garage but he is hard to track down, if i go the private route im going to try and take him....

its funny ive be trawling the online car websites looking at 'performance' cars, there are a good few GTI's in my price now.... but you should see how many ST's there are.... must be the shocking MPG

[Phil mcavity]

Yes agreed with most of the above, GTi is the best car ive owned by a country mile. All you want is one with lots of service history and im sure you'll be fine. Another good tip is get the reg plate number, pop into your local vw service desk and ask them to check its service history to see if you are really buying a bargain or a lemon. This saved my bacon twice in the hunt for my 2nd and 3rd GTi. 

[NewGolf]

Yes agreed with most of the above, GTi is the best car ive owned by a country mile. All you want is one with lots of service history and im sure you'll be fine. Another good tip is get the reg plate number, pop into your local vw service desk and ask them to check its service history to see if you are really buying a bargain or a lemon. This saved my bacon twice in the hunt for my 2nd and 3rd GTi. 

Thats a good point Phil, top tip!   

[valleyboy]

cheers 'again' thats a very good idea about the servicing..

did they charge you for doing it?

i guess the age of the car im looking at i might be lucky and get one with a tiny bit of warranty left.

also it should have been serviced at steeler throughout it's short life.

would/should the 'biggy' service have been done on a +50,000 GTI?

[neg]

First major service is 40k so I would expect the next to be 80k or thereabouts.

White worm - yep you got it, just general peeling of the laquer or corrosion under the laquer which will cause peeling.

Stamp will be in the front of the book, and as Phil said call the dealer it serviced at (or any) and ask about the service history - this should be a freeby (dont get used to freebies though  )

Check pistonheads too, your sometimes better off buying a car from an enthusiast as its better looked after.  I wouldn't be put off by buying privately as some main dealers wont hold onto cars which are over 3 years old as they have no warranty. If you buy from any dealer though you should get 3months major defects warranty.

Guy I spoke to the other day had 2 ST's, he never used them as he didnt like it too much (he tried two which is more than I would), he now has a GTI and loves it.

[Phil mcavity]

yes as neg said, the dealer will have a look on their service history computer, and will tell you instantly whether the car has been serviced by ANY vw dealer and not by a back street garage or independant.Good point reference to pistonheads or any Enthusiasts sites finding a bargain, as those would of be cared for garunteed by their owners. Im sure your find a good condition GTi 54-05 for about 14k. one that have had a harder life or heavy mileage will be more towards the 12-13k mk

[valleyboy]

cheers for the pointers, going to do some window shopping this weekend