Thanks guys. This is the car in question: http://www.boynevalleycars.ie/Default.aspx?PageID=111
It's a basic enough spec, but the only thing missing that I would have liked are the 18" wheels. There isn't all that much choice in Ireland however, if I want to stay within budget. And I can always upgrade to the 18s in the future I guess.
OK, first thing is the colour. Many peeps will rave about black - and if you have never owned a black car before, two important things to consider.
Firstly, a black car will absorb much greater amounts of heat from the atmoshpere, and it doesn't even need to be bright sunshine. This can make the car like an oven inside - so you just need to be aware of that. Secondly, black cars are the worst colour at showing up the general road dirt, but more importantly, any swirls or scratches from inappropriate vehicle cleaning/washing - so have a good look at the car in question, in daylight, and in dry weather. If it is raining, ask them to take it inside a valeting bay or workshop, and dry it off.
A couple of other points, no xenons - so candle vision at night unless you spend £20 on some Philips x-tremes upgraded bulbs, and no winter pack, so no heated washers and no electronic washer fluid level.
The exhaust tips need a cleaning and buffing with some Solvol Autosol!
Check for 'white worm' on the tailgate release badge.
Check for 'pink' paint on the calipers - and whilst you are in those areas, check the thickness of the brake pads and discs for scoring or excessive wear. New front pads have 14mm of 'meat' and rears have 11mm - use this as a guide to check on the wear.
Check the tyres. The GTI really does NOT appreciate rubbish or 'budget' tyres - they really compromise the handling.
Check the side bolsters on the seats for wear of the seat coverings. Both leather and cloth can be affected from negligent or careless 'getting in and out-age'.
Clutch pedal looks quite a bit higher than brake pedal - this does look rather suspect!
YIKES - that is NOT a 'UK' spec, nor a German spec. Imports from northern Europe have that spec - ie, no "dual zone" climate control. Maybe this was standard spec for Eire, but I'd double check that it was an official Eire car rather than any import.
And no highline computer - so if you have the light/rain sensor, and need to change things like coming home / leaving home lights, it is a trip to the stealer or a mate with vag-com.
Ohhhh, just noticed it has a sunroof. They are a really nice option, and not cheap either. Just make sure it operates smoothly, and has the correct 'anti-helicopter' setting (yup, a serious check.).
Anything strike you about the car? One thing I noticed from the pictures: if you look at the pic that shows the stereo, it looks like there's a small gap on the right hand side of the stereo. Maybe I'm just going crazy. I'll see it on Saturday anyway.
Yup, stereo looks well dodgy. My bet is that it had SatNav, and someone has swapped it for a lower spec radio. If you want to PM me the full VIN, I can lookup the exact spec from the factory. You will need a post count of 10 posts on this forum before you can PM - otherwise, just e-mail me from my little icon under my sheep!
I can also tell you what 'model year' the car is, because from 2007model year (available from June 2006), there were some cosmetic changes, partiularly noticeable on the audio equipment, with silver nobs and buttons.
One thing I like is that the garage sells all its used cars with a two year warranty. That's twice the warranty you get with the VW Genuine Used Cars.
But as usual - with all warranties, check the small print. Some can be about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike.
