Pick up on Sunday(!) - my inspection checklist? **UPDATE, pics on page 3**

[Skywalker80]

Good checklist, this should def be a sticky.
I searched loads of sites to find all this out before buying my MK2, there is also a pretty good guide on http://www.matey-matey.com/golf_buying_guide.shtml

[dubvrs]

Also check the ignition key fits all the locks on the car. You should lock the car and try to open the boot as sometimes the actuation rod for the boot central locking rusys and seizes so stays open. Easy fix

Try to take it on a 60mph road to check for steering vibration and brake judder.

16v's are prone to valve stem seals if not used often so try to take it to the red line and check for smoke. Also try to find a big bank. Cost down in a high gear then put your foot down hard at the bottem and if valve stem seals are going you will see a cloud of smoke.

Get the engine hot to check the radiator fan works as last thing you want is to get stuck in traffic on the way home and over heat.

[maxp]

Id raise that speed to 75mph - the heatshield is slightly dodgy and vibrates like mad between 70-75.

[edpryce]

these arent crucial but they are the little things that i missed being a noob.

Might be helpful

1) check lighting on clocks work. this is difficult to see in the day mind you, but annoying to change

2) both seats tilt and slide

3) rear badges match the type and placement of the model and year. (mine had been moved to craftily hide rust bubbles)

[OakeyDoak16v]

Just buy it! You know it's F$@kin rite!!

[molegti]

1) Buy it
2) Find out whats wrong
 

[kmpowell]

Thanks all! Well the day has arrived and I am currently sat on the train with a 4 and a half hour journey ahead. 'still very excited! 

[Thom89]

Thanks all! Well the day has arrived and I am currently sat on the train with a 4 and a half hour journey ahead. 'still very excited! 

Well... are you back yet?
Tom

[Wayne]

Did you get it all ok.

[kmpowell]

It all went really well guys, thanks. After my journey was extended by an hour due to the circle line being closed(!) I eventually got there and ran through my complete list. Everything checked out and 3 hours later I was on my way home in my immaculate H reg 88k mile 'valver', getting thumbs up from MK5 GTi drivers and the like! 

I didn't get back until quite late last night night, and I had to be in London all day today for work (hence my late reply), but as soon as I got home the first thing I HAD to do was remove the pesky black stripe (I wouldn't have slept otherwise!) that ran around the car (see my previous post), and also remove the 5 million flies I killed coming home! So, it was very dark when I eventually finished because the stripe was stuck on in places with what seemed like Araldite, and the residue was awful!

I finally got all the residue off, and at the weekend I plan to give her a proper mop and then 3 or 4 coats of Swissvx, so you can be sure some proper pics will follow Until then here is quick one I took this morning (apologies for the crap quality of my sh!tty iPhones camera!) whilst I was backing her into her new home.



Thanks again for all that helped, this place will be my new home for while.