getting a gti

[dubslug]

wot shall i look out for???
anyone got a buyers guide??
how much etc??
cheers
rik

[Deefadog]

Some good suff here - http://www.matey-matey.com/golf_buying_guide.shtml

I am not the best mechnically minded but here is a few pointers -

When i went to get mine, i made sure is was 90's spec so it had all the mod cons, i.e power steering (is a must), lecy windows etc also make sure the body work is in good nick as this is the most expensive part to get right!

A CAT 1 alarm & immobilizer is a good bonus if you can get one with it, as insures will want this and a decent one will set you back around ?200

Also the obvious like new MOT, service history etc. Get it check by the AA or similar also, worth the money if you find the one you want and want to be extra sure!

I am sure more people will give more sound/detailed advice

Good luck

[Blue MK2]

seized rear calipers sieze quite abit resulting in poor handbrake turns 

drivers seat bolster,

there are loads!

[davidhawkins_78]

On top of the guides you'll find and the things already said I'd say the biggest thing to hold out for is a low mileage example as they definately out there !!

I got mine with a FSH and 72k on the clock with all the old MOT's etc for ?800 !! Sure it wasn't 90 Spec did look VERY stock and had the nastiest wheels I'd ever seen; but knowing what the majority of us on here are like they never stay the same as when we bought them.

Remember it's a base so as much history as possible - no rust ANYWHERE is a must - low mileage and ideally a completely clean HPI check - and u can find that for 700 - 900 quid with ease 

Happy hunting ...

[Gambit]

just look for a 16v 

[KKK]

Avoid PAS, electric windows, central locking - they'll die soon, if they haven't already.  Unless you're trying to impress ladies of a certain persuasion (i.e. pre-pubescent) don't worry about the post '90 spec "Big bumper" obsession. 

Enjoy the go, f**k the show, nobody's impressed anymore by the look of a 600 quid mk2.  But any girlfriend worth having will enjoy driving it almost as much as the fantastic s**g she'll give you for letting her take the wheel.

Never again will so little cash buy so thrilling, speedy yet dependable a motor.

KKK

[daros]

Avoid PAS, electric windows, central locking - they'll die soon, if they haven't already.

KKK

No more likely than anything else failing 

[Deefadog]

Yeah what the hell!! go for the oldest you can find, you know the one without creature comforts and steering that will eventually kill you! 

And well you meet the ladies inside the clubs, not cruising up and down the kingsway all night P**sing everyone else off!! 

But seriouslly get the car MOT'ed, even if it has a new one take it to a garge you know that is good and get them to do a pre-MOT or full check up on it! if the owner has nothing to hide they will have no objections!

Good luck

[druid]

I have a pre 90 spec GTI.

I much prefer manual steering
power steering ruins all the fun. You get no feedback and you spank your tyres quicker.

I wouldnt worry that much as to which model.

there not really that much different.

[VeeDubGTI16v]

id say power steering is essential its not that light, you still can feel everything through the wheel, and its a slightly quicker rack too. you only spank your tyres more if your a muppett and just turn the wheel when the cars not moving, and if you need to (tight 3 point turn) you can.