mk2 8v Gti Lifespan

[Chris Green]

Hello All,

1st post here, so apologies if this is posted in the wrong section.

I am going to look at a mk2 gti 8v on saturday, and I am a little concerned about the mileage. Its on 143k.

I know these engines are renound for going round the clock a few times, but how long will this last? will it need rebuilding soon? and if so, what might need doing. Any ideas on cost would be good too.

What other things should I look out for?

I've never owned a VW before, and would like to know the usual problems etc.

Best regards,

Chris.

[Dizzie]

143k is nothing. people have got 200k+ golfs on their original engines and they run sweeter than ever. As long as it runs ok then the mileage shouldn't be a problem. you'll find a buyers guide in the classifids section in the golf+ magazine saying what to look out for with the mk2s.

[Chris Green]

Cheers for the reply Dizzie.

I hope the car is ok then, as I've wanted one for ages! Just never been able to insure them.

I'll pop into town at lunch and buy a golf mag for the buyers guide.

If anyone else has any suggestions on what to look for, it would be a great help.

Cheers,

Chris.

[Tucker]

hello mate,

Make sure the engine does not smoke. test drive it and check all the gears seem ok as the ball and cup tend to ware, get a mate to go with ya and check the engine mounts are ok by putting it in 1st the move the clutch up and down to see if the engine rocks and clonks. dont want any rocking or clonking

Usual checks with oil and water, tyres and zorst, find out if the car has history ect

Test the hand brake is working, check the con of the discs and pads.

give her a good goin over

tucker

[tobz.]

Have a read through this aswell:

http://www.matey-matey.com/golf_buying_guide.shtml

Definately some useful info in there to make sure you are prepared.

Tobz

[Chris Green]

cheers Tobz.

I will take a look at that later this afternoon. Some useful guides on there!

I just hope I find one in my budget.

EDIT: Oh, and thanks Tucker, didn't notice your reply till now!

[tobz.]

How much are you looking to spend then Chris???

[Chris Green]

I'm too embarrassed to tell you!

The one I am looking at on Saturday is advertised for ?300. I'm not expecting much tbh.

[tobz.]

There are some bargains to be found if you look around.
I bought a 1989 8v for ?300 with a few months mot last summer while I was looking for the car in my sig pic. It turned out to be a great car, I had to do a bit of work on the brakes but after spending a few weekends under it I managed to get it through another mot. I would have loved to keep it as a second car but couldn't afford the insurance on two gti's so I ended up with a 1.3 mk2 golf as my winter runabout.
Put a post in the cars wanted section on here, there are quite often people selling cars for that sort of money on here (infact I bought the 8v last year off a forum member).
Definately check out ebay aswell 8v mk2's quite often sell for under ?500 on there (would be worth looking at before the end of the auction though).

Tobz

[Stu.750]

i got mine off ebay for 275, it didnt have an MOT but did have a failure sheet that wasnt too bad, 2 outer CV boots , rear shock and brake pads , if you have a look at the project part , Ebay special racer thenyoull see it needs more thanthat now but hey , thats what happens when i get my hands on a car