Advice on MK1 gti please

[razla]

Hi all, it's been a while since I posted on these forums, in fact it's been a while since I've been a GTI owner but a local advert has caught my eye

Here's the AD http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/vw-golf-mk1-gti-1983/109316161

Having never owned a Mk1, I just wondered what to look out for?

Also, does this seem like a fair price?

Thanks in advance, Andy.

[SoundillusioN]

Welcome back... Looks pretty good that does.. Never modded too which is a bonus.   Price is fair IMO if it's not rotten.


Have a look http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=182376.0 for buying guide... Any questions, ask away. 

[vw_golf_nutter]

hi, yeah looks like  decent enough example. Main things is check in the spare wheel well for rust and rear seatbelt anchor points.
Fuel filler necks seem to rust over time, I have had a few with holes in so take the cap off and have a look.
Mechanically they are quite simple but personally i like to have the brakes upgraded because they are usually pretty spongy and not up to the job but if its being used daily should be perfectly adequate
Mars red paint fades to pink fairly bad so expect to have to paint it.

I would try and haggle a bit, ive seen a couple at this price with a little less mileage, if you dont ask you dont get!

Good luck, keep us updated!

[Guy]

looks okish apart from the hole in the wing and the carpet in the boot having mould on the underside, its not very 'clean' generally though.. interior looks filthy 

thoroughly check the boot for signs of water ingress, especially round the seals... lift the rubber if you need to and check for any remaining water or moisture

also check the drainage holes in the scuttle panel... if these have become blocked over time then the panel will have overflowed into the passenger compartment.. especially check the passenger footwell, if this is wet then you might have possible electrical problems in future as the leak could have been going over the fusebox.

i think there are much better examples out there but it depends on your budget... if you're after a minter then this isn't it

Mars red paint fades to pink fairly bad so expect to have to paint it.

absolute rubbish... you can easily polish pink back to red on old VW's

[razla]

Thanks for all your comments, much appreciated. I'm going to view the car tomorrow night after work, if she's not too bad, I'll buy her.

@ Guy, Never even noticed the mould on the carpet, cheers for pointing that out! and for the heads up on the passenger foot well.  Not looking for a minter, looking for more of a project

@ Vw golf nutter, thanks for the info, the car will most definitely be getting a full respray.

@ SoundillusioN, cheers for the welcome back mate and thanks for pointing me in the direction of the buying guide, very usefull. I'll have plenty more questions, no worries there!

Cheers, Andy.

[Guy]

Thanks for all your comments, much appreciated. I'm going to view the car tomorrow night after work, if she's not too bad, I'll buy her.

@ Guy, Never even noticed the mould on the carpet, cheers for pointing that out! and for the heads up on the passenger foot well.  Not looking for a minter, looking for more of a project

@ Vw golf nutter, thanks for the info, the car will most definitely be getting a full respray.

@ SoundillusioN, cheers for the welcome back mate and thanks for pointing me in the direction of the buying guide, very usefull. I'll have plenty more questions, no worries there!

Cheers, Andy.

no probs

however... i have just looked at the pics again... sill rot along the drivers door and possibly along the passenger. i'd say that was a rotter.

ps. if the paint problem was just red paint fading then it wouldn't need a respray - http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=122448.0 

[Guy]

and in fact... looking at that rear footwell again the tyre is actually wet and so I believe is the base of the boot... 

[razla]

and in fact... looking at that rear footwell again the tyre is actually wet and so I believe is the base of the boot... 

Not looking very good is it?!

I'll have a proper look tomorrow, thanks for your help.

[SoundillusioN]

and in fact... looking at that rear footwell again the tyre is actually wet and so I believe is the base of the boot... 

Would the seller be that daft?... Well, I bet it does leak, most of this age do if they're on original seals...  However, don't let that put you off.. Just be sure that if anything is damp, it hasn't caused any harm yet.

You could do yourself a favour, contact the seller for more pics.  First would be one with the spare removed.

I'd also want to see the sills, jacking points and around the windscreen, especially the bottom corners.

[razla]

and in fact... looking at that rear footwell again the tyre is actually wet and so I believe is the base of the boot... 

Would the seller be that daft?... Well, I bet it does leak, most of this age do if they're on original seals...  However, don't let that put you off.. Just be sure that if anything is damp, it hasn't caused any harm yet.

You could do yourself a favour, contact the seller for more pics.  First would be one with the spare removed.

I'd also want to see the sills, jacking points and around the windscreen, especially the bottom corners.

Cheers for that mate, I'm going straight after work for a good look. I'm expecting to have to spend a bit(maybe quite a bit) on her. It doesn't look beyond restoration to me and it would be nice to save another Mk1 from the scrappy!