mk5 tdi question

[Britman]

Hi i should have 5k or maybe a little less to spend. 3dr or 5dr What year can i get and what are general problems with them and things look out for. Was hoping a 2005 model. Was curious what best milages go for i seen a lot 120-150k wanted an 8ok one. I dont know much about mk5 as been skint and always had older cars in past. Any advice welcome, is it a false economy buying a 7yr old golf? do they get unreliable. wanted mid range power like 130bhp+ thanks

[maxitrol]

check for good service history and cambelt been changed--On the test drive listen out for turbo noise as the early one suffered with it and chek the water level is ok as some had porious heads..Check for signs of rust on the wings

[dTEA]

Remember that any warranty bits like rust warranty should be valid as they are issued by VW and any recalls can also be followed up.

You say mid range power but don't forget that the TDI is short in the power band and driving isn't always as rewarding IMO. That said they are quick enough still. Cambelt history with water pumps and tensioners as 80k will jus have been done if they are lazy and solely go off mileage and not years. Rear upper brake light can also go. Dependent on the type of climatronic air conditioning unit they can be known to fail on compressor. Search for my other thread.

Rest should be normal second hand buying. Facelift GTTDI are also miles better looking