Evenin all.
Thought i would stick to etiquette and kick off with an intro before i pick all of your brains as much as i've picked popleyruss's over the last week. (Let me know when you're free for a proper look, you should have seen the merry dance i did finding out it was the 170bhp engine

)
Ive gone through a string of cars over the last two years, but after much persuasion from Russ and others, i've finally got round to buying myself a VW. It came out of necessity, i blew up my MG ZS for the third time this year, and got sick of driving a head gasket time bomb.. Hey ho, new car for me. Always exciting! I think the sales guy thought Christmas had come early. Someone buying a car from a dealer in December? He couldnt hand me the keys quick enough
I'm now the owner of a 2001 Y MkIV Golf V5 Highline, i picked her up last Monday for £2k with 7 months MOT and fresh tax. The reasons for buying this over others were many, but chief among them was the history Lots of it. That, and the fact its in near mint condition outside, and looks factory new inside. I think i still paid a few hundred more than i should, but i needed this in my life

It was a Dealer demo when new, and seems to have almost all of the factory options list fitted (Can post the sticker if anyone wants to check?

). Its pretty much just missing a sunroof, but who wants extra chassis twist anyway eh? After the Dealer in Bath, its had one owner from then on, who has lavished it with a rather large wad of invoices, all from the home dealer, including a clutch and flywheel 20k ago. It has 90k on the clock, and the service book is full, even the last 4 boxes on the last page have been improvised, and filled with service stamps.
I looked it over briefly on a Saturday, started her up and did the obligatory check and said i would be back Monday after looking at some others. I had already made my mind up but i had to entertain the wife. Went back on Monday and worryingly i was outside the workshop. He said when he moved it she shuddered and the engine management light came on. I voted coil pack, his mechanic checked and sure thing; Misfire on Cylinder 1. New coil in, light off, and i drove home. Ive racked up 500 miles since no problem...
Anyway I digress, you only want to see what it looks like right? I spent 5 hours on the outside today, im not sure its seen polish and wax in a while so i hit it with the love its previous old man owner gave it in cold hard cash. Ill do the inside in the week and update (its clean but it was almost dark by the time i finished), when i can drag my backside from the heated seat im starting to become worryingly attached to..




Im planning to switch to coilovers after the festivities. It drives beautifully, if a little too floaty for me. I prefer to feel more rigid on the road, especially having come from an MG, which cornered like it was on rails. Wheels not a priority, but i did spy a very nice set of white Porsche wheels a few days ago, and its got me thinking... Rear windows need a moderate tint, but thats all ive thought of so far. If there is anything immediately possible on a limited pre Christmas budget on these that would further enhance her, cough up

Also, If anyone knows where i can get a genuine VW badge for the NSF wheel, ill be very happy. Not sure how or where in its life it lost it. The cap is there, but the badge as come unglued and vanished.
And thanks again to John for sorting out my activation email. Seems Virginmedia dont think you need any new members!