Hello ,
I'm a GTI newbie and am looking to buy my first one 
Mk II 's are in my price range (1 - 2K) and seem to have a good rep - so that is what I am aiming for.
Any advice from you guys on what I should be looking for ?
Eg
8V or 16V ?
Any rust traps ?
What type of wheels ?
Most desirable colours ?
Any electrics dodgy ?
Any faults to look out for ?
Cheers lads,
Coolboy
PS I live in the cold NE England so if anyone has one for sale around here let me know.
Personally, I would look for crash damage.
Look for pattern panels. Eg panels that aren't quite right. Every panel should be near perfect in alignment. Look for odd colours, does the bonnet match the wings, do the doors match the roof etc.
Check the rubber seal on the front dorrs where they meet the windscreen. The gap should be continuous. If one end is a smaller gap than the top - bang.
Check the rear panel. Look inside the boot for signs that its been knocked out. Check the 16v badge is in the right place at the rear. (it'll be under the GTI, flush with the I and not the G.)
Check the engine isn't smokey like VR6 said, but check that it engages gears correctly. The gearbox will guide you. If it doesn't, think dark thoughts. Check that there is no play in the gear stick. Check the steering wheel has the right amount of wear for the mileage.
The model to look for in my opinion (and get the insurance quote first):
3 dr 1990-1 16v Mk2 - in either Oak Green, Helios Blue, or Graphite, with 5 spoke flat fronted 15" alloys. The spokes are more like big cut outs. This is the car to get. The interior is three stripe.
(In the above guise the common one is the oak green, and the rocking horse sh!te is a close run thing between the blue and graphite).
Regards,
Tinman
