MK5 GT TDI Buying Advice (lots of questions)

[popey]

Over the next week I plan to step up my hunt for a GT.

I have been offered a 2004 GT TDI, full service history (at a local garage who will vouch for the car), lots of bills and past MOT's etc. The only issue is the 120k miles on the clock, however the £3500 asking price is tempting. OR do I spend a £5-6k and get newer with less miles.

Will £5-6k buy me a decent GT TDI?

What should I look out for?

Is the DSG any good and does it effect fuel economy?

Thanks guys

[Rhyso]

Has the turbo ever been replaced?  140's are known for their weak turbos

DSG - make sure its had all its services done; every 40k the oil and filter should be changed so at that mileage it should have had at least 3.

Is it smooth between gears; any jerkiness could spell problems

DSG should help with fuel economy as it will always be in the highest gear possible; certainly my mate with a DSG 170 was returning better economy than my manual 170.  For me though there is a lack of involvement; DSG is too damn smooth for its own good 

[popey]

Thanks for the response, is it all 140's or just the very early ones?

[Rhyso]

Thanks for the response, is it all 140's or just the very early ones?

I used to think it was the early ones but I do know of some later ones popping their turbines.........

[popey]

Im thinking of saving up a bit extra, I'm thinking for 7k we should get a GT TDI with lower miles, maybe with leather and heated seats too .

Thanks for your help so far

[dTEA]

7k will get a lot better spec and a lot lower miles. What was the price in the other?

Ignore that just re-read OP. the later ones also look better IMO

[popey]

Found this one, bit of an in-between, not bad miles not top end price?

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/vw-golf-gt-tdi-dsg/1010506302

[Rhyso]

Found this one, bit of an in-between, not bad miles not top end price?

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/vw-golf-gt-tdi-dsg/1010506302

Advertiser is wrong about the DSG not needing another service for 75K. As i stated its every 40K so it should have had 2 by now

[popey]

I spotted that 2, looks a nice car but I don't fancy a repair bill for s DSG box .

Im off to the auctions on Tuesday with a guy in the trade, see what this throws up.


Worst case scenario and a turbo goes bang, what are we looking at in terms of a repair bill?

(Thanks again)

[Rhyso]

New turbo is circa £500 plus fitting; I believe the new one's are a little stronger.......

I had a customer who's A3 with the same engine at just 40K popped its turbo not long after I mapped it.....that was 25,000 miles ago now and the new one is running just fine 

Listen for any police siren type noises when driving.  You should get a bit of turbo whistle but if its excessive leave well alone as it won't be long for this world