Mk4 budget

[Rod1-gti]

Hi guys.

Ill be buying a 20vT mk4 at the tail end of next month and was wondering how much i should be looking at spending. my main priority is reliability as i will be tuning at my own pace. My budget will be 1500-2000 for a 3 door. Will this be suitable?

[jonnyturbo]

Yerh should get a decent one for 2k

[Rod1-gti]

Cool, thanks for the reply. Is there anything in particular i should look for?

[davemk4]

yer check for recent cambelt, water pump. any engine lights that stay on. under power or rough idle maybe issues with MAF but usually engine light or epc light maybe on. breather pipes are really common to split some easy to see when under bonnet check them too. regular servicing obviously

[Rod1-gti]

Cheers for the help. I can't wait to get in one

[mar_k]

Cheers for the help. I can't wait to get in one

looking forward to hearing you say that after a couple of months of owning one, lol

They break just like any other car. they are getting old so make sure you do your home work and buy a decent one
as you could easily spend your initial budget on putting things right.

[Rod1-gti]

Is mileage much of an issue with them? I know most German cars can happily munch the miles

[Scott-R]

Look for rusty boots and boot handles very poo to repair ha

[bobbarley]

Things to look out for. 

The windows dropping due to the plastic brackets snapping.  Ideal if you find one with the uprated metal brackets.  If you get a none AGU then keep a close eye on the coil packs.  Rust can be a problem, get a good look all around the car, and underneath.  Mileage isn't so much of an issue as long as it's been looked after and serviced.  there are guys on here rolling in mk4's with close to 150k on them, and that's petrol!

The big thing for me has been rubber.  Since buying my mk4 6 years ago I've had to replace pretty much all of the bushes etc on the thing!

Obviously a test drive is key.  Make sure you start it from cold.  If you hear a whirring noise at start up then the starter motor needs attention.  It should run smoothly if it's a good one.  Nice clean acceleration with most of the power from about 3,000rpm upwards.  Get a chance to rev it on the road through all the gears, making sure it changes smoothly and the clutch isn't slipping at all.

[Wazzzer]

as above, I've replaced every bush since owning mine. Don't expect it to pin you back in the seat when coming on boost (unless it's mapped) as the power delivery is very linear and it's a 1200kg car.

Check all the door pins go down and stay down when locking the car and also try to lock them via the button on the drivers door card and see if the pins stay down. If not it means the module is on it's way out, very expansive at over £100 each for new ones. Also check the boot opens on the key AND the central locking. Check the rear washer jet sprays up rather than side to side. Again it's about £60 for a new wiper motor or a change to delete it and go smooth.