Tips on buying my first Golf MKIV GTI.

[ksab]

Hi everyone, this is my first post.
I currently have a Fiat Punto Sporting 1.2l 8v. However, now it is time for an upgrade. I am going to sell my car and then buy a Golf GTI MKIV. I have looked at autotrader and i think my budget will be just a touch under £2000. I wanted to check with you guys (owners) if i can still pick up a decent gti for that price in your opinion. I want a 5 door model. I am deciding whether to go for black or silver, and cloth or leather.

[xionsolaris]

If your going to get a 1.8t (turbo golf) it would be best to get one that has full service history which would show it has been looked after and hopefully the car will have less chance of developing faults. Don't just go for modified ones as they might have been ragged around alot.

[Nino]

I would disagree to a slight degree there buddy mine is modified and assure you I do not rag my car. You will find that some not all modified mk4's will be looked after more than standard.

The main thing you want to check is has the car been maintained, if the mileage is high don't let it put you off the 1.8t engines can go for over 250k miles if looked after.
Check service history as mentioned and check common faults listed in the link below.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38557.0

[ksab]

I have a Punto now and I roughly do about 6000 miles a year. I have seen some very tidy looking golfs with mileage over 140k but I guess if they have been well maintained and come with a fsh then I shouldn't be put off by the high mileage.

[Nino]

That is correct

[joshstanvw]

I have always found when buying golfs have a good look around it and take it for a drive golfs tend to make any problems very apparent
Your budget is fine I picked up my 5dr turbo up for 1100 140k and apart from a few niggles it's been great it's wasnt the tidiest but my budget wasn't huge just search until you find a good one it's worth the wait

[ksab]

Thanks everybody for all your help and tips.
Btw i really like this one. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201401151054540/sort/locasc/usedcars/price-to/2000/transmission/manual/fuel-type/petrol/engine-size-cars/1-7l_to_1-9l/page/1/keywords/GTI/radius/1501/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/price-from/1000/make/volkswagen/quantity-of-doors/5/model/golf/postcode/bs164qg?logcode=p

[brewey]

It looks like a tidy example from the pictures, but the advert is rubbish and I am fairly sure you will get more for your money if you keep looking.

I bought mine 2 years ago for not much more than that, with much less miles and the winter pack (heated seats, washer jets for headlights) so personally I would keep looking.

[dom]

That one you've posted looks a good buy, decent condition,  relatively low mileage, service history, full mot, some tax. Ticks all the boxes for me

[Nino]

That one you've posted looks a good buy, decent condition,  relatively low mileage, service history, full mot, some tax. Ticks all the boxes for me

+1 but I'd knock him down to £1400