Bought A Mk2. What Should I Do First, Maintainence-wise?

[mookie]

Howdy campers.

Basically I bought a 16v Pearl Grey Mk2 GTi earlier this week. Overall the car is in very good condition, with only a few minor/light scratches on the roof's paintwork and a few other bits of wear 'n' tear inside. Seems to drive fine too, although I'm no expert or anything.

So, with that it mind, what would you all suggest as the first things I ought to service or more thoroughly check over? The car was looked after pretty well by the previous owner and rarely put in for garage sessions or minor work. Should I stick it in for a proper service or is there a little list I could follow myself to make sure the car is in tip-top working order? The MOT isnt due until March 06, so I doubt there's anything major to attend to. I've seen those neat bundles of self-service parts on Awesome and was wondering if it's really worth it or not to give the car a fresh set of plugs and fluids?

Thanks 

[Logie]

When i get a car, regardless to what the owner has said i get it booked in to my mates garage for a check over and i personaly change the oil, oil filter, plugs and leads.

 Maybe a bit OTT but nothing beats pearce of mind :p

[Mr Blue]

rear calipers. they seize up which is common

[Dragon6]

A full service and a cambelt/pulley change and more importantly if you`re going to keep the car a while  take all the bodykit off and a good dose of waxoil  and hammerite on the underside,remember Mk2`s are getting on a bit and a lot will have seen 15 winters worth of salt,and I have seen a few bad MK 2`s once the trim has been removed

[kniterider]

deffo the cambelt/tensioner on the engine along with a service, even if your not planning on keeping it tooo long, its just peice of mind, cause if they fail theyll cost you lots!!! (unless previous owner had proof of it being done recently)

if the rear brakes decide to play up/seize up, upgrade the pants mk2 rear calipers for mk3/4 version, there a direct fit and will save you loads time/effort when it comes to mot time

body work wise, well never done it me self but what oakie^^^ says above sounds good if your keeping it long term... never had mine long enough to do that kinda stuff!!

 

[mix]

was gonna say oil/sparkies+HT leads......

[Dinky]

more importantly if you`re going to keep the car a while take all the bodykit off and a good dose of waxoil and hammerite on the underside,remember Mk2`s are getting on a bit and a lot will have seen 15 winters worth of salt,and I have seen a few bad MK 2`s once the trim has been removed

tis exactly wot i done to cab..deffo worthwhile

Dinx

[Dizzie]

mk4 calipers require different brake hoses when put on a mk2 btw.

[kniterider]

then mk3 ones i put on the mk2 8v a while back were a straight fit, and the mk4 caliper is identical except that its made of cast alloy rather than steel, the brake hose entry point/bleed nipple/handbrake lever is all in the same place so i cant see any need for diffo brake pipes??

 

[Dizzie]

oh right. taht's just what I read. I've never done it myself so go with what gaz says lol