119k on a 1.8 non turbo - avoid or not?

[kohoutec]

Hi, first post here. I've searched and found lots of info but guess i just need to hear it for myself. I've seen a '99 gti 1.8 20v for sale for a touch under 4k. It appears to be in very good nick, and with FSH but the 119k on the clock is making me nervous! 4k is the most I wouldve ever spent on a car, and I honestly dont know how much life I can expect to get out of it. I've read threads on here that say 200k is a reasonable expectation, should I be stressing or not?

I know its not the best performer out there (no offense intended to any owners), but tbh performance isnt the very top of my list. Although I havent had a really close look yet it looks to be pretty much mint apart from the usual stone chips on the front. Currently own a mk3 1.8cl which is on 130k but is beginning to sound a bit rough around the edges now. I've only had it for a year, and got it very cheap as a runaround, it didnt have a full history so I guess this is to be expected anyway? I suppose Im worried that the mk4 may go the same way in 10k....
Any advise really appreciated

[charri42]

A 120k car can feel awful or not bad. in my experience, it all depends on whether it has had suspension work. If you are still on the original bushes, shocks, clutch etc, it will be a lousy drive.

If all these things have been done, then maybe it will be ok. in my opinion, 4k seems top money for an average mileage 1.8 of that age - so V steep for those miles.

[billy_vw]

i agree, £4k seems to steep for the miles, either you look for another with about 80,000 miles or knock em down to £3K

[kohoutec]

thanks guys, thought it was a bit high, although that does seem to be pretty much the going rate around here for some reason. Think I'll keep looking!

[D Owen]

just to let you know that i have a 1.8 non turbo and has 154k on the clock and had no major problems with it (apart from the infamous MAF and window dropping incidents).  I had mine valued by a local VW garage...........£2250 

[gtibob]

Hi D Owen
did they offer £2250 for it or suggest you sell it privately for that figure? I'm interested because mine has done 141,000 and I will be selling it soon

[Ivor Mk4 Turbo]

Never mind the mileage..... Just avoid the non-turbo!!!

[D Owen]

hello gtibob

they offered £2250 for it on top of £6000 I am looking for a TDi due to the amount of miles I do per year

[kniterider]

for those not too fussed by performance or are interested in cheap insurance (group 10) then the 20v non turbo should be considered, i test drove the 2.0 8v then the 20v and the 20v drove better. £4k does sound a bit steep, im only looking at around £3500 for mine and mines a 99 t plate, and its had loads done, see the for sale ads if its any good to ya