Advice wanted re buying high mileage mk4 gti

[ShaunR16v]

Hi guys

Im new to VW's, having always previosuly owned mainly Reanults and a few Vauxhalls.

I currently have a mk1 Clio 172 which i use as my daily run about, but now want to change to a Golf. I've only got a budget of around £3k so was expecting to find an early mk4 1.8 Gti with around 100k. However, I've now found a 2000 (W) 2.0 Gti with just over 150k for £2.5k. Bodywork is good (but not mint) and it has a full service history (mainly VW) with cambelt last changed in 2004 at 117k. Is there anything I should be wary of with this kind of mileage??

 

I took the car for a drive last night, and although much slower than the Clio I have now, it drove well. I'm going back tonight to hopefully buy it, but would be grateful for any pointers on what to double check

[GolfGL]

Id check that the window clips have been changed to the metal ones, the rear wiper works and doesnt leak, if it has air con that it works properly, mine felt a bit sluggish when i brought it but after having the maf and lambda probel replaced felt much better and responsive. Check the clutch doesnt slip by giving it high revs and that the release bearing isnt noisy, the dampers will more than likely be shag**d sometimes strut bearings seize up so give the wheel a good turn and listen at slow speed cornering. Aslong as its well maintained and your happy with it get it as there are still mk3's for that sort of money.

[Dizzie]

are you sure you want to go for a 2.0 mk4? they're very very slow...

if I was you I'd keep an eye out for a 1.8T as they're very tunable.