2k should get you a pretty good mk3 16v gti.
As rtuk said take your time to look at cars properly, don't rush.
One thing i found was people trying to pass an 8v off as a 16v, engine should look like this:
I was very lucky, found a 1 lady owner car with 70k on the clock back in september 2005, i paid £3k, bit steep but i knew it was a good un.
Since then put 20k on the odo and loving every minute of it
I've recently fitted the coilovers and spacers all round, bought the anniversary BBS wheels off a member of this forum last summer.
They are cracking cars, can do loads with them and they are so solid, try finding a ford or vauxhall of the same age that feels/looks as good!
