GTi ownership, what to expect?

[E405]

GTi_Lee, who are you trying for insurance if you don't mind me asking ?

Sound like good quotes to  me for a valver - Only asking cos my stepsons likely to  be driving our 8v Gti project and hes 20 -  the quotes hes had are a joke

[tobz.]

I've been driving mk2's for 12years now and hope to be for a number of years to come.
As with any cars of the age there will be little niggly things but nothing too major. Just find one that isn't rotten and replace anything as it breaks.

MK2 gti ownership, what to expect?................As Gambit says, a great big grin everytime you drive it!!!

[DarnPB]

Try looking on this website for your car. From what I have seen, the guys and gals advertising are pretty honest and list the bad points of their cars as well as the good points. Plus there is the added bonus that if they are advertised here, they belong to an enthusiast and have been looked after. And someone else on this site will undoubtedly know the car.
Be prepared to travel though to view it.

Things so far I have done with my car.

Four new tyres.
Bought and am refurbishing another set of wheels. (Sebrings)
Fitted armoured door plates.
Modified and fitted new parcel shelf.
Replaced rear suspension.
Replaced exhaust complete.
Replaced front shock mounts.
Replace all door, boot, glovebox locks and ignition switch. (After some low life punk knackered the door locks!!! )
Replaced rear interior wheel arch covers for carpet ones.
Replaced cambelt.
Replaced the piston rings and big end bearings. (Engine still in car)
Replaced all brake pads.
Replaced front bumper. (Bought new and painted it.)
Modified gear box, by changing 5th gear for a taller one.
Replaced front engine mount.
Repaired rear window demister.
Changed position of antenae from wing to roof.
Changed gear stick gator.

And all this since November last year when I bought her.

[gibby]

Hey Tobz, I've only just seen the text in your sig ! PMSL

For insurance try MartinB at HIC, see the insurance section on this site for the number.

[GTi_Lee]

Sounds like a perfect learning exercise.  might be a bit costly though.

What do you guys think of this that I've found?

1991 H Reg VOLKSWAGEN Golf 1.8 GTi 16v
3 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 110,000 miles, Black, MOT-06-2007. Exceptional Condition and Drive. Insurance Group:15, UN TOUCHED EXCEPT WHEELS THIS GOLF DRIVES GREAT LONG MOT BLACK 3 DOOR MODEL RECENT CAM BELT.. SURFACE RUST ON REAR QUATER PANNEL NEW TYRES RAINBOW INTERIOR. £1,250.

is £1200 a bit steep? It's from a car dealership near swansea way. MOT til June, which I think is quite sketchy, I dont wanna buy it then fork out hundreds to pass it's MOT a month later.

That's a good price I think,if it's as good as it says! It's 3 Dr and black, is it big bumpered? Go see it and say i want a 12 month MOT with it or i'll walk away, chances are they may sort it for you! However it says long MOT, when it clearly hasn't......

Tim

Havent been to see the car yet but will attempt to go see them tommorrow morning. They just ammended the ad to having brand new mot with new timing belt and water pump changed and also brakes changed. They've now put the price up to £1449 still reasonable? Apparently bodywork is "very straight" and "everything inside works perfectly"

Think I'll offer them £1250 orig price if it's in as good a nick they say it is.

Woo excited now! Want to get behind the wheel of a valver! Should be another world of performance compared to the humble 64bho ibiza 

[tobz.]

Hey Tobz, I've only just seen the text in your sig ! PMSL

For insurance try MartinB at HIC, see the insurance section on this site for the number.

Heh heh yeah Gibby that quote just had to be immortalised somehow!!!

And I 2nd what Gibby says about Martin at HIC we have 3 policies with them now in our household and they are all very reasonable/very comprehensive.

[GTi_Lee]

I didnt actually manage to go to see the car today but I'll be going tommorrow! I've called them up and asked about the motor and it's had 8 previous owners. No service history but has got quite a few MOTs. It was in for it's MOT today actually which was why I didnt go down to see it. I hope it's a good one, but I aint keeping my hopes up.

[Mart8V]

That seems a little steep to me for a car with no history, and evidence of regular oil changes and previous work done is always comforting.  Why is there no history?  I've only once bought a "no history" car and spent as much on it as I'd paid for it.  Never again.  Got fooled by a gleaming paint job and great interior.......

My last GTi was a 97,000 miles, full MoT with full history and decent condition (8v) and got it for £750.  Obviously the Valver commands a premium, but for that money I'd want plenty of background myself.

Personally unless you are 100% happy on viewing I'd walk.  There will be plenty of others, and if you are on a budget you want some peace of mind.

[Ben Lessani]

I got my 8v GTi for free, it had been stood stationary for about 5 years (driven for 1 in the middle). I got it resprayed, did a thorough service on it and it drives perfect, doesn't burn oil, doesn't use water and doesn't half shift!

I've looked after it ever since, never really needed to do anything to it - only things I've done is for performance/looks - no major money spent on maintenance at all!

£1250 seems expensive, but I guess thats just me.

My only tip - find one without a leaky sunroof!

[GTi_Lee]

Well what the dealers said to me was at first that there was some history and then said that there were MOTs? I'm not sure whether he meant both or just MOTs. Either way I'll have to go check out the car tommorrow and take it for a test drive before I make any kind of decision. I'm prepared to pay £1250 if it genuinely is a good motor but if it's naff I'll have to walk away. It has had new tyres, new brakes, new water pump and new timing belt though and passed it's MOT today as far as I remember. If I was to purchase the vehicle what would you say is a reasonable price for it? £1449 is too steep as far as I'm concerned especially if it's a 16yr old car with a unproven 110,000miles regardless of whether it's a VW or not.

Richie