Need your advise guys a Mk2 in the 'for sale section'

[RS Gaz]

Please dont get me wrong, im not pointing out a problem nor picking on this person but was wanting a general price guide on a mk2 gti?Its just a car to base this dicussion on! Now this is a car that im after in a real world, i want it cheap yet solid, wether it needs paint, service etc isnt a problem but what i dont want to do is pay Mega bucks for one and then plough loads into it on wheels, interior etc.
Now im wanting a cheap reliable one, pref solid and in a 3dr. Wheels etc dont bother me. Now ive seen this oak green one for £700(user:furry) no mot/tax etc surface rust. Is it worth that dollar?
Just need pointing in the right direction  and what to look out on them. Any renowned problems/areas on the car. Main rot area,s etc.

Cheers guy!

[curlie467]

My opinion may differ but i wouldnt pay £700 for it, you can get a good condition gti for that any day of the week and itll have mot etc.

Rust areas are, bootlids, rear valance, have a feel around the inner arches by the plastic spats, fuel filler, around windscreen and wiper arms and obviously check sills and flooring. This is worst case scenario, around the windscreen and fillercap are the cars you want to avoid, floors and sills can be patched.
Running gear is generally robust, occasionally headgasket failure and gear linkages can give problems.

Please anyone add to this, ive had a few now and they have generally been a great car to own. Look at a few before taking the plunge though!

[vaughn]

it`s hard to price the car without pics, the rust wouldn`t bother me, easy repair for a body man. i think you`ll have to price up the brakes and whatever else you`ll need for the mot. i think it`s definately worth a look, if you can get the price down 
also check where the rear beam is located/bolted as this seems to rust
rear calipers always seize, and they get pulled at the mot for brake pipes and rear wheel bearings.
also check the mfa works and sunroof opens/closes

[robiwill]

I would go for a sold shell anyday of the week rust around the fuel filler cap is a killer unless you happen to be handy in a body shop.
From experience earlier Mk2 Gtis seem to be more rust proof in these areas.
the usual areas like sills also check under the battery as these can rot out

engines apart from headgasket are built proof seen them and driven them with 200K plus on them

I know the car you are reffering to and would want better pictures of the areas mentioned

[Simon8v91]

I have not seen the ad in question, but imo, I would not pay more than £500.  It is the lack of MOT that is the killer.  I would then only take a chance after giving it a thorough inspection.

Price guide

£2K - £3K - mint
£1K - £1.75K - below to average mile, low owners, long T&T, excellent or very good condition, needs nothing doing
£700 - £1K - T&T, average or above average miles, some minor faults eg, isolated surface rust, wheels need a refurb, seats worn or small bolster tare, may need a good service, BUT mechanically sound and drives OK.

Obviously a 16v will be near the top of each price bracket.  Mods dont often make any difference to the asking price.  At 16+ years old it will never be perfect.

Other things worth a look

1) check rear wiper works (easy to fix)
2) check blower works on 1 & 2 (easy to fix)
3) check footwells are not wet
4) suspension knocking on uneven roads

have a read here: http://www.matey-matey.com/golf_buying_guide6.shtml

Dont worry about mileage if it drives OK

good luck, these cars come highly recommended   

ps. I would be interested to know what others think to the prices 

[pricey]

1) check rear wiper works (easy to fix)
2) check blower works on 1 & 2 (easy to fix)
3) check footwells are not wet
4) suspension knocking on uneven roads

All three work and are mint on mine the only knocking is from the exhaust that will be sorted tomorrow and the only other small problem is that i have to do before i put it up for sale is to get another fan as i am not happy with the noise it makes.

[Simon8v91]

OK, I've had a luck at the ad here and on pistonheads.  There maybe a chance of a bargin here for someone, but I stress its a maybe.

The seller really ought to get an MOT and get it on the road, ie, fix the starter and bleed the brakes.  I suspect he could get the repair money back and more on the sale.  If the rest of the car is good its a nobrainer.  As, said I would want to look at the rust.  As it stands I stick by my upto £500.

I hope I dont upset anyone