New Member: 1.6 SE Project

[nick_mk4]

Hi all, understand this is a 'gti' forum but I'm totally new to being a golf owner (not even that yet) and this site appears to be the most helpful..

Anyway, I'm looking at getting a 1.6 SE (seen a 2001 plate with 20k miles for a good price) which will be in the bullet grey colour..

I'll be colour coding the bumper strips, front and back lower bumpers and door handles etc.. Debadge the back and possibly the front grill. Will also get a GTi rear bumper and have a single twin exit exhaust (like the 206 gti 180). I might just modify standard bumper depending on the work..

I'm thinking about getting 18" R8 alloys with low profiles and maybe dropping it 40-60mm.. Also maybe having these sprayed white (but that would be at a later date). Will the 18's fit or do the arches need rolling? Had a nightmare with my 106 when I went an inch too big! I'm not after rubbing tyres so also need to know what's the best height to lower it by? Anyone got any pics?

Also, is the 1.6 SE worth getting? I'm not planning on thrashing it, more for the looks. Can't be arsed paying £1600 insurance for a GTi (im 20 and got 3 points) and any mods I make to the 1.6 will be moved to the 1.8 GTi when the price comes down a little!

Will be posting a W.I.P thread if all goes well

[Chris 'N' Jen]

welcome. 

20k miles is very good though. you would be hard pressed to beat that.

1600 quid insurance sounds about right for your age on a GTi. Would you not rather save the money you would spend on all the mods and put it towards a gti or the insurance for one?

On the other hand, if you only want it for looks would you not be better getting a derv model. cheeper to run and maybe cheeper to insure. 

From what i read you can do 40mm on 18's without trouble. after that i think the ARB rubs on the drive shaft.

[mike4golf]

i agree with above a derv sounds better money wise,sorry welcome

[nick_mk4]

I've looked at the TDi 130 bhp but my current insurer won't allow it (swift cover seriously are gay).. Even if I get a GTi / TDi i'll be spending the same on alloys/colour coding etc so can't yet afford both!

[AlanD]

GTi comes colour coded apart from the bit right at the bottom so you wont need to do that. If it where me id rather spending the money on insuring a GTi for a year or so and not do any mods than get a 1.6 and mod it.

But that's just me. What's your budget?

[Chris 'N' Jen]

I've looked at the TDi 130 bhp but my current insurer won't allow it (swift cover seriously are gay).. Even if I get a GTi / TDi i'll be spending the same on alloys/colour coding etc so can't yet afford both!

The GT TDi 130 is near the top of the derv range. go for a lower one TDi 100/110/115.

[nick_mk4]

Budget is about 5.5k for the car, 1k mods and no more than 700 a year ins

I 'COULD' upgrade to the GTi or TDi but then I'll still need to pay 450 for the alloys, 100 for the paint and 250 to lower..

I'm not after thrashing a car at all, this one's purely for the looks.. I'm halfway through my insurance so dont wanna lose no claims as my current insurer wont allow a TDi pfffft.

Is the SE worth getting? it looks like it comes with all the nice little extras

[topher]

i believe the 1.6 MATCH is the one to go for, basically comes with all the GTI extras on the inside.

[Chris 'N' Jen]

Budget is about 5.5k for the car, 1k mods and no more than 700 a year ins

I 'COULD' upgrade to the GTi or TDi but then I'll still need to pay 450 for the alloys, 100 for the paint and 250 to lower..

I'm not after thrashing a car at all, this one's purely for the looks.. I'm halfway through my insurance so dont wanna lose no claims as my current insurer wont allow a TDi pfffft.

Is the SE worth getting? it looks like it comes with all the nice little extras

From what iv been reading you need to be looking at more than 250 for lowering or youll be doing it again in a years time due to warn parts. If the 250 is just for a set of springs you'll shag your shocks pretty fast and theyll shake your teeth out in doing so. Although they are a bit more money the best way is a coilover kit. (shocks and springs)


Id still rather go GTi with no mods then 1.6 with mods. but like you say, you will get a newer lower mileage 1.6 with your budget than you would a GTi 

 

[AlanD]

Id still rather go GTi with no mods then 1.6 with mods.

The truth is spoken, you know it makes sence !