What to look out for...

[jonniefp]

Hi im new to golf's im looking at getting a mk3 1.4 or 1.6, cant get anything bigger (insurance purposes).
I know nothing about golfs and i just want to know what to look out for when i buy one (common rust areas and other mechanal/structual problems).

Could i get a good condition one with relativily low mileage for about £1,700

thanks

Jonnie

[saul79]

1.4/1.6 common for waterpump failure ,dodge throttle bodys other than that engines are quiet good
rust spots not many check back arches ,lower edge off back windowscreen ,front wings ,really depends on age off car as later bodys where galvanised ,rust on the door posts on the bottom where door rubber meets . -back axle bushes wear -lowerarm bushes ,just wear and tear stuff really.

[Mikester]

The appearance of the person selling it, and if its clean, can tell a lot by that!

If it starts ok from COLD and WARM. Idles ok, rust, dents, any squeaks and knockin noises, if they turn the radio on on the test drive, turn it off!

[jonniefp]

thanks for the replys.

Also i see ALOT of golfs with 100,000miles plus on them how long do the engines last and how do they drive with the high mileage.

cheers

[saul79]

forever if serviced well  my old gti had over 330k kms on it

[Mikester]

My uncle had a mk3 8v gti that had 250000 miles on it, ran like it was new. hence why i said to look at the owner to get the idea if it had been ragged or not. And even if it has, if its looked after, it wil handle it.

[saul79]

check for the receipts and old mots see what its had is a good guide to it being looked after

[Mikester]

Cam belt change recently? if its getting on its miles.

[boneybradley]

for £1700 you should get a good low mile 1.4/1.6 with history.... and if you want one with extras try find an se model with a 1.4..and dont pay extra for the special editions as they arnt worth any extra than a standard one!!(match,rolling stones or ryder to name a few)

[scottydog]

I just recently purchased a MK3 GTI 8VALVE on a N with 115000miles on the clock with service history from 96 to dec2007 and with 6grands worth of receipts rust free and standard... only found one real problem and that an air leek down drivers door.

Seems to be something to do with the rubber strip that runs along the roof by the door.... hope so anyway.

And i only gave £1400 for it talked the fella down from £1595.

Will post some pics when i take some.