[DaveH]

Or more precisely, what MkIV can my girlfriend expect for under ?6000? She did have a Mk2 Driver until it was written off by someone who fell asleep at the wheel, and she has had her heart set on a MkIV for some time so now seems like a good time to get one.

So what age and models should we be looking at? And what should we look out for when buying? We want something with a reasonable spec but not rediculous on insurance. What are the na GTIs like for insurance (her 23, me 24)?

So many questions to ask! I'm sure I will post some more soon. []

 

[golfv64mo]

I very much doubt she'll see a GTI for ?6k. [] Sorry! I've just had a look on Autotrader and there are only a handful of MkIV's for less than 6k. It looks like you might be able to stretch to either a 1.4 or SDI though. A 1.4 will be fairly spartan and 'basic', as will the SDI, but the SDI is slower than molasses.

 

[R44MS_K]

easily pick up early GTi for 6k. 1.8 20v NA and if you look hard enough - 1.8T.

 

[golfv64mo]

The only 1.8T they'll find for ?6k will be a thrashed, ruined car with 100k+ on the clock.

 

[oxford]

I have PMd you regarding this matter [] (no mine is not for sale) lol

 

[R44MS_K]

tru - 8k will get u a nice 1.8T - my mate is looking for a 1.8T, so PM me if u hav 1!

 

[oxford]

They are out there!

You just need to look hard enough.

 

[DaveH]

Hey, this forum moves fast!

Thanks for the PM Oxford. Your car sounds like the kind of thing she is looking for. I have checked Autotrader, Ebay, local papers etc, and I know there are decent cars out there for under 6k. Just wanted a bit of advice about what to look for, and what people consider as good/bad models etc.

Although a Turbo would be nice, I think it will be a bit OTT on insurance, and as GolfV64mo said, at 6k it will have been thrashed. Keep the opinions flowing guys.

 

[oxford]

I had a AA check on my car before buying it, for the price range the car WILL have done high miles so it is important that you do check that out, also ring VW customer services as they will be able to check against the servicing (not in any detail though).

I find the 2.0 is fine for me, although I will be changing for a anni TDI, Mk5 or A3 in 12-18 months time (ages I know), so will be keeping it a while yet.

Look out for new bonnets and wings (can indicate accidents) - try to buy private if you can. Check as much as you can ontop of the AA check.

Always consider the TDIs (but you will have to save a bit more for those).

They are wonderfull cars the MK4s all of them.

Good luck.

By the way, churchill would not even insure a 1.8t for me due to my age (under 25) so be aware!

 

[TigerStyle]

If you do get a car with high milage, make sure you buy one that has been motorway driven.

I bought my 'W' Bora 115pd at 70k for ?7000. Its been 90% motorway driven. and its also a 6sp, so all of the motorway driving would have been at low rpm, so the engine would not have been strained at all.

There are lots of stone chips everywere, but Id rather have an imperfect body than a worn out engine and gear box.

An engine that has been motorway driven for 100k would still be stronger than the same engine at 50k driven in town.

 

[oxford]

Agreed tiger, like yours mine was "motorway" miles...

Bonnet is chipped to death, but is still shines up like a trooper

 

[DaveH]

My first post goes on to become a hot topic! Thanks guys. I have just found a '99 S 1.8 GTI in Black with 41,000 miles for ?4795 locally. Sounds like a bit of a bargain if it is a good one. Will keep you posted.

 

[oxford]

I assume that will be the 1.8 20v (non turbo),

Go and have a look at it, won't hurt....

Dont go with your buying head on, just have a little looky ! []

 

[simch]

My flash red, 1.8t leather recaros 84k fvwsh incl 630 quid 2k ago for belt w paump etc was only 6150, on a 99t! Its mint!

Bumped into Peachey the other day his 90k miles w reg with leather recaros and massive ap brakes was 5500!! There are some real bargains out there just avvoid the stealers!

 

[Rye]

I got my T 1999 silver 1.6S with aircon and remote central locking for ?5,500... Had 69k on the clock.. that was about 2 weeks ago. Is in really good condition... bought it to replace the 1.4 (due to cosmetic damage and the colour).

 

[Carlos]

DaveH - What sort of engine you looking for?

 

[DaveH]

Thanks for the advice guys - they are definitely out there. Didn't get to see the cheap GTI in the end but I will let you know when we get sorted.

Carlos - Not too sure yet, but probably 1.6, 1.8 or maybe 2.0. I have ruled out the 1.4 on performance grounds, and the 1.8T or V5 would stretch the insurance budget a bit. Might go for a TDI if a nice one came up at the right price.

 

[DeanJ]

paying for my 1.8t tomorrow off my boss, was his wifes. s reg & its got 60k on the clock, recaros, air con, fsh. getting it for £4500 been driving it for a few weeks tho, just had a full service that cost £350 (that he paid for) few stone chips on the bonnet but thats it really

 

[oxford]

Dean, wow, thats a fantastic price!

Be sure to post some pics when you have it. What did you do to deserve that price! []

 

[DeanJ]

Quote: posted by oxford on 27/04/2004 14:24:45

Dean, wow, thats a fantastic price!

Be sure to post some pics when you have it. What did you do to deserve that price! []

you dont want to know []