Give us your thoughts!

[Pepp77]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200571728922&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_1931wt_1139

So people give me thoughts/opinions on this as Im thinking of going and having a look at it tomorrow.

[Smiggy]

If you can get the last MOT test number of the seller this link will allow you to see the past MOT history of the car - it might show up any major problems the cars had.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_10020539

I tried it on my 4th hand car and it was rather interesting - the mileage on one MOT was 67536 and the next year it had dropped to 66125! So I guess it's been clocked then LOL. (Mind you it was cheap and runs well so I don't mind)

[cinek]

what @Smiggy (http://forums.aria.co.uk/member.php?u=19689) said - & you can get a much newer car if you are able to pay a bit more - wouldn't pay that price for it

[jason]

MOT
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_10020539

Also match the VIN numbers there should be a plate in the engine bay or Chassis and in the window find them match them and decode them.
Check the log book VW recommended cam belt change every 4 years i believe you should have at least 2 changes in the log book, or 100k miles you should be looking at 2 or 3 official stamps we had a 2001 golf and it was every 4 years but it varies.
Basically look for fake stamps or information , take a look at the brake pads and exhaust, ask some questions while looking around to see if the guys lying.
To replace or maintain that car can be very expensive your looking at £400 for the belt, service and brake fluids a complete con so think before you take the plunge.
Start the car from cold and turn it off shortly after then turn it on again see if it starts first time, golfs of that age have a sensor in the engine that gets stuck when cold to do with fuel management it has a habit of flooding the engine
Don't just take the car for a short test drive get the car up to temperature and take it for a good burn at 70mph., when you turn the car off start it again.
Drive with your hands of the wheel at about 20mph see if the car pulls to the left its a good indication if the tracking need looking at.
After the cars had a run check the color of the oil use the oil filer not the oil dip stick be careful its will be warm under there if it looks like brown mayonnaise the head gasket could need replacing black and nasty ask when it had a service last.
Hope ive help a bit.

[Pepp77]

It sold on Friday, but thanks for the replies guys.

[jason]

LOL just took 15 minutes writing that. :p

[coiler]

get a TDi golf, double the mileage per tank, second hand not a lot of difference in price.

130 bhp version 0-60 8-9 seconds, not bad with a return of 45-55mpg.

[Slotty]

Coiler beat me to it... bang on mate :thumb:

[jointhedotz]

get a TDi golf, double the mileage per tank, second hand not a lot of difference in price.

130 bhp version 0-60 8-9 seconds, not bad with a return of 45-55mpg.

almost twice the price though (or would be twice if the posted one wasn't overpriced for the mileage)

[Slotty]

almost twice the price though (or would be twice if the posted one wasn't overpriced for the mileage)

Resale value is excellent on those engines over time so it would be a good investment in the end, economy plus resale = decent buy. I think.

[zaz]

The TDi's are so good that even though you can pay through the nose for one, you can almost gaurantee to get your money back as and when you sell it, as long as you maintain it of course.

If you buy a car to be a pratt in, you can spend that 3k on something a little more suitable, like a kitted Saxo VTR for example. If you consider yourself a sensible driver and like the recognition people give you for sound purchases - get a TDi :)

[Pepp77]

Didnt realise people were still replying to this :)

how about this - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290552162042&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_12206wt_1139