Buying a used GTI?

[tokomak]

So...

I have been looking at buying a Golf GTi, with the Mk 5 being the one that best sits in my budget. I have looked around and set my eye on a Manual 08(57 plate) with about 52k on the clock. I have been lurking this site and thought i'd ask a few questions before moving any purchase along.

The car is being sold private and the last owner has had it 2 years (claimed) and has stated he hasn't had any work done on the engine (camelt/chain change), checking its MOT it has the listed advisories which they have said they have had checked at their local garage,

They are asking close to £6500.00 for it, is this reasonable? Should i expect a heft charge to replace the discs. If there any questions you would ask if you were looking at it, what would they be?
I have linked the ad for it.

Thanks,

Adam.


"Advisory notice item(s)
nearside front brake disc inner side corroded
offside front brake disc inner side corroded"

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201610018327593/usedcars?logcode=visc

[croak2012]

my personal opinion...I would not pay over 6 for this car... the mileage is really really good! but its pretty stock with no xenons, multifunction steeering wheel, leathers, etc. I'm sure they would take a cash offer of under 6... better asking more experienced members though...

[rashg60]

It seems decent and a nice colour, however, I wouldn't want to pay more than £6k for it.

I recently (a couple of weeks ago) purchased one for my cousin, same year but slightly higher miles. It is a DSG, which are supposed to command slightly more money anyway, for about a grand less than this one is advertised for.

As mentioned previously, the spec is low for the price. I'd want a lot more spec for this sort of money.

Hope that helps.

[tokomak]

Other than this site, which appears to have all its GTis sold, the majority of GTIs are commanding around the upwards of 6/6.5 and few of them are highly spec'ed. Any advice on sources for decent GTIs just for a comparison before I approach the seller.

[Ditto]

Price sometimes differs depending on service history, not just on spec.

I'd much rather have a low spec GTI with good history than one with all the toys.

Make sure you check the wings and sills for rust, the early ones are now approaching the end of the 12 year corrosion guarantee!

[croak2012]

Price sometimes differs depending on service history, not just on spec.

I'd much rather have a low spec GTI with good history than one with all the toys.

Make sure you check the wings and sills for rust, the early ones are now approaching the end of the 12 year corrosion guarantee!

ditto ... um... ditto!  I paid more for mine because it only had 63000 miles and loads of service history / receipts and clearly owned by someone who cared for the car with lots of recent(not the owner before last haha) money spent. but I paid cash from a private seller so would not have payed as much as buying from a dealer...

[lukemk5gti]

Pros:
Diamond cut alloys
Upgraded head unit
Dual zone climate control

Cons:
Handrbake lever needs replacing, the leather is pulling away
Seats are stained and will need work
Midline clocks
No xenon
No MFSW
No sliding cupholder
Exhaust is filthy

Recommendations:
Check that the main thermostat doesn't need replacing. The temp is not at 90deg in the photo so check that it does reach 90 and stays there.
Check diamond cut alloys for sign of white worm corrosion
Check all the usuals i.e. cam follower, DV, PCV, service history etc.


Overall it's mediocre and clearly wasn't owned by an enthusiast. They're looking for top dollar which I would pay if I purchased it from a fellow member who cherished it but this one was probably just a run around they threw into the local car wash on a sunny day.

[tokomak]

...mediocre...

Thanks, that was pretty much what I posted here looking for, when comes to those sold by enthusiasts the majority appear to be lowered, not my cup of tea and i'd rather not take the insurance hit. Is it much of a job/expense to return them to stock assuming I'd have to replace the parts.

[croak2012]

"The temp is not at 90deg " eagle eyes  you did miss the rear badge though!

[lukemk5gti]

"The temp is not at 90deg " eagle eyes  you did miss the rear badge though!

No way! 

That's a 2008 with a snap shut badge which is not prone to whiteworm so it doesn't need replacement.

Only the earlier 2005 and some 2006 models had the slow close whiteworm issue