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Author Topic: Potential MK5 GTI purchase  (Read 1438 times)

Offline H4MXU

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Potential MK5 GTI purchase
« on: November 23, 2018, 01:07:39 pm »
Hi all,

Been really interested in a 2006 3DR Manual MK5 GTI which I’ve seen a couple of days ago. I’ve been analysing the history of the car for the past couple of days now and I really want to go for it.

So here’s a brief summary.

Mileage: 144,000
Service history: FSH VW for the first 100k Miles 2006 - 2013 (I have had this verified).

Thereafter, in the last 40k Miles its had service 3 times from independent garages. Owner has all service papers. Last full service was in August 2018 at 143k.

MOT history looks good apart from “CV joint severely deteriorated” advisory last 2 years which I’ve discussed on here already so not too concerned about that.

It has all the extras that I want. Black leather heated seats, multifunctional steering, sunroof, multimedia player with USB, Aux, Bluetooth, power folding mirrors and much more.

I am hopefully going to view it tomorrow and I’m trying to find out when the timing belt, cam follower and water pump were changed. If they were changed a long time ago how much am I looking at for parts inc labour?

Also taking a friend with me who will plug in computer to check any codes. My main question is, should I be concerned about the high mileage? I believe if the cars been well looked after it shouldn’t matter much.

Let me know your thoughts please. Thanks.


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Offline H4MXU

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Re: Potential MK5 GTI purchase
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2018, 01:08:38 pm »
I also did a full history check and it came back as a Pass with no concerns.


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Offline pudding

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Re: Potential MK5 GTI purchase
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2018, 05:42:56 pm »
Sounds OK.  CV boots splitting and rear spring pigtails snapping off is super common, so don't reject a car over something that minor.

144K is nothing if well cared for.  Intake valves will be gunked up for sure if no evidence of a walnut blast, but similarly that is nothing to get hung up about.

Cambelt + Waterpump is currently £549 at VW.  You need to see evidence of it's second belt change, which should have been done at 120K, or the 8th year of it's life.  If you are good with tools, it can be done DIY without special tools for the cost of genuine parts, which is around £240 with the pump.

The only other thing of concern is rust, so give it a thorough inspection.



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Offline H4MXU

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Re: Potential MK5 GTI purchase
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2018, 07:32:18 pm »
Sounds OK.  CV boots splitting and rear spring pigtails snapping off is super common, so don't reject a car over something that minor.

144K is nothing if well cared for.  Intake valves will be gunked up for sure if no evidence of a walnut blast, but similarly that is nothing to get hung up about.

Cambelt + Waterpump is currently £549 at VW.  You need to see evidence of it's second belt change, which should have been done at 120K, or the 8th year of it's life.  If you are good with tools, it can be done DIY without special tools for the cost of genuine parts, which is around £240 with the pump.

The only other thing of concern is rust, so give it a thorough inspection.
Thank you!


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Offline Uncleben

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Re: Potential MK5 GTI purchase
« Reply #4 on: November 24, 2018, 09:58:27 am »
Hi, as pudding said - mileage is nothing to worry about if well looked after.
I was in a similar pickle 18 months ago, saw a golf i liked, mileage was 159k but price was right so took the plunge! now on 172k and other than wear and tear stuff (cam chain/tensioner, cam follower and both thermostats) has been superb. Just watch for rust, front wings and front of the sills is where most seem to suffer.
Buy it and enjoy it!

Offline H4MXU

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Re: Potential MK5 GTI purchase
« Reply #5 on: November 24, 2018, 02:31:16 pm »
Hi, as pudding said - mileage is nothing to worry about if well looked after.
I was in a similar pickle 18 months ago, saw a golf i liked, mileage was 159k but price was right so took the plunge! now on 172k and other than wear and tear stuff (cam chain/tensioner, cam follower and both thermostats) has been superb. Just watch for rust, front wings and front of the sills is where most seem to suffer.
Buy it and enjoy it!
Thank you!


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