Your thoughts on buying a GTI that's has an engine replacement?

[Gasman]

Hi guys

I'm going to look at a MK5 GTI that's done 100k but recently had the engine replaced with a refurbished one.  The "new" engine has done 60k not sure how many it's done in this car ill have to find that out.  What's people's thoughts on buying a car with this sort of history?  Anyone ever done it? Also it's worth mentioning that it's just been serviced and had the cam belt changed. Thanks.

[rf860]

I'd be keen to know why it was replaced and who done the work so you could find out if they are a decent garage or not.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a car like this, however, that's just personal preference. There's likely to be nothing wrong.

[Gasman]

I'd be keen to know why it was replaced and who done the work so you could find out if they are a decent garage or not.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a car like this, however, that's just personal preference. There's likely to be nothing wrong.

The guy on the phone said he had an oil warning light on so called the AA.  As he was taking it to a garage the engine seized.  He did say the engine is still under warranty and has all the receipts from the garage.  Ill find out who they are and see if anyone has used them in the past. 

[rf860]

I wouldn't want that car. Sounds like its not been looked after.

[Jas Lad]

Wouldnt worry me at all as long as done by dealer

[Gasman]

I thought this might split opinions.  Surely there's less chance of this engine going bang than a car with 100k on the original engine?

[Gasman]

Wouldnt worry me at all as long as done by dealer

Don't think it was a VW dealer.  Sounds like it was a specialist that deals in refurbished engines but ill find out.

[rf860]

It's not even that. It's the fact that the last owner hasn't been checking the oil - what else hasn't he been keeping on top of??

Just sounds like he hasn't cared for the car so every chance it could be in poor cosmetic condition too.

[Gasman]

It's not even that. It's the fact that the last owner hasn't been checking the oil - what else hasn't he been keeping on top of??

Just sounds like he hasn't cared for the car so every chance it could be in poor cosmetic condition too.

True.  Hopefully nothing a good machine polish wont take care off! I'm going to go and have a look and see what I think.  Hopefully I get an idea of what the owner is like and how well it's been maintained.  What sort of price would you say this is worth?  It's fairly standard spec, no leather or nav.  Its got the DSG box and like I say done 100k.  Possibly needs a DSG service as well. 

[alackofspeed]

If in doubt, move on? Plenty of them around.

[56OctyVRS]

It might simply be that the engine seized due to a mechanical failure rather than lack of maintenance.  Things happen to the best cared engine. If the rest of the car is in good condition then that gives you an idea how the car was cared for. I wouldn't be too bothered about the engine being fitted as some of the 2.0 tsi engines have been replaced in nearly new cars after failing.

[Andy]

might of the been a  blocked oil pick up pipe from the sump that has caused trouble

[Gasman]

might of the been a  blocked oil pick up pipe from the sump that has caused trouble

That's exactly what is was apparently.

[doylebros]

If it has full history and documents etc, purchase price suits you(cheaper than the current selling price)and the car is what you want then it's no different to any other purchase!

[Gasman]

Right well I've just got back from viewing it...

First off all I can say is I am disappointed at how it drove! Felt very underpowered, slow even! I was expecting a lot more from a GTI.  I'm hoping it was just this car and not all GTI's! This is the first one I've ever driven so I have nothing to compare it to. Maybe the fact that I've just sold a 330D which was pretty quick.

It turns out the engine was only replaced 200 miles ago with a refurbed one that had apparently done 60k.

Also the condition of the car wasn't great.  It looks as though it had never seen a wash mitt in its life! It was covered in dust, tree sap and birds s**t! Quite a few scratches as well. Doesn't bode well for how it's been maintained! The owner has owned it 2 years and wasn't aware the DSG box needed an oil change every 40k either. It needed 3 new tyres, DSG oil change and a machine polish possibly a full detail.

It was only showing 18 mpg on the dash!  Seems too low to me?

He's got it up for £4.5k which Is why I wanted to look at it in the first place but I think ill leave this one well alone.