Ropey 205 worth a punt for cheap

[maxp]

A friend in Newcastle is cleaning his garage and mentioned a certain 1.6 205 GTI which i have always wanted.

Pluses:
Engine has done 65k, interior is good, no rust.

Negatives:
It hasnt been driven for almost 3 years.
Passenger door keyed badly a while ago.
Says the car has a 'flat spot' - thought it was either dodgy petrol or a faulty air flow sensor...hmm.

He wants £400 for it.

What are those in the know about 205 gtis thoughts? Planned to use it for a runaround, so quite keen for it to be semi reliable.

[mitch205gti]

For £400 don't think you can go wrong with that milage and no rust.
Get your self on 205gtidrivers for all the info you could want.

[Old Merc]

What year is it? These old Pugs are becoming collectible so I would say take it on.It sounds as if it may be worth spending time and money on it ??In their day the 205GTi was the best hot hatch around for the price. As its been idle for years you will have a few lack of use problems like brakes and things stuck etc.I would first fit a battery and turn the engine over,preferably with coil lead off,to get the oil around the engine.Start it up and see if the clutch works?and the plate has not rusted to the flywheel.Also did it have enough anti-freeze in it??If all is good and "moves" it will be a major service, clean/free up job.

[HereBeMonsters]

Do it.

[petrolsniffer]

I've just bought a simular one thats been sat in a decent garage for 4 years.

Main things i'd worry about is the condition of the brakes as my own the rear brakes needed a rebuild as they were siezed on also a bumpstop needed attention apart from that I think it'll fly through the mot so i'd take his arm off!

I bought mine for twice as much!