Golfs - is it a good idea?

[raceboy]

Following the implossion of racegirls Clio (cambelt snapped taking 3 of the 4 pistons with it it's getting fixed but she whats a change now)
The idea of a 2.0 Golf GTi on about a N/P plate appeals, but what is there to look out for or are they pretty bomb proof?
I've not got any VW knowhow so any advice is welcome

[DustyC]

You have got to try the TDi.

Keep an open mind about diesels until you try it.
Im still amazed now and have done 10,000 miles in 5 months.

Also, I only have the 90. Didnt expect it to be this good, was only after the economy!

Was contenplating changing up to a newer 150 but am going to spend the money on a better holiday in the Griff instead

Will upgrade in '05/06 to another VAG TDi though, probably a golf too.

[edc]

A few years back I was looking for a Golf3 2L 16v or VR6 or a Pug 306 GTI. Golf is nothing in the fun stakes compared to the Pug but I still wanted some VW 'build and reliability'. I ended up with a Seat Ibiza which uses a multitude of parts from the Golf and Polo and is more fun than the Golf. Not looked back since.

[raceboy]

Remember I've only got £3-3.5k to play with
Don't think I want racegirl in anything too sporty I've seen the way the Clio gets treated,
Solid, reliable, and not going to empty my/our wallet on a monthly basis

[Plotloss]

MkIII Golf Git is a good solid car.

2.0 lump a well known quantity.

Interior can be a bit hit and miss. If you can get a Black Colour Concept thats the one to have. Avoid the yellow, red and green like the plague though.

[DustyC]

My Golf TDi was £4K and is a GL.
It has all the extras such as power windows, power roof, PAS, A/C etc.
Its a '97 N reg.

Feels solid, very reliable and "its like brand new" (as quoted by VW technician).
A sign that they go on for a while.

Dont believe the crap that Diesels are more expensive to service than petrols either. This is the cheapest car to service I have had yet.
(...in proportion to age and condition. The older £300 cars I had were serviced by me so were incredibly cheap!)

[raceboy]

Plotloss said:

If you can get a Black Colour Concept thats the one to have. Avoid the yellow, red and green like the plague though.

Only thing putting me off this one is the 130k miles
96 'P' for £2900

Or there was another one for £3300 it's a year older but only done 84k

[Plotloss]

It had all the toys.

Nice stereo, boot changer (I think) and most importantly full leather heated seats...

It was out at the same time as the Highline VR6 so a run out model...

[DustyC]

DustyC said:

Feels solid, very reliable and "its like brand new" (as quoted by VW technician). A sign that they go on for a while.

Forgot to add it was on 80,000 when I got it and is now on 90,000. Before next year it will be over 100K.

The others I tried were even higher mileage and were fine (all TDis). Just wanted to get one with A/C.

[raceboy]

Do like the look of that 96 GTi (these below are both Colour Concepts )
what will have been fiddled with on services at 130k miles, don't want another bill for a broken cambelt
And they're both private so I'd have to shift the Clio first

[DustyC]

raceboy said:

And they're both private so I'd have to shift the Clio first

Which will save you a bit more money too.

[raceboy]

DustyC said:

Which will save you a bit more money too.

But it's a bit of a kerfuffel compared to a straight forward 'trade' deal, the prices on the forecourt against private sales aren't much different and by the time I've dealt with the numpties that come to look at £1200 Clios, and drove racegirl to work for a week while 'between' cars it all comes out about even

[edc]

No denying the Golf 2L is a decent car but if you're expecting hot hatch dynamics a la Clio then you best drive it first.

You can get a top spec Ibiza with the same 2L engines as in the Golf for the same money but younger and with less miles.

Engine/gearbox etc is same as Golf3 (for 2L cars; other VW for the rest of the range); interior and dash is the same as Polo4; front subframe and suspension is Golf2/3 and rear beam is Polo4. All the service parts are VW items and can be bought from GSF or ECP, ditto for any other consumables.

Eg. :
www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=33254
www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=34238
www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=33389
www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=33105
www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=32689
www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=32904

[raceboy]

edc said:

No denying the Golf 2L is a decent car but if you're expecting hot hatch dynamics a la Clio then you best drive it first.

The Clio is only a 1.4RT so most things are going to feel quicker, but saying that it is remarkably quick for it's size, s'pose it's down to the body being made of tinfoil
Might have a look into this SEAT lark though