Looking for a little advice....to sell, or not to sell..
Looking for a little advice....to sell, or not to sell..
Author
Discussion

mmurfitt

Original Poster:

6 posts

262 months

Thursday 7th February 2008
quotequote all
Hi,
I'm just looking for some advice or opinions from people who probably know a whole lot more about cars than I do.
I have a Golf GTI 180bhp (52 plate) with all the whistles and bells fitted (it was an ex-demo, so came well spec'd).
My wife and I have owned the car from new (well, from it being 6mths old when it was sold on by the VW garage), so we know all the history etc.

Now, the problem I have is we've had a few problems with it, which we've fixed, but there seem to be a few more on the horizon (I have a feeling the power steering pump is starting to think about popping it's clogs - had a Mercedes whose power steering pump made a similar sound just before it packed up, also the rear brake lights are staying lit, albeit faintly, once the car has been locked - although eventually they do seem to switch themselves off).

So, I'm trying to determine whether now would be a good time to sell it, or whether it's worth fixing up and keeping?

I'm a bit loathe to get rid of it as it's a fantastic car, I still enjoy driving it as much today as I did when we first bought it, it's fast, comfortable, got lots of gadgets etc.
But, on the flip side I'm looking at what else I may be able to afford (£7000 is the budget) and I'm not getting nearly as much for my money.
But on the flip side of that flip side, the car is reasonably expensive to insure, plus the mpg isn't great, well, not as good as diesel, and it's just proving a little expensive to maintain after almost 6 years of virtual trouble free motoring..
What do you reckon?
What would you do?

This always seems to be the question - To sell, or not to sell...

Thanks

morebeanz

3,283 posts

266 months

Thursday 7th February 2008
quotequote all
It's always a tough one when you start to lose confidence in a car. We have the same question looming on our A6.

I'm currently taking the view that if the car does what you need, then it's better the devil you know - but I'm still tempted to move on!

mmurfitt

Original Poster:

6 posts

262 months

Thursday 7th February 2008
quotequote all
Yeah, and that's my problem, better the devil you know.
I love this car, but you're right, I've lost confidence in it, even to the point where I now have AA cover (something I've not even thought of in the past).

In changing cars I've also been thinking it would be great to reduce the costs some - cheaper insurance, cheaper petrol/diesel, cheaper tax, cheaper maintenance.

But all of this also equals - not as much fun...

Cars I've been considering are:
VW Polo - a bit over priced I think
Ford Focus - a lower spec model, probably 53 plate
Astra - again, a much lower spec than I'm used to
Clio - Not too sure about these
Mini one - Don't know too much about these either
Peugeot 207/206 - Seem ok..

Vee

3,109 posts

264 months

Thursday 7th February 2008
quotequote all
180 bhp on a 52 ?
Sounds like you could have an 25th Anniversary edition. Does it have the 18" wheels and black recaro interior with red piping ?

With regard to the steering noises - my 4motion needed a new rack at 75k due to the seals being perished. However, the noise could be due to low fluid - check this first. If it needs topping up be careful to use only the VAG mineral based oil - it lubricates the pump and rack. DO NOT use normal power steering fluid or ATF.

Ask youerself this - what can you get for the same money which you'd rather have ?
At least you know the prvenance of you car.
Spend a bit maintaining it and enjoy it - unless there something else you prefer.

mmurfitt

Original Poster:

6 posts

262 months

Thursday 7th February 2008
quotequote all
I'm pretty sure it is some sort of special edition, don't have the black recaro seats, but do have some pretty funky sport bucket style seats, so nice and comfortable and the 18" alloys.

I'll have a look at the level of fluid and top it up if it needs it, thanks for the suggestion.

You've hit exactly on my problem, I can't really find anything as good. I'm just a little worried about this becoming a money pit, where you're pouring money in to fix problems every couple of months.

I guess we've been spoiled by having the car run so well for so long..

Vee

3,109 posts

264 months

Thursday 7th February 2008
quotequote all
Smoked BBS wheels ?
Aluminim trim around the stereo & climate control panel ?
6 speed gearbox ?
Large, chrome, single exhaust tip ?

If so its it worth SIGNIFICANTLY more than a normal GTI.
Do your research before your sell it - I'd say its worth well over £7k (if that's what you think its worth).

mmurfitt

Original Poster:

6 posts

262 months

Thursday 7th February 2008
quotequote all
Vee said:
Smoked BBS wheels ?
Aluminim trim around the stereo & climate control panel ?
6 speed gearbox ?
Large, chrome, single exhaust tip ?

If so its it worth SIGNIFICANTLY more than a normal GTI.
Do your research before your sell it - I'd say its worth well over £7k (if that's what you think its worth).
It has the 6 speed gear box, and climate control, but none of the other stuff, so I guess it's probably not the 25th anniversary.
I remember the dealer saying something about it being a special edition, but I don't think it's the anniversary one..

I've been looking round, and I reckon I could maybe get around £6500 for it..although it does have a couple of scratches and some weird dent by the ariel...

Hmmm, decisions, decisions, decisions...