How much for a new engine?

Still looking for a nice mk1 GTI

Was just thinking that it will be 24 years old or more, therefore it will have done plenty of miles (250000 or something)

Should this put me off?

How much is a replacement engine?

a 2nd hand unit can be bought for anything from ?30-?180. condition and history is all improtant, as finding a decent one can be a little effort absorbing. these engines will keep on going for years if looked after. the last mk1 i sold had over 160k on the clock. the valve stem seals were needing doing but that's it.
 generaly, i would not blink an eye at mileage, but be more interested in the condition. if it drives and pulls well with no smoke, look after it and it'll probably do you proud.

If you're looking to keep your original lump I'd go for a full recondition.  New bearings and gaskets throughout.  Including plugs, belts etc etc you're looking at around ?300-400.  I did this and it runs like a dream!!

can I ask where you got it reconditioned?

i'm looking to do mine, as its leaking oil from the main crankshaft seal and the head is sounding quite tappety.

cheers.

A bloke that I work with did most of the work for me.  
Most seals and gaskets were bought from GSF.  They do a Head gasket and bottom end set which includes all the seals and gaskets for the whole engine.  
I had issues sourcing intermediate drive shaft bearings which I had to get from www.techtonicstuning.com in the US, no where else does them the UK.  May be worth pricing up a complete bearing/gasket set from them although you have to call through orders with them.

I think your estimate of nos of miles covered is a little high - although I understand how you got there.

Quite cut of the cabs database - using 635 samples (gives a normal distro) and taking out the dodgey entiries of "0" shows an average of 101,544 miles.

Mine was first registered in March 84 - bought it in 2004 with 92,926 on the clock - just pushed past 108,000 now so I'm running at about 5,000 per year.

You should be able to find any number of cars out there with circa 100,000 to 125,000 on the clock - and they should all have plenty of life left in them if they have been looked after.

MP

Well I have seen a nice MK1 but it has 220000

The engine and gearbox was done at 150000 though

Should this put me off?

If you want a nice spangly one and have the money then check out www.vegeuk.com