allways wanted MK1 GTI-between 2-4K to spend..ideas/advice?

Ok,

I'm looking for a MK1 GTI, been trawling the net for a while which has raised a few queries…

i've heard MK1's have sloppy gear boxes…am i better looking for one with a new or mk2 box?

what about engine swaps?…i've seen a few with 16v mk2 conversions…whats the opinion on this. (more efficint? lees milage? better built?)

what can i expect for my money?

anyone seen any minters for sale?!?

Rick

A bargain and a minter click here

http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=21073

Both Mk1 and Mk2 Golf GTI's use 020 rod change gearboxes.  They are the same.  Gearlinkage refurb kits are available cheaply to rectify a sloppy change mechanism.

A Mk1 with a Mk2 16v in it is an awesome car but the quiality of the conversion has to be good.

pick up a standard one for ?1-2k then improve to your own taste

Thanks for all the advice there…didnt know they were the same box.

how do you know if the 16V conversion has been done propperly?…i have a mate that's into vw's and he's been known to swap engines without an engine crane! which worries me about that kind of thing?  what am i looking for a proffesional conversion? is there anyway i can tell…with doccumnets maybe?

I've been in touch with the owner of the black MK1 on ronnals and made a reasonable offer (thanks for the link) unfortunatly he's putting it on the ebay!…i'm a little worried about that prospect. i'd like to do things the old fasioned way ie: see the car i'm buying rather than get into some electronic bidding war over a car i have only seen pics of!

anybody got any experiences/opinions of buying cars on ebay?

cheers

Hi Shoey. You are quite welcome to come and view the car at any point. Just because it's going on ebay it doesn't mean you can't view.
I've had that much interest in the car I feel it's the best way to sell her as everyone has a chance to have a bid at what they are prepared to pay.

Cheers Karl

best advice i can give, is to be patient. there is something about mk1's that tell you if YOU are the right owner for them.
 i'm sure there would be a few on this site that would have a look at a few cars with you, if they lived close enough.
 as said, probably better to buy a cheaper one, get used to it, then spend the balance on the car, how you would like it.
 i've had a mk1 1.8 16v and would not bother. it may be the case though, that a 16v would more suit your driving.?

 we are all here to help, so use us as much as you like(ahem) in your search for 'the one'

oh, and as for knis car, any mk1 with a no. plate that says 'smut' is ok in my book

wooders said

oh, and as for knis car, any mk1 with a no. plate that says 'smut' is ok in my book

LOL it's SMUY ha ha. That's her name too.

schoey said

anybody got any experiences/opinions of buying cars on ebay?

Yep bought my MK1 off there a couple of years ago .

Same as buying through small add except you don't have to haggle  

Contact the buyer , get the details not in the ad  , arrange a test ride etc  

Easy as falling off a log

Ive been searching for a minter for months, there are so many cars around you really have to figure out what you want first before posting a wanted add here or searching the numerous car sites.

Questions you should ask yourself are:

Do you want a modified car? - insurance implications - conversion quality
What colour do you want? - some are harder to find now
What model Mk1, campaign, 1800, or 1600..

Once you know what you want then you can start searching!

i think a good option would maybe be to get to a few meets and see some cars and get some more info. would give you a more practical basis when looking at cars to buy