Are my standards to high?

Hi,

i have looked at 3 Mk1 golfs now and none of them appear to be as the advertiser/seller describes.
Am i expecting to much for my money?

The first one was a 1990 clipper cab, all original with 120k, mohair hood but drove a bit lumpy. The corners near the ffront of the arches were very soft and bubbly. i walked away declining the £1650 asking price

The second was a  1989 GTI cab, had a bit of a paint issue and rust, lowered, exhaust etc, it was pre warmed and cut out on the test drive. I walked away at the £1500 asking price

Tonight i saw a 1982 white gti 135k, bbs, FK coilovers, but the paint was badly resprayed and bubbling alot. The carpets were wet, the steering wheel was at 90 degrees, it was pre warmed and it drove very badly. the wheels and suspension were very nice though. i walked away at the £3250 asking price.

What can i expect for about £3500? ideally i want a tin top, 1982 in white.

I have had sciroccos in the past so think i have a good idea of how it should drive and want it as a daily driver

opinions?

matt

Looking at your budget mate you should be able to get a nice clean example.

I would have walked away from the cars you listed above aswell.

Just keep looking and in the end you will find what your after.

On the one hand what you're asking is reasonable, but then if ALL the sellers decide their Mk1 Golf (with all its faults etc) is worth that much, and won't budge on price, then …. 2 things can happen: no cars get bought or sold; or that sets a new higher price for Mk1 Golfs in general.

For £3.5k I would be expecting a nice example and I have seen some very nice ones for that sort of money with basically no major faults.

I sympathise with your plight but you are looking for a near 30 year old car that would have covered a lot of miles and that will show regardless of the over inflated price some tin tops command. Personally if i was looking for a daily with your budget i would look for a late model cabby like a rivage with relatively low miles. Happy hunting  

For under 2k a mk1 golf won't be very good. So that rules out the first 2 you've seen. 3-5k and may be able to get yourself a good car.

I bought my 1983 mk1 golf gl for £1400 about 6 months ago, its got NO rust on it, the paintwork is mint, the interior is like new, its done 67,000 genuine miles, 2 owners from new. You can buy a very nice mk1 golf for under £2000!    8)

matt-h said

Tonight i saw a 1982 white gti 135k, bbs, FK coilovers, but the paint was badly resprayed and bubbling alot. The carpets were wet, the steering wheel was at 90 degrees, it was pre warmed and it drove very badly. the wheels and suspension were very nice though. i walked away at the £3250 asking price.

It this the one with the bbs splits and a aftermarket sunroof

PM sent Funk-Star

Matt

I dont think your standards are too high, but it all depends what you want. The best way to get one how you want though is to make it how you want. A fixer upper. It may end up costing you more money over the long run, but at least you will be happy.

Appreciate everyones comments here.

Smokey, that is the dream, however, i do not have a garage and also cant afford to have more vehicles.

One day i will buy a ropey old rotter and bring it to its former glory.
For now a nice tidy example would be great

Matt

I paid 2500 for my mk1 clipper and its in very nice condition there are a few minor things wrong with it but im happy with it, its 1991 with 117 thousand miles but drives fantastic

i was lucky it was my bosses car he said he searched for ages until he found the right one so keep looking

You arn't asking to much mate you are doing the right thing by being patient the right one will come along and for the right money,with your budget you should be able to find a minter.

I waited for a long time to pick up something sensible and not silly money, was looking for a tin top but bought a 83 gti cabby triple white for £850. 114k recon at 92k body work great apart from some rust at the rear arch pockets and previous owner changing the front seats,  couple of other minor probs like heater control brackets broken which cost me a fiver to replace and all the locks not working on same key which cost £42 on ebay for a 2nd hand full set set and just minor tidy/clean up really.

if you haev 3,5k to spend y not buy A CHEAP 1 that needs a paint job and get it done so you know its ok and piece of mind, im sure you cud get a TINTOP NOT CAB that needs a paint job for under £1000

foxy

Patience is the game.

As I live in Scotland it was even harder to get something decent as all the cars are down South, I searched for a good condition mk1 for a few months and saw several that were all described as mint or superb and was met with similar to you.

As I wanted a Sportline or Rivage leather after several months I had to fly to London to view one, luckily it was spot on and I didnt need to get another ticket home, just a 400 mile drive in a 20 year old car with the coilovers so low that my spine came out my back end.

Take your time and you will find what you are after  :wink: