Looking to purchase my first MK1 - total novice..!!

Hello  - was wondering if you lads/ladies had any helpful tips/advice for a first timer.. Ideally i'm looking at the 1.8 cabriolet, 1990 - 92 with around 80K on the clock.. I would be using it for a daily commute of about 15 miles and general short social trips.. I have no knowledge of mechanics at all so would need to a runner from the off. I have a garage to store in over night. I've just started in my search and would be eternally great full of any help offered with regards to how problematic they are, how easy to maintain and general issues they present.. Price wise like us all I have a budget but would be looking at £2 - 3k (is this realistic?).. anyways like i said any help would be genuinely appreciated.. thanks for taking the time to read this, hope you can help.. if you can but would need more info then please let me know..cheers..  

Hi Welcome to the club.

What sorta cabby you after, a fti or a clipper?
if youre looking at around 80k that is 4000 miles a year which you might struggle unless you'd consider an auto?
And dont forget alot of these engines are still running strong at 150k !!

I posted this in a newbie theread the other night but the main points with a cabby i can think are;

Rust
Fuel filler neck
Under the clipper kit
Spare wheel well

Leaks
Roof release handles
Boot and rear light seals
Front footwells if the drainage holes are blocked

And if you go for a clipper then theres the pierburc carb with auto choke that can cause problems if not set up properly, but you can swap that over for a webber with manual choke.

They are pretty easy to maintain, all you need is a basic tool kit - if you got a 10mm spanner youll be fine

There are 2 buyers guides on the homepage that go into more detail

Oh, and completly unrelated but mine is on ebay at the moment ;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1991-VOLKSWAGEN-MK1-GOLF-CLIPPER-CABRIO-GREEN-resprayed-lots-of-work-done-/290899071677?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43baef92bd#ht_1675wt_958

Although I am startign to have 2nd thoughts….

Keep us updated with your search!

Scott

Cheers for the all the info - exactly the sort of advice I need and I'll defo look up the buyer guides..

I had a look at your car on ebay last night but its going to be another couple of months till all my finances are sorted..

Your's looks mint and would exactly be the sort of car i'd be looking for..

Will keep you posted and you never know if you still have her available I might be able to give her a new home :-)

Thanks again mate,

Kieran,..

hi Kieran and welcome to the forum mate. Good luck with the search for a MK1. I am sure by the summer you will have one.

Try looking on the classic car websites i found them alot better in my search and i managed to find a near mint 91 clipper with 44k on the clock for £2900 but i think that was just lucky hope your search is going well!!!

Welcome Kieran,

All I can say is take good note of what the Guys before me and after advise you!

Don't know how experienced or old you are but there's no need to rush it mate.

You can get a really good deal (it does still happen you know) or you can get stuck with a right PIG.

If it doesn't feel right, then there's a better than 50/50 chance it's not!
(not trying to put you off)

This club has World's of experience when it comes to Mk1's, so if your not sure ASK!!!!  

Before I forget, if you do get one, you won't regret it.  
Good luck mate.  

Mines for sale mechanically good just let down on paint on one door, just going for an mot so it's got a fresh 12 months on it, if your interested give me a shout.

Alex88 said

Try looking on the classic car websites i found them alot better in my search and i managed to find a near mint 91 clipper with 44k on the clock for £2900 but i think that was just lucky hope your search is going well!!!

x2 - register your details on this website as they seem to come up quite regularly - this one earlier this week:
http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page/198713/1989-vw-golf/?utm_source=classic_email_alerts&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=classic_cars_for_sale

Hi

If you are still looking I am selling the below which might fit your bill.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330929124807?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Regards

rolyberkin