advice needed

hi everybody,brand new member not sure of how things work?so i will just put my first post up and see how we go ?
i have just been offered a j-reg golf gti convertable,not really sure what i should be paying for it ?so i thought if i put a description on the forum so some of the members if they dont mind could advise me on the model of the car and what it is worth?the vehicle is a golf gti 8 valve convertable,i have been told there was only 2000 of this model made and only 200 sent to the uk.the model i have been told it is ,is a revarge with a karman body kit and 15 inch alloys all as factory standard . not sure what the colour is called it is a dark blue metalic with a black vinyl roof.the car also has heated seats and electric roof,the vehicle has done 130,000 miles and has full vw service history and all previous mots.this car is in mint condition inside and out,the only thing holding me back from buying it is a total lack of knowledge of this model and no idea of what its worth ,i would be very grateful for any advise or help with this matter.thanks burns gti

BUY IT! you wont look back!.

seriously sounds a very nice model and worth loads. You will have one of the later great models of cabrios with power hood. etc.. If you pay less then a grand for it then its deff a investment.

Condition is critical on price. If its in show room condition then you will pay hard cash for it. But if your like me and lots of other here and not scared to takle the od problems that you will find, this car is for you. Keep you busy for hours.  Realibilty is good as the car is kept like any other.
On the other hand the driving and pleasure you will get also. Parts aint too bad to get hold of, ebay for the odd part you cant get from the normal sources. Always parts here on this forum too.

If the condition is great, and the price is good then why not. Somthing different to drive than the boring cars you could buy.

Pictures would be great, if you can. Also look for problems when you veiw the car.
Wet carpets
Rusty Fuel filler neck
Burning oil, blue smoke when running. also ticking over for a while flick the throttle and look for a puff of blue smoke.
Bad idle - note the rev counter
look up in under the rear arches behind the clipper bumper.The rear wheels kick up stones and may rust out the rear valence.
Oil loss, coolant loss in the engine bay
over slopy gearchange - worn linkage bushes.
bounce the rear and front of the car so see if the suspension is worn.
top mounts - Check for gap in the rubber and metal top, if you can get your thumb there they are worn.
Any cracks in the engin bay area.

Just a list to look for when buying a great car. If the previous owner want to sell it, ask why.

Hope that helps a little.
And if you get some Pics , please share with us
Andy

A Mk 1 of that spec/age would be my ideal find!  If it has no serious problems and they are asking ?2000 or less then I would tear the vendor's arm off.  If it is in as good a condition as you say then IMO it's worth more.  It sounds similar to Walt's model, see this thread in chat:

http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1561&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=rivage&start=20

If you're prepared to give it a bit of TLC now and then I'm sure you won't look back 8)

Ian

Before you buy check out Prowlers Cabriolet Buying Guide on the Forum.

Do a search on Prowler and cabriolet and it will be the first response. Print it off and sleep with it your your pillow until you know it back to front….. or take it with you when you look at a motor!!!

Dan

yup agree prowlers guide is well worth reading. great guide

http://www.vwgolfmk1.info/main/Buyingacab.pdf

some rep turned up at my work in one. *MINT COND* she had it for 7 years from new. Well sought after. Read the Guide and then buy it. If its a shed, still buy it and bring it back to showroom yourself. have fun!!!

thanks for everybodys response i went and did it its mine i will post some pictures as soon as i get chance thanks burns gti. :wink:

Have finally got some pictures together, as you can see, I'm no David Bailey!!!!!
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/kevgem1/golf2noplates.jpg

I have a 1990 with 157000 and it's sweet as a nut, It has a very complete history file. So at 130 000 your one is just worn in!!!!!!

Seriously if its been looked after which is looks that way, and the price suits your pocket go for it, great fun to drive and load of character.

Check behind the bumpers as they do hide allot, oil leaks from the rocker cover and sump gasket are common and easily fixed. the roof looks good ,which can cost allot to sort if not.

I used Prowlers guide when buying mine and it helped me feel confident that I bought a goodun…looked at a few and they range from good, bad and downright jokes.

Good luck

Rob