Buying my first mk1 soon...hopefully

lucky me - i've found a really nice-looking mk1 Lhasa Green Campaign for sale, and i'm after some advice…i can't find a forum that fits the description, but i'm after some first-time buyer advice. The car in question is quite far away from me, so i'd like to minimalise a wasted trip if this car's not for me.

firstly, this is going to be my only car, and i cover about 300 miles per week…is a mk1 going to be able to cope with this? i'm not a boy-racer, but sometimes the temptation gets a bit much, and you have to give it a bit - i guess you'd call me an average male!! i'm hoping to email the current owner with some questions about the car soon, so if you've got any key questions i need to be asking, i'd love to hear them

http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=1

Hope this helps!    Good luck!

ooh, time to get reading! thanks

the car looks generally clean outside, and the interior looks pretty good too. i guess my main concern is whether it will hack the miles i need to get out of it

My missus has been using my cab gti for the past few weeks driving to and from work - 300 miles + a week on motorways and 'A' roads and its never felt better!  Unfortunately, it did die this morning sending plenty of smoke across the A20.  
Don't let that that put you off though.  If you're going to do this type of mileage and you're slightly mechanically minded you shouldn't have any problems.  Just the usual weekly checks will do.  (Because she has had the car I haven't been able to do these checks).

Good luck

unfortunately, i'm not mechanically minded at the moment, but i have the time to invest in learning now (and i was bought a nice big tool chest for my birthday), and i want to be…hence my decision. what sort of weekly checks would you carry out on one?

I normally check the tyres, oil level, coolant level and brake fluid weekly.
Occasionally I check under the bonnet for oil/moisture where it shouldn't be, condition of plugs, condition of leads and hoses, leaking shocks.
When you're driving you can tell if the gearbox/gear linkage/clutch/brakes/suspension is faulty.  Over time you will be able to work out which noises to worry about and which ones not to - there will be plenty.

These are only my checks - I'm not particularly mechanically minded either.  I'm sure someone else here could give you a more detailed list of weekly/monthly checks.

To help you along your way, get a Haynes manual (normally on ebay for a few quid).  This has got a full list of necessary checks required.

Danny

thanks very much Danny. sounds like if i invest time and love into it, a Golf Mk1 would give love back. i'm tired of having a car with no character, y'know?

Sic said

i'm tired of having a car with no character, y'know?

Well said!!!

Welcome aboard

ew said

Sic said

i'm tired of having a car with no character, y'know?

Well said!!!

Welcome aboard

well, i do currently drive an MX5!

*dons flame-retardant jacket*

thanks