Help Need by potential MK1 owner

HELP needed.

Since I passed my driving test i've always wanted a Mk1 cabriolets. Now 19yrs later I find myself with the motivation and more importantly the cash to actually buy one.

I have been looking at the prices of second hand Gti's and clipper's on Aototrader and generally the asking prices are way above the prices stated by parkers car guide.

Is this to be expected?

After having test driven a number of not too pristene used GTI's I discovered an absoloute gem of a 1.8 clipper in a local garage at the weekend.

It is in imaculate condition and still has the original vinyl roof and hardly a mark on it. It also apears not to have been modified an any way which really appeals to me.

The car is a 1993K with 80,000 miles on the clock with an excellent service history with all but one carried out at a local VW/AUDI garage.

The car has been sitting at the back of the owners garage for the last year so once he has it MOT'd I am going back for a test drive.

Now the bad news.

Depending on what the MOT flags up he is looking for something in the region of ?3700. Parkers have this car valued at ?2570 so that quite a difference.

Ubviously depending on an outstanding performance on the test drive is this a fair price for a mint condition clipper or am I being ripped off.

Any comments on potential problems casued by the car having being off the road for a year would also be welcome.

Thanking you in advance


Neil

Firstly, welcome aboard.  
There is an excellent buying guide on this site see http://www.vwgolfmk1.info/main/Buyingacab.pdf

Make sure you read it and take a copy when you go for your test drive.  It may look mint on the surface but what's the bits you cant see like?  If you are considering paying this much for a cabby then it must be in VERY good condition.  Cabriolet buying is generally a seasonal thing and with the recent weather the seller will ride on this a bit.
It may be worth the extra and getting an independant vehilce inspection,  at least a little peace of mind and may throw up work needed to be done.  Always a good haggleing point.  
Also it may be worth looking in the for sale section here.  You'll generaly find enthusiasts cars are of much better quality and they're more likely to be honest with you.
Anyway good luck with what you decide.

Lots of great advice thanks very much

Neil,

That's too much for an 80K clipper imo - I'd say ?3000 tops if it is an absolute minter, all receipts, bill of sale, FSH, 12months Mot & Tax, full tank of fuel and a big kiss on the lips - i.e it's gotta be good.

Never painted, bumped etc

Cheers

Rich

Thanks Rich

Good advice, might forgo the kiss as the guyd got a big bushy beard!!

Neil