Hi everyone, how pratical is a Mk1 ?

Hi everyone,

My name is Adrian, and after stumbling across an advert in autotrader for a MK1 Golf GTi i'm seriously thinking about getting one.

I travel about 6 miles to work every day, down a windy back road, so thought it would be ace driving a MK1 everyday I'm wondering whether it would get me to work 99% of the time though being over 20 years old? I'm used to old cars so i'm not worried about getting my hands dirty or bouncing about all over the place, more the reliability side of it?

I saw a really nice black one in the autotrader for about ?2300, would this be a good solid useable car? I want something which is nice and useable, but not too nice that I will feel guilty about using it everyday all weathers..

Thanks in advanced guys,

Adrian

PS - Anyone know of any laser green GTi's going within reasonable traveling distance to Northampton?

If you were going to spend that kind of money you should get a very useable example that is very reliable specially with the limited commute

P.S. You will be looknig for Lhasa green not laser

Lhasa green, coool! Is Lhasa green Campaign only colour?

Thanks for the info, unfortunately I can't really afford to run two cars, but did fancy one, I thought because it's German built and designed it should be perfectly reliable and practical even after 20 years if properly maintained 8)  

Maybe on my budget I should just find a sound car any colour? :dontknow:

Welcome.

As said, for the money you have to spend, you should get a decent motor.  Keep on top of the maintenance and dont ignore any warning signs and you should be ok.
Personally, for a daily driver, I would be looking at a slightly lower price and seeking a car that is in a sound and honest condition, with signs of being used in daily life.  Chances are if you buy a nice shiny low mileage car is will be rarely used.

Lhasa green is not exclusive to the camaign :wink:

All cars can be tempremental.. The bloke over the road from me keeps going on about his BMW.. but he's hadd the AA out 3 times in as many months!!!!

an older car can be just as reliable as a newer one, just depends on how its been used…
One with low mileage and in amazing condition will behave that way, it'll be scared of the rain, get a good one thats been used, just make sure its been looked after, service history etc and just make sure you keep on top of it, regular service and oil changes etc will ensure it runs on and on and on
Take my caddy van for example, Just turned to 170k on the clock, but full history, used every other day and i have no issues..

(plus with old cars, you can insure it as a classic, much cheaper insurance then)

Welcome to the site, and good luck in getting the right car

Many thanks for that To be honest I have a lot of respect for any classic car, so the one I will buy will have plenty of miles on it and not be a total minter (useable condition), as I wouldn't want to be responsible for wrecking it! Beside I would probably get guilt pangs after a couple of months and end up garaging it and never using it…..

Thanks for all your input guys I appreciate it. 8)

Agree completely with Lawsy - don't need to make a fuss over it, just give it regular services and don't neglect problems when the signs start to show, as with any car!
Lots of us use them as daily drivers all year round with no more trouble than any other car…
Just go and buy one…you know it makes sense!

Hi mate,

Welcome.  I bought a Lhasa green GTi a couple of months ago, paid around 2k for mine.  Its a great car, has done 115k miles and has very good interior and mechanics.  I'm in the process of dolling up all the bodywork at the moment as it has a bit of wear and tear, but like you i have no garage and just wanted a car i could drive and enjoy.  Go for it!!!

All the best

Mate

All the posts from the guys are bang on!  As a suggestion just drive one - it may put an end to doubts - it did for me - and now one has turned to three!

Many many thanks guys I really appreciate all the supportive comments

The 'sensible old man in me' is saying, don't do it, you'll never get to work!!

But they're cool, and if you lot think they're reliable enough I will go for it, what the hell!!