MK1 GTI ON EBAY

Hi All.
Just seen a Mk1 gti on Ebay for sale, it looks pretty good!! (What do you think) but on the comments the owner says that he has to Push down (as tho going for reserve) to get fifth gear. Any clues as to what maybe the problem….most important would it cost alot to fix??? Any info would be appreciated….TC

The fact that he says that it does go into 5th, and that there's no crunching probably (but not definitely) means that the gearbox is ok and it's more likely the gear linkage is out of alignment or worn.

Looks and sounds ok from the eBay listing, but there's no substitute for a look underneath, and a listen to the engine…

TC - u didn't put a link in but I know the one you are talking about! When I did some parts of my gear linkage I had a similar problem - from memory it was some sort of mis-alignment meaning the metal tab that stops you going in to reverse without pushing down was also stopping me getting other gears - it was an easy fix.

I did e-mail the seller yesterday for more info - in particular it looks like the panel gap between top of offside wing and bonnet is out. He said he doesn't know that it's been in a smash, or not as far as he is aware. I asked him to reconfirm if the panel gap is out or not - he hasn't responded to that request yet. I also asked for pics of the interior and engine bay but he said struggling to get the attachments through so will see what happens.

Hi Hairyarse (again).
Thanks for that….being all black I did'nt notice about the panel……I asked him also what the price was in the paper he is advertising it in…..he said he wanted 1k or make him an offer!!! I know you should not take anything for granted but it doesnt look to bad…I'm thinking about it.
TC (sorry for delay….been working).

Yup, overall doesn't look too bad - it does make me wonder tho when someone ads a car for sale and can't be arsed to clean it!!

It does look like it has had a little bit of messing with.  The body looks too good to be original, especially with the panel gap and it has an early style steering wheel.  Isn't ?1000 a bit cheap for a gti that is described that well?