Clocking!

[gordymatt]

Is there much of this going on over here......

Apart from the obvious 'digits' not in a straight line, what else is there to look out for?

Also, a free service to check if vehicle written off? Bad accident? Finance owing etc etc...Is there a service here in OZ?

Cheers boys

[Golf Loon]

Very hard to tell on a car as old as a Mk1 mate.

Also there is no federal system of car registrations. All the states do it themselves and they dont all share info with each other.

Also with the constant re-issuing of numberplates its harder to keep track of which car is which.

Surely ks is not at the top of a list when looking at a Mk1? I am looking for rust and accident damage.

Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) is the system for NSW, its still not foolproof, doesnt always show repairable writeoffs from interstate.

There is talk of a federal system, but nothing yet.

They should though IMO, would do away with car rebirthing at a stroke.

[gordymatt]

Very hard to tell on a car as old as a Mk1 mate.

Also there is no federal system of car registrations. All the states do it themselves and they dont all share info with each other.

Also with the constant re-issuing of numberplates its harder to keep track of which car is which.

Surely ks is not at the top of a list when looking at a Mk1? I am looking for rust and accident damage.

Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) is the system for NSW, its still not foolproof, doesnt always show repairable writeoffs from interstate.

There is talk of a federal system, but nothing yet.

They should though IMO, would do away with car rebirthing at a stroke.

Thanks for this. I assume that even if a 'revs' check is done and it show's no Incumberances etc there is still the possibility it has been an Insurance write off? If I get an NRMA Inspection done prior to purchase, should this give me more peace of mind? Is an NRMA check in NSW the best way forward?

[gldgti]

an NRMA inspection will probably tell you didly squat, as they generally can't tell the difference between chalk and cheese... let alone 30 year old cheese.

your best bet when buying a mk1 is to have a mk1 enthusiast with you, someone thats owned a few or that has rebuilt 1. pretty much all mk1's have the same problems, and they arent the kind of problems that afflict 'normal' cars.... if a mk1 is in a big smash, its totalled, and theres no way you wouldnt be able to tell. likewise, small damage is usually not serious - a new door here, panel there, no biggie.

as far as km's go - well thats really a joke. such ease of engine replacement and so many options means half the mk1's out there dont have the original engine, gearbox, etc. really, the only time any of the stuff you've talked about comes into play is if your looking at a car thats in perfect condition (very rare) or a 'genuine' GTI.

[gordymatt]

an NRMA inspection will probably tell you didly squat, as they generally can't tell the difference between chalk and cheese... let alone 30 year old cheese.

your best bet when buying a mk1 is to have a mk1 enthusiast with you, someone thats owned a few or that has rebuilt 1. pretty much all mk1's have the same problems, and they arent the kind of problems that afflict 'normal' cars.... if a mk1 is in a big smash, its totalled, and theres no way you wouldnt be able to tell. likewise, small damage is usually not serious - a new door here, panel there, no biggie.

as far as km's go - well thats really a joke. such ease of engine replacement and so many options means half the mk1's out there dont have the original engine, gearbox, etc. really, the only time any of the stuff you've talked about comes into play is if your looking at a car thats in perfect condition (very rare) or a 'genuine' GTI.

Thanks for that. Is there a Mk I golf enthusiast who would like to check out a vehicle I am very Interested in buying to tell me if it's worth it or not? There is beer or cash or both available to the kind person who says yes!

Vehicle is based near Parramatta Rd - Inner West Sydney.

[Peter Jones]

The 'mileage' on a MK1 doesn't really tell you much.

I have a '70 GLD in my driveway at the moment with 543,000 km on it and it's in incredible condition.

• The original dash is uncracked!
• All the seats are in good order
• The vent windows all work
• The scrapers are all perfect
• very little rust

I've seen others with only 100,00 km on them that were rusty beyond repair.

Pete

[Jarred]

My GLD went from having 180K kms, to over 315K kms, cause the odo broke, and using a replacement unit was the easiest fix. Could also work in reverse.

Have to say, milage is one of the last things I look for in a old golf.

[Brisben]

There are other tell tale signs to see if mileage is genuine, after 150k it isn't worth worrying about.

Although if it suggests low mileage, look at the drivers seat bolster for wear or tears, look at the steering wheel and pedals for wear along with indicator and light storks.

A good rust free base is what you want, then you can put new engines and whatever you like to it, but if the car is battered and rusty, well you on to a loser from the start.

[gldgti]

Thanks for that. Is there a Mk I golf enthusiast who would like to check out a vehicle I am very Interested in buying to tell me if it's worth it or not? There is beer or cash or both available to the kind person who says yes!

Vehicle is based near Parramatta Rd - Inner West Sydney.

if its late afternoon during the week i could give you a hand. pm me.

[Golf Loon]

Thanks for this. I assume that even if a 'revs' check is done and it show's no Incumberances etc there is still the possibility it has been an Insurance write off? If I get an NRMA Inspection done prior to purchase, should this give me more peace of mind? Is an NRMA check in NSW the best way forward?

NRMA dont do the inspections any more, the subcontract it out.
Also they generally know less than nothing about VWs, especially old ones.

The REVS free check will show if its a write off or if finance is owing, you will neeed the VIN, engine number and Number Plate. It wont protect you unless you purchase a certificate.

What car are you talking about?? There are not that many, I or someone on here may know the vehicle.

Also a repaired writeoff is not always a bad bet, lots of european stuff gets written off for trivial accidents and can be easily repaired. Worth being aware though and often repaired cars are hard to sell and go for less money.

[DubSteve]

There is talk of a federal system, but nothing yet.

I worked on this system 3 years ago when I worked at REVS it was in the pipeline but a long way from completion.

[dubai gti]

Having bought my 1st Mk1 last week (an unseen ebay purchase too !!!) I did what I would do with any car:
-Check all corners of the car internally, to see if there has been any shunts.
-drive and give it heaps !
-check for oil in the water and vica-verca.
-prioritize the condition of the body over the mechs. you can easily fix mecs. yourself and to a profess. std, as oppossed to straightening chassis/ panelbeating and painting.
-check out all the numbers. Mine, being an English import, was nice and easy, as all the numbers matched and they was a Australian Import compliance plate proudly displayed, dated 1995.
-be open minded to walk away. In my case, if the car didn't match the ebay description, I would have said 'thanks, but no thanks'


and yes the car made it home from Torquay to Melbourne, without any problems and a 'surf town' RWC....need I say more..................