Pre-Purchase Advice

[Barracuda]

Hey Guys,

I was wondering if anyone could give me a little advice on a 1998 Mk3 Golf CL 1.8 that I'm thinking of purchasing to 'do-up' a little and use as a run-about car. Just a hobby project, really.

I don't know a single think about Golf's from this time, so any advice would be much appreciated.

Here's the link to the car.

I'm going to go and have a look at it tomorrow and take it for a test drive. I know it's unusually cheap and that may ring alarm bells, but I've purchased the CarFacts report and confirmed that it hasn't been written-off, stolen or had the odometer wound-back.

Because it's so cheap, I'll be going over it with a fine-toothed comb to make sure there isn't anything seriously wrong with it.

Seeing as you guys know these Mk3 Golf's back-to-front, is there anything you think that I should watch out for with this model? In other words, any known issues to look out for?

Thanks in advance for your help, Guys.

- Barracuda

[drucejnr]

Typically, no, there should hardly be a problem with it if the car has been properly maintained and serviced over the years (as expected) but damn, that is a serious bargain! Air-con as well!

When I bought mine, just over 4 months ago now, all it needed was a major service (hadn't had one in years and they're surprisingly cheap if you know the right people), new tyres and suspension. Everything else works fine and dandy!

good luck with it though if you do end up buying it!

[Dubba]

I still don't understand the point of a cl when you can buy a vr6 for a tiny bit more. Is the difference in fuel economy really that big?

[Barracuda]

I still don't understand the point of a cl when you can buy a vr6 for a tiny bit more. Is the difference in fuel economy really that big?

I see what you mean. I just can't seem to find a VR6 for around the same price / $1000 mark. I'm not too concerned about performance, after all, my main ride is a 77TSI Polo. Haha

I'm happy with the CL at this stage.

[Barracuda]

Typically, no, there should hardly be a problem with it if the car has been properly maintained and serviced over the years (as expected) but damn, that is a serious bargain! Air-con as well!

When I bought mine, just over 4 months ago now, all it needed was a major service (hadn't had one in years and they're surprisingly cheap if you know the right people), new tyres and suspension. Everything else works fine and dandy!

good luck with it though if you do end up buying it!

Thanks heaps, Drucejnr! Much appreciated!

[drucejnr]

no worries man! just out of interest, where in Sydney do you reside? (inner west, CBD, etc?)

[Barracuda]

no worries man! just out of interest, where in Sydney do you reside? (inner west, CBD, etc?)

North Shore, Budd!

[mb1907953]

I still don't understand the point of a cl when you can buy a vr6 for a tiny bit more. Is the difference in fuel economy really that big?

Come on Dubba! Price difference is like 4 grand if you want a half decent VR6 and even then there will be a heap more to spend on mechanics. And yes, fuel economy is a big thing I reckon. im only getting 350kms per tank compared to the CLs and GLs which do like 500-600?? Thats alot of money over even a few weeks.

[drucejnr]

Sweet! well I'm sure one of the fellow north shore forum members can direct you to a trusted mechanic!

[Barracuda]

Sweet! well I'm sure one of the fellow north shore forum members can direct you to a trusted mechanic!

That would be great! I'm thinking the first thing I should do (if it hasn't been done recently) is drain the oil, flush the engine and fill with fresh oil?

I have basic knowledge; but I'm no expert, so any advice with regards to this area is much appreciated!

Thanks for all the help, Guys!

[mb1907953]

That would be great! I'm thinking the first thing I should do (if it hasn't been done recently) is drain the oil, flush the engine and fill with fresh oil?

I have basic knowledge; but I'm no expert, so any advice with regards to this area is much appreciated!

Thanks for all the help, Guys!

And a Fuel Filter And do a good coolant flush. Check sparkies/ leads and whatnot but if you're tight for money and its running ok then they arent vital.

EDIT: Meant oil filter** But Fuel filter couldnt hurt either.

[drucejnr]

I'd suggest a coolant flush, oil change (new filter if necessary), timing chains if need be, get all your seals checked, spark plugs done, make sure the heater is working (otherwise you can always get that fixed later on), check if engine mounts are all good, check clutch (if there's a problem), definitely check the suspension!!! I'd say mine has been running on just springs for about the last ~5 years;I just replaced the springs and shocks over the weekend and the old shocks had NO fluid or resistance to them at all! Also do the bushes and bearings in your strut towers while you're at it and the car should be pretty sweet!

[Mk3 AAA]

Those autos are a POS (IMHO) so make sure it shifts smoothly, and takes off from the word go.

[anthony--t]

Pre-Purchase Advice

My concern would be for the automatic box. If it feels alright though it's quite cheap. Looks fairly tidy.

[Barracuda]

Thanks for all the advice, Guys! Yeah, the auto box was a concern; however, if it drives nice, I can only hope that it's okay. If I end up purchasing the car (If I do, it will be tomorrow) I'll be sure to upload some pictures.

I'll definitely check all the vitals. What kind of oil should I be using? Any recommendations for coolant? Also, does anyone know what kind of Automatic Transmission Fluid I should use?

Sorry for the influx of questions, I'm just planning ahead!

Thanks guys!