Advice on buying my first MK4

[Jarrad]

Hey all, i was wondering if i could get some advice on a car i was looking into buying

2000 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 4th Gen GL - Carsales

After talking to David (the seller) i have learned he is the second owner and has had the timing belt replaced at 100,000kms.
The car is mechanically sound and there are no physical defects (according to him). He also said that it has been regularly serviced except the logbooks are not up to date.
Just wondering what your opinions on buying this would be.
(If i did buy it i would change the wheels to some Aristos or something)

[governor22]

get an inspection--NRMA certified garage usually do good job.

on a golf that age, you might want to check the bushes and control arms are OK, maybe the shocks and struts as well... ask him what he's been filling it up with.

also take it for a drive--do all the electronics work OK ? (electric windows might be on the way out...). also ask him last time battery was replaced

[Jarrad]

Yeah will do, there is also another 2001 1.6 for 6500 but the passenger door lock is broken and needs to be opened from the inside. I'm guessing a lock fix would be expensive?

[JustCruisn]

Timing belt will need to be done again soon. It should be done every 90,000km or 4 years. So only 3000km to go.

It looks like the suspension has been lowered too. You should check this out. What springs are in there, what shocks, how long ago was it done.
Lowered suspension may affect you insurance bill, or even you license for P platers, check that out too.

2nd to getting an inspection.
Make sure you drive it for a while on different roads, turn off the radio or even put the windows down, what can you hear ?

[Stan]

these cars are around 10 years old now, so may be starting to show signs of that.

Drive slowly in a tight circle and then change direction and go the other way - if it clunks you are up for CV joints
Look for leaks, rust, engine smoothness, that everything works, etc.

Importantly, also look for the spec of car your are after - dont go putting a GTI motor in a 1.6 ...(hah ha), as it will cost more in the end than buying it in the first place.

Get that inspection done - it might not be a deal breaker, but it's nice to know what you are up against and a good point to bargain from.

If the seller doesnt like this, then you are likely to be looking at the wrong car.

[craig_the_german]

Hi all,
Being a 1.6 manual, check and double check the gearbox particularly reverse gear. If it goes tick tick in reverse, steer well clear of it as this is the achillies heal of the car.