Drove a GTI today....bit clunky in the gear change.

[AUC-05L]

nSo i'm in the market for a 9n3 GTI and took one for a test drive today....the car was a repairable write off. looked good but i'm abit un easy about buying a repairable write off....had full service history, 45k on the clock. Not sure if it was just me but the gear shifts felt a bit "cluncky" not as clean as i was expecting and the car did lurch a bit during shifts....is this a polo gti thing?

it did have very descent poke for a little car so i cant wait to own one.....just not sure about this one.

anything I should look out for specifically when buying one?

[noone]

I think a dodgy gearbox is one to steer clear of, from memory if they get problematic, can be quite expensive to get right. Maybe best to talk to your local VW specialist, maybe take it to them if you can.

[VW Convert]

nSo i'm in the market for a 9n3 GTI and took one for a test drive today....the car was a repairable write off. looked good but i'm abit un easy about buying a repairable write off....had full service history, 45k on the clock. Not sure if it was just me but the gear shifts felt a bit "cluncky" not as clean as i was expecting and the car did lurch a bit during shifts....is this a polo gti thing?

it did have very descent poke for a little car so i cant wait to own one.....just not sure about this one.

anything I should look out for specifically when buying one?

Food for thought in case you are not aware, the NSW government changed the rules regarding repairable write offs earlier this year, extract and link below. You have to go through some hoops to re-register such cars these days, as I read it you have to get RTA authorisation first.

Written-off vehicle reforms 2011


Changes to the management of written-off vehicles in NSW

On 31 January 2011, the New South Wales Government introduced laws which aim to improve road safety and consumer protection, and clamp down on vehicle theft, re-birthing and related crime.

Vehicles written-off from 1 February 2011 are classified as statutory (non-repairable) write-offs. This means they cannot be registered and can only be used for parts or scrap metal.

What is a written-off vehicle?
A written-off vehicle is a vehicle that has undergone a damage assessment and been reported to the Written-off Vehicle Register (WOVR).

What types of vehicles do the laws apply to?
The laws apply to NSW light vehicles, including cars, trailers, caravans and motorcycles.

A light vehicle is a registrable vehicle that is 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM) or less.

Will any vehicles written-off from 1 February 2011 be able to be registered?
Applications to repair and register a written-off vehicle will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
An eligible person can apply to the RTA for an authorisation to repair if the vehicle is:

In an exempt vehicle category,
Able to be repaired to legislated vehicle safety standards.
What are the exempt vehicle categories?
See 'Exemptions' for details.

If the RTA gives me an Authorisation to Repair my written-off vehicle, what happens next?
The vehicle must be repaired according to the standards in the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2007. You will need to have the repairs certified by a licensed motor vehicle repairer and the vehicle must pass two inspections before you can apply for registration

[AUC-05L]

yeah he told me about the new laws, has reciepts for all the repairs and it is currently registered and all numbers match up on the rego papers with the car....i think i'll drive another one and see if it changes gears different.....might be my driving you never know.

[kaanage]

the gear shifts felt a bit "cluncky" not as clean as i was expecting and the car did lurch a bit during shifts

Maybe it needs a new dogbone mount?

[kangfu]

As cheap as this car may be i would never buy a car with a history of damage just for the peace of mind. Save up longer if you have to, or find another car. Not worth it if you ask me.

[flat6]

I got a new 9n with 13k on the clock, it can be a little clunky on cold mornings, even when de-clutching lightly, but it may be different in your case due to damage.

Gearbox issues was a big thing on earlier models like the 05 - 06 models

[AUC-05L]

As cheap as this car may be i would never buy a car with a history of damage just for the peace of mind. Save up longer if you have to, or find another car. Not worth it if you ask me.

Yeah I hear you. Its not that cheap....polo prices seem to vary a fair bit. Just called up about another one....also had a knock up the front....not even going to bother seeing it. Search goes on.

[nightphotographer]

I bought a repairable write-off - without even knowing. I was new to the country, didn't know about the checks and even had my dad hear with 30 years experience as a professional mechanic and still got caught out. Hail Damage. Inspected in sunlight (yes I'm a noob) and wasn't until I saw the roof under street light until I noticed it.

Car drives perfectly still, everything is mechanically fine. Funnily enough third gear has been a bit stiff in the morning after getting colder. It was never like that in the summer. I think it's just the oil being cold, as these gear boxes are notorious for faults elsewhere in the world where it's colder.

I'm taking the guy to court over it. Deliberately misled me, no mention of it on the rego transfer etc - will let you know how it goes once I get my hearing date.

[AUC-05L]

good luck mate.....not sure how gti's behave after a small shunt.....i know that once a commodore has a knock its never the same again....always has small irritating vibrations that weren't there before.

[Spec83]

Small plug, I am thinking about selling mine... PM me

[seangti]

What year model and price? Any idea as to what damage was the cause for the write off, cos if it's structural, IMO steer clear. As you said, there's other out there.

As another member said, could be the dog bone mount is flogged, the oil could be passed it's best (or even the wrong oil), or something potentially more costly. Don't yet think the car is a dud, but you need to ask more questions, do more research.

[AUC-05L]

Small plug, I am thinking about selling mine... PM me

Thanks mate but I'm looking for something in NSW for the time being.....will keep you in mind but.

Cheers