Two days ago I sold my Polo. I bought a new macbook so with the money I have saved and the remainder from selling the car I will have no more than £1500 to spend. Ideally I would like a MkII GTi, either 8v or 16v.

Having done some research I think I am right in saying that the things to look out for are: (correct me if I'm wrong please)

-Rust in various places

-Second gear problems

-Cambelt change

I have been looking at getting a small bumper model, however these seem quite rare, so have come to terms with the fact I may have to get a big bumper model.

I have a few questions I hope some of you may be able to answer:

A few Golfs I have looked at have had an engine change to a 2.0l 16v, or 2.0l 8v. What cars are these usually from? Is the 2.0l 8v normally acquired from the Corrado, and 16v likewise?

If the engine has been replaced, does the standard 1.8l 8v or 16v gearbox usually run well with the different engine? You will have to excuse my lack of technical car knowledge, but I always thought that if the engine was bigger/had more power, then the gearbox, brakes, etc. would have to be changed to accommodate for the power increase?

What should I realistically expect for £1500? As I understand it, the price of MkII's has always been relatively high compared to similar cars of the same era. Am I looking at getting an old rusty runaround, or can I expect a bit more?

What was the standard spec of the GTi? P.A.S., Electric windows/mirrors, Airbags, BBS RA's as standard, A/C?

Are Edition38 prices bumped up because they genuinely are well looked after, or is it a place for opportunists to make money?

Last but not least...anyone have one for sale?!

Thank you in advance for any help and advice,

Andrew.

thought about a mk3 abf? youl get a tidy 16v for 1500

thought about a mk3 abf? youl get a tidy 16v for 1500

I have, yes. Yet to find one that takes my fancy to be honest! I do prefer the Mk2, but if a really nice Mk3 came up I probably would go for it. I'm guessing they are more refined than the Mk2. Are they less or more prone to rust?

The 2.0 16v engines will either be 9A from rado or ABF from mk3 gti, seat ibiza gti/cordoba 16v

Not sure about the 2.0 8v

I've heard the gearboxs from factory on 1.8 16v (kr) are like chocolate but dont quote me on that

As for elitetion38, yes the prices are higher, because the usual buyers are normally naive rich kids with too much bloody money i`d add plenty scene tax if i was to advertise on there

You should get a pretty mint mk2 for 1500

Definately expect something pretty good for £1500 with a nice amount of service history etc, i wouldnt bother with E38, try Pistonheads instead.

As for options, alot of the 90's spec ones have PAS, and thing like e/w, c/l are standard. Mine came with electric sun roof and leather interior as well. You wont find airbags and a/c is silly rare.

Go for the 16v so you dont end up buying an 8v and getting bored after a couple of months. Similarly dont get a Mk3 unless its a VR.

The second gear thing you mention is the 2nd gear 'crunch'. Gearbox kits are around £70, I'm about to do mine as their is alot of play in the gearstick.

Engine conversion wise, people use the 9A 2.0 16v bottom end out of a passat/rado as you can use the KR head,cams (If you can find ABF cams they are abit more aggressive) and gearbox to make a nice revvy engine, most conversions run about 160-170bhp when matched with a good exhaust, filter etc. Oh and brakes on 16vs after 1987 have 256mm on the front and 218mm on the back which is plenty. You can get 280mm on the front using G60 or Ibiza GTi calipers/carriers.

Rust is all dependent on previous owners, mine only has rust on the bonnet, mates have had is under the rear lights. The big issue is if you see any bubbling coming from the plastic arches more the likely there is plenty of rust behind the bodykit, but its covered anyway.

Mods and parts are plentyful as the Mk2 market is HUGE.

Buyers Guide: http://www.matey-matey.com/golf_buying_guide.shtml

The main thing is to judge the car on bodywork and service history, engines are dirt cheap but bodyshop work isnt. The 2.0 engine conversion costs £500-£600 if you buy and do everything so dont get exited over a doggy car with a 2.0 engine.

Anything else?

^^ show off

Oh you can use the 6A bottom end as well for 2.0 16v conversions.

Yeah I'm showing off

Excellent, thank you all for the replies.

The engine information is quite interesting. I am seeing more and more Mk2s with conversions, so will have to keep refreshing pistonheads until I find one I like the look of! Think I will be steering well clear of Ed38 in that case. They do seem well looked after, and it is always good to see the build threads I suppose, but at the same time I don't think I will paying this so-called 'scene tax' for a car I could get cheaper elsewhere!

Kerrly, that is some knowledge you have there! Thank you! I feel as if I have gone back to school learning all this new information, but in a good way, of corse! Think I will definitely be going for the 16v with the extras. I have dreamt of owning a VR6 for a long time. My mum used to own a very low mileage one when I was 17, I asked her to keep for it me for a couple of years, but she sold it :( I think you are right, in that, having been in a VR6, I will find myself disappointed with a lower spec. Of corse there is always the opportunity for a Mk2 VR6, but they seem a bit out of my price range.

I've been looking for a buyers guide, don't know how I didn't find that before. Seems like a very good guide, I'll have a read over it.

Thanks again.

Edited 12 January, 200917 yr by furby

theres a mk2 vr for 1700 on E38, needs abit of cosmetic work iirc

theres a mk2 vr for 1700 on E38, needs abit of cosmetic work iirc

Was that the matt green one? If so, I was quite tempted by that, unfortunately with University work and other commitments I have no time to get anything sorted, ever! As soon as I saw the chrome bumpers I was very tempted, but really just need something that is ready to drive! Thank you for the suggestion though

theres a mk2 vr for 1700 on E38, needs abit of cosmetic work iirc

If thats Boo's i wouldnt touch that as see knows fuck all about that engine, hasnt had the required and very expensive servicing for an engine with that amount of miles on it.

ah fair enough, expencive due to the chains etc?

Allsorts of jobs on VR6 engines are very labour intensive so cost ££££££.

As she didnt put the engine in she doesnt know what (If any) jobs were done, and has since only done oil changes.

chains, tensioners etc cost loads.

VR6 chains/tensioners are only expensive if you pay someone to do it. The kit is under £150...

Not the easiest job though