Hi,

I have been offered a 1990 G40 Polo in reasonable nick. But as a Golf mk2 and Polo mk2 person I know nothing of what I should look for when going to see it...

What are the common faults/problems? Engine? Charger? bodywork ?Etc Please could someone list what I should know before I go! Also what is the price range with 120k on the clock.

Thanks. Marcus.

If its a 90 then it will be a h plate which makes it rare. Most g40s were j and k plates.

Price would depend on condition, mods, history, owners, colour, mot etc. most h plates were red.

Chargers should be serviced every 40k subject to what mods it has. I would check battery tray most are rotten, petrol tank and filler neck as both metal and prone to rust. Check archers and sills and jacking points. Check for oil leaks. Water pumps and Cambelt should be changed every 60k. Charger belts need changing on a regular basis. Chargers also need regular oil changes so check for this. Also g40s tend to have idling problems when cold and warm.

Keep us updated on whether it is a h plate.

Thanks Elijah,! that is a big help.

It is I now know a J plate not H..

You didn't mention values? does anyone have a guide to what I should pay if its a good solid one???

Depends on history around 2k if rusty with no history 1.5-1.8. If tip yop 2.2-2.8k id say

Values of g40s have gone up recently. Stock examples are always worth more.

Did you go and look at it?

Did you go and look at it?

Trying to get to it!! am promised I can look next weekend. I live in hope....

There is another one on Pistonheads,it looks great but 11 owners(!).Pricey too -or is it reasonable?

Can't tell you if its reasonable without price or specs chap.

11 owners may not be a bad thing, as long as one of them (hopefully a recent one) has splashed on out refurbing tired components and servicing it well.

Factor in your charger as your biggest service cost (put aside 550 max to cover all contingencies) and then just take it as you would do with any other car, bearing in mind they are all 20+ yr old and time is the ultimate enemy for a car.

If your happy spending it, and holding out for that if you sell it (if that day ever comes) then imo, for the right car, you'll pay your top end of your budget.

Good luck on the hunt. I'm not on the hunt for one, thinning my own car flock down, so if you want to PM me any links, I can offer some advise without you having to give your links away to the public (and potential bidders) :)

As Saf said, if the previous owner has spent the money to get the car serviced properly including the charger then all should be well.

That is obviously dependant on mods and how it gets driven.

Really a G40 should be seen as a project these days due to their age, how rare parts are and genuine service items are expensive/difficult to find.

If you have never driven a G40 before and you are going to see a decent one then you'll probably absolutely love it. I did when I first got behind the wheel of a G40. I was hooked on boost!

Good luck in the search.