Golf on Auto Trader
Discussion
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Just lookin to hear a few opinions about this model of car and the chosen engine (1.6 petrol) and anyone's person experience.
Keeping in mind this will be my first car, I understand the insurance won't be the cheapest (about 1.3k) and the mpg will be poor (probably about 25-30 for the frequent short journeys I'll be doing) but I think this could be a good option and hopefully reliable.
Is the golf a decent choice to buy at over 100k and also 13 years old?
Thanks!
Just lookin to hear a few opinions about this model of car and the chosen engine (1.6 petrol) and anyone's person experience.
Keeping in mind this will be my first car, I understand the insurance won't be the cheapest (about 1.3k) and the mpg will be poor (probably about 25-30 for the frequent short journeys I'll be doing) but I think this could be a good option and hopefully reliable.
Is the golf a decent choice to buy at over 100k and also 13 years old?
Thanks!
Hi Josh,
It's a dilemma. It could be a great car, or not! You just cannot tell at that age and mileage.
My feelings are that it may load your insurance premium being a 1.6 (I'm making an assumption that you are (fairly) young with the "first car" bit and the premium that you have quoted.
I'd look at a smaller-engined, newer car, that may cost more, but may cost less to insure.
The positive in all this is that each year (provided you don't have any accidents or convictions), your insurance premium will come down, and within three years or so will actually approach normality.
As for reliability, don't be fooled that VWs are reliable! At that age and mileage you get what you get. In my experience a Rover is likely to be more reliable than a VW!
It's a dilemma. It could be a great car, or not! You just cannot tell at that age and mileage.
My feelings are that it may load your insurance premium being a 1.6 (I'm making an assumption that you are (fairly) young with the "first car" bit and the premium that you have quoted.
I'd look at a smaller-engined, newer car, that may cost more, but may cost less to insure.
The positive in all this is that each year (provided you don't have any accidents or convictions), your insurance premium will come down, and within three years or so will actually approach normality.
As for reliability, don't be fooled that VWs are reliable! At that age and mileage you get what you get. In my experience a Rover is likely to be more reliable than a VW!
Personally I would avoid it.
It won't be very reliable, repairs will be expensive, especially electrical related ie ESP or ECU. And they're a heavy car, the 1.6 struggles and is underpowered. You really have to thrash that engine just to keep up with traffic flow.
Better off with a Fiesta for a first car IMO. It should have less issues and will be quicker than a 1.6 Golf.
It won't be very reliable, repairs will be expensive, especially electrical related ie ESP or ECU. And they're a heavy car, the 1.6 struggles and is underpowered. You really have to thrash that engine just to keep up with traffic flow.
Better off with a Fiesta for a first car IMO. It should have less issues and will be quicker than a 1.6 Golf.
Golf or Polo of this vintage = a great first car due to being so well made they are still up and together at this age/price range.
A Polo 1.4 is nicer to drive and might be cheaper on insurance (the mk4 Golfs are a bit of a boat to drive, but nicer inside than same age Polo).
That's quite low mileage for its age, if its got history to back up the miles it could/should be fine. Highest mileage Golf I've had was close to 200k miles with FSH and it was still a decent driving car.
Check rear suspension bushes on test drive, if it makes a bang/clonk from the rear when you go over potholes/speed bumps/drain covers don't buy it as its a horrible job on an old mk4 Golf.
Also check all elec windows and c/locking works, lots of mk4 Golf's have problems with door electrics and it can be a pain to fix windows/central locking if its the canbus.
A Polo 1.4 is nicer to drive and might be cheaper on insurance (the mk4 Golfs are a bit of a boat to drive, but nicer inside than same age Polo).
That's quite low mileage for its age, if its got history to back up the miles it could/should be fine. Highest mileage Golf I've had was close to 200k miles with FSH and it was still a decent driving car.
Check rear suspension bushes on test drive, if it makes a bang/clonk from the rear when you go over potholes/speed bumps/drain covers don't buy it as its a horrible job on an old mk4 Golf.
Also check all elec windows and c/locking works, lots of mk4 Golf's have problems with door electrics and it can be a pain to fix windows/central locking if its the canbus.
Paradaxos said:
Exactly the sort of thing that a first car should be. Not like that other chap with £15k to spend on a brand new astra or something.
I agree. Both for "this kind of thing" in general, and even this specific car - not a recommendation but based on the ad I would definitely view it if I wanted something like that. Long MoT, 2 keys, new clutch, worth a look.Trailhead said:
Personally I would avoid it.
And they're a heavy car, the 1.6 struggles and is underpowered. You really have to thrash that engine just to keep up with traffic flow.
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Rubbish having owned/driven dozens of these horrible mk4 Golf's the 1.6 is not underpowered and can easily keep up with traffic (with 100 bhp 16v its hardly a road rocket but still perfectly adequate)And they're a heavy car, the 1.6 struggles and is underpowered. You really have to thrash that engine just to keep up with traffic flow.
.
Looks perfect for a first and looks in great condition. Don't worry about people saying they are unreliable, at £1200 that is always a risk and frankly your first car shouldn't be too reliable because learning to drive around small problems is part of the learning curve.
Check the insurance and if it's ok then I say go for it! Good luck
Check the insurance and if it's ok then I say go for it! Good luck
Mk IV is a perfect first car.
Mine was a '00 1.4 3-Door (I still have it)
It's slow, You need to take a run at hills and overtaking. Perfectly acceptable around town though.
Only needed a new cat and lambda in the 18months I'v had it.
And I can just about get 40mpg out of it if I try.
They really are a comfortable car and nice to drive for what it is.
Mine was a '00 1.4 3-Door (I still have it)
It's slow, You need to take a run at hills and overtaking. Perfectly acceptable around town though.
Only needed a new cat and lambda in the 18months I'v had it.
And I can just about get 40mpg out of it if I try.
They really are a comfortable car and nice to drive for what it is.
Edited by E36Ross on Friday 27th March 00:31
My sister had a 2.0 "GTI" model with the lowly 2.0 petrol engine in it so was GTI by name only!
It was a nice car to sit in with good seats and felt well made. The engine really liked to use oil though but not sure if that was just her one.
I think it'd make a good first car just check the wheel arches for rust particularly the front ones and make sure all the electrics work ok such as central locking. Also, check the windows go up and down ok as that is also an issue with VWs of this vintage.
Maybe it's not your choice of a first car but how about a MK1 Focus for the same money? They are good to drive and in my experience are actually more reliable than the VWs. One such as this with 34000 miles should be a good buy...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
It was a nice car to sit in with good seats and felt well made. The engine really liked to use oil though but not sure if that was just her one.
I think it'd make a good first car just check the wheel arches for rust particularly the front ones and make sure all the electrics work ok such as central locking. Also, check the windows go up and down ok as that is also an issue with VWs of this vintage.
Maybe it's not your choice of a first car but how about a MK1 Focus for the same money? They are good to drive and in my experience are actually more reliable than the VWs. One such as this with 34000 miles should be a good buy...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
+1 for the focus..
I can still remember my first drive of a focus because it felt so 'right'. It really shocked me that Ford, who for no reason I really didn't rate, could make such a good car. Bloody hell, they still look good now!
Suppose if you have a set of spanners it's also a good car to learn some basic diy on
I can still remember my first drive of a focus because it felt so 'right'. It really shocked me that Ford, who for no reason I really didn't rate, could make such a good car. Bloody hell, they still look good now!
Suppose if you have a set of spanners it's also a good car to learn some basic diy on
Thanks for all of your quick responses, appreciate everyone's input. Glad most are agreeing with the potential of this as a first car, and also you mention that mk1 focus, that's my other top choice at the moment but when I saw this golf I couldn't ignore it, I'm going to call tomorrow morning and hopefully go and see it on Saturday so hopefully it's not already sold and isn as good as it looks when I see it. The replaced cambelt and clutch is a huge bonus imo that's one of the big selling points here.
Oh and also if anyone has anything they think I should ask when I ring them up tomorrow then let me know, I'm jjsy going to ask if they have invoices for the clutch and cambelt and ask about the condition of the car and the condition of it mechanically basically.. Oh and its last mot
Josh93 said:
Oh and also if anyone has anything they think I should ask when I ring them up tomorrow then let me know, I'm jjsy going to ask if they have invoices for the clutch and cambelt and ask about the condition of the car and the condition of it mechanically basically.. Oh and its last mot
I'd ask how long they've owned the car - it can weedle out the small time unregistered traders (not that this is necessarily a deal-breaker, but it's good to have all the facts). I'd also ask if they could give you the last MOT test number, which will enable you to check the mileage history over the past few years. I'd also asked when it was last serviced, and if they're genuine owners rather than traders they may have other info on its condition/work done. When you look at it, keep an eye out for paint repairs incl overspray, and check depth of tyres. Always a good sign of good maintenance/care if the tyres are the same brand and not some cheap rubbish.The Golf looks good in the pics. As someone else said, electrics can be a bit iffy on them. However, new consumable parts (e.g. brakes) are very cheap, and there's loads in scrapyards if you need other replacements. Pics can be deceptive, but it looks to be in very good condition. Matching plates and a dealer sticker in the back window too!
I'm not a Ford fan, but the Focus also looks good - worth a look if local to you I'd say.
Whichever car you go for, HPI it before buying. Some people don't bother on cheap cars, but it's worth it for the peace of mind and will also help when you come to sell.
Good luck!
Edited by johnnyBv8 on Friday 27th March 06:40
OP if you're looking to get reasonable insurance premiums, try looking at the oddball choices which your demographic wouldn't normally consider. Premiums are based on claim stats in the main, so for example not many new drivers have crashed an old Jag (many other oddballs are available) but many have pranged Golfs or Fiestas. It's not all about power.
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