MK 2 Golf GTI - inspection required...

[Silver993tt]

Any recommendations for an independent VW garage in Surrey that knows the older Golfs well (MK1 & MK2)?

Looking at buying 1 1986 Golf GTI 8V and need to have it checked over first.

thx.

[ClaphamGT3]

They're pretty basic - can you punch your hand through anywhere structural/does it sound like a bag of nails falling down stairs? If no to both, it's a good'n.

Failing that, try Peter Norris in Brixton - I'm sure they'd send someone down to Surrey.

[Silver993tt]

ClaphamGT3 said:

They're pretty basic - can you punch your hand through anywhere structural/does it sound like a bag of nails falling down stairs? If no to both, it's a good'n.

Failing that, try Peter Norris in Brixton - I'm sure they'd send someone down to Surrey.

It's only done 64k miles and has a stamped book until 1999 and then service receipts and a whole bunch of MOT certificates for most years (not all). Body work is excellent, obviously had paint on the front and a replacement tailgate. Interior is totally original and looks like a 2 year old car, even with original Blaupunkt radio. Engine sound very quiet and smooth. Slight rattle for first 2 seconds on start up when cold but I assume that's the hydraulic tappets getting oil pressure.

I really want the underneath looking at, bushes, shocks etc. It pulls slightly to the left when hands of wheel but that might be the tracking?

[ClaphamGT3]

I had one of these back in the day from new in 1989 through to '97. The steering will be incredibly heavy at parking speed but lightens up nicely on the move and should feel responsive and 'flickable'. The ride should be firm but not harsh and certainly not crashy. They are prone to under steer and get through pads - and, ultimately, discs - at the front quite quickly if driven with verve. They need a certain amount of rowing along as they are quite heavy for a 'hot hatch' and fifth isn't really a pulling gear.

Look out for rust in the scuttle, around the heater matrix and around the sunroof aperture (if it has one). Check for corrosion around the front door handles and, if you get the chance on a test drive, see if the suspension is still sharp enough for it to do its party trick of picking up its inside rear tyre on a tight radius bend