What to look for on a MkII Golf GTi?

[LaSarthe+Back]

Been looking round for a nice GTi 8/16v not really bothered.

I suppose there are common faults just like with all cars. Anybody with any tips on what to keep an eye out for/check when viewing?

Cheers,
Andy

[Dr G]

Eeeeerm, everything? Nah they're alright and there isn't much expensive mechanically so buy a 16v with the cleanest bodywork and interior possible.

Rusty door bottoms
Rusty sills behind front wheel arch
Rusty tailgate around window
Rust under arch trims
Rust under windscreen
Rusty sunroof mechanism (blocked drains)
Grumpy idle (generally small fix)
Crunchy 2nd gear (box rebuild)
Crap gear selection (cheap but a bugger of a job!)
Slow/grindy window regulators
Central locking leaks (pneumatic)
Accident damage (everywhere)
Crap modifications
Worn drivers seat
Worn top mount
Worn wishbone bushes
Worn beam bushes (bugger of a job)
Sticking rear calipers
Crap wheel alignment on lowered cars

Whatever you buy get it serviced properly and all the bushes very thoroughly checked (polybush the front ARB for a surprising difference!). Get the cambelt and water pump changed and have someone that really, really knows what they're doing to set it up. The KR 16v motor is massively sensitive to timing and fuelling and feels lethargic if it's even a little bit out. My virtually standard 16v would trouble Yokohamas out of tight corners in the dry. Tear the blank plastic piece out of the O/S inner wing and chop the side off the airbox for sound effects, MK2 16v is a fantastic sounding thing