BARN FIND mk2 GTI buying guide

[Z4MCSL]

Hi Y'all

So I have just spied a mk2 gti (faded red) sat on a drive near my flat with various things growing around it and it clearly hasn't moved for years. I am going to go and knock on the door to see if the owner would be interested in parting with it but wondered if people had any tips on the main things to look for.

I'm hoping I can grab it as a bit of a project but am not going to spend a fortune unless its going to be worth it.

I'm hoping the miles are really low as even if a lot of work needs doing I imagine the restored price would be decent.

Any thoughts on what to look for and wjat would most likely need to be fixed much appreciated.

I've got a battery jump start pack that I'm charging right now so I can see if I can jump start it


Ta

[Ray Singh]

Good luck - I love these sort of stories.

Rot is the big enemy on these cars. Check on the sills, and around the fuel filler.

Depending on how long it has been sitting for, I would suggest that you dont try to start the car. It could have old fuel, no oil etc. Best to check if the engine turns by hand first.

The cam belt could be old and break at any time. Best to get the car trailered away and checked out by a specialist.

[Adrian E]

Z4MCSL said:

I'm hoping the miles are really low as even if a lot of work needs doing I imagine the restored price would be decent.

I wouldn't bet on that - if it's still registered and not been off the road for ever you might get lucky searching its MOT history online to see what mileage was recorded. Will also give you a clear indication how long it's been off the road.

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

These early Golfs were very capable compared to their peers and often did serious mileage in their early lives. My mk1, which was a wreck, had done 140k miles in about 15 years and that was fairly low compared to others around. Mine was rotten, with a shagged engine.

The Mk2 REALLY doesn't like sitting around. Although corrosion protection was better from the factory than the mk1, once it takes hold it can very quickly spread. Tailgates, inner wings etc etc. Previous crash repairs can be the starting point for it getting a hold on the rest of the body.

There's more potential to break even on the cost of a resto if the car is a desirable example. Either a very early unmolested example, or a 16v. If it's a small bumper 8v probably not as desirable....

Edited by Adrian E on Tuesday 20th June 23:26

[AJB88]

Post some pics