Golf GTI MK5 Advice
Author
Discussion

scoey1001

Original Poster:

921 posts

111 months

Wednesday 27th March 2019
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Hi all,

I am looking to buy a mk5 GTI and was wondering if anyone had buying advice.

Budget is around 3-4k so around the bottom end of the market, however i have a contact at a local vw specialist who offers good rates so i was hoping to pick one up cheap and give it a bit a refresh depending on what needs doing.

I have read up a bit on these and seen things such as cam follower, diverter valve, thermostat etc. but am unsure how much to allow for with labour for these jobs. Obviously at this price i will be looking at high mileage models so also how much am i looking at to refresh key suspension components and which of these are likely to need a change?

The interior of these is a bit dated now, any tips on getting it looking a bit smarter? I've seen some of the switches etc. from the mk6 can be added so will be looking to do this.

The ones i will be looking at should have had 2 belt changes by now i take it? if not how much does one typically cost?

Other things i was thinking was which are the good options to have, and do they have cruise/easy to retrofit?

Any tips greatly appreciated, even better if you can link an advert for any decent ones about at the moment (willing to travel).

Thanks

bigvanfan

378 posts

162 months

Wednesday 27th March 2019
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Great choice ! , I would try and buy one from an enthusiast as all the little jobs you’ve mentioned will have been done.
Suspension needs a refresh about 120k and the inlet manifold will be choked up which holds the car back a bit , I took mine to about 180k still on original clutch etc but every month it needed something doing
I loved mine and forgave it anything, try and get one with the recaro seats and xenon lights

ManicMunky

715 posts

150 months

Thursday 28th March 2019
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Cam follower and DV are 10 minute jobs. Worthwhile replacing the DV with the latest revision, or a GFB DV+.