Mk2 Buyers Guide
Discussion
Can anyone point me in the direction of a Mk2 buyers guide? I've looked but can't seem to one!
Alternatively... can anyone point out any obvious areas of concern?
I'm looking to spend 4 - 5k so I guess that'll get me something around a 51-reg.
Is rust a concern? Would a jap import be a better option? (but I have heard they don't have the same rust-proofing as uk spec cars).
Any advice much appreciated!
Ant
Alternatively... can anyone point out any obvious areas of concern?
I'm looking to spend 4 - 5k so I guess that'll get me something around a 51-reg.
Is rust a concern? Would a jap import be a better option? (but I have heard they don't have the same rust-proofing as uk spec cars).
Any advice much appreciated!
Ant
The rust really comes because people don't know about the drains that run down near the door shuts, and so they get clogged up and muddy and things and thats why they rust.
So it really depends on how it was maintained.
I think if I was buying again I might go for a slightly cheaper MK1, I prefer the look of them for some reason..
Maybe I'll prefer my MK2 when its not so standard though.
So it really depends on how it was maintained.
I think if I was buying again I might go for a slightly cheaper MK1, I prefer the look of them for some reason..
Maybe I'll prefer my MK2 when its not so standard though.
There are plenty of import Mk2s around. They aren't as obvious as they look the same as UK spec (i.e. the rear panel has the same shape number-plate indent - it's big enough to fit UK or square JDM number-plates).
Mk2 is pretty much the same mechanically as Mk1. Rust proofing is the same for JDM as UK cars - they are made on the same production line!
It has been true in the past that imports tend to have less rust than UK cars as they don't use salt on the roads over there. However, a lot of these imports have been over here 10 years or more so it's not quite as true now.
Mk2 is pretty much the same mechanically as Mk1. Rust proofing is the same for JDM as UK cars - they are made on the same production line!
It has been true in the past that imports tend to have less rust than UK cars as they don't use salt on the roads over there. However, a lot of these imports have been over here 10 years or more so it's not quite as true now.
I got my 53 reg for £5.5k from a dealer 6 months ago so you might be able to get newer than a 51 on your budget. Most cars I looked at were around 50-60k on mileage.
I never found a definitive Mk2 buying guide, it's worth trawling through the buying threads at http://www.mx5oc.co.uk for advice.
Main thing I looked for was rust, several cars I looked at had visible rust in front of the rear wheels and under the bonnet. Not sure how much of a problem the rust would have been, but there's rust-free examples out there so unless you can get a big discount I wouldn't bother with rusty cars. I didn't look at any imports but you can find rust-free UK cars.
Definately test-drive a Sport and a normal model, the Sport's suspension feels quite different, you'll need to decide what you prefer. There's various Special Editions, you can find lists of what they came with around on the net in case there's any toys you especially want.
If you can, try and test drive the car in cool weather. Wish I had with mine, only found out the belts weren't happy when I started it on a freezing morning for the first time!
I never found a definitive Mk2 buying guide, it's worth trawling through the buying threads at http://www.mx5oc.co.uk for advice.
Main thing I looked for was rust, several cars I looked at had visible rust in front of the rear wheels and under the bonnet. Not sure how much of a problem the rust would have been, but there's rust-free examples out there so unless you can get a big discount I wouldn't bother with rusty cars. I didn't look at any imports but you can find rust-free UK cars.
Definately test-drive a Sport and a normal model, the Sport's suspension feels quite different, you'll need to decide what you prefer. There's various Special Editions, you can find lists of what they came with around on the net in case there's any toys you especially want.
If you can, try and test drive the car in cool weather. Wish I had with mine, only found out the belts weren't happy when I started it on a freezing morning for the first time!
I think I may have left it a bit late to get a proper pre-sun bargain... but you never know!
There seem to be quite a few nice looking cars around... but most of them seem to be lacking in air-con (which I know wont be a problem in the summer... but might be handy in the depths of winter for demisting!), is this quite a common thing?
I'll have a look through the MX5oc site... there does appear to be lots of useful - ta.
Hey-ho... I've just got to sell my Golf now and then I'll have enough free dosh to start looking seriously.
Ant
There seem to be quite a few nice looking cars around... but most of them seem to be lacking in air-con (which I know wont be a problem in the summer... but might be handy in the depths of winter for demisting!), is this quite a common thing?
I'll have a look through the MX5oc site... there does appear to be lots of useful - ta.
Hey-ho... I've just got to sell my Golf now and then I'll have enough free dosh to start looking seriously.
Ant
A/C isn't that rare on UK Mk2.5 Sport models. It was still an expensive option but I think people have been getting used to having it on all cars so it slowly became more popular. When I was looking for a Mk2.5 A/C was one of the main things I was looking for (along with it being a VT Sport) and it didn't narrow down the search that much.
Just doing some Friday browsing through the fieds. Get this bought!
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1623544.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1623544.htm
hornetrider said:
Just doing some Friday browsing through the fieds. Get this bought!
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1623544.htm
That looks bang on the money - Only problem is that I've got to sell my Golf first... Unless I go on the game... but at 20p a go it's going to take me a fair while to get the extra 1300 I need! http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1623544.htm
<minirant> I've had about five phone calls this week from the same person who is very keen to view the Golf, we agree that she can see it this morning at 10am... (she's bringing the cash, and she even claims to have pre-arranged insurance for it!) and I'm still waiting. Why can't people just phone or text if they're not going to turn up? </minirant>
Bah!
pantscat said:
<minirant> I've had about five phone calls this week from the same person who is very keen to view the Golf, we agree that she can see it this morning at 10am... (she's bringing the cash, and she even claims to have pre-arranged insurance for it!) and I'm still waiting. Why can't people just phone or text if they're not going to turn up? </minirant>
Bah!
I know how you feel, I'm waiting for someone to text to say they're on their way to buy my wind deflectors and another bloke is supposed to be coming to view the Punto today. Not heard from either so bugger it, I'm going out for a top-down drive Bah!
Edited by Mark-2 on Saturday 22 May 12:51
Funnily enough I was just about to ask whether I should consider a 1.6i? Is there that much difference in performance? I test drove a 2000 1.8iS today - was lots and lots of fun!
I've seen an '02 reg 1.6 for 4.5k locally that looks absolutely mint - I think I'll probably go and have a look at it.
@AlexG12 - I'll let you know mate!
I've seen an '02 reg 1.6 for 4.5k locally that looks absolutely mint - I think I'll probably go and have a look at it.
@AlexG12 - I'll let you know mate!
The 2001+ 1.8 has 146bhp and the 1.6 has 110bhp so there is 38bhp difference. Make of that what you will.
The 1.6 won't feel slow as such, it's a pretty good engine that rewards a thrashing but the 1.8 is definitely quicker. Whether the difference between them matters to you only you can tell.
The 1.6 won't feel slow as such, it's a pretty good engine that rewards a thrashing but the 1.8 is definitely quicker. Whether the difference between them matters to you only you can tell.
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