New to Polos - need advice!

[mikeydub]

Hi everyone,

I'm a newby with Polos so I wanted some advice on buying one.
My first car was a Mk2 Golf and then I had an Audi A4 so I'm not a stranger to Dubs. I now own a Clio Diesel (much to my disgrace) for reasons of economy.
All of my previous cars have been high milers and my question is, what is too high a mileage when considering a Polo GTi. I want to spend about £4500 and want Climate on it, so what sort of mileage should I say no at.
Also are there any differences between 2000 and 2001 models, what sort of extras should I try and make sure the one I buy has.
If anyone has any idea, I also want to know what sort of mpg they get around town and on m-ways. I have looked up the figures already and know that you have to take them with a pinch of salt, so I want more realistic figures.

Thanks

[dubpolo]

round the houses they aren't that good on fuel, 220miles out of your tank, i can get upto 320 miles on the motorway if you stick at 70, but i do 90 to 100 so i only get 280 which ain't bad

performance, 0-60 is around 8 seconds and the top speed is anywhere between 130 and 140, i've had mine off the clock a number of times.

average miles i think is around 50K for a 2001 car

[shantybeater]

Yeah nothing over 60k. No difference between the 2000 and the 2001 models that I know of, apart from the early ones had all red gti badges. As for extras, look out for sunroof, climatronic climate control rather than a/c, winter pack (automatic wipers amoung other stuff) and the most important heated leather seats....everyone wasnts those.

-Look for pedal box recall (although it will be done for free by vw if it hasn't)
-Whiny gearboxes or problems getting into gear, although they are all notchy
-cambelt change (another common problem so change it sooner rather than later)

[mikeydub]

Thanks for the advice guys, have got together the money to buy one and am almost sure I want one but this gearbox business is worrying me a little. What sort of price am I looking at if i have to recondition the gearbox? When do they go?

[shantybeater]

Yeah its something you have to accept when buying the car, no one seems to have made it over 80k yet on this forum. some have had them go after stupidly short mileage. apparently recon boxes cost around 400 then prob another 200 to fit

[BENNO]

i paid 450 + vat for my recon box then 180 to fit, that inc fitting new clutch same time tho.
if you drive sensible mpg can be ok, but its a GTi after all..