Looking to buy a GTi

[pcbung]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and I'm looking at getting a Polo GTI 2000-2002 model.

I have found a nice one on Ebay with 19k miles very clean but the car hasn't had the cambelt changed? and I'm not sure on the rest of the service history until I view it. Would this flash warning lights to you guys?

I don't mind doing the cambelt and giving it a good service etc if I was to buy, but would damage have already been done?

I mentioned other things like the pedal box etc and he said he never had a problem with it and his wife uses it to travel 3 miles to work and back (CAT needs a good blow out then )

Any advise or tips would be great,

Thanks
Steve

[tegwin]

Is that a typo? 19,000 miles?... or should it be 190,000 miles?

Cambet is due at 40,000 miles....

Where abouts are you/the car? Someone local might be willing to come and have a look with you?

[Redline]

Is this the red 3-door one in Sherburn, County Durham?

With the cambelt I believe that it's 40,000 miles or 3 years for when it needs changing, so if it hasn't been done then it will need one, along with the water pump. You could of course use this to knock the seller down to a lower price, taking the fact it needs a cambelt into consideration.

However, if the car drives fine and the rest of the service history is up to date, I wouldn't necessarily let the cambelt put you off.

[pcbung]

Tegwin: no not a typo 19k miles

Redline: Yes its the on in County D. Yes I could use it to my advantage but I think if I was to get it I would have it put on back of my trailer and sent to my local garage for a good service with cambelt. County D is around 1 hour 30mins from me and know in my luck it would snap on the way back lol.

Taking my car to webuyanycar.com tomorrow to sell it, clear the finance off in the next couple of days then buy something new.

How are the GTi's on motorways? and does anyone know the 50-70mph times? and how are they for overtaking plenty of power?

Regards
Steve

[emma_88]

1hr and 30mins from County Durham eh, might not be far from me then if you live over my way!

19k for a Polo GTi is expectionally rare nowadays I'm thinking. Get it bought if it's going for the right price? Edit - Just seen it on eBay.. £4k is a steal!!! As you said, get teh cambelt sorted if you do buy, think it's the known thing that if you don't know if it's been changed or not to get it done asap.

As for over taking power - Mine loves it! Never lets me down and always puts a smile on my face. Revving lil thing like, spot on if you ask me. Suppose it just depends on what you class as a quick car, dependant on your previous cars..

[Tim_GTi]

i wouldnt be so drastic as to trailer it home straight away, jus remove the belt cover and inspect the belt and tensioner. if the belts kanckered the teeth will be worn and it'll be slack. if the tensioner is worn you see cracks in the plastic casing it already in bits!

if your servicing straight after purchase, i'd definitely get the 'box oil changed also, and check underneath the carpet in the boot for a sticker to see if it's had the pedal recall or not.

good luck with the viewing mate!