Looking at a GTi tomorrow, what to look for?

[Wardy]

It's a Y-plate with 64k on the clock, 3dr in silver. Full VW history apparently, so cambelt should have been done by now?

I'm aware of the recall on the pedal box - is there a way to check if this has been done? Should there be any documentation with the car to say it's been done, any note in the service book etc?

So apart from that, any particular things to check over?

Thanks,
Steve

[vr6south]

Check that the clutch is OK ie smoth on pick up and not too heavy. If the alloys are original they will probably be corroded, use that a part of the negotiation if it's any good

[Wardy]

Thanks for that, and yeah I'm consigned to the fact that the alloys will be a bit ropey! Just have to decide between refurb or different set after purchase

Pity the 6N is 4-stud, as I've got a set of 5-stud Superleggeras in the garage from the Fabia D'oh!

Steve

[ModifiedMadness]

Keep the BBS

As far as the pedal box recall goes, there should be a stamp in the service book saying it was done, mine has. Ideally the cambelt should have been done, if not and it's from a garage see if they will do it for you.

And you mean the 6N2 is 4 stud the 6N is the MK4

Other than that it doesn't sound too bad

[Wardy]

OK, that's good to know, thanks. Is there a special section in the service book for recalls or something?

Fingers crossed anyway - I'll report back tomorrow afternoon

Steve

[Del_GTi]

Yeah there is a section at the back of the service book it should be stamped in.

Sometimes there is a sticker they put on the boot floor near the spare wheel well to show it's been done. Mine had one anyway.

Why did you get rid of the VRs anyway, i'd love one of those.

[Wardy]

Thanks, I'll check that out.

Needed to free up some cash I'm afraid, so the vRS had to go. You should try one out, superb little car

Steve

[Wardy]

Well I've now moved upto provisional GTi owner

Put a deposit down on the one I saw this afternoon. The pedal box recall had been done and all the other paperwork was present and correct.

Does need the 60k service doing and the wheels refurbing. What would I be looking at for the service, inc cambelt, at a VW main dealer? And any decent recommendations for alloy refurb places, preferably in the North West?

Thanks,
Steve

[fink]

Congrats on the purchase....shame it hadnt had its cambelt changed...looking at around 300 for the cambelt and then prob another 150 or so for the service as its a big one...maybe worth looking around rather than VW...a specialist...either way the cambelt change will require VW parts and so they sting you there...u want the tensioners and water pump done while they are changing the cambelt...better safe than sorry.
I have that joy awaiting me in 6k or so, so I've been looking around for prices.
I have asked my local mechanic on a cambelt change and he said it would be around the 200 mark...so i'll go local rather than VW...but if you can afford it then go VW.
Hope that helps.
Ohh and PS ring around a couple of VW maindealers and quote them each others prices...My last service was done at VW and I had prices at VW main dealers ranging from 79 to 180 pounds for the same service....needless to say I went for the 79 pound deal...that VW maindealer couldnt believe another maindealer was quoting 180...he even told his boss and said he'd report them to VW..because he said all main dealers SHOULD quote the same price.

[Wardy]

Thanks for the details. Ideally I would have gone for one that already had the belt done, but the rest of the car was decent, so decided to go for it. It's also a 2001 car and had done less miles than others I'd looked at within my budget.

Steve

[vr6south]

Good news Try these for split rims . You will save a bit if you split the wheels yourself. http://www.wheelrefurbishing.co.uk/contact.htm

[RACINGGTI]

My tip if you're gonna replace your rims is to stick with the same size, coz it'll change the handling too much (and not in a good way!)

[Wardy]

Yeah, I would probably stick with a 15 if I were changing. With past experience, moving up sizes requires suspension changes as well to maintain a decent ride/handling balance - something I'd rather not do this time round....

Any brands, models you'd suggest? What do you run on yours? My decision really rests on finding a refurb company and happy with, and finding what they'll charge!

Steve

[RACINGGTI]

Yeah, I would probably stick with a 15 if I were changing. With past experience, moving up sizes requires suspension changes as well to maintain a decent ride/handling balance - something I'd rather not do this time round....

Any brands, models you'd suggest? What do you run on yours? My decision really rests on finding a refurb company and happy with, and finding what they'll charge!

Steve

My suggestion is speak with Colin at Revolution in Newcastle (also in MaxPower & Revs Mag) He'll sort you out for the best deal and decent set. Excellent aftersales too! I run TSW Catalunyas on mine. They were a direct replacement and you can even use the old tyres off your corroding set! PM me for his contact number!