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Looking to buy gti
Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 8:15 pm
by Callum645
Hey, Im new to the polo gti scene as i am currently looking around to buy one so thought id sign up to this to get some views and opinions on them.
I currently own a peugeot 106 1.1. So looking to step up to this
Is there any advice that i should know about before going out and buying my gti?
Would be much appreciated
Cheers
Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 8:36 pm
by 6N2 GTI 00
Look at this section, it will tell you everything you need to know about the car
http://www.uk-polos.net/view ... 21&start=0
Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 9:57 pm
by tegwin
Where abouts are you? If your anywhere near me il happily take you out in mine

(its for sale too!)

Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 11:40 pm
by Callum645
im in surrey. Would you defo recommend one then?
I love the look of them!! Are they a reliable car?
Sorry for all the questions lol

Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 8:59 am
by tegwin
Well... update your profile so that everyone can see where you are from !!
Yes they are fantastic little cars... I am struggling to part with mine... I know it has to go, but I just dont want to see it abused by anyone else!
Make sure the gearbox has had a rebuild... make sure the pedalbox has been fixed....
Expect some corosion on the standard BBS split rims....
Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 10:31 am
by 6N2 GTI 00
They are great little cars as tegwin said but they do have their problems like all cars.
Gearbox is the main problem, although if they are looked after properly and not abused they can be good for over 90,000 miles. The cambelt tensioners are also a common fault, so make sure that they have been changed if you buy a GTI, or if not get it done as soon as possible.
Best looking Hatchback on the road

and you can pick up a good one for £2,500 now which is simply a steal!
Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 12:54 pm
by Callum645
yeah couldnt agree with you more they are stunning little cars!
This gearbox issue. Do they all defo go wrong then? Ive read the article about problems and now know what i am looking out for! Really want to get my hands on one.
Would you recommend buying one after the 60-70,000 miles mark then as long as it has had a gearbox rebuild?
Are they nippy for their size?
Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 1:18 pm
by emma_88
Callum645 wrote:yeah couldnt agree with you more they are stunning little cars!
This gearbox issue. Do they all defo go wrong then? Ive read the article about problems and now know what i am looking out for! Really want to get my hands on one.
Yes. They tend to pack in at around the 60-70k mark. So if it hasn't been done, make sure you get it checked out if you buy the car.
Callum645 wrote:Would you recommend buying one after the 60-70,000 miles mark then as long as it has had a gearbox rebuild?
I bought my GTi on 54k, and the gearbox didn't go until near enough 68k. Don't let the mileage put you off, as along as it's been well looked after - serviced regularly etc, it should be ok. Oh but also make sure it's had the pedal box recall - The owner should have a receipt off VW, or if not, I'm sure you can contact a dealer and ask them?
Callum645 wrote:Are they nippy for their size?
I think they are. 0-60 in under 9 secs. For a heavy car, it doesn't stay around for long.
Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 1:34 pm
by 6N2 GTI 00
Callum645 wrote:yeah couldnt agree with you more they are stunning little cars!
This gearbox issue. Do they all defo go wrong then? Ive read the article about problems and now know what i am looking out for! Really want to get my hands on one.
Would you recommend buying one after the 60-70,000 miles mark then as long as it has had a gearbox rebuild?
Are they nippy for their size?
Like emma said it all depends on how well the car has been looked after. They normally tend to go at 60-70K on average but some people get over 90,000 from the original box. I think Si_GTI has done over 103,000 and his box is still going which is fantastic. Dont let the box put you off though.
Try to look for a standard untouched example if possible, preferably with lowish milege (40-65K).
Thye are very nippy indeed and will go from 0-60 in 8.4 seconds and are good for 130MPH.
3rd gear from 40-80 is great fun. I gues your 106 1.1 probably has 55-60BHP so the 125BHP in the GTI will be a vast improvement from what your use to.
The GTI is not as quick as a Saxo VTS but is far superior in terms of build quality and comfort.
If you do buy one you certainly wont regret it. Puts a smile on my face everytime I drive mine.
Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 2:12 pm
by neilGTI
I know that some people have had gearbox issues, but i bet if all the people who owned a gti who DIDNT have problems with the gearboxes posted on here, they would easily out-number the ones who have had problems.
My GTI is on 93k and is on the original box. I have short shift, panel filter and a de-catted back exhaust system.
I drive it like a GTI and I have had no problems whatsoever with my box ???
Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 2:19 pm
by emma_88
neilGTI wrote:I know that some people have had gearbox issues, but i bet if all the people who owned a gti who DIDNT have problems with the gearboxes posted on here, they would easily out-number the ones who have had problems.
My GTI is on 93k and is on the original box. I have short shift, panel filter and a de-catted back exhaust system.
I drive it like a GTI and I have had no problems whatsoever with my box ???
Lucky lad indeed.
Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 4:37 pm
by 6N2 GTI 00
Maybe some gearboxes are weaker than others.
Does anybody know if Volkswagen made any changes to the gearbox whilst it was in production?
I know they made some slight changes with the interior and the very first GTI's like mine didnt come with the front or rear "GTI" badges.
Be interesting to know if there is a direct link between the year of the car and problems with the box.
Anyway no point loosing any sleep over a gearbox

Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 4:47 pm
by Callum645
Thanks for all your replys. The gearbox isnt putting me off at all. Just thought id get a few views and opinions on the issue.
Defo going to look round for one now
Im especially looking around for a black one with full leather interior
Thanks for all your help by the way people
Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 5:45 pm
by Si_GTi
6N2 GTI 00 wrote:Like emma said it all depends on how well the car has been looked after. They normally tend to go at 60-70K on average but some people get over 90,000 from the original box. I think Si_GTI has done over 103,000 and his box is still going which is fantastic. Dont let the box put you off though.
106,000 now

Re: Looking to buy gti
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 8:17 pm
by 6N2 GTI 00
Black with leather interior is exactly what I have got, nice choice.
106,000 miles on the original box

awesome stuff si