Guidance before purchase

[A4 fan]

Dear VW fans,
I join you from the Audi side of the site for some advice please, wifey fancys a Golf she has seen privately advertised.
1.6 pet 5dr "X" plate 2000. year mot, reported 46k genuine with full VW history. So far so good? app £2700.
I dont know re cam belt but presume not as a bit early.
Pros and Cons info please.

[joey1002]

I used to own a 1.8t golf and it was a great car to me. I do remember others complaining of poor performance and consumption on the 1.6 engines though.

If the cambelt hasnt been changed from new then it will definiately need doing (i think the intervalls are 55k or 4 years) - no doubt I will be corrected on that.

Also check whether the plastic window regulator clips have been replaced with metal ones as they are liable to berak causing the window to drop into the door. The parts are not expensive ( about £15 iirc) but are a pain in the butt to fit.

You will probably be able to knock the price down a bit too, have you checked autotrader to establish whether that price is fair?

I hope that helps a little?

[A4 fan]

Joey1002, thanks for taking time out to advise me on the golf. Certainly will be asking them about the cam belt. I have checked on web sites (parkers guides etc don't seem to go as far back as 2000) and all models seem to attract a premium price (rightly or wrongly) people have spent big money up front and always want it back when they sell on. The Vw history sounds very good on this one. I never buy at asking price as I am sure most people expect to be moved a bit on price and we are not in a panic to buy so hopefully be able to sort a deal IF it is the right car. Ta also re consumption, I know the 1.4 suffers both fuel and poke but didnt know this was on 1.6 aswell. Any idea of BHP if reading this?
Ta A4 fan.

[joey1002]

I believe the 1.6 engines are 100bhp.

Good luck in your search.

[A4 fan]

joey1002, we saw the car today, good interior but too tired on body work and high price was due to seller wanting to pay her credit card bill! She was clueless as to the correct pricing. The search continues..........