'95 GTI High Mileage... Should I?

[Exinferis]

Hi all,

Just need a bit of advice:

I've been after a Golf for a while now, but I'm on a low budget and am quite specific about what I want (after having 3 cars I didn't choose myself!). So, I've just found a MKIII 3 door in black, but the mileage is over 200000!

But, it's only £500.00

Previously I've had MKIII Polo's and have had a change of engine in one. So, I was thinking of getting the Golf and changing the engine for a lower mileage one. Only problem is the chap who changed my Polo engine has disaperared off the face of the planet and I don't know where else I can get it done (other than a regular garage that'll charge me a bomb!).

That's where you all come in!

1) Is it worth the hassle?
2) If yes, where can I get the engine changed?
3) And how much will it cost?

I'm sure someone here will be able to give me a rough idea of prices etc. I don't expect a to-the-last-penny quote, but a rough idea will really help me decide.

Thanks all!

Ex.

[shadowstalker]

Does it have to be a GTI?
1.8 are quite quick

[Exinferis]

Hi shadowstalker,

No, it doesn't. In fact, I'd prefer a lower spec car for tax/insurance! It's just that it's in MK (which I can get to easily. And my Dad lives there, so asked him to have a look for me) it's the right colour (black, although grey would also be fine), and the right number of doors (3, not 5).

I know it sounds like I'm being really picky, but the last three cars I've had have been someone else's choice and I really want the car I want for a change! Plus, I'm on a very limited budget.

[neileg]

If it's running well and the price is right (I guess it is), just buy it and run it till it goes bang. There's no point in swapping an engine that you know is OK for one that might have problems, even if the claimed mileage is lower.

A £500 cars is pretty well disposable, any major bills and I'd just scrap it and buy another. I've not paid more than a grand for a car for years.

[Exinferis]

I see what you're saying, but I can't afford to do that. My last car I had to scrap and I hated doing it because I loved it!

I don't want a car for five minutes, I want it to last. Besides, I don't fancy driving down the M1 when it goes bang! ;-)

[herby0001]

All depends on how the car/engine have been looked after. If properly serviced and cared for, you'd probably fine it'd be fine. But if ragged, then who knows what else is about to fail?

Buying an engine and getting it fitted will cost you a few hundred quid anyway. Personally speaking, if I thought the car was a nice example, albeit a high mileage one, I would get the cambelt changed and then just run with it. Mk3's are ageing now, things will go wrong, whatever you try to do to pre-empt it. I wouldn't spend money on it until it needs it. A different engine could be a duffer. Then you're no better off.

[onzarob]

I see what you're saying, but I can't afford to do that. My last car I had to scrap and I hated doing it because I loved it!

I don't want a car for five minutes, I want it to last. Besides, I don't fancy driving down the M1 when it goes bang! ;-)

This might sound harsh but £500 doesn't buy peace on mind motoring, it buys you fun till it breaks