Help for a car noob please

Musty Pie

Musty Pie

Musty Pie

Soldato
Joined
6 Jan 2009
Posts
6,596
Location
Hertfordshire
Hi guys i very rarely venture into Motors as cars are not my strong point! But I am after a little advice is possible?

I currently drive (as my get to work car) an R reg Ibiza Cupra sport (8v). Its still in pretty good nic' inside and out but more recently I have considered my options and I now fancy a change.

Im not after anything flash or fast (I have an Audi S3 which I use at the weekends and evenings, but the misses drives that to work Mon-Fri, not flash and fast to some, but it does us fine.) I am just something a little more comfortable, and a bit more practical etc. My Current car has been great for the time that I have owned it and has only really cost me very little in terms of parts and service etc.

However I think its now time to let it go. It was bought already lowered which has given me nothing but issues with the area i live in (speed bumps and village roads) and im after something a little more practical for my work journeys (12 miles each way)

Up steps the contender:

I can get hold of a W reg (5 Door) Mk4 Golf 1.6 SE with only 54k miles on the clock with full service history and for what I believe is a reasonable price (probably around the £700 mark). This is through a friend who sadly has recently suffered a spinal tumour and is now wheelchair bound and without need for an un modified car for his disabled use.

My questions are: Is the small change in car worth it? Is the price a reasonable one? are there anything’s that I should be aware of when looking over the car? and any other advice that you can give.

I know most of the motor snobs will turn up their noses at the offering in question but in all honesty I don’t want to spend serious bucks on a replacement car as I have other things that I am currently putting my money towards.

So guys any advice will be appreciated

Thanks in advance :)
 
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if you want cumfort to go to work and back at a low price point get a mondeo, i did cos the roads to work and back are shocking and ive never looked back, i got a mk3 ghia x tddi for £800 not cost me anything while ive had it and done 18k in it so far, at your milage a petrol would be worth a look
 
Cupra said:
if you want cumfort to go to work and back at a low price point get a mondeo, i did cos the roads to work and back are shocking and ive never looked back, i got a mk3 ghia x tddi for £800 not cost me anything while ive had it and done 18k in it so far, at your milage a petrol would be worth a look
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Thanks for the advice I will always keep my options open, although that doesnt really help with the current choice thats available.

I guess the pros of getting this car in questions is that I know the guy is not trying to sell me a lemon as its full service history and low mileage etc.

Will have a look at mondeos though.
 
Musty Pie said:
Up steps the contender:

I can get hold of a W reg (5 Door) Mk4 GTI 1.6 SE with only 54k miles on the clock with full service history and for what I believe is a reasonable price (probably around the £700 mark). This is through a friend who sadly has recently suffered a spinal tumour and is now wheelchair bound and without need for an un modified car for his disabled use.
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It is either an SE or a GTi, both are different spec levels. If it is a 1.6 though it won't be a GTi as that came in 1.8, 1.8T and 2.0 engine sizes only.

In my opinion if the car is an honest one then it will be a step up from the Ibiza without a huge outlay in cost. I recently drove a T plate 1.6 mk4 Golf 1.6 with 130k on the clock and it was fine for getting you from A to B and back again.
 
sorry thats a copy and paste error I already know its only a 1.6 SE (chaning the original post)

And Cupra LOL!

Sorry for the confusion
 
[TW]Fox;20986324 said:
I'd take that for £700 - seems like a good deal to me.
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Thanks for the unput fox apreciate it!

Are there any known issues I should be looking out for? Ive heard nothing but horror stories concerning the gearboxes in these cars (along with other VAG counterparts?)
 
Musty Pie said:
Thanks for the unput fox apreciate it!

Are there any known issues I should be looking out for? Ive heard nothing but horror stories concerning the gearboxes in these cars (along with other VAG counterparts?)
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its a 12 year old low spec vw, what isnt there to look out for?
 
Cupra said:
its a 12 year old low spec vw, what isnt there to look out for?
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Again a helpful and not helpful post all in one. This is why i avoid motors :D

I asked for some advice not a witty comment. I know its old, I know its low spec. Im asking for known issues on something I dont know anything about.
 
Musty Pie said:
Again a helpful and not helpful post all in one. This is why i avoid motors :D

I asked for some advice not a witty comment. I know its old, I know its low spec. Im asking for known issues on something I dont know anything about.
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for £700 for a car from a mate you know has looked after it and wont rip you off your very cautious
 
Cupra said:
for £700 for a car from a mate you know has looked after it and wont rip you off your very cautious
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Sorry if im not willing to throw money around left right and centre for something that might not be worth it?

Or are you missing the point?
 
Musty Pie said:
Sorry if im not willing to throw money around left right and centre for something that might not be worth it?

Or are you missing the point?
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i thought the point is you know the car and its history so thats why its a good buy?
 
I said "to me it seems a good buy" Im asking others who know cars better than I do if it is or not?

I obviously (regardless or car origin) want to know what to look for in the future, known issues, running costs etc so i know what to expect?

I dont know, maybe my post is not clear enough, or maybe your fishing/jibing at my lack of car knowledge?

Either way im after help and if you dont want to give it then thats up to you?
 
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