205 GTI for less than a grand?

[Oakesy2001uk]

Is it possible to get a decent 205 GTI for less than a grand, I reckon I'd be happy 1.6 or 1.9, just want a fun cheap run around when its too cold for the bike or if I need to use a car. Would the 205 fit this description. I dont want to spend more than a grand, but £700 would be better.
Most of them have over 100k on them, how bombproof are the engines?

If its going to cause me too many problems to be a reliable runaround what else do you reckon?
I was looking at spending 1-1.5k but I overspent on the bike a little (A LOT) and need to cut back on the car to, 700-800 or less would be ideal!

And there will be some nice shine R6 pics on here when I pick it up at the weekend dont worry!

 

[L0rdMike]

Most of them have over 100k on them, how bombproof are the engines?

What do you expect from cars around 15 years old.

 

[-westy-]

Yes, they can be reliable, as long as they're looked after, and they're cheap and easy to fix if they go wrong.

http://www.205gtidrivers.com - There's a lot of information on there, including a buying guide.

And yes, you can get a fairly nice one for under a grand.

 

[Scrutinize]

I found a 205 1.6 GTI convertable with 100k on the clock in mint condition, new hood, fsh, etc etc for £650 in Dorset a coupple of months ago. I was tempted to get it to have some lovely Bournemouth top down summer fun.

So yes it can be done, I have seen a coupple of nice examples for £1500 ish.

Hardly worth paying that on one now as a bit more gets you something like a saxo vts, civic vti etc.

Course if you want it for a classic 2nd/3rd car then its probably worth it.

 

[ZG002]

You can get one under £1k easy.. but it will need alittle working doing..

for £1k - £1.5k ya looking at one thats been looked after or rebuilt normally mate

 

[Dogbreath]

They tend to get a bit smokey with 100k+ on them, mainly cause by valve guides/seals but they are strong engines. The same cannot be said of the interior trim and electrics however...

 

[ci_newman]

100k miles isnt a problem for the good ole TU9 engine, although do expect to have to change the headgasket before too long (at which point you might as well do the stem seals too, prevent smoking!)

The interiors tend to fall apart before the engine does (hence why they are commonly used for road-rallying!)

 

[Lopéz]

It's an XU not a TU.

Under a grand is easy, expect the rear beam to be approaching rebuild time. Engine weak spots are valve stem oil seals, big ends and head gasket, but if kept supplied with good fresh oil they're normally fine.