buying a GTI, advice needed (NAC)

[Douglas Frank]

Hi all,

My nephew phoned last night and wants me to hold his hand while looking over a
car.  I'd just like to know what you all think:

'91 Golf GTI 16-valve

no rust (yeah, right, this is a New Hampshire car, probably means it's not
dropping crumbs yet)

Nephew test drove it and car is a pocket rocket, runs around corners on
rails.  However, sloppy shifter-- needs a transmission rebuild I expect, dumb
not to do the clutch also.

"zero" body roll

lowered, aftermarket wheels (don't know what)

tires-- unknown

Recaro seats

aftermarket steering wheel (don't know what-- Sparco, maybe)

seller is asking $4800.  Nephew had enough sense to talk him down to $4k.  I
think this is probably more likely a $3-3.5K car *after* the tranny is fixed.

your thoughts?

If I can't talk him out of it and have to go for a look, what weaknesses
should we watch for?  Kid is a junior in college next year and I, old f*rt
that I am, do not want him in this car due to potential repair bills, of car
and of him.  I'm thinking, '95 Accord, with transplanted 43 bhp Triumph Herald
engine.  How do you sell an uncool rice cruiser to the MTV generation?
--
Douglas Frank Compaq Computer Corp.
ZKO           110 Spit Brook Rd.       The older I get,
603-884-0501  Nashua, NH USA 03062       the better I was.