buying a GTI, advice needed (NAC)

[Rave Racer]

    Hmph.  I'm a member of the VW of Toronto club/list, and of the Triumph
list so many of your remarks don't go over well here, HOWEVER....  I'll help
anyway for a fellow lister.
        I'll start by disclaiming the price.  I can't speculate because it
often varies from region to region and time to time.  Also all my price
knowledge would be based in Canada and you are in the US.  I do think that
this is a fair price for a good car here but like I said this is Canadian
we're talking here.
        Check the Transmission.  If the code says 2Y in it, it'll be the GTi
tranny.  These are EXTREMELY expensive to replace (BTDT).  IF the tranny is
going, you may want to try to talk the price down but keep in mind a rebuild
is difficult and expensive on these.  A good idea is to consider a tranny
swap.  ANY pre 93 (all A2's and some A1's) tranny's can be used.  My
personal fave is the Turbo deisel 1.8L tranny.  Durable with a long 5'th
gear for good gas mileage at cruise, and considerabley less $$$ then a GTi.
You'll need to change the clutch spline and the clutch will have to be for
the 1.8L but you'll be able to get a really, REALLY nice clutch for less
$$$.
        If the shifting is sloppy then check the shift rod and bushings
first.  Likely to be the real culprit.
        If it's a 91, then it should be the 2.0 16V, they changed from 1.8L
in 90.  Also check the VIN.  I know alot of people think this isn't all that
important, but which plant the car was made at makes a difference to some
(but keep this one to yourself when looking at the car)  if it starts 3VW,
then it's a Pueblo car.  If is starts WVW, then it's a Wolfsburg car and
some consider worth more.  I found my W to be more reliable then my freinds
with the Mexicans in FL when I lived there.  The Wolfsburg cars did have
some small differences.  I think the rubber under body coating from the
factory is one of them.
        As for motor, check the compression.  Seriously that's a big one.
PVC valve too.  If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.
        If it'll ease your mind about his finances, these cars are easier
and cheaper to work on for Shade tree / grass roots / back yard mechanics
then Hodna's.  Kits and bolt ons might be more money, but they are more
unique and you can make a VW look really different with less money.  Don't
beleive me.....   check the link below, and know that I did all the stripes,
mouldings, and engine work (other then the tranny) for under $100 Can for
the body and less then $200 for exhaust and intake crap.  I did do it all
myself though and some consider me to be quite the MacGyver (one said Martha
Stewart and I kicked him in the nuts.  He won't make that mistake again.)
        Hope that helps.  Good luck.

       Rave Racer
 89 Jetta GTX 1.8 16V (Frankenstein) http://www.vwot.org/members/Pete.html
 87 Audi 4000 Quattro Sedan
 72 Triumph GT6


> 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.


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