Am I mad?

jonnysimples

So, I'm on the market for a new (used) car and it will be my first time buying. I've got a budget of about 4K plus another chunk for tax/insurance.

I've been looking for something a little bit different because, well you only buy your first car once and I've come across this:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/201050200565116/advert?channel=CARS

Am I completely nuts to be even considering it? I won't be doing massive mileage but it will be used on a regular basis, year round. Oh and my OH will also be learning to drive in it .

I've had a look around on the internet and can't find too much information on this type of motor so any device or input would be massively appreciated.

Thanks!

robtri

jonnysimples wrote: »

So, I'm on the market for a new (used) car and it will be my first time buying. I've got a budget of about 4K plus another chunk for tax/insurance.

I've been looking for something a little bit different because, well you only buy your first car once and I've come across this:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/201050200565116/advert?channel=CARS

Am I completely nuts to be even considering it? I won't be doing massive mileage but it will be used on a regular basis, year round. Oh and my OH will also be learning to drive in it .

I've had a look around on the internet and can't find too much information on this type of motor so any device or input would be massively appreciated.

Thanks!

personally i would say you are mad.....

its a 20 year old golf, I wouldnt be depending on it on a daily basis. it would be a beautiful weekend motor....

Mr Benevolent

You're friggin' insane.

MX-5

garhjw

very mad i think. plus theydont give any pics of the interior. i dont think thats a good sign

John_Rambo

jonnysimples wrote: »

Am I mad?

Yes.

But... epic first car, take photos, your kids will be so impressed.

(Pay a couple of hundred for an AA or similar inspection)

Muckie

Good on you. Drive something different.

Nice retro-classic car to chose too.

jonnysimples

Thanks all for the advice. Despite the consensus that I’m probably nuts I've arranged a test drive for tomorrow . If that goes well I think I’ll follow the suggestion of getting the independent vehicle inspection before making final decision.

Will keep you posted!

TestTransmission

Have you checked out the insurance OP?Soft top and age can add a bit to premium

Big Nasty

OP - before you make any decision on this one of our users here chiefwiggum has a very nice GTi Cabriolet in royal blue that he is / was thinking of selling. Probably looking for a little bit more that the one you're looking at but it's a keeper if the pics are anything to go by. Either way you should drop him a PM as he has plenty of experience with these and can tell you what to look out for.

_Conrad_

jonnysimples wrote: »

Thanks all for the advice. Despite the consensus that I’m probably nuts I've arranged a test drive for tomorrow . If that goes well I think I’ll follow the suggestion of getting the independent vehicle inspection before making final decision.

Will keep you posted!

You should have asked here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=514 in the classics section. In the general motors section there tends to be a fear of old cars. If you paid proper attention to keeping it maintained and keep a small stock of the parts you'll regularly need for general maintenance and servicing then there is no reason mechanically/reliability wise that you can't run a car that age, and that simple as an every day car, it's only a golf at the end of the day not a supercar

John_Rambo

Maybe try octane.ie too? One of them might even know the car.

Whatever you do, please keep us posted, great to see people with the balls to buy these cars.

Anan1

I think that car's sitting too low, and it neads a new headlight unit.

jonnysimples

TestTransmission wrote: »

Have you checked out the insurance OP?Soft top and age can add a bit to premium

I have and it was actually surprisingly good value (less the €600 from 123.ie) I'm still worried it's too good to be true!

MCMLXXV wrote: »

OP - before you make any decision on this one of our users here chiefwiggum has a very nice GTi Cabriolet in royal blue that he is / was thinking of selling. Probably looking for a little bit more that the one you're looking at but it's a keeper if the pics are anything to go by. Either way you should drop him a PM as he has plenty of experience with these and can tell you what to look out for.

Thanks, that's a great tip! I'll be sure to drop chiefwiggum a PM.

_Conrad_ wrote: »

You should have asked here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=514 in the classics section. In the general motors section there tends to be a fear of old cars. If you paid proper attention to keeping it maintained and keep a small stock of the parts you'll regularly need for general maintenance and servicing then there is no reason mechanically/reliability wise that you can't run a car that age, and that simple as an every day car, it's only a golf at the end of the day not a supercar

John_Rambo wrote: »

Maybe try octane.ie too? One of them might even know the car.

Whatever you do, please keep us posted, great to see people with the balls to buy these cars.

Also good tips, keen to get as much advice as possible before taking the plunge!

Anan1 wrote: »

I think that car's sitting too low, and it neads a new headlight unit.

Was a bit worried about it sitting low but I think (hope) that can be a easy fix. No idea about the headlight unit to be honest but will looking to get the vehicle inspection as mentioned - definitely don't want to buy a lemon!

jonnysimples

So... apologies for the delay in providing an update; I hate when I see threads that are just left hanging so I thought I better come back and let you all know how I got on!

Sadly, the answer is not great . The car is gorgeous, love the general shape of it and the flared wheel arches in particular but unfortunately this model wasn’t in the best of nick. Cosmetically, there were a few little dinks that had started to rust and one particularly bad one that had been patched up with duct tape! Inside wasn't much better; the two front seats were knackered, literally no support and would need to be overhauled before doing any sort of mileage. Also the rear view mirror broken off and the and the glove box was in pieces.

When i actually got it out for a drive it was pumping out blue smoke (which I’m fairly sure means it's burning oil?), the breaks were as soft as anything and the clutch felt extremely worn. That said there was still a great kick from the 1.8 engine and some just felt ‘right’ when driving it.

For a few days after viewing the car i was really torn; my head telling me no and my heart saying yes! I got a quote from the AA to do a presale inspection and that's what made my mind up eventually - €330 to do a full inspection. Too much to shell out when there probably going to tell me what I already know.

Still keeping an eye out for a better example of this car - hopefully something comes along before the head wins out totally!

Senna

jonnysimples wrote: »

patched up with duct tape!

Sounds like you made the right decision. If someone puts duct tape on a car their trying to sell, you can guarantee the rest of it is a heap of poo.

mantaraver

THIS V.W CLIPPER HAS JUST ARRIVED INTO STOCK AND WHAT A FUN CAR TO DRIVE,COMES WITH A SERVICE HISTORY AND IS IN PRISTINE CONDITION,WAS WELL LOOKED AFTER BY ITS PREVIOUS OWNER AND IS A BEAUTIFUL CAR TO DRIVE,THIS CLIPPER IS A CAR ENTHUSIASTS DREAM WITH SUPERB DRIVING AND STUNNING GOOD LOOKS,HIGH ARCHES ,VERY RELIABLE CAR AND IS RUST FREE,ORIGINAL BBS WHEELS,****************

The seller really seems to be a bit delusional about a few bits of this car, if it really is as described by the OP. Usual dealer bullsh1t I suppose but seems to be taking the proverbial a bit. But no doubt somene will fall for it :rolleyes: