Mk5 golf gti.....buying

Gorgeousgeorge

Hi. Looking for some help. Going to look at the above for a daily driver for the summer months. Always liked them but was never financially viable until now that im a bit older.

Iv done a bit of research about problems they have. The one im looking at is a 2005 model 2 door. Manual gearbox. Fsh. Looks to be fairly clean. Any advice before i go view? Thanks

Edit. 130000 miles on the clock. Timing belt and pump done

Shefwedfan

Bring mechanic

MidMan25

Ask about the missing door

Gorgeousgeorge

MidMan25 wrote: »

Ask about the missing door

How original! Helpful chap

Atlantic Dawn

Rust inside the front wings is a known issue, if I was getting one I'd go for the DSG.

This guy here has a few videos on fixer uppers he has bought, someone posted it on here a few weeks ago, could be a good place to start looking at known faults...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzu2aQ86MVg

Nonoperational

Lots of things to look for in a 2005.

As far as I remember 2005 is the AXX engine. The BWA improved things slightly but still needs the same things checked.

The fuel pump cam follower can wear and cause major problems if it does. Lots of people replace it every 50k or so.

The diverter valve needs to be replaced with the newer piston type one, the rubber membrane one will 100% be blown if it hasn't been replaced causing significant power loss. I went from 150 to 200 bhp just by replacing this.

The intake manifold flapper motor can fail, doesn't seem to cause much in the way of issues but will throw a code.

The PCV valve will fail and need to be replaced (DIY).

The aircon compressor will almost certainly have failed, and the AC if fitted isn't very apparent if its on so you need to check carefully that it's actually ac not just outside cool air.

Drivers seat can wear.

Manual box is solid. Suspension fine apart from the usual bushings etc. I loved the car, and once you get one that's sorted it's a workhorse.

make sure the thermostat is working.
expensive to change due to labour.
Check both the doors are locking and unlocking properly ( i missed this when buying my own),
A passenger door not working on a 3 door is an absolute pain and 100e for a new lock.

also try get one with the multi function steering wheel.
The 18" diamond are the wheels to have so make sure they are not too badly damaged. 550e for a refurb.
they suffer from whiteworm and so do the boot lid badges.

Gorgeousgeorge

Thanks for the replys lads. The one i went an viewed had rust on both front wings seemed to be coming from the inside out. Also was rough on idle.

The search continues and thanks again for the advice

Notch000

the idle can be a bit rough normally, my 2005 splutter and pops on idle and can sound a bit like a diesel at times. The mechanical fuel pump are nosy on these.
As mentioned before the PCV, cam follower and diverter need to be checked or most likely replaced if not recently addressed, all are cheap parts and very DIY'able. Running cost are really ok, just 2.0old Tax and 30ish MPG. I've seen no extra cost in running one for last 2 years.
+ They seem to go very well for 200 BHP, very comfortable seats too

Toyotafanboi

Yeah, they are all a little bit twitchy at idle. I wouldn't let that put me off one if it otherwise checks out ok.

Carscarscars

When it comes to mk5's it's always worth buying one that's been well cared for and had all of the aforementioned work done, they can break your heart otherwise. Don't let the idle put you off as they all sound like that unless it is very bad.
Mines going for a retest tomorrow then will be put up on done deal if you want a look or even just a chat and a bit of advice on them? It's 195,000km full service history, red, manual based in Kildare

Gorgeousgeorge

Carscarscars wrote: »

When it comes to mk5's it's always worth buying one that's been well cared for and had all of the aforementioned work done, they can break your heart otherwise. Don't let the idle put you off as they all sound like that unless it is very bad.
Mines going for a retest tomorrow then will be put up on done deal if you want a look or even just a chat and a bit of advice on them? It's 195,000km full service history, red, manual based in Kildare

Yeah please pop me a pm. Going to look at a black one tonight. Low miles full history etc if i dont purchase i would definitely like a look