Polite Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 I have always wanted a Golf but never been able to afford one. My knowledge of cars and how they work are non-existent. I've been driving for 26 years though and do know how to do that. Anyway I have approx £5000 to spend on a car. I realize I will not be able to get anything new. I have always liked the Mark 4 above all. I've made my eyes glaze over looking at used car sites, reviews etc. I would like to know; - what sort of Golf could I expect to get for that? - what sort of mechanical weakness should I look out for? - any common Golf issues I should be aware of? - any other general top tips? Apologies if this is a bit like asking how long is a piece of string but I hope I might get some genuine advice from experts who aren't trying to just sell me a car. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 I moved this into the general cars as I thought it might get more replies. welcome to Tyresmoke Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldavo69 Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 I moved this into the general cars as I thought it might get more replies.welcome to Tyresmoke You know what thought did! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stooH Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 5k, you might be able to pick up a mark 5 GTI for that. Check the cam belt's been done and that the crankshaft isn't throwing up any errors, it's been known to happen, although only very rarely... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Easily get the V5 (no costly cambelt to replace), lovely 5-pot soundtrack and good equipment levels. With the Mk 4, the one of the weaknesses were the rear suspension bushes. I know in the Bora ownership I had to replace them about 3 times!!!! (Over 120K miles). That was the only issue I can think of! They are still a very competent car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chody Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 mk5 golf are heavy on rear wheel bearings and the rear doors can stop working if diesel people seem to prefer the 1.9 tdi to the 2.0 as the bkd engine in early mk5 cars can suffer from porous cylinder heads and get through turbos and the wiring can break to the tailgate at the tube into the body and as already mentioned they require a timing belt every 4 years or 80k including water pump, bolts and tensioners to be on the safe side Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Some punctuation would have stopped me wondering why the rear doors would stop working on a diesel but not a petrol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stooH Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 mk5 golf are heavy on rear wheel bearings The front passenger side bearings were the only ones that needed replacing in my GTI in 100k miles. That was probably just from going around roundabouts too fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theduisbergkid Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Welcome to TyreSmoke, Polite, I've owned two MK4 Gtis and have no interest in flogging you anything so you can trust me At that budget, I'd go for a good MK4 instead of an early/tatty MK5, but be aware that the MK4 Gti is more of a posh hatchback than proper sportscar. There are some issues, window regulators for example, and coil packs, but buying a car with a proper service history from a decent garage should give you peace of mind. I guess you know that there are 3 versions of the MK4 Gti; the 1.8 20v non-turbo, with 125 BHP (I had one from new), which only lasted a year or two in production. Then the 1.8t 20V, which is exactly the same engine but with a turbo, and 150 BHP (I had one from nearly new). Finally the 2.0 which is an old engine with 115 BHP. I'd avoid that one. None of them handle well (as standard) and they're rather 'soft', but they're comfy, look OK, and are fairly well equipped. If you don't do many miles, I'd agree with Cruiser above, the rare 'V5' model is worth seeking out (I nearly bought a nearly new one). They're thirsty, but usually better kitted out than the GTis, and have a fantastic 170 BHP 5 cylinder engine that sounds beautiful, and pulls strongly whereas the Gti's sound ordinary and are rather gutless. Go and try a few, there will be good and bad at this price point, but take your time to choose one and I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Oh, and if you can really stretch your budget, the R32 model (V6 engine and 4WD) has a bit of a following on here by those in the know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 I agree with TDK above pretty much. I'd test drive a Bora (if oyu like the styling) I thought it was a better drive in comparable spec than the Golf. Also if you don't mind the styling a comparable age Beetle is similar money and handles better than the Golf!! For the 5k mark you'll get a nice V5 Sport ed Beetle which has the nice V5 engine, two tone sports leather interior and different exterior. Another good buy if you can find one is a Golf 25th Anniversary - they had better spec / trim than the GTi, came in 180bhp Petrol (1.8t) or 150 bhp Diesel (1.9tdi) and were good cars, looked nice with the slight styling changes and handled a bit better with revised suspension. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turrican Posted March 16, 2013 Report Share Posted March 16, 2013 A mk4 R32 can be had for around 5.5k. If you are interested I would recommend r32oc.com , they've got a good buyers guide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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