What to look for?

[R1Joel]

Hey guys,
Just signed up, I am a big VW fan and have been for many years.

I am very keen on an 05-08 Polo GTI. I wanted one years ago but for many reasons it never happened. Now I am wanting to make it happen. Sell my current car (Suzuki SX4) and get what I really want. My budget is about $7500, there are a few very nice examples on Carsales currently in NSW.
I am just wondering what I should look for when looking to buy? Any common problems etc. I know service history is a big one.
Also just curious, what sort of fuel economy do you guys/girls get? I'd be leaving mine relatively stock (for the time being) when I actually get it.

Thankyou

[SuperChimps]

I'm not sure how to phrase it in terms of things to look for.. But all the common problems have been discussed here and in the archives, check the stickys/FAQ etc..

There were recalls on coilpacks, I think a lot of original owners had issues. There seems to have been some crunchy gearboxes too. A lot of people have got round that by changing the gearbox oil. But really all those problems would've surely been fixed by a previous owner.

They need a timing belt and water pump around 7 years or 100k km, which isn't cheap. And I guess like any older car you'd want to check it hasn't been flogged too hard. The LCA bushes can break pretty easily apparently.

I think overall they're fairly robust. I'm getting anywhere from 7 - 9 L/100 km depending on how I'm driving.. With aircon on all the time. Oh and my aircon isn't amazing.. Not sure if that's a common thing

Hope that helps. Good luck!

[sambb]

I'd do a compression test and leak down and check when the timing belt is due - 5 valves per cyl is a lot of leak potential and a lot of damage if a belt lets go.
Crunchy gears on down changes - synchros
look at the rear bushes of the lower wishbones. They have voids and bridges. If the bridges split its a replace job which is a decent job.
you could get it scanned for errors too and put them up here if there are any.

[h100vw]

I'd do a compression test and leak down and check when the timing belt is due - 5 valves per cyl is a lot of leak potential and a lot of damage if a belt lets go.
Crunchy gears on down changes - synchros
look at the rear bushes of the lower wishbones. They have voids and bridges. If the bridges split its a replace job which is a decent job.
you could get it scanned for errors too and put them up here if there are any.

As mentioned above, the LCA bushes and cambelt would be the major things.

Lots of other things can cost you though, brakes, tyres, servicing. Not all deal breakers but certainly considerations.

Have a good read of the Polo section. If you see any GTIs that take your fancy post the advert and get some opinions from us.

Gavin

[louis19]

As mentioned above, the LCA bushes and cambelt would be the major things.

Lots of other things can cost you though, brakes, tyres, servicing. Not all deal breakers but certainly considerations.

Have a good read of the Polo section. If you see any GTIs that take your fancy post the advert and get some opinions from us.

Gavin

I was waiting for the guru to post. Do what he said

[R1Joel]

Thanks for the replies and help everyone. I will note it all down and take it into consideration. I'll also do some more search on here. Just about finished detailing my SX4, then I can list it.

[flaky]

Hi guys, first post an I am in exactly the same boat as the OP this is what I am test driving today: 2006 Volkswagen Polo GTI 9N Manual MY06

Thinking of starting bidding at $5000 and my max is $6000, due mostly to the 170,000k timing belt change due in 11,000ks. Anything else I should look for?