What to look for when buying a Mk1?

[Jarred]

Yeah I've seen a few engines and parts available for sale throught his website. Should come in very handy.

Can anyone quickly explain what this auto choke is?

DangerDan, I was kinda looking at your Mk1 for sale

auto choke works off the coolant temp. so when the coolant and hence engine temp is down, the choke becomes on, and when the coolant (and engine) warms up, the choke comes off. well it's something like that anyways.

Aftermarket carbs have the option of having this set up (a water choke) which I would avoid at all costs, or an electric choke (good), or manual choke (best) or even no choke at all, which is do-able as well.

[Pollywaffle]

Thanks for the info DangerDan. I've never bought an older style car like this before so I'm very wary. I'll probably be in contact

Thanks too Jarred. Sounds like someting I'd be replacing when I got on. If it was playing up of course.

[Golf Loon]

DangerDans one is a good un and 2 door.

Basically they are old and rust a lot and dont drive like a new car. if thats what you want, get in.

[Pollywaffle]

DangerDans one is a good un and 2 door.

Basically they are old and rust a lot and dont drive like a new car. if thats what you want, get in.

I had a '85 Corolla as my first car. I'm used to a bit of a rough ride and break downs

[SpeciP3]

hey mate, i swear once you get in a mk1 you'll never want to drive anything else, they're awesome! i've also been checking out dan's car and it does look very tidy, would recommend you check it out, good honest old beast!

another few things worth mentioning with mk1's are: never trust what the owner says, check everything you can yourself or else bring someone along who can help you out. Secondly be aware of home botch-jobs, particularly self-made cabrio's and poorly repaired accident damage.

keep looking tho, you'll surely come across a good original beast, and don't be affraid to spend a little more on a clean example, it'll save you a heap in the long run.

cheers and happy hunting

[Pollywaffle]

Thanks for the help guys. I don't have much money to spend at the moment and my biggest fear would be buying someone's wreck. So I'll be keeping all this in mind when looking around!

[kavlfc]

If you click on the link on my signature (Pommie OC) there's buying guides on the right of the home page. Hope this is of help.
Regards
Chris