About to go Golf

[Kahlerisms]

Hi Guys

After driving old Benz's for most of my driving life I'm thinking of downsizing a little and buying a golf.

I went and test drove this today

2001, VOLKSWAGEN GOLF, Melbourne, Dealer Used, $7,999 at carsguide.com.au

and I'm pretty tempted.

$9,500 including roadworthy and detail and RACV inspection and whatnot.

Seems $2-3k under the Redbook value. Anything to look out for? Any warning signs?

Not looking for a long term investment, only about two years and I'll trade it in again. That said, I don't want to buying a bunch of problems, either.


First post, thanks for your help.

[Andykombi]

Great looking car. I have just gone through purchase of a '02 golf (not cabrio) a few weeks ago.
I'm new to these cars also, only had much older VW's, so can't say too much on issues.

What I can recomend is a health check from a mechanic with proper VW diagnostics. I would not rely on an RACV check unless they do this. I looked a what I though was an excellent car, only 80k km. The mechanic who did the inspection picked up many issues of their diagnostics.
Was worth the $$ spent, and I ended up getting another car.
Complete and regular service history is always good too.

[balkanac]

looks clean but that doesnt mean anything. I'd take it to a VW specialist and get them to check it out.
What is this classified as? MK3 or MK4?? or a mix of both??

[craig_the_german]

I think they are classified as a MK3.5

Mechanically a MK3.

Looks like a MK4 from the front but I don't believe any of the panels are interchangeable with a MK4.

[Manaz]

I think they are classified as a MK3.5

Mechanically a MK3.

Looks like a MK4 from the front but I don't believe any of the panels are interchangeable with a MK4.

That's correct, it's technically a Mk3 vehicle, but the look was updated to stay in line with the Mk4 that was being sold at the time. This was only done (to my knowledge) to the Cabriolet as well, no other model received this treatment.

If you're after two years of worry-free motoring, I'd be more inclined to get a real Mk4 Golf without the convertible aspect - I've never associated convertibles with worry-free motoring, especially not ones that are getting onto 10 years old.

If you do buy this one - how does the price jump from $8k as listed to $9.5k as you're indicating you'll likely pay? If anything you should be paying LESS than list price - to pay $1500 extra on this car for delivery items is paying nearly 20% on top of the list price - that's pretty bloody expensive!

[Kahlerisms]

That's correct, it's technically a Mk3 vehicle, but the look was updated to stay in line with the Mk4 that was being sold at the time. This was only done (to my knowledge) to the Cabriolet as well, no other model received this treatment.

If you're after two years of worry-free motoring, I'd be more inclined to get a real Mk4 Golf without the convertible aspect - I've never associated convertibles with worry-free motoring, especially not ones that are getting onto 10 years old.

If you do buy this one - how does the price jump from $8k as listed to $9.5k as you're indicating you'll likely pay? If anything you should be paying LESS than list price - to pay $1500 extra on this car for delivery items is paying nearly 20% on top of the list price - that's pretty bloody expensive!

Manaz? Name sounds familiar. Where else on teh intertrons might i know you from? TechWatch or OCAU?

The $8,000 is wholesale. We can get it for that but it comes without

Detailing
inspection
RWC
rego
stamp duty
transfer fees


I had no idea they were still making mark 3s in 2001. Perhaps this isn't the bargain we thought it was then? Seemed well optioned to me
electric windows,
electric mirrors
leather seats
heated seats
electric roof

etc.

Got about another 24 hours to make a decision. Before you blokes replied it was going to be a yes - now I'm not so sure.

I know that fun cars come with a few niggles, so I don't expect a flawless experience..

Thanks for the feedback guys

[craig_the_german]

I looked at one of these a while back but the idea that the panels won't interchange with a MK4 and were only used on the few convertibles that were sold here meant they might be hard to get..if there is an unfortunate situation where you might need them...and that put me off. Mechanically you shouldn't have issues getting parts as they are effectively a MK3.

Just my thoughts

[Speed]

I had no idea they were still making mark 3s in 2001. Perhaps this isn't the bargain we thought it was then? Seemed well optioned to me
electric windows,
electric mirrors
leather seats
heated seats
electric roof
etc.
Thanks for the feedback guys

It's marketed as a mark 4 but is esentially a mark 3.
I wouldn't bother.

You could buy a damn good mx5 for $9,500 and it would drive so much better ! Just my 2c

[Naffler]

If you want real value for money, and want a Golf. Grab a MK3 VR6.

[Manaz]

Yeah, I'm on OCAU too.

The manufacturing of various models is quite strange with VW - lots of overlap - they were making Beetles until 2003!

Not sure what the reason was for basing the Mk4 cabbie on the Mk3 underneath - maybe to cut development costs?