Cheap GTIs

[bert]

I recently bought a '99 GTI with ~123K on the clock. Chipped, VR6 clutch, TT front brakes, very good cond black Recaro leather. $11000.

Unfortunately I had to replace the throttle body almost straight away (fairly common failure so I'm told), cost nearly a grand including labour. So look for one that idles rock-solid around 800 RPM when warm, as the first sign the TB is going is a higher idle. Also make sure that it drives smoothly when coasting very slowly (10-30 kph in 2nd or 3rd) as mine would sometimes lurch around like it was stalling, this was happening before the idle started going awry but now is fine after replacing the TB.

Get someone to check for error codes as part of pre-purchase inspection.

But overall happy with the purchase and she now drives beautifully!

[Mr Messy]

I paid a little too much for mine in October ($18k) for a one-owner 2001 model with Recaros... it had <70,000km though!

Little things have started to annoy me about the car. The hazard switch is on the blink (random tick tock sounds) and the window lock switch has stopped working. Only noticed this this morning.

Save up your $$$ for t-belt as well, mine cost $1100 or so with a new water pump and tensioner.

Great car though.