With the age of the MK1's condition & service history is more important than millage.
Apart the usual consumables brakes, tyre, etc. You'd also need to check things like the suspension, clutch and when the cambelt was last changed.
Bodywork and interior stand up well to normal use, so any that look tatty would've had a hard life.
The engine is solid and should last the life of the car if it's given fresh oil once in a while.
If the car has been modified suspension or engine wise you'd have to be more careful and know what you're looking at.
Best advice is to buy with as low mileage as you can afford.
Condition speaks volumes.
low mileage doesn’t mean a good car but it helps
. How it’s been treated is more important.
I bought one on 49k and I had to replace turbo and VVT tensioner within six months.
Both big bills.
Along with brake discs and pads all round.
It can all add up.
You will be able to tell who has spent money properly on good modifications and if all done by one person with receipts the car will most likely be quite decent.
As opposed to a car with second hand eBay parts and 9 owners.
Most well modified cars are being sold at a loss to the owner so will be at the upper end of the sales ladder.
As to buying ,
Check oil is clear no sludge,
Split hoses and leaks, look under the car If you can.leaks aren’t always visible from on top.
Check fan comes on in two stages, temp sits at 90
Check carpet for wet floors and boot floor. Common problem with leaking door seals.
Hope that helps
Wow - Thanks indeed!
I'm looking at standard cars under the 100k mark ideally - just because that will give me some peace of mind.
How do i check the fan comes on in 2 stages? (Apologies if this is covered elsewhere)
Thanks
Yeah they're all getting on now. They're becoming more of a hobby
IME after c. 11 years / 90k,
So, nothing major - assuming your LCR has been correctly maintained / serviced.
- The passenger-side front electric window motor will die, it’s lower spec compared to driver’s
- The steering rack will leak
- The alternator will suddenly die - worth carrying a spare
- The rear brake calipers will start binding and need replacing or a DIY rebuild
- The alarm sensor for the bonnet will need cleaning