Buying a Mk1 or Mk2 GTI is buying a shell — the mechanicals are cheap and simple, rust is the expense.
Check first — rust: towers, sills, jacking points, arches, screen surrounds, floors (Mk1 Mk2 Rust). Structural rot is a project; walk away from a rotten shell however good the engine.
Mechanicals:
- 8v — solid-lifter valve clearances (8v Valve Adjustment), dead simple.
- 16v (KR/PL) — want a quiet top end and clean oil history (16v Kr Pl).
- G60 — the supercharger is a service item; a rattly one needs a rebuild (G60 Supercharger).
- CIS injection — runs well when set up; rough-running is usually vacuum leaks (Cis K Jetronic).
Originality: unmolested, correct-spec cars command a premium; heavily modified ones are cheaper but harder to value.
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