As title im looking to buy a little gti (inspied by the gutman pug videos) on here looking for a 1.9 what should i be looking out for ?

 

2 buying guides on here http://www.205gtidrivers.com look under '205 gti info'

Dave

 

apart from the usual old car buying checks, the pug 205 gti specifics include

1) rear beam axle : the swing arm bearings wear out over time, key symptoms are a sagging rear end (though it may have been lowered) and negative camber on the rear wheels (shouldn't be any visible). Though unless the car has had a rear beam rebuild its more than likely that the original will be failing or about to fail in the near future, in extreme cases the top inside edge of the tyre can rub on the inner wheel arch. Also creaking rear suspension may be evident under a bounce test (though this could also be a loose spare wheel frame).

2) engine can kangaroo on part throttle town driving, this came as standard from the factory though can get worse with age due to worm AFMs (air fuel meters). Also lots of little hoses from engine to fuel inj which all can crack over time and cause idle problems.

3) exhaust manifolds crack, genuine replacements alledgedly better than aftermarket copies (for performance , not price)

3a) also engine mounts can wear leading to leaky exhaust joints from manifold to exhaust. genuine item recommended as cheap replacments rob power.

4) front wishbone bushes wear, leading to right /left steering under braking/accelleration.

5) Starter motors develop sticky reluctant starting, often caused by wiring connector to starter corroding.

All good stuff really as they are as cheap as chips to buy.

PS if you value the cars handling dont slam it to the ground keep it close to stock. and load more stuff to check at http://forum.205gtidrivers.com/

 

Good advice? Don't buy a black one reg F423 RGF....

 

Also caused by bad earths!

 

Iain's just about covered everything there

Check for any water leaks in this weather - favourite's are rear hatch window, side rear windows and sunroof - all easy fixes, but can cause rust inside.

Some will say to check the cracks above the rear side windows, but dont be too concerned about them.

Main thing with the 205 is checking crash damage.

 

Look out for stress fractures at the top of the 'B' pillar.

Quite a few on e-bay at the moment and the Autotrader site too.

 

cheers everyone some good tips there
Iv'e got a volvo v40 td estate to get rid of its in the trader this week and the wife said sell it and get your self a track car
I always do as the wife tells me

 

Wish my wife was like that

If you want a track car then avoid the in demand cars, which are phase 2 in miami/sorrento.

You can pick up 1.9s for under 500, they won't be mint, depends if you want a daily car that can go on a track or a dedicated track car.

205gtidrivers is all your source of information.

They are cheap relatively as a track car, they are light 900kg standard, can get <800kg stripped so are light on brakes and tyres and performance is good with modest power.
They are so much fun around track, you pay peanuts and have a competitive car that you can push hard.

Enjoy if you buy one

 

The best advice I could give is to go out and drive a couple. You will soon know what a good and bad one feels like. Whichever you buy you will end up spending a few quid on it but hey it is 15 year old french clutter after all

Glad I converted you by the way

Offer me enough cash and I may sell you mine

Gary

 

John Cleese mode on:

"Don't mention the WR1!!"

Mode off

 

I am already a gti fan i had one about 5 years ago think i paid about a grand for it
it was the best fun car ive ever had
I dont want to buy one already done thanks im looking forward to geting one as a little project
Im thinking get it strip it fit 2 lightweight seats get the suspention brakes sorted and service it
I was thinking of puting a rollcage in but they are £500
now im wondering should i get one i guess you dont need it til you realy NEED it then i supose £500 is cheap

 

paulwrxboro,

YHPM.

Steve

 

Cage will cost you about £380 from safety devices
Seats and subframes £350 (cheap seats)
Harnesses £50-100

Then you start spending money or brakes suspension strut braces etc. I reckon it will cost £1000 for the right car in the first place and another £1500 to have it how you want it, without tinkering with the engine, that will cost more again.

Gary