plattsy90 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 hello i was just after advice on what to look for when buying a lupo gti? as this will be my first.thanks sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamAtkinson Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 Apart from the normal things to look for when buying a car full stop.Rust/ bubbling on the roof guttering as well as the spoiler.Does the car go into all the gears without clunking and whining? (including whining when in gear)When pressing the clutch does it feel ruff when pressing it down, like its grinds in the middle, if so the pedal box could be on the way out. (that will probs make more sense if it happens on the car)Im running out of un-usual things now, alenator whine.IF it's been lowered check the arches and the wishbones etc etcHope this helps, I'll have a think for more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamAtkinson Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 Ah GTI's have a hydrolic clutch so ignore the pedal box clutch thingy.If it's a 5 speed box, look out especially for these because they melt like chocolate.The exhaust (centre exit) can drop over time too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bikemad04 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 Also check the xenons work correctly and flash the full beams to check the flap operates and doesnt stick, Door microswitchs check the light comes on when opening both doors and boot, might be small but they are over £100 to replace and its something to haggle the price, Starting motor can stick so listen out for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxy Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 hello i was just after advice on what to look for when buying a lupo gti? as this will be my first.thanks samBuy mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamAtkinson Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 Door microswitchs check the light comes on when opening both doors and boot, might be small but they are over £100 to replace and its something to haggle the price, I knew there was something else. Check that if you leave the lights and open the door the alarm goes off to tell you that you've done so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sat1983 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 Check all lights on dash, whatever you do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hipwell Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 Ah GTI's have a hydrolic clutch so ignore the pedal box clutch thingy.If it's a 5 speed box, look out especially for these because they melt like chocolate.The exhaust (centre exit) can drop over time too.Yeah GTI's don't have the pedal box issue, nor is there a problem with the 5 speed gearbox. It is not that same as the lousy Polo GTI one. People only dislike it as there was the later, more common 6 speed with an extra gear. Never seen many problems with either gearboxes and the engines are pretty robust aswell, very common to see GTI's approaching the 100k mark. Just like any car make sure it has a good service history, with Lupos, they need a new cambelt every 4 years or 40,000 miles - whichever comes first (its good practice also to replace the water-pump at the same time).Even the youngest GTI's are getting on for 6 years old now, so most of the ones you will look at will have all the common niggles, including; Broken door microswitches, meaning the interior light will stay on when the doors are opened,Rust causing paint bubbling on the boot handle and door gutters,Sqealing starter motor on start-up,The third brake light not working, usually caused by water ingress, also causing bubbling on the spoiler around the light,Creaking doors, needing new check straps,Electric windows not functioning correctly, usually needing a new switch.Brake pedal switch breaking or not being correctly adjusted, giving you and EPC light and no rear brake lights.All of the above are pretty common and most are easy to rectify, but gives you room to barter the price down.But make sure you also check that the bonnet, wings and doors are aluminium and not been replaced by cheaper steel ones. If they have it could mean it has been damaged in an accident. The aluminium panels are becoming rarer and obselete if replacements are needed.Also check the headlights for damage and make sure they function correctly, as they are very expensive to replace.Basic infomation on options and colours..Most common colours are Silver and Black. Red is quite uncommon, then with Blue and Anthracite being very rare.The cars will range from X reg (2000) to 55 reg (2005).GTI's came with optional leather seats/ manual air-conditioning and electric sunroof. So having any of those is a bonus.Prices have come down quite rapidly recently, meaning they range from £3,000 to £6,000, depending on age, condition, mileage etc.With any car though, check for general wear and tear and make sure the mileage matches up to this, HPI check the car to make sure there is no out standing finace, not stolen, damaged etc. If possible plug the car into VAG-COM to check for any fault codes.Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pottster Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 (edited) Some good information on here. I'm not quite sure what the hang-up is with 100,000 miles on the clock (not in this thread but in others I've seen), modern engines like the ones in the Gti should easily have a good 200,000 plus miles in them if serviced regularly, have things replaced at the suggested intervals and are not abused.What would you rather have? an engine with 70,000 miles on the clock with infrequent services and poorly maintained or one with 100,000 with regular servicing and a bit of TLC along the way. Edited March 31, 2011 by Pottster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sat1983 Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 Didn't realise the starter squealing was a common issue. I guess the only fix is a new one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hipwell Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 Some good information on here. I'm not quite sure what the hang-up is with 100,000 miles on the clock (not in this thread but in others I've seen), modern engines like the ones in the Gti should easily have a good 200,000 plus miles in them if serviced regularly, have things replaced at the suggested intervals and are not abused.What would you rather have? an engine with 70,000 miles on the clock with infrequent services and poorly maintained or one with 100,000 with regular servicing and a bit of TLC along the way.I think it's just a common misconception that the engine will die after 100k. Obviously it won't and doesn't. But people prefer lower mileage cars and a VW stamp in their service book, what ever good that is?But I agree, in 5-10 years time all GTI's will have 100-150k+ on them and people will still think the same.Didn't realise the starter squealing was a common issue. I guess the only fix is a new one?Yes, you would need a replacement. But it will only return in a couple of months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sat1983 Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 Yes, you would need a replacement. But it will only return in a couple of months.You are joking right?? Are you saying ALL gti's have a squealing starter?? Surely not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Defcon5 Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 You are joking right?? Are you saying ALL gti's have a squealing starter?? Surely not.It is a very common issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sat1983 Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 Yeah but I can't imagine buying a brand new Lupo GTI and within 3 months it starts squealing. I **cringe** when mine does it- but put it down to 94k miles taking it's toll on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver! Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 My starter isn't squeeling yet......51k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sat1983 Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 My starter isn't squeeling yet..51kThere ya go, I really don't see why a new starter would start squealing before it's sell by date. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hipwell Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 Its a very common VW issue, there are many 'How to' guides on the internet on how to fix it, by cleaning and greasing it. But it will eventually come back.If you buy a new starter motor it will probably take longer for it to squeal, compared to a reconditioned one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pottster Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 Mine 'squeals' a little bit, more like a very quiet squark - nothing wrong at all with the starter motor - just adds a bit of character. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plattsy90 Posted March 31, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 cheers for all the advice its a black gti with 60k on the clock. one owner from new hopefully its as good as it sounds on the advertthanks sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pottster Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 cheers for all the advice its a black gti with 60k on the clock. one owner from new hopefully its as good as it sounds on the advertthanks samGood luck with the purchase, sounds like it could be good one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest A20NWK Posted April 1, 2011 Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 cheers for all the advice its a black gti with 60k on the clock. one owner from new hopefully its as good as it sounds on the advertthanks samIt's not in Leicester by any chance is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooper_GTI Posted April 1, 2011 Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 I stripped my starter motor down into tiny pieces. I slapped C.V. grease on every moving part i could see. Put it back together (after a big fight with the brushes) and it was SILENT! Next day it came back... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike_M Posted April 1, 2011 Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 My starter isn't squeeling yet......51kMine is not either touch wood at 72K miles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sat1983 Posted April 1, 2011 Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 I'll just get a new starter- hopefully will be ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rh203 Posted April 1, 2011 Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 I'll just get a new starter- hopefully will be ok.It'l definitely come back...unless it's some aftermarket one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.