1986 VW Golf GTI engine+clutch ->100k body 330k

Hey,

At the European dealership there is a 1986 VW Golf GTI for sale, for about $6000, it has been a project car and european styled (it's for sale in Canada) The dealership replaced the normal engine with a VW Passat engine (2.0L) with 100.000k on it. The body has over 330.000k on it, but looks in very good condition. Will go for a testride for it tomorrow but does this to you sound like a good deal? The car has been well maintained and customized. But would the compatibility with the newer engine work out in the long run or will there be trouble in the future?

And second, what else to look for when buying an older Golf? (besides clutch and engine ofcourse)

Thanks alot!

Just make sure the Bosch electronics function correctly. I always had trouble with my '85s electronics. Use all of the switches, basically just turn everything on that you can at once. If it doesn't clunk over bumps then the suspension has definitely either been restored or very well maintained. I had an '85 and a '92, both in very good condition, and the first issue I had was control arm bushings and strut mounts clunking. The ONLY issue with the car will be electronics. If they work, buy it. The money for it I am no expert on though.

with an older golf the things i look for/check
-shocks
-rubber bushings in the wishbones and rear axle
-clutch
-brakes are woking 100%
-rust in the body- the normal places for it are the bottom of the doors, edges of the bootlid, sill's. aslo check the bottom of the wings and the wheel arches.
-interior then, turn everything on and off several times, make sure that everything is working.

after that you cant really go wrong! though if you go and the engine is warm when you get there either walk away or wait till its cold because you can tell alot from an engine when it fires from cold. if its warm the seller might be trying to hide something.

having said that list above if the car has been modified with a passat engine etc i'm sure the body will be clean and brakes will be perfect. it wouldnt bother me that the egine is out of a passat.