Maybe purchasing a 1994 Golf today - what to look for?

I might be purchasing a '94 Golf GL this afternoon. It's an auto and from the pics I can see that it has manual windows. Other than that the seller told me that it runs great in the city and highway, has 155k miles, and will probably need a new starter soon.

Any other things that are common to this model that I should look for when going over the car? I'm only paying ~$1200 so I don't expect it to be perfect.

I've been a BMW driver for years but really want a front wheel drive now so I figured this Golf would be a good, cheap way to see if I like VW's.

I am a new VW Golf owner myself, I am also very familiar with BMW's (owned 5, 5-series M-30 engine models in a span of 6 years). I always liked the BMW inline 6 engine because it was so bulletproof, time tested design, and interchangeable between years (can swap an 87' head on an 78' block). I won't say the entire BMW line is all that great though (Nikasil coated engines anyone?)

I got VW because I was looking for a cheap to own and maintain vehicle that retained the German engineering that I loved about BMW. However, I do have some nitpicks about VW. One, build quality of body components seems to be sorely lacking. I just had to switch out a door lock mechanism because the metal hook broke in half...something I have NEVER seen in any BMW I have ever owned or heard of (speaking of any other miscellaneous body mechanical issues as well...BMW does see it's fair share of electrical issues however.) Two, high cost of replacement parts. It seems that both VW and BMW both suffer from the impression that everything built in Germany must command a high cost (Bosch?). That being said, I, myself am having to replace the Bosch MAF in my VW. I got lucky with a used one, but brand new, the same part goes for $150 plus.

Finally, I liken VW as Germany's Ford. Not all that great, some corners cut (door panels peeling off for example), truly a "people's car" built for the masses. BMW on the other hand is more premium and has a reputation to uphold. Therefore, build quality is for the most part, better.

Just a new guy's first impressions on VW.

	mkeehn0101 wrote:
	Finally, I liken VW as Germany's Ford. Not all that great, some corners cut (door panels peeling off for example), truly a "people's car" built for the masses. BMW on the other hand is more premium and has a reputation to uphold. Therefore, build quality is for the most part, better. Just a new guy's first impressions on VW.

Thanks for the info. I don't expect the car to be bulletproof, as it is 16 years old and is not a BMW. I'll check it out thoroughly before deciding to get rid of my poor 325i (small front end collision will require $500 - $1000 to replace grill, radiator support, nose piece) and finally move over to the VW world.

Living in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville MA, you see a metric ton of these VW's around and I've had friends who were fiercly loyal to theirs. I already have a brilliant mechanic lined up, just need to find the right car for the right price.

Yesterday wrote:

Thanks for the info. I don't expect the car to be bulletproof, as it is 16 years old and is not a BMW. I'll check it out thoroughly before deciding to get rid of my poor 325i (small front end collision will require $500 - $1000 to replace grill, radiator support, nose piece) and finally move over to the VW world.

Living in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville MA, you see a metric ton of these VW's around and I've had friends who were fiercly loyal to theirs. I already have a brilliant mechanic lined up, just need to find the right car for the right price.

Not a problem. LOL, I currently work in SE Connecticut myself and I can relate to your "metric ton" of VW's. The same can be said down here. Sorry to hear about your Bimmer though.

In my case, the intentions with my VW aren't all fuel economical though...after repairs are complete, I'm gonna have some Farfegnugen with my V-Dub!