Corolla Gti Buying

[System~G]

Hi Guys B)

First post in this section B)

I am on the outlook for a Corolla GTi as a runabout until I can afford my next MR2.

I have found an F-Reg (88 I think) on Autotrader for £675 with 140k on the clock. The seller assures me the car is in excellent condition but needs a rear left shock and new Battery as it's been sat in the drive for 2 months. MOT runs out in May 04 and is currently untaxed.

Now for the Q's:

1] The Shock:

How much would I expect to pay for the part?

Is it DIY replacement or should it be done professionally?

Do I do just the failed one or both rears or all four?

The owner says even though the shock needs replacing, the car is still drivable...

2] The car is far away from me (90 Miles) do you think it's worth while driving the distance to view it? The seller thinks it is (Obviously).

3] Is the asking price realistic? Parkers say £380 private good/ £510 Dealer Retail.

4] Should I hang on for a while for something closer?

Sorry, just needing some info to convince me either way as like anyone else I don't want to be ripped a new one. Bear it in mind that I will only be needing the car for around 6 - 9 months when I would like to trade it/sell on to buy another MR2.

Any advice or help appreciated

[Firebreather]

If parker says £380, and hes asking for £675, then no way man.... ask him to lower is price because u have to pay for the shocks.

[L4AGZE]

Using Parkers guide and any other price guide books is useless for cars such as the GTi. The best bet is to see what they are going for (autotrader, loot etc) and work out what a fair price is to pay.

[Unity Jon]

90 miles isnt really that far ? go and see it, if its great then buy it, if you dont like then dont.

the shock is an easy DIY job all you'll need is a jack, wheel brace, spanners and spring compressor (its a coil over set up in the rear)

You can buy a single shock if you get one thats a match for the other side (genuine probably unless its been lowered ?)

Look for rot around the front screen, its a bugger. wheel arches are easily repaired as is the sunroof.

[JT]

Parkers price guide is b :censor: s - even on new stuff, its usually too generous, and old stuff nowhere near generous enough.

the price sounds about right really - id bid him £500 and go from there if you really want it, but 90 miles is a long way to travel for an average condition car that is fairly common still.

aside from the obvious, check the rear wheelarches, windscreen surround and sunroof for rot - its probably gonna be there! tbh, i wouldn't bother, but it's up to yourself

[Fal_gt]

Hi,

I have a nice Corolla GTi for sale, on a 1990 'G'Reg, new spec, 129bhp model, with 0% rust, the car is showing 100,00o miles but there is no service history or the like with the car, the car has a lancer evo bonnet vent, with a modified and meshed front bumper with corner splitters and a meshed grill, it has a years mot and no tax, also has 15" 5 spoke alloys with two new tyres, the car drives spot on. I'm based in High Wycombe, I'm asking about a grand for the car or near offer, but it has to be seen, cleanest around. You can contact me on 07814176010 or t_gt@yahoo.com

[System~G]

Thanks for letting me know, but I don't think it's what I'm looking for. Service History is a must especially on a GTi.

[Unity Jon]

you'll be lucky.

the last gti was built in 92 so thats 12 years worth of history your looking for....

I'd rather buy one from an enthusiast from here as at least you'll now its been well cared for. Lets face it, you dont throw all that work and money into a ****box do you, and with a good 4age they're harldy likely to have thrashed the engine, in a gti you cant really thrash an engine, you'd do more harm driving around town slowly than hitting high revs each day....

[System~G]

These Gti's are raced as much as MR2's (as many of you know I owned one). All I need proof of is regular oil change. As with most Jap engines, I know the 4age is almost bullet proof.

Answer me this then:

Why should I fork out £1k+ for a rolla GTi when one can find very nice MKI MR2's (My other option) for less? :P

Nonetheless, thanks for the sensible replies on the shock issue. I will make plans on viewing the car this weekend (if it's not sold)