What's a really good Mark II worth?

[rowan_bris]

A few, or perhaps a lot of you, have probably seen my Mark II in the for sale section. I was wondering if anyone had any idea as to what a car in that sort of condition is worth. I have seen plenty go for $5,000 or $6,000 that would need far more than the price difference spent on them to impove their condition. But I have had little interest in it so far and am starting to wonder whether that is price or just the type of car? I have my new car coming on Friday and would love to have somewhere to put it!

Any thoughts would be welcome

[ausgolfer]

I bought my 2door 16v GTi in similar condition for less than that, although it had twice as many km's on it j: but is a much rarer car, and I think I got a bargain.
I'd say your asking price is fair if you're willing to negotiate, as people always think they can knock the price down by about 500 to a thousand.

[ausgolfer]

Oh and I'm not sure those are recaro seats, they look just like mine which are tartain not rainbow.

[Golf Loon]

Its hard to find someone prepared to spend the extra.

Only enthusiasts want to part with the $$ and a lot of them want a 2 dor Mk1 or 2 GTI instead.

[moto]

Seems to me that old VWs are a funny business. I think what you are trying to sell is an historic car. Originality and impeccable condition are what historic car buyers search for. If I didn't have one already I'd be looking hard at your car. Seems like a gem.

Problem we have is the Golf GTI thing never really happened here. There are a few old fogeys around, including a few in the press, who were part of the GTI thing in Europe. They run the flag up the mast every now and then, but they're a good bit older than their cars already. Most historic car enthusiasts here were not part of that. Golf GTI means nothing to them.

I don't buy the two door 4 door story. When I was lusting for one at the time I don't recall anyone talking like that. 2 door 4 door any door ... a GTI was a GTI. It was the badge, the red grill band, the twin head lights and the tail squat as they blasted past. Enthusiasts of the day didn't count the door handles. When at last the chance came my way it was bl**dy good luck for me that VW brought the 4 door here. As far as the half was concerned 2 doors meant cheap and ugly plus torn clothes.

The problem you - we - have is there's pretty well no historic car segment for the Mk2 GTI in Australia. That's true for the Mk1 also that never came here at all. Compare the prices an MGB can fetch, of the same vintage as a Mk1. Car to car there's no comparo. The MGB was a dog in its day and its just an old mongel (obscure parentage) today. But MGBs have a following because they were sold here in good numbers and the historic car market trades in rememberances.

Its a pity but your car, that has been so carefully preserved, is probably going to light the imagination of a succession of new owners who each will prefer it increasingly modified. Why not donate it to a museum instead?

[brackie]

You've hit the nail where it goes in best, Moto. Collectors deal in nostalgia.
I bought a second hand dishwasher today in Devonport from a seemingly wealthy family living in a big house with everything that opens and shuts. They have a MGB soft top in the garage and say that it doesn't get out enough. It also probably has a had a small fortune spent on it and breaks down on every second outing (it has special interest plates).
Great thing about GTis is that they go better and don't break down so often :(

[syncro]

Seems to me that old VWs are a funny business. I think what you are trying to sell is an historic car. Originality and impeccable condition are what historic car buyers search for. If I didn't have one already I'd be looking hard at your car. Seems like a gem.

Problem we have is the Golf GTI thing never really happened here. There are a few old fogeys around, including a few in the press, who were part of the GTI thing in Europe. They run the flag up the mast every now and then, but they're a good bit older than their cars already. Most historic car enthusiasts here were not part of that. Golf GTI means nothing to them.

I don't buy the two door 4 door story. When I was lusting for one at the time I don't recall anyone talking like that. 2 door 4 door any door ... a GTI was a GTI. It was the badge, the red grill band, the twin head lights and the tail squat as they blasted past. Enthusiasts of the day didn't count the door handles. When at last the chance came my way it was bl**dy good luck for me that VW brought the 4 door here. As far as the half was concerned 2 doors meant cheap and ugly plus torn clothes.

The problem you - we - have is there's pretty well no historic car segment for the Mk2 GTI in Australia. That's true for the Mk1 also that never came here at all. Compare the prices an MGB can fetch, of the same vintage as a Mk1. Car to car there's no comparo. The MGB was a dog in its day and its just an old mongel (obscure parentage) today. But MGBs have a following because they were sold here in good numbers and the historic car market trades in rememberances.

Its a pity but your car, that has been so carefully preserved, is probably going to light the imagination of a succession of new owners who each will prefer it increasingly modified. Why not donate it to a museum instead?

My sentiments exactly:)

I have many UK VW magazines from the eighties where they kept complaining about four door GTIs not being available.

It will be a shame if there are no Australian 1990 Golfs preserved in standard condition.
How many 1300 Passats do you see now?

[h100vw]

Great thing about GTis is that they go better and don't break down so often :(

No one has told this to my MK1, which popped a CV joint today at 3pm.

Luckily got one from Intervolks and was back on the street again in time, to clock off from work on time.

Annoying but I had to spend over $50 in tools to do the job as none of the aircraft stuff I had with me was big enough. Now got a **** half inch ratchet handle and spare 13,19 and 30mm sockets. :(

Still the car runs much better and doesn't shake the steering wheel any more.

Bonus.

Gavin

[RedMk2Gti]

Why not donate it to a museum instead?

lol ...

Mk2 Gti has many years to become classic, so now its age determines the value, not simply because it is a Mk2 Gti. Your car exceptional low mileage and condition may worth a bit more, but definitely not 9.5K for a 17 years old car.

[rowan_bris]

It's funny about the preservation thing. I used to own a mechanical workshop years ago and specialised in restoration of 60s and 70s Alfas and I had no trouble getting people to spend the money it took to do things properly. I would always have jumped to buy a car like this one rather than something that had been repainted (for who knows what reason) or modified, unless by someone who had some idea.

I don't think I will give it away just yet! It owes me $11,500 and I have done 2,000 klms in it! If I didn't have two other cars I would keep it. But I bought it out of a sense of nostalgia more than because it was the right car to buy. My girlfriend can't drive a manual so having a manual M3 and a GTI Golf doesn't help. Lucky the R32 is coming tomorrow. I will be popular at home again :)

If anyone does know anybody who might be interested get them to call me.

[golfmeup]

Hey Rowan!
Good Luck with the MKII! They are a great car and it is such a shame that many people dont appreciate them more.

Some very good comments by people here.

I bought my MKII 5 door back in 2002 and paid probably a little too much, but at the time, it was great value in my eyes.
It had a good straight body ( that was before it went to a few shopping centres) and great low mileage.

In 4 years I have spent very little money apart from the obvious tyres, oil changes etc , which to me has already meant that Ive got my value for money!

What a great little car too!
I was just reminded of that they other day with a full load cruising up the highway to Ettamogah on the weekend.

Somewhere out there is someone who will appreciate your car and see its value.

PS $9,500.00 is maybe a little high- but if you are not in a rush....

[Lima]

Gotta say if I was ever going to spend that kind of money on a Mk1 or Mk2 GTI I'd want it to be a 3dr.

Good luck with the sale though. :)

[gpk_gti]

id say its got to do more with the economy being so flat and the second hand car market being totally dead.it seems that ppl cant sell their old cars and are giving them away just to get rid of them.so for roughly that money you can get something more modern and flashy.so really your markey is only the enthusiast.try bringing it down for the nationals and put a forsale sticker on it,,, might have more luck???

[zjm]

these things were as dear as poison when new, more than brock and walkinshaw commodores thats why they only sold 200
as far as a market for used golfs goes It is real small in oz and half of it is on this forum
I also recall people paying 30 to 40 grand for 105 series alfa romeos and now the bottom has dropped out of them and theyre worth 5 to 10 g
currently a few silly people are paying big dollars for 70s aussie muscle cars and I bet in ten years theyll be back to reality like why would you spend 180 grand on a gt falcon (v8 taxi) instead of buying 3x 911 turbos ?( or a new rs4)

$6000 is top dollar for a mk 2 in my opinion (Im a tightass)

[evorobin]

That is a bloody great example but it's an underpowered aussie version who is gonna get enthused when 3 door 16v imports are knockin around?

[rowan_bris]

I was going to just put a 16 valve engine it. I just wanted the tightest and neatest car to start with!