New here, hoping to purchase a MK5 GTI

[H4MXU]

Hi guys, this is my first time on this forum and first post. Looking to purchase a MK5 GTI and hoping you lot can help.

I’m going to view a manual GTI soon. It has about 140k on the clock with full service history (mainly VW).

Last MOT shows that the “supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicated a fault” (which failed MOT), owner says issue has been resolved and said I can call garage and confirm, doesn’t have receipts. Anything to worry about? He said sometimes the light comes on as glitch or when something gets disconnected. Doesn’t really know why but said light isn’t showing on dash anymore.

Also last 2 years MOT shows the following as an advisory: “Nearside front outer drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely Deteriorated”. Is this a major issue? How much am I looking at for repairs?

Any help would be appreciated and if you could tell me other things to look out for. Thank you.

[mjmallia]

CV joints would be best replaced at that mileage.

If you are not sure, then walk away as there are plenty of others.........but do expect to throw money at them now they are getting on to make sure the engine does not go pop.

The small cam chain and tensioner (not the belt side).
DV replacement
Oil pickup and feed lines cleaned out.
Water pump and belt if not done already.
Pipe seals to cure boost leaks
tired MAF and other sensors.
tired shocks and springs, bushes and ball joints etc

all to name a few........spent a good 8 months and some cash working through the engine to make it 100% healthy, but love driving it now.

[f00glee]

I had an outer CV boot done just last week.

I was charged £25 for the part and an hours labour. I believe if the boot is so far gone that the joint itself gets damaged you're talking a whole new driveshaft.

[mjmallia]

You can replace just the joints if they knock as I did both sides on mine with GKN parts......perfect ever since.

[f00glee]

You can replace just the joints if they knock as I did both sides on mine with GKN parts......perfect ever since.

I stand corrected!

[pudding]

The splines on the driveshaft can wear out, so sometimes you do need to replace the whole lot.  VW have changed the longer of the two shafts.  It's not as girthy as the original, which gives more chassis leg clearance, and to me it feels a bit less torque steery too.

[probedb]

Bit late to the party but check the thermostats too. Let the engine get up to temp and then go for a drive. It shouldn't drop from 90C. If it needs replacing then it'll keep dropping once you starting putting air through the rad.

[JRS69]

CV joints would be best replaced at that mileage.

If you are not sure, then walk away as there are plenty of others.........but do expect to throw money at them now they are getting on to make sure the engine does not go pop.

The small cam chain and tensioner (not the belt side).
DV replacement
Oil pickup and feed lines cleaned out.
Water pump and belt if not done already.
Pipe seals to cure boost leaks
tired MAF and other sensors.
tired shocks and springs, bushes and ball joints etc

all to name a few........spent a good 8 months and some cash working through the engine to make it 100% healthy, but love driving it now.

How much would all the above cost roughly?

[pudding]

A lot.  If bringing an old car back up to standard is a scary prospect and beyond the depths of your wallet, I would consider leasing a MK7 personally.  Or wait for the MK8.