Scotty,
I just bought a 2001 VW Cabrio GL. Has a new top and good seals, with only 90,000 on the clock. Needs new CV axles, control arms, brake pads, and rotors per a VW Mechanic. Motor also has a very small external oil leak. But I was told that this is normal for these engines, due to age. I paid about $2850 for the car in this condition. What are your thoughts about the price?
Also, do you have any recommendations for a rubber seal reconditioning agent? While my convertible seals are fully functional, they are getting pretty hard. I'm a little concerned they will start cracking in a couple years...
Sorry, I bought this from a private party. It's a Manual 5 speed.
this car's all tend to be endless money pits but if you like it and it's fun don't put too many miles on it cuz they do tend to fall apart
Normally, I would agree with you. However the older Golfs do tend to be a bit more reliable. Mechanically the car is an MK3 Golf (1992 - 1999) with an MK4 like face lift. Volkswagen was trying to end the line for these convertibles, and didn't see a point in investing into overhauling the current model.
The engine itself is a 2.0 Liter inline 4 non-interference engine, with a timing chain. The rubber on these cars do tend to be sub-par to many Japanese imports, which require the replacement of my CV axles and Control arm bushings. As for the brakes, they were still factory and were reaching end of life. The cars have been known to withstand frame rust more so then their Japanese Counterparts. I live in the Salt belt, so this is a nice plus. I've heard these cars approach 200,000 Miles if well maintained.
Don't get me wrong, you can get screwed on a VW if you don't know what you are looking at. I used to own a 2000 VW Passat, which was a re-badged Audi A4. That car was the most comfortable car I ever owned, but they had 10 parts for every function of the car. Plus they had a Turbo interference engine with a timing belt. If this car was a dream, you'd be living a nightmare from money and time lost repairing the car.
Too much things to replace for such low mileage, if you ask me.
Where is the oil leak coming from? From gasket?
Who knows what else will follow.
