Yes! It's an old car ...

Much as we hate to admit it, the Mk1 Golf GTI is an old car. Sometimes it is hard to realise that these models are over twenty years old and in the UK, most early Golf GTIs have long since gone.

Here are a few things to look for:

PRE 1981 MODELS: These are very hard, if not impossible, to find in good condition. Many have fallen on hard times and unless the vehicle has been exceptionally well looked after - stay well clear. Beware! Some early RHD GTIs could actually be LHD models converted.

BODY: Look at the bases of the screen pillars, inner wings, sills, front and rear valances and chassis members. Get the car on a ramp if possible. If the vendor won't let you - walk away.

PRE 1981 MODELS: These are very hard, if not impossible, to find in good condition. Many have fallen on hard times and unless the vehicle has been exceptionally well looked after - stay well clear. Beware! Some early RHD GTIs could actually be LHD models converted.

1982-1983 MODEL YEAR: These are the safest buy, especially a 1983 Campaign. But make sure it is a genuine Campaign and not a fake.

BODY: Look at the bases of the screen pillars, inner wings, sills, front and rear valances and chassis members. Get the car on a ramp if possible. If the vendor won't let you - walk away.

BRAKES: Don't expect brilliant performance, but they should pull up straight. If they've been upgraded, make sure you know which bits have been used so you can buy the right parts at a later date.

CLUTCH: Check for slipping by pulling away in 3rd. If the clutch is okay, car will try and stall.

GEARBOX: Watch for the synchro crunch (2nd gear especially) when cold.

ELECTRICS: Frequent problems due to corroded fuse box. Make sure all electrics work properly. Late 1.8 litre cars should have working trip computer known as an MFA.

ENGINE: Listen for knocks, squeaks and rattles under load, and watch for the tell tale blue smoke on initial start up and when revving.

FUEL FILLER NECK and FUEL TANK: Prone to rusting - check visually by removing petrol filler cap. If debris get into fuel system, it can prove expensive. Check car pulls smoothly and ticks over evenly. Inspect fuel tank thoroughly.

INTERIOR: Trim becoming harder to find - if tatty, a re-trim in non original cloth may be your only option. Leather upholstery cars are okay - but it is expensive and has to be done properly.

WHEELS AND TYRES: General condition says a lot about way the car has been driven. Watch out for wheel trim scrapes, gouged tyres, kerbed alloys and uneven tyre wear.

BE CAREFULL: Of a car that is described as in "mint condition" unless there is clear evidence to support  this description. Mint condition can also mean, "not yet scrapped!"

eBAY: Consider any Mk1 Golf GTI for sale on eBay with the utmost caution.

A Golf GTI from the 1970s are rarely found in this condition.