Golf Mk2 - 1st gear problem

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Fri 23 Apr 2004 11:54
Golf Mk2 - 1st gear problem - Jazzo
hi, after a bit of advice. I\'m in the market for a cheap car and last night viewed a 120k vw golf 1.8 mk2. The car on the whole seemed very good, the only issue was that selecting 1st gear was sometimes very difficult/impossibe. All other gears were fine. So before I make a decision on whether to buy this car I what to establish if the problem is either gearbox or clutch. The latter is more preferable as I can just knock of some cash and have a new one fitted. The current owner said he\'d had that problem for over a year and it hadn\'t got any worse. I also noticed that there had not been a replacment clutch yet in the service history.
Any advice much appreciated as to what is the likely problem for this type of car at this age.

Thanks
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Fri 23 Apr 2004 12:21
Golf Mk2 - 1st gear problem - Malcolm_L
I wouldn\'t take the chance - although could well be the clutch it might be a 2nd (or even 3rd) clutch. Just because it\'s not in the service history doesn\'t mean it hasn\'t been done.
How much mileage has the car done in the last year - if the clutch was on the way out - I\'d be surprised if it lasted a year.

Is the fault reflected in the price?
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Fri 23 Apr 2004 12:35
Golf Mk2 - 1st gear problem - RichardW
Does the clutch feel like it?s shot ? eg biting point right on the floor? If so it might be possible to adjust the cable (if fitted) to sort that out.

If the gear change feels all floppy it might just be that the linkages are just a bit worn and need overhaul.

If the change feels reasonably tight, it might be an internal fault developing, or it might just want an oil change.

On a car of this age / mileage the costs for repair could easily outstrip the car?s value if you are not handy with the spanners.

If you want the car, it is cheap enough, and you are handy with the spanners you should be able to sort it for about the value of the car.


--
RichardW

Is it illogical? It must be Citroen....
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Fri 23 Apr 2004 14:07
Golf Mk2 - 1st gear problem - Jazzo
Thanks for the advice - the car is up for £500 but in light of the problem I'd look to knock off a bit. Have just spoken to a VW speacialist who suggested 2 possible causes, both gearbox related that would be relatively cheap to repair - can't remember exact detail.
Overall I got a good impression of the car so I'm tempted to take the risk - what car isn't a risk for that price!
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Fri 23 Apr 2004 19:34
Golf Mk2 - 1st gear problem - Civic8
If the problem is only on the one gear it wont be clutch.probably syncro cone on that one gear-poss/selector but doubt that.maybe a change of oil may help?
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