Gti wanted. No project cars please

[Kitch]

If you're waiting to find one with air-con, that isn't a project, you're going to be waiting for a long time. A/C is very rare on any BX.

Most important point, is bodyshell condition. It's more important than colour, or spec, or wheels, or anything else that can be modified. BXs fight rust admirably, but when they roll over and die, they really do. Most of the rot is hidden - even pictures of the underside won't tell the whole story. Rob is right; All BXs will have some rust to a degree, and the ones that don't will not come up for sale often.

Personally I'd avoid the 4x4, and sit tight until an honest GTi or 16v pops up. With the latter, you'll probably have to buy it as a rolling-rennovation, but then aren't all old cars?
Also, unless you're after something 'sporty' (and a GTi really isn't a sporty car anyway) then also consider other specs. The TZD Turbo hatches are a GTi with a diesel engine (I know that's possibly a turn-off, but they're MUCH easier to find than a GTi as they're the most common BX out there). And the 19TRS/TZS/TZI are similar to a GTi, just slightly more comfortable.
And if you want fun, don't discount the 1.4 models. Honestly, they're a hoot! The 1.6 petrol and n/a diesels are the only ones that are a bit flat, though they're all fun in their own way (especially compared with all the mundane boxes we daily drive these days).

[Pcheaven]

Thanks

All very valid points, especially that most rot is hidden and body shell condition.
I wasn't aware AC was so rare. Back in the both day mine had AC

A 16 valver would be lovely, as would a good condition 4x4 ( despite the total lack of spares for all the fragile 4x4 parts)

The search continues

[Dave_16v]

A 16 valver would be lovely,

When I first saw your thread, I wondered if a 16v would count, I almost replied to say it may open up other avenues albeit ever so slightly. I had 2 lovely Gti's and they were really nice to drive but when I first drove a 16v , that was it for me. I don't just mean speed, the engine seemed so much different, you could almost say they behave more like a modem engine of today and they made for effortless trips. Be interesting to see what you learn about the Irish one. Like you say, it's good to get all the facts, a bit of history can make a difference. If your plan was to get a nice one from the off or something with very little to do, I would stick to it. So many have taken on projects that stay that way and you could easily spend more getting to a certain point than you would pay for one that didn't need the work even if it seemed a bit costly at the time . Sometimes it's better to pay a bit more and get some pleasure when you want it. It doesn't really matter if you make or lose a couple of grand over time imo.
Good luck with the search

[Pcheaven]

A 16 valver would be lovely,

When I first saw your thread, I wondered if a 16v would count, I almost replied to say it may open up other avenues albeit ever so slightly. I had 2 lovely Gti's and they were really nice to drive but when I first drove a 16v , that was it for me. I don't just mean speed, the engine seemed so much different, you could almost say they behave more like a modem engine of today and they made for effortless trips. Be interesting to see what you learn about the Irish one. Like you say, it's good to get all the facts, a bit of history can make a difference. If your plan was to get a nice one from the off or something with very little to do, I would stick to it. So many have taken on projects that stay that way and you could easily spend more getting to a certain point than you would pay for one that didn't need the work even if it seemed a bit costly at the time . Sometimes it's better to pay a bit more and get some pleasure when you want it. It doesn't really matter if you make or lose a couple of grand over time imo.
Good luck with the search

A 16v Would be ideal - what's the I don't want to sell it price for yours


Seriously, if anyone has a 16V they might consider selling. I will pay top money for a sorted one

Later in the year I plan to have a garage and ramp, so a project car might be the way forward.

[Pcheaven]

Still looking for a good gti

The only ones I can find in rhd currently for sale are

1. The red 4x4 at manor park auctions. Goes on the block tomorrow
2. The grey one in Ireland. Though it’s £8500. That’s a bit rich given its condition and associated repatriation costs to the uk. If only it was on uk mainland.
3 a members 4x4 that goes to auction in May

[Orly]

Did you find a Gti in the end?

I'm looking for one too - or a 16v...

That red 4x4 that was auctioned has turned up for sale at a couple of hundred quid more than it sold for near me. I did email the seller a week ago to go and have a look, but he didn't respond. I'm glad as I've decided I don't want the weight or fragility of a 4x4.

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1360652

[white exec]

Hello, and welcome!

If LHD isn't an obstacle, try looking in France, where there are a lot (as well as The Lot).
Leboncoin is a good site to look on.
Factory A/C more frequently fitted than UK, and cars from the south can be rust-free.

Smaller numbers in Spain and Portugal, but again could be rust-free.
Ours came from near Marseille, and started life in Nice.

[Dave_16v]

Did you find a Gti in the end?

I'm looking for one too - or a 16v...

I don't believe he ccontinued with the search.

This was one of his latest posts after buying "stand in".

https://www.bxclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22918

I saw your post yesterday, didn't like to answer on their behalf but you might not get a response if they have other priorities just now

[white exec]

Was trying to offer new member Orly a pointer, in looking for a GTi or a 16v. Pcheaven does seem to have moved on.
Good ol' dual track thread!!

[Dave_16v]

Was trying to offer new member Orly a pointer,

So was I, that's why I quoted a section of his post, to direct my reply at him.

Having said that, I don't think the op has entirely moved on, more just not participating, that's partly why I responded to Orly, thought it might be helpful to both of them.

[white exec]

[Orly]

Did you find a Gti in the end?

I'm looking for one too - or a 16v...

That red 4x4 that was auctioned has turned up for sale at a couple of hundred quid more than it sold for near me. I did email the seller a week ago to go and have a look, but he didn't respond. I'm glad as I've decided I don't want the weight or fragility of a 4x4.

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1360652

Well, I found out what happened to the red 4x4 having just watched the Top Gear xmas special....