The 1.4 engine isn't too great unless it is very well looked after with regular oil changes using good quality oil. They can have a tendency to burn a lot of oil.

It's not completely related to mileage though. It seems to be more to do with the type of journeys the car is used for. I have seen a few with as little as 60k on them burning a serious amount of oil. On the other hand I have seen some with over 100k with the engine still as good as new. It seems like lots of short trips are bad for them, so buying a low mileage car that has been used in the city all its life could actually be a bad thing.

They generally need the 8 exhaust valve guides, all the stem seals and the piston rings replaced to fix the problem.

The next thing to watch out for on a higher mileage example is the gearbox, listen for any noises, especially on the over-run in each gear, and check for crunching into any gears, especially second and third, in particular on a fast shift under hard acceleration when the gearbox oil is still cold.

The suspension could also be tired on a 100k plus car, if it is very bouncy then the shocks are probably worn out. Crashing and banging from the rear probably means the rear beam bushes need to be replaced.

 

Thanks for that geo. might give it a miss so. I was glad to see the TB/WP done at 81K but other than the fact its got a years NCT it hasn't got much going for it. There is also a lot of oily grime around the filler cap in the engine which might mean she is drinking a bit.

There is an 'oil' message flashing on the dash. This just means an overdue service?

I might still take it for a spin tomorrow see how she drives.

 

The oil message just means it needs a service (or it needs the service interval indicator reset)

I'd only buy one if I was buying it off a garage and you could throw it back to them if it turned out to be burning a load of oil.

 

Just adding to the post.

My mk3, 1.4 8v (AEX engine code) just turned 147k last week, the t/b and water pump were done at 129k, (obviously the mkIV is a 16valver and totally different frm the old 1400 engines found in my car)
Mine constantly drinks the oil but doesnt burn it...
Iv heard nothing but bad stories about the mkIV unit burning oil and v.often resulting in the head gasket need replacing-just check the buyandsell for examples with daft body kits and lexus lights needing an engine replacement...
Guess they dont make things like they used to

Best of luck if you do decide to buy..

 

The other thing to note is that a lot of these engines were run low on oil and could have bottom end damage. And the main bearings on the crankshaft can't be replaced so if this happens the engine is effectively scrap.

 

I have a Mk4 with 184,000 had engine rebuild at 125,000 and gearbox replaced at 145,000. Got a throttle box 1,500 miles ago! Perfect car. No problems with it, should easily make 300,000 miles. Will sell!

 

Modern cars shouldn't need an engine rebuild after only 125000 miles unless the circumstances are exceptional. These golfs need it almost as a matter of course. The last one I did had 117k on it and was getting through an astonishing amount of oil. I wouldn't describe them as a perfect car at all.