Buying used Golf GTI - what should I lookout for?

I am looking to buy a used (2006) Volkswagen Golf GTI for £6500 with 74,000 miles on the clock. What are the key points I should look for in the service history and what other possible areas of concern are there with this model? It is a manual version not DSG.

Asked on 30 September 2014 by Mr Pooh

Answered by Honest John
One of the longest lists of faults I have recorded for any car: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volkswagen/golf-v-20...d

Maybe buyers have been led to expect too much. Main problems with GTI are oil consumption and coking up of inlet valves, and, of course, it needs a timing belt, tensioner and waterpump every four years.
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