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Check out this nice Volkswagen Golf GL. A LOW RESERVE on this car! Bid now so you don’t miss out…
Please be patient. There are a lot of photos on this listing so you can see as much of the car as I can show.
This 1985 Volkswagen Golf GL is a nice, low mile (less than 112k) well kept basic A2 chassis car with a couple of rare specs and accessories that make it an interesting car as a daily driver, the basis of an autocross car or a really neat candidate for a VR6 conversion. It’s the lightest weight version of the A2 chassis cars made for sale in the US, as it is a NO SUNROOF, NO POWER STEERING CAR!
Most of these cars have rusted away, but this one has solid floor pans, a solid hatch, solid rocker panels, solid door bottoms, and what apprears to be mostly orignal paint…some former owner spray over touch ups on the doors. A nice solid body to start with.
Nice Exterior. The factory calls it Manilla Beige, but we’ve nicknamed it YellowFellow”, as it is more of a yellow hue than Beige. A little bit of “road rash” on the hood, a minor scratch here and there, but much less than typical for an ’97 model car, yet alone a ’85! All of the trim is present and in good condition save for the bumper trim, whose plastic has yellowed over the years, but the lenses and trim are all nice and clean. Door gaskets are a little dried out (typical of the breed) but it does not leak and does not have a lot of wind noise in normal suburban use. Functional, clean, and low key…the kind of car that you can drive past anyone with a radar gun and not get noticed. Glass is all there, and the windows roll up and down smoothly and the hatch stays up on its own, nor problem…. Has RARE German décor panel between tail lights….I’ve only seen two of this style and I’ve been a VW nut since I was a kid and I’m now a card carrying member of the AARP! Aftermarket wheel covers over OE steelies.
Nice Brown Interior. The carpet is in good condition for being 20+ years old. No unhappy odors. The seats are nice with less wear than one might reasonably expect. VW used pretty good materials in these cars, and it has held up well. Headliner is up there nice and tight, with just some minor cracking, which is typical on these cars. Dash has a couple of cracks in it, but a Dash-Mat hides ‘em. AM/FM/Weather Band radio through the factory speakers. Lousy sound, just like when they were new! All of the interior trim save the driver’s side window scraper (see pictures) are in good condition. Steering wheel not missing chunks on the rim (typical on later ones). All of the switches and gauges appears to be working.
Drivetrain. Runs pretty darn good for 20+ years old. A little slow to start when cold (typical CIS car), but settles into a nice even no smoke idle. Quiet when warm, also with a nice smooth idle. Shifts well with recent shifter rebuild and clutch cable. Brakes firm and steady. Steering nice and direct as this is a NON POWER STEERING CAR! NEVER HAD IT! Suspension and exhaust are in overall good shape. A/C is R134 converted and does blow cold. Have not used the heat at all, but the core is hooked up and does not leak.
Its had the following recent work…
Remanufactured Starter (Bosch)
Remanufactured Alternator (Bosch)
Hoses and Belts with coolant replacement
Oil and Filter
Air Filter
Clutch Cable
Shifter Linkage Bushings
Cap and Rotor
Plugs
Plug Wires
All and all, the stuff that most cars need when they are being traded
Axles and CV’s look good and don’t click, the exhaust is tight…
Its got a spare, and the trunk’s dry and clean, with just the usual amount of nicks and scratches. Wheels in good shape with just minor flaws and tires in correct size and speed rating for this car. All have 60+% remaining tread, and are Cooper, made in US.
Clean title and a no accident history.
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions that I get on my listings:
What’s the worst thing about this car?
Its not perfect. It’s a USED CAR! It is however, the nicest Golf of this chassis vintage I’ve seen in a long time!
What’s the best part of the car?
The fact that it starts, stops, and steers like the really nice car it is!
Could I drive this car back home
Can’t see why not. We’ve put miles on it, had several folks use it to commute and I’d drive it without hesitation. Its plain enough that it has not drawn any attention from the “law”, and its an easy car to drive.
This is a nice car that drives like the well cared for car it is. It runs, drives, stops, steers, shifts and does all of the things that it needs to be on the road. Please take an opportunity to look at the photos, and then feel free to press that bid button………
A Few words about condition and why I list on E-Bay
I try to accurately describe the listed vehicle to the best of my ability, but like you I am human, but assure you that I will not hide any known defects that materially impact the vehicle. I want you to feel “comfy” pressing the bid button! I don’t offer anything that I would not and have not driven myself, but please understand that all vehicles are complex machines and what works perfect right now may not the next time. Just like a new pet from the shelter, its first act as new member of the family might be to “mark its spot”. If you have doubts, PLEASE ask for the inspection report!!
I’ll be glad to share any additional information that I have about any item listed, and about the marque in general, but please understand that its up to you to determine if the the car listed in this auction is the right one for you. Please don’t assume….it’s a good way to be disappointed…the only ‘stupid’ questions are the ones not asked, and after the auction is over is not the time to determine whether or not y’all want the listed vehicle!
Even NEW CARS might need some attention…like the 7 window regulators that have been put on my spouse’s car over the past three years (false economy by the designers), so if you have any doubts, feel free to make arrangements to have the vehicle inspected while its “at the auction” or ask for a copy of the inspection report which I will gladly provide to all bidders. Also, please feel free to contract with an independent concern to have the car third party inspected…I’ll be glad to share my experience with them, but please don’t ask me to recommend one over another…some are better than others…some do an excellent job, some are a waste of time and money.
Spending every last dime you have on a used car with an expectation that it will give you faithful service with no additional expenses for the next 10 years probably is not a real good idea, so use your head, spend within your means, and leave a little in reserve for a ‘rainy day’.
Remember that this is a USED CAR!!!!. While I try my best to make sure each unit has been carefully described, you should be aware that they are not in "as new" condition, except where the addition of new parts has been indicated. There can be undiscovered flaws, but each car has been gone through using a two page checklist, a daily use evaluation (that means I’ve actually driven it, in traffic, just like an owner might use it) , and an overall visual inspection. Cars with built in diagnostics such as OBDII are also read, and identified flaws corrected. Each car has been given a check of all safety systems, all operational controls are functional, and any needed repairs or replacements are performed unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, these cars are being “AS IS”, WITH NO WARRANTY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. To make things really clear, if its not as described, I’ll bust my butt to make it right before it goes out the door, but if you blow a hose while doing 90 mph 6,000 miles down the road and warp the head ‘cause you decide to make it to the next exit 26 miles south and expect me the pick up the tab, please don’t bother to bid…neither one of us will be happy….
While I do my best to offer the best cars that I can, I am not able to predict the future (If I could, I could see a job at the Federal Reserve...), hence the "no warranty" provision of the transaction. If you feel the need to find a warranty of some sort, there are some excellent providers that can be found on the 'net, along with some not so good ones. I don't offer them since some companies that offer some sort of protection do so at a cost that I don't think is reasonable and offer as "incentive" for the dealer as much as 50% of the retail purchase price! I'm here to offer cars, some interesting parts, and some other auto related items and leave it at that. I’m not in this to lose money, or to rob folks, just to try to keep busy, earn a decent living, and make it to retirement without having to dip into my savings from my days in Corporate America.
To help calibrate what I’m doing, like you, I go searching on e-bay for a decent deal on a car to make sure that what I’m doing is the right thing. I’ve been both thrilled and so angry I could spit nails over the way folks describe what they are offering.
I try very hard to use objective terms in the listings, and where possible, can provide emperical data on things that can be measured without taking the car apart, so if you have questions on things like tread depth, compression readings, voltages and the like, feel free to ask and if its possible to provide the data I will. However, please keep in mind that subjective terms like Excellent, Mint, Good, etc. are subjective terms that vary from situation to situation, and from individual to individual, so if in doubt please refer to the photos AND feel free to ask detailed questions.
Life’s too short to lie, and while one person’s trash …… I’ll try hard to call ‘em as I see ‘em.
Oh, one more thing…. One of the things that confuses me beyond understanding. Folks buy a car based solely on price, and then take it to a NEW CAR dealer or fancy emporium, pay OVER retail price for parts (IN ONE CASE MORE THAN 4 TIMES THE GOING PRICE!!!!), DOUBLE the going local rate for labor by a quality independent shop and them come back to me feeling that they have been ripped off. Like the “free coffee”, solid mahogany doors to the rest rooms and the fancy carpet in the waiting room are “no charge”???
All of the less than positive feedback that I’ve gotten in more than 6 years has come from folks who have done just that and I am peeved beyond words as a result of folks getting ripped off by third parties and then blaming me MONTHS after the actual sale! If you are the least bit concerned, I’ll gladly provide you with full documentation of the transactions where folks were not kind with the feedback PROVING to anyone with a brain that they were treated fairly and professionally by me and that I went above and beyond to make things right. If I screwed up, I’ll do my darndest to make it right, but if your expectation is of a brand new car at a fire sale price, please do us both a favor and kindly do not bid. If, on the other hand, you would like a more than fair deal on an above average car for the year and miles, your bid is encouraged.
The Fine Print and other info worth reading:
Car is offered FOB Tampa Bay FL. Car is 20 minutes from Tampa Airport and beautiful Gulf Beaches . Less than two hours from Disney and the rest of Central FL attractions. Come on down and play tourist with your savings. Winning bidder will get an e-mail with a request for information, followed by an express package with transaction detail and supporting documentation. Balance due within 7 business days via either certified funds or wire transfer. Seller can hold for 21 days at no additional charge while buyer makes shipping/travel arrangements.
Please bid with the understanding that the winning bidder has entered into a binding contract to buy the car. I work hard to find nice cars to bring to this auction forum, and I don't knowingly sell junk. I try to describe the vehicles to the best of my ability, and I will supply additional photos of any area of concern. As my name and phone number are in everything I run on e-bay, understand that I put my personal reputation out there and I hope that you have the same level of personal integrity. With that in mind, if you are unable to complete the transaction except for unusual and unplanned events, I will invoke my rights under this contract. Due to the large increase in deadbeat auction winners, by bidding, you have agreed that if you fail to complete the transaction except for those unusual events, you will reimberse the seller for the full incurred cost of re-listing the item, plus a service fee equal to 15% of the bid, payable upon demand.
Unless specified in the description, all cars have a clean title history. Please e-mail me for particulars on any vehicle. In no case will I sell a car that has had any structural damage that has the potential to impact the safety or quality of the vehicle. If I don’t feel comfy showing the car in person, it will never make it to E-Bay.
I'd appreciate it if you'd also take a look see at the “Feedback" section. Even if you don't bid on this auction, I hope that you'll find some useful info that might encourage a look at another auction of mine, or to ask a question or two about the marque. I specialize in Saab, Volvo, and VW products and am more than willing to give folks an idea of what to look for when considering these brands and what resources exist to help support your needs. Typically, there are 40 to 50 cars, trucks and vans on the lot.
I'm affiliated with an independent licensed and bonded dealership that has been in business at the same location, with the same owners, for over two decades, and I’ve passed my 7th year of “playing with cars full time”. I’m here because the dealership’s operating style is one where each vehicle and each customer gets personal one-to-one attention from an equity owner, not some here today, gone tomorrow employee. No gold chains, no Rolex watches, no cheap suits. After years in the corporate world, its refreshing to work with folks who are straightforward, decent, and fair. It’s tough to find folks like that in the corporate world, let alone at a car store! Typically, there are 40 to 50 cars, trucks and vans on the lot.
You are welcome to inspect the cars at any time during normal business hours. ", and the reserve price, if any, is typically very close to the “clean wholesale” value listed in various guidebooks, websites and the like. PLEASE do not ask for the reserve on the auction as I WILL NOT DISCLOSE RESERVES; I will respond with the RETAIL price of the vehicle; however, the reserve will ALWAYS be less, in many cases at least 30% below. Each car listed is hand selected and personally driven by me up until the car goes to auction here on E-bay. I built my first VW motor when I was 14, and that's more years ago than I'd like to admit, and approach each car as if it was going to be my own or a family member’s. Any repairs identified as being needed while being driven are done (any safety related repair done under the supervision of an ASE Tech) to make the car roadworthy and ready to drive, and I will be glad to detail those repairs for you, right down to the brand of parts used, if you will e-mail me your questions. In my prior career I was a corporate "weenie" with the same firm for 25 years and when it came time to do something different, I turned my hobby into a business.
That “hobby” has turned in to a full time, 6 day a week business. I’m proud to say that I’ve sold over 500 (actually closing in on 550) cars though E-bay and made a bunch of folks happy and me a decent living where I’ve been able to go more than 5 years without wearing a tie!! I work hard at this, and I take it seriously. Although we may never meet face to face, I want to earn your trust, and hopefully your repeat business and your recommendation. I’m not some “ex new car dealer whose wife threw him out of the house”, “an official liquidation center for vehicle disposal”, or a “new car trade in wholesaler”, but a car nut and now a small business person who believes that it is possible to buy a car from an ethical source who is familiar with the car. I stick with marques I’m familiar with, so as to minimize potential problems, and source the cars from reliable sources. Most of them come from New Car dealers, but some come from private party referrals, and every once in a while a car that was traded in by a local customer who’s needs have changed. As a matter of policy, if I don’t have the title AND a history for the car, you won’t see it on e-bay!!
I will gladly answer any and all questions via e-mail and you can also reach me at 727-455-8491 from 9:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. eastern time except Sunday.. Please be aware that I am a solo operation, and it will sometimes take a little while to phone folks back, but I do check e-mail at least twice a day, ‘cept Sunday. I don’t use an answering service, I don’t have anyone who “takes care of stuff” for me, and I don’t use a third party listing service. Hate to do it, but because of some less than “stand up” folks on e-bay, I’ve been forced to go to “private auctions” on autos. I think it stinks, but several folks have been solicited with bogus offers and fake buy it now offers. The senders have been reported to e-bay, but it takes time for those folks to act, so for the time being…….
Florida deliveries are subject to local sales tax and $249 title/transaction fee in addition to winning auction bid and any applicable registration fees imposed by the STATE of FLORIDA. Shipped vehicles are not subject to FL sales tax, but are subject to a $149 transaction fee to cover the costs of moving the documents back and forth and to offset the costs of providing insurance coverage for the vehicles while awaiting shipment. Out of state buyers who require a non-permanent tag to drive the car home must be charged sales tax under FL law. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO THE FLORIDA STATUES AND BUYER AGREES TO STATE OF FL JURUSDICTION. ALL LISTINGS CAN BE LEGALLY REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF FL AND CONFORM TO APPROPRIATE FL REQUIREMENTS. By bidding, you agree that these terms will apply to the transaction.
If you’d like to come visit, please call for an appointment and directions to our facility. A local buyer can end the auction early by exceeding the reserve providing the reserve has not been met. After the reserve has been met, the auction will not be ended early for a local purchaser. The car is displayed locally but not advertised in any other forum while on E-Bay. Out of state buyers, please contact me for shipping costs to your location at least 24 hours prior to auction close so that I can quote an accurate price as it varies a good bit by car and location, which is not included in the auction bid price. Thank you for bidding!!
Seller added the following information:
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