Clocking

[KARL]

Out of curiosity: Does anyone know in general how likely it is that this has been done, or how easy it is to do - I am thinking of a Mark 2 Golf offered for sale because the mileage is low and I wonder whether it might not be genuine. The odometer is a digital one but that may make no difference - is this something that overall still remains an area of concern or is it largely a thing of the past ? For example, do MOT tests pick up anomalies when a car comes for a re-test at a grossly reduced reading ? Of course, a new/different speedometer may be fitted at any time.

[tonyav]

hi karl, has the seller of the golf got all the old m o t's for the car, if he / she has then have a look at them and see that the mileage between each of them is reasonable. if you are unsure or not happy with what you see then walk away.

[logic]

Hi,
the fact that it is digital makes no difference at all apart from the fact that it is easier to do,( it is called mileage correction,)
Tony is quite right in what he says about leaving it if you are not completely satisfied about it,
Look for the tell tale signs, like pedal rubbers worn,
smooth patches on steering wheel where the grainy texture has worn away, etc,
Just remember, if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.
There are plenty of cars around, it's a buyers market at the moment.
good luck.

[chas2008]

not 100% familiar with MK2 Golfs but usually with a digital/electronic speedo the info is stored in the ECU not the speedo so changing the speedo makes no difference, having said that there are people out there with a laptop and the correct software can alter them. The only certain way is to check previous MOTs ,

[jake-the-peg]

A Mark II Golf has to be at least 17 years old.

With a classic car like this milage is almost totally irelevant.

If a car like this had been bought and just left outside and never driven for 17 years I'd probably be a wreck.

It's the condition that's all important. I drive a 64 MGB - it's done probably close on 200,000 but it's on it's 2nd, possibly 3rd engine and so much body work has been done.

Like the man with the same broom for 30 years who's replaced the head 5 times and the handle twice!

If you're not confident in assessing the car find a friend to help. But talk to the seller classic car enthusiasts love to talk about their cars what's been done, what's good about them etc.

And find someone who's good with them because a car of that age will need work from time to time what ever the mileage.

Oh and you'll probably find you can get classic car insurance too which can save you a few quid!

[KARL]

Blast, I have a typo in there - it should be Mark 3. Thanks all for the replies, as it turns out there is another complication which makes the whole proposal unattractive anyway.

[gary2411]

no it still goes on the speedo numbers dont line up properly if its been clocked on non digital clocks