Cheapo 16V GTI, ran when parked, NMNA but I sort of want it

Unless you can convince me that this is a super easy diagnosis, I can take a look at this if anyone wants it.

http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/4917749364.html

If I were ever to move down south I would have to buy some acreage to hold all the cheap,rust free cars I would be buying. I have no idea what the spark issue is, but that looks pretty good to this northerner.

Oh I like that. That could be a fairly easy flip.

What I'd really like you to do is to convince me (and SWMBO) that I should buy it and use it for my upcoming Leaf replacement. I need something super cheap, but I don't need expensive projects.

You should definitely pick it up. The spark issue cannot be that difficult and that is a great platform for a cheap DD/RallyX car. Parts for that are cheap and readily available. I think there is a SCCA racer from that area who runs the 16V that could be a good knowledge source. Peruse the Tech section on the Vortex and I bet you can come up with a sort list for what the spark issue is.

Wife is saying (and understandably so) that she would feel far more comfortable with non-money-pit status if the car could be test driven prior to purchase.

Convince her/me (because she has a point) that it's not a bad idea and that as soon as I figure out what the spark issue is, I won't automatically find a head gasket, CV joints, and fuel issues. and fires. And death. (she's a bit more risk adverse than I am)

Wrong seats, wrong door panels, missing the windshield washer reservoir, that I can see. What else is missing, replaced with wrong parts?

Could it be a 16v engine swap? The GTI dash should have a red stripe across it (IIRC), there are no fender flares or door trim,but they may have just been removed for looks. There's no flat black surround around the hatch window.The badging and bumpers are correct, so I'm not sure what it is, but I'd go look at it anyway. Inspect the CV joints,check out the shift linkage for slop, inspect the timing belt, and generally look it over. Up here it would be worth $800 just because it's not (at least appears solid)a rotten piece of crap.

If I lived nearby, I'd at least have a look. Check for the simple stuff. Had a friend who was on the hunt for a Saab 900 (20 years ago) and came across a non-runner. Talked the lady down to $300 and then whacked the fuel pump with a hammer and drove away.

CIS-E doesn't like to sit so I'd confirm its no spark vs no fuel. I'd also be wary of someone fooling with the injection trying to get it to start. Parts are readily available and not terribly expensive. A check of the VIN would confirm a swap, though a 16v GTi did exist in 1987. MK2 VWs are like Lego and parts from all years/models are generally interchangeable (the MK2s, MK3s, and Corrados have basically the same suspension too). I see it already has the zip tie grille mod done. The extra parts may sweeten the deal too. I'd go look at it.

Certainly looks better than all the cheap VW "projects" that litter CL up here where I live. (not sprayed flat black over rust with bungees holding the bumpers on)

That "looks" too clean to not buy for $800 or less.

Well Tuna, its in Inman, so its not far from Chennery's auto electric. In fact may even be parked there already.

He says he has a very serious potential buyer coming tonight.

This may be the first time in the history of the world that a seller was told "I'll be there with an hour with a trailer and cash" and it actually happened.

Sold.

So it was a good deal to someone.

Dang. Did not even get to see the listing.