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Get posting in the Star Forums!

You can join the debate and post your own views in the lively Daily Star Forums!

A BARGAIN EBAY BUY

ABOVE: Golf GL

24th January 2010

By Mark Forsyth

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A FEW years ago I was obsessed with cars and, like most enthusiasts, I spent far more than was sensible on living my dream.

But it’s funny what six or seven years of driving an endless succession of brand-new test cars can do to your “hobby”.

It’s not that I’m disillusioned but my motoring goals and objectives have changed massively after driving some of the best cars in the world.

Do I “need” a supercar? No, of course I don’t. Can I leave a supercar at the railway station every day of the week? No, of course I couldn’t.

Where just a few years ago I would have lusted after a Lotus Elise or a Mitsubishi Evo, my motoring kicks now arise from bargains, canniness and getting from A to B as cheaply and profi tably as possible. Must be my Scottish blood.

Hence this, my latest purchase – a 100,000 mile Mk3 Golf 1.8 GL. I just couldn’t resist it on eBay. I paid just £270.89 for it last weekend from a very nice man in Lincolnshire.

It needs two rear suspension bushes fitting (supplied by vendor) and a pair of front discs (supplied by vendor). It starts on the fi rst turn of the key, doesn’t smoke or rattle, is rust and dent free and has obviously led a pampered, garaged life as the paint and trim are mint for a 16-year-old car.

All the electrics work and it’s got a sunroof and an unused spare tyre. I’d originally bought it for the ADZ- code 1.8 engine and five-speed gearbox.

If you’ve bought anything off eBay you’ll be familiar with that one-mile-to-go feeling of dread and anticipation. That “what have I done?” sensation before you actually see your purchase for the first time.

I was pleasantly surprised. So surprised I’ve decided it’s a keeper. What could be fi ner than a mint Golf GL? I reckon it’s probably worth between £700 and £900. The 1.8-litre carburettor-fed engine produces 95PS and is good for 111mph.

Will it be a money-spinner or a money pit? Time will tell but my theory is it will be at best profi table and at worst free motoring for a few months.

● If you have an eBay story, I’d like to hear it, especially if you’ve got a photo. Good or bad story doesn’t matter – I want to hear it.