2002 Volkswagen Golf GTi 25th Anniversary

This one is something very special.

Built in 2002 and number 1339 according to the plaque inside the driver’s door, this Golf GTI 25th Anniversary is finished in Reflex Silver with a red and black interior.

It’s got a good service history too, as looks to be standard, making it even more desirable as a hitherto undiscovered modern classic

The Reflex Silver paintwork gives the Golf a hewn-from-solid look that brings a fresh take on its somewhat demure lines.

But, say what you like about the model, we can’t help thinking that an understated car like this would be just the ticket if you wanted to make the sort of fast progress this one’s capable of.

Looking at the images, shutlines and panel alignment appear to be good, and there’s seemingly a distinct lack of dents, dings, and the sort of other damage that cars of this age often show. No scratches appear to be around key holes either, which is another good sign.

The 18-inch BBS alloy wheels appear very good and seem to be free of kerbing and scratches. They’re also fitted with a set of Trazano ZuperEco tyres.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

Apart from the usual stonechips and minor marks every car collects along the way, the headlamps have some condensation in them, as do the two side indicator repeaters. Other than that, the light lenses look good.

Flaws? From the images we can spot a touched-in mark under the offside headlamp (#99) and a couple of scruffy bits on the rear bumper (#68 and #69). Take a look at the gallery to see if there is anything else - or better yet, go see the car in person.

The interior echoes Golf GTIs of yesteryear with its heavily bolstered front seats, GTI and Recaro logos, golf ball gearknob, and red and black colour scheme.

And it looks terrific. Few interiors stand up to the years like Volkswagen’s and the firm would be proud that this one has seemingly shrugged off its two decades so well.

The door cards and dashboard appear to be very good, as are the headlining and carpets. The sill plates appear to be free of damage, which is rare. The interior tells only a good story.

It’s got cup-holders and air-conditioning and the sort of flawless ergonomics the Germans are famous for; this would be a very easy modern classic to live with, especially because we are told by the vendor that everything works as it should.

The boot appears to be very clean and is home to first aid kit and what looks to be an unused space-saver spare wheel and tool kit.

Flaws? Well, just like every other car of its age with bolsters this deep, the outer edge of the driver’s seat has softened a little (#87).

The Golf’s service history shows the following work:

• 30/09/2003 and 10,113 miles – service by Sinclair Garages of Port Talbot

• 20/07/2004 and 20,188 miles – service by Sinclair Garages of Port Talbot

• 12/08/2005 and 28,501 miles – service by Sinclair Garages of Port Talbot

• 24/08/2006 and 34,138 miles – service by Sinclair Garages of Port Talbot

• 05/10/2007 and 42,045 miles – service by (unreadable)

• 18/09/2010 and 60,813 miles – service by S. Fisher

• 24/05/2013 and 71,349 miles – service by Surefit

• 18/01/2015 and 76,382 miles – new timing belt and water pump by Surefit

• 13/01/2016 and 87,064 miles – service by S. Montenegro of Swansea

• 07/09/2016 and miles – new clutch fitted by Jenkins Bros of Swansea

• 23/02/2021 and 95,237 miles – service by Capital Volkswagen, Merthyr Tydfil

There are plenty of invoices to back this up, as well as others for routine maintenance and ad hoc repairs. Please take the time to leaf through them or, better still, contact the seller to make an appointment to go and see it.

It’s currently with the seller near Cardiff in south Wales, along with the Ford Capri 2.8i Special, Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet, and Peugeot 205 GTI we are also selling for him.

There has been an attempt to rid the underside of rust, presumable following the MoT failure in 2019 for corrosion to the nearside rear. It’s a good start but it would benefit from further rustproofing, we think.

The engine bay however, appears to be very clean.

The GTI’s MoT certificate is valid until September 2023.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clean and shows that it’s had a variety of registration numbers over the years, which we see as a good thing because no one puts a private plate on an old dog, do they?

This careful curation is reflected in the paperwork, which includes the book pack, a bunch of old MoT certificates, and a load of old invoices and bills.

There’s a theory that modern classics with a numbered plaque inside them do better than models without. The jury’s still out for us but if you subscribe - and many do - this Golf GTI is worth considering.

If for no other reason than it’s fast, has a limited production run, and is hugely under-rated; so much so, that if you’ve never heard of it until now then you’re not alone…

And, because it’s flown under the radar thus far, prices are low. So low that our estimate is a paltry £8,000 and £11,000 - and just to remove all doubt that it’s being priced to sell, it’s being offered with no reserve, so will sell no matter what…

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.