I am hoping those in the know could help out please. Have the opportunity to buy a late model Golf.

2003, 2 litre five speed manual, silver if that means anything, one owner with 130.000klms on the clock, body above average, mech seem sound apart from clutch may need a new one, or at least attention!

How much do you think and is a clutch a major?

Thank you.

are cars worth different on Lord Howe??

Has it been serviced??
It the timing belt hasnt been done it WILL need it NOW
Clutch isnt major

I owuldnt be offering much more than $8k

Have a look at some of the used car sites such as CarsGuide; having a quick look this morning there are 57 Golfs 2003-2004 up for sale. They range from $9,600 up to $24,990 (that's for an R32 though)...

http://www.carsguide.com.au/search/?Nf=pYear|BTWN%202003%202004&rs=bs&...

A VW workshop will be able to check it over and do a standard service (including timing belt if needed). The clutch is a straightforward repair but will cost probably $500 or so.

8 to 9k sounds fair. If changing the timing belt, the water pump is also usually done at the same time.