Goblin V2 Donor Buying Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the Goblin V2 Donor Buying Guide! This guide is designed to help you choose the ideal Mk7 Volkswagen Golf donor for your Goblin V2 build. Whether you’re considering a 1.8T or GTI, and whether you're buying through a private sale on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or at auction with Copart and IAA, this guide will walk you through what to look for and how to narrow down your options to find the perfect fit.

The goal here is to make the buying process as easy as possible, ensuring that whichever route you take, you end up with a donor that maximizes your build's potential. With some straightforward guidance, you'll be able to determine the best year, trim, and condition for your budget and build goals, setting you up for a smooth and exciting build process.

1.8T Golf vs GTI: Choosing Your Donor

The Mk7 Golf comes in two main variants suitable for the Goblin V2: the Golf 1.8T and the GTI. The 1.8T is the base model, while the GTI is a step up in terms of power and performance. Both versions are turbocharged, meaning even the base model offers great performance potential. However, the GTI stands out with more power potential and the option of a high-performance dual-clutch DSG transmission.

Horsepower (Stock and Tuned)

• Golf 1.8T: The base Golf 1.8T produces 170 horsepower stock. With tuning, it can reach up to 250 horsepower with the stock IS12 turbocharger.
• Golf GTI: The GTI produces between 210 to 228 horsepower, depending on the model year. With a tune, the GTI can easily reach 350+ horsepower using the stock IS20 turbocharger, and even higher with a turbo swap.

Transmission Options

• Golf 1.8T: Available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a torque converter automatic.
• Golf GTI: Offers a 6-speed manual or the dual-clutch DSG. The DSG provides faster shifts and improved performance, making it a great option for those seeking peak performance.

Availability and Price

• Golf 1.8T: The base Golf is roughly twice as common as the GTI, making it easier to find and generally more affordable.
• Golf GTI: The GTI is less common and usually more expensive, but offers more performance potential right out of the box.

Dual Clutch vs Automatic vs Manual

When deciding on a donor for your Goblin V2 build, understanding the differences between the available transmissions is crucial. The Mk7 Golf offers three different types of transmissions across the 1.8T and GTI models: a torque converter automatic, a dual-clutch DSG, and a manual. Each has its own strengths, depending on what you're looking for in your Goblin build.

Dual-Clutch DSG

The DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) is a dual-clutch automatic transmission found in the GTI models. It is the peak performance option, providing rapid shifts and offering a tap-shift feature for added control. The DSG can handle higher horsepower with just a DSG tune, making it suitable even for big turbo setups producing 500+ horsepower. It was upgraded from a 6-speed to a 7-speed in 2019, further enhancing performance and efficiency.

Note: When searching for a GTI with a DSG transmission, it will typically be listed as "automatic." However, the DSG is the only automatic transmission available in the Mk7 GTI. There are no GTI models with a torque converter automatic, so any automatic GTI you find will have the DSG.

• Pros: Quick shifts, peak performance option, capable of handling high horsepower with appropriate tuning.
• Cons: Heavier than the other transmission options; may require more maintenance.

Torque Converter Automatic

The torque converter automatic is available in the base 1.8T model. It is lighter than the DSG but is not as performance-oriented. The transmission can reliably handle the stock 1.8T with the IS12 turbocharger but might struggle with larger turbo upgrades, potentially leading to damage.

• Pros: Lighter than the DSG; simpler and reliable for stock setups.
• Cons: Less performance-oriented; not ideal for larger turbo setups.

Manual Transmission

Both the 1.8T and GTI models offer 6-speed manual transmissions, which provide the connected feeling that many enthusiasts enjoy. Although it will never be as quick as the DSG for shifting, it offers full driver engagement. The clutch in both manuals is known to be on the weaker side, so plan on upgrading to a higher performance clutch if you are flashing a tune for more horsepower than stock.

• Pros: Full driver control; more engaging experience; generally easier to maintain.
• Cons: Not as fast as the DSG for shifting, Will require an upgraded clutch when tuned.

Where to Buy a Donor

When looking for where to get your donor vehicle for the Goblin V2 build, you have several options, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The three main ways to buy a donor are salvage auctions (like Copart and IAA), private sales (such as Facebook Marketplace), and used car lots.

Salvage Auctions (Copart and IAA)

Salvage auctions like Copart and IAA offer a cost-effective way to source a Mk7 Golf for your build. These auctions often have a wide range of vehicles available at lower prices, but the bulk of cars sold are totaled due to damage. This is great for a donor since you don't need the whole car, but you must be vigilant about checking the photos for damage to critical items. Understand that there is always a risk the car could have damage beyond what you can spot in the photos.

• Pros: Lower prices, wider selection, opportunity to find higher trims at a bargain.
• Cons: Cars may have unknown damage, may require a broker, and unloading logistics can be challenging.

Private Sale (e.g., Facebook Marketplace)

Buying a donor through a private sale, such as Facebook Marketplace, allows you to interact directly with the seller. You can ask questions about the car's history, test-drive it, and negotiate the price. This method can help you get a clearer picture of the car's condition before committing to the purchase.

• Pros: Direct interaction with the seller, ability to inspect and test-drive, more negotiation opportunities.
• Cons: Prices may be higher compared to auctions, limited availability of specific trims or years.

Used Car Lots

Some used car lots may have Mk7 Golfs suitable for your build. This method often provides more confidence in the car's condition, as dealers typically inspect and repair cars before selling them. However, the cost will be higher compared to an auction or private sale.

• Pros: Inspected vehicles, possibly reconditioned, easier buying process.
• Cons: Higher prices, limited inventory suitable for donor purposes.

Buying from Salvage Auctions (Copart and IAA)

Buying a donor vehicle from salvage auctions like Copart and IAA can be a great way to source a Mk7 Golf for your Goblin V2 build. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Depending on the auction, you might need a broker to help facilitate the purchase, especially for vehicles requiring certain licenses. Additionally, consider how the donor will be delivered and unloaded at your location—logistics can be challenging for cars that are inoperable and/or heavily damaged.

Using Brokers to Purchase at Auction

The laws for public members to purchase salvage vehicles vary by state. Some vehicles will require certain licenses to bid on them. If you find one of these on Copart or IAA, you'll need to use a broker who is licensed to bid on these. Brokers like AutoBidMaster (for Copart) and SCA (for IAA) can help facilitate your purchase. You'll use the broker website to set your max bid, and they'll bid on your behalf. They do charge fees for their services, but it opens up the donors you can bid on.

Considerations for Donor Vehicle Delivery and Unloading

When buying a donor from an auction, keep in mind how the car will be unloaded when it gets to your home or business. At the auction lot, donor cars are typically loaded onto trailers with a forklift. This means that when the delivery driver arrives, your car might be positioned between other vehicles on the trailer, which can make unloading tricky without a forklift.

If you do not have access to a forklift that can lift the donor off the trailer, you need to take extra care when arranging the car's delivery.

One option is to stick to auctions closer to you, allowing you to hire someone with a flatbed tow truck to deliver the donor directly. Depending on the auction, there may also be an opportunity to pick up the donor yourself with a trailer, making unloading much simpler and avoiding potential issues with cars being boxed in or needing specialized equipment.

We've noticed that some brokers (including Auto Bid Master) require you to buy shipping directly from them if you buy a car within your own state. This means you won't have any say in how the car is loaded or delivered. Watch for this when you bid to make sure you aren't locking yourself into shipping that won't work for you.

Condition of the Donor Vehicle

When buying a donor car, regardless of the trim level or where you are buying it, you need to pay attention to the condition of the donor to ensure that the items you need from the donor will be in good working order. This means looking out for issues such as high mileage, flood or fire damage, or other types of damage that could affect the parts you need.

General Condition of the Car

• Mileage Ideally Under 125,000
  • There isn't a set number of miles that is too high since it can depend on how the car was maintained. However, lower mileage generally means less wear and tear and 125,000 miles is acceptable for these engines
• Primary/Secondary Damage (if bought at auction)
  • Most damage types are acceptable but avoid donors with damage that mentions FIRE, FLOOD, ENGINE, or STRIP. Often these damage types will mean the components you need are damaged or missing. Also, many states will not register a car that uses parts from a flood damaged car.
• Engine Starts/Car Drives
  • If bought at an auction, look for phrases like "runs and drives" or "engine starts" to confirm that the engine is in working order. Phrases like "stationary" mean that the lot did not attempt to start the engine.
• Key
  • The Goblin V2 can be built with or without the donor key. If your donor is delivered with the key and you wish to use the key in the Goblin V2, you'll need to keep the ignition switch and gauge cluster from your donor to be mounted in the Goblin. If you don't receive the key or don't wish to use it, you will not need the donor ignition switch and gauge cluster, but you will need to purchase an EcuTek system and a tune with an immobilizer delete.

Condition of the Powertrain and Engine Bay

• Pay Attention to Front End Damage
  • A donor with heavy from end damage might be viable but you should be more vigilant when inspecting the photos for powertrain damage.
• Front Wheel/Suspension Damage
  • The front suspension isn't used in the Goblin V2 but if it looks like something collided with the front wheel and pushed it in toward the powertrain, there could be damage to the block, oil pan, or transmission.
• Radiator Damage is Okay
  • The Goblin V2 does not reuse the Golf radiator so it is okay if it is damaged
• Intake Manifold Needs to Be Intact
  • With heavy front damage the front crossmember can impact the intake manifold and break it. You'll need the intake manifold so make sure it is not damaged.
• Consider Damage Under the Powertrain
  • If it looks like something hit low on the bumper and possibly went underneath the car, there might be damage to the oil pan, engine block, or transmission.
• The Engine Needs to Be Complete
  • Look for signs that the engine was stripped. Best case scenario is that the plastic cover is still in place on the valve cover. If the cover is missing, check that the coil packs and turbocharger are still in place. Also look for the ECM on the driver side of the engine bay.