A friend is selling a Golf GTi Mark V. It is a black, three door version on a 2005/55 plate, has covered 39,500 miles, has a full service history and has had all the necessary recalls etc.

The interior is immaculate; the exterior has one minor dent on a flank and two slightly scuffed alloys (optional 18 inch Monzas). A lengthy test drive showed it drives beautifully. My friend does look after her possessions and this car, which she has owned fron new, is no exception. Other than the Monzas, the other optional extras are a central armrest, sunroof and AutoGylm treatment.

I have checked the guidance on other sites and I have read your review on the Mark V Golf. The only major blot is, I believe, that the car will need a cambelt replacement at the next service, which will be due fairly soon. A check on a few forums suggests that an independent specialist might charge around £600 for such a service/belt change.

Ordinarily, I prefer not to do business with friends, to avoid possible complications. Aside from always desiring a Golf GTI Mark V, what attracts me to this car is that I know its provenance and that it has been looked after.

The ding and the alloys aside, it looks and drives like brand new. I am not sufficently mechanically savvy to buy from another private seller, so if I don't buy this car, I would be looking to purchase from a garage - which is more expensive.

Having given the matter some thought, I have decided that the maximum price I would be willing to pay is £8k. Obviously, if I can get it for less, so much the better. My question is: is £8k a fair price for this car?