MK5 Golf GTI vs GT 170 1.4

MK5 Golf GTI vs GT 170 1.4

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rusnam

Original Poster:

10 posts

116 months

Sunday 31st August 2014
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Hello, new to this site so apologies if this is in the wrong section/has been asked before etc.

Currently got a 1.4 MK4 Golf (think it's 75bhp or at least was at some point) - you've all probably fallen off your chairs and are struggling to breathe at this point, in my defence it was my first car, got it when I was 17 wanting something other than a Corsa! I've had it for two years now, served my time, now for something quicker smile

Got around £6-7k which seems satisfactory for both the above but at my age it'll mean stupidly high insurance on the GTI (being quoted around £1.5-2k easy, currently paying £750 so it's steep to say the least) so as much as I love the MK5 GTI's I think the dream may have to be put on hold for a while (and to be honest, I'd feel a little guilty with a GTI at this stage)

Lately I've been looking at the 1.4 170 GT's, they seem ideal for someone like me and would provide (relatively) good performance and cheap(er) insurance.

Any thoughts? Would appreciate any sort of general/specific input, thanks smile

(I should add, I want something Golf-sized, petrol and German, so really it's either this or possibly an A3/1 series but the Golf seems ideal from the research I've done so far)

FamilyDub

3,587 posts

165 months

Tuesday 2nd September 2014
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wavey

If I remember my figures correctly, there isn't much difference in running costs between the petrol GT and the GTI.

If it was me, I'd go for either the GTI, which will probably hold its £ better and be easier to sell on, or have a look at the 170hp diesel version of the GT if that's the model you must have.

Edited by FamilyDub on Saturday 6th September 04:49

Deerfoot

4,901 posts

184 months

Tuesday 2nd September 2014
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GTI every day. The 170 engine is far too complicated.

va1o

16,031 posts

207 months

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
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£6-7k is just about into Mk6 GT territory, but between the two in your OP the Mk5 GTI is a better bet.

the-photographer

3,485 posts

176 months

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
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If you dont need the sporty visuals. Try and find a 122PS MK5 Match that was specced with sports suspension FROM THE FACTORY (the 17" wheel option).

In theory cheaper to insure than either the GTI (not really viable under 25) or 140/170PS models.

VERY rare because of the limited supply at the time, it will be a rocket compared to the 1.4 non-FSI you have at the moment.


va1o

16,031 posts

207 months

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
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Fair point but I'm well under 25 and don't find insurance too bad on my GTI. I had a 2008 125PS 1.4 TSI before but it didn't seem that reliable needing a new timing chain and turbo, although I don't think it had been that well looked after. The 2.0 TFSI in the GTI seems a lot more solid (touchwood!)

the-photographer

3,485 posts

176 months

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
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va1o said:
Fair point but I'm well under 25 and don't find insurance too bad on my GTI. I had a 2008 125PS 1.4 TSI before but it didn't seem that reliable needing a new timing chain and turbo, although I don't think it had been that well looked after. The 2.0 TFSI in the GTI seems a lot more solid (touchwood!)
No problem, if you can afford the insurance go for the GTI or even the ED30.

For some people the Audi A3 2.0T quattro can be cheaper (under the insurance radar)

cuprabob

14,574 posts

214 months

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
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I wouldn't touch a 1.4 twincharger engine that's older than 2011 with a bsrge pole. You might be lucky but there are just too many horror stories of misfires, engine rebuilds and replacements to take the risk, IMO.

GTI is a much better proposition.

va1o

16,031 posts

207 months

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
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So I would say something like this may be a decent compramise - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

As its had the entire engine replaced by VW recently in theory it should be Ok, and you've got a chunk of warranty left if it goes bang. That of course is your other option with a cheaper 1.4 TSI just buy a warranty then you're covered.

SteBrown91

2,381 posts

129 months

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
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I wouldnt touch any twin charge vag engine. Theres an 11 plate Ibiza fr 150 on my estate that coughs a nice blue cloud when setting off and accelerating

towser

919 posts

211 months

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
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I had a 1.4l 170bhp, 2008 registered. Never missed a beat, got roughly 38 - 42mpg out of it. Just felt a bit gutless to be honest, delivery a little too linear for my liking and never felt particularly quick. On that basis I think the GTI is the better option.

rusnam

Original Poster:

10 posts

116 months

Friday 5th September 2014
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thanks for all the replies, much appreciated.
I'd heard of turbo problems with the 170 but it sounds like they're a no-go or at least a big risk...
I think I'll probably just have to keep my current car a little longer til I can afford a GTI!