Golf mkV GTi thoughts?
Discussion
I'm thinking of buying a mkV GTi and just want to know what it's like to live with and if it's a suitable car for a 22 y/o coming from a 1.2 clio. Would prefer DSG obviously but difficult to find a decent one with that. Any information would be great. It's between the gti, bmw 130i or an audi 2L fsi a3.
Cheers!
Cheers!
I had one for 18 months and 20k miles.
Look for a recent cambelt/water pump change, worn CV joints, rattly suspension, failed aircon (the compressors are prone to failure) and rusty arches. Worn tyres sound like worn wheel bearings.
Mine had factory Xenons, multi function steering wheel, 18" Monzas and heated seats. IMO a good spec. Some don't like the 18" Monzas, I didn't have a problem with them.
I used 95 RON as I didn't notice a difference with 98.
On a 70 mph commute to work ~40mpg is normal. Pressing on will see 33/34.
I wish I'd kept it. Fast enough for every day use.
The 130i will be the better drive, but if it's like BMWs that I've owned previously, watch for tramlining.
Look for a recent cambelt/water pump change, worn CV joints, rattly suspension, failed aircon (the compressors are prone to failure) and rusty arches. Worn tyres sound like worn wheel bearings.
Mine had factory Xenons, multi function steering wheel, 18" Monzas and heated seats. IMO a good spec. Some don't like the 18" Monzas, I didn't have a problem with them.
I used 95 RON as I didn't notice a difference with 98.
On a 70 mph commute to work ~40mpg is normal. Pressing on will see 33/34.
I wish I'd kept it. Fast enough for every day use.
The 130i will be the better drive, but if it's like BMWs that I've owned previously, watch for tramlining.
Thanks for the reply Maracus.
I've seen a 2006 black 3dr ~60k standard spec and recent cambelt change for £7000, is this price reasonable? This is only the second car I'm buying as the clio was my first car. I would mostly be doing town driving and not a lot of miles, so I think I could cope with 30mpg.
I've seen a 2006 black 3dr ~60k standard spec and recent cambelt change for £7000, is this price reasonable? This is only the second car I'm buying as the clio was my first car. I would mostly be doing town driving and not a lot of miles, so I think I could cope with 30mpg.
Rosco1692 said:
Is it a rewarding drive in the gti? Does it make you happy every time you drive it or does it get boring and a chore? Do you prefer your cooper S?
The Golf was a manual (now sold), the Cooper S is an auto.For commuting I'd pick the Golf, for a blast it'd be the Cooper S.
I use the MINI 3 days a week for a 100 mile round trip for work, it's comfortable enough, but I prefer my 328i. I share the mileage between the two.
I ran a DSG GTI for 6 months last year when I was 23 and loved it. It did need a bit of work doing - diverter valve, ac compressor, cv boots, dsg oil and front discs/ pads. When I bought it the previous owner had just done the cambelt, pcv and fitted new tyres so I was thinking it wouldn't want for any more work but unfortunately got it wrong! However it made up for that by not costing me anything in depreciation.
If you do a search there are regularly threads on here discussing the Mk5 GTI at length. Its difficult to find someone who will say its a bad car, they are genuinely one of the best all rounders of the past decade.
If you do a search there are regularly threads on here discussing the Mk5 GTI at length. Its difficult to find someone who will say its a bad car, they are genuinely one of the best all rounders of the past decade.
They're massively different cars. Where the GTI feels alive, communicative and involving, the A3 feel inert and heavy. In my opinion the Quattro offers no advantage unless you're not prepared to buy premium tyres for the Golf.
I'd also disagree with the comment regarding leather seats. I had my MK5 GTI for seven years and 60K+ miles and apart from slight drivers seat bolster wear the interior looked nearly new. In contrast the seats on similar aged cars with leather look baggy and shiny. The tartan lifts an otherwise dull interior too.
The A3 is more refined and the interior is a better place to be, but you're a young lad, you don't want these things at the expense of a fun car to drive!
I'd also disagree with the comment regarding leather seats. I had my MK5 GTI for seven years and 60K+ miles and apart from slight drivers seat bolster wear the interior looked nearly new. In contrast the seats on similar aged cars with leather look baggy and shiny. The tartan lifts an otherwise dull interior too.
The A3 is more refined and the interior is a better place to be, but you're a young lad, you don't want these things at the expense of a fun car to drive!
I bought my 07 Seat Leon Fr tfsi (same engine as mk5 gti) at 21. Wanted a gti but insurance and cost of the car made the Leon the more sensible choice for me at the time. It is my first car and definitely a heart over head purchase after I test drove it. Fuel economy wise, i get 40mpg on a motorway run (at 70), 25 round town, I have noticed 15% more range from a tank after i switched to v-power nitro. It is well documented on here that the Leon has "less pleasing" interior than its VW and Audi counterparts but the exterior is much nicer IMO, and you can get a decent one for under 6k now.
Had my GTI since last June, and apart from a few turbo issues (Waste gate/dump valve/actuator solenoid!) and a rattly interior it has been a great car!
Plenty of power, 40mpg is easily achievable and enough space in the back to stick my MTB or loads of gear when I go rallying. The worst MPG I have seen is 27 after a very enthusiastic day driving in north Wales last week!
Pointing to the GTI by Alastair Cummins, on Flickr
Do it!
Plenty of power, 40mpg is easily achievable and enough space in the back to stick my MTB or loads of gear when I go rallying. The worst MPG I have seen is 27 after a very enthusiastic day driving in north Wales last week!
Pointing to the GTI by Alastair Cummins, on FlickrDo it!
Quick note on the dsg (I have it on my r32). Try before you buy. In my opinion it will never replace a manual stick shift for driver involvement, but it is brilliant in traffic and when you need to get anywhere in a hurry it is shockingly competent. It changes gear amazingly fast but because their is practically no gap between each change (OK 30 milliseconds to be exact) you do feel a little removed from the whole experience. Good luck finding a GTi.
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