Car Advice-mk4 GTi or mk5

[charliefoy]

Hi, new to the forum and I couldn't find a thread asking the same question as mine so please direct me to one if it exists!

I'm currently driving an 04 1.2 Polo, looking to upgrade having had it 3 years. Naturally I've been looking at Golf's but I've been struggling to decide on the model to get.
I'm looking to spend £3500 max, and for this price i've seen some nice 2006-2007 Mk5 Golfs, particularly the 1.9tdi and 2.0 petrol models which I've heard are the best to go for. Although, the Mk4 1.8t GTi keeps catching my eye and they're in a similar price range to the mk5's, I think i'm after a car thats a bit more fun to drive, as i've aquired 3 years no claims my insurance is pretty reasonable so i can get something a little quicker... The only thing holding me back from the mk4 GTi is the age, i'd be looking at an 03/04 and this might be a little contradictory considering i currently have an 04 polo and something a little more modern would be nice. I woulnd't be doing many long motorway journeys just yet (this will probably change as I have a new job lined up)

Any advice on mileage would be appreciated too as my knowledge about these kind of things is limited, also if there are any other cars that meet these needs then please suggest!

Any advice would be appreciated and as I say if this question has already been answered then please let me know
Thanks!

[charliefoy]

Cheers (I wasnt looking at a mk5 gti by the way, just a standard mk5). Yeah I agree about getting bored of the mk4, I can see that happening!

[charliefoy]

SteBrown91 said:

Personally I'd avoid the 2.0 non turbo as its not thay fast, thirsty and heavy on tax. The 1.9 diesel in the mk5, it would leave you wanting more as only has 105 bhp.

If you can save up a few more quid (2-300ish) you could get a 9n3 polo gti with the 1.8T engine for the high 3s low 4s

Thanks for the reply. Okay i hear you on the golf engine, what about the 1.6fsi?
The polo sounds good, although I wanted a golf also for the increase in physical size, i'm 6ft3 so the polo gets a bit cramped and I feel i've outgrown it

[charliefoy]

Thanks for those suggestions, I'll check them out. Had a drive of a mk5 golf 1.9tdi match yesterday, it was nice but nothing really grabbed me about it

[charliefoy]

Where do you recommend to look for cars? I've been using autotrader so far

[charliefoy]

Maracus said:

If you're after a Golf, keep an eye on www.volkswizard.co.uk, based in Birmingham.

I've bought a few cars from Andrew, and he is a decent specialist trader in VAG.

Thanks, I'll check that out

[charliefoy]

Is there a ballpark figure for a maximum recommended mileage to go to for a mk5 golf?

[charliefoy]

Thanks to the above posters, you've been very helpful.
I know it may be difficult to judge the genuine condition of a car but i've found the following 3 that I think look decent, provided they have the service history with evidence of cam belt/regular services etc:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Out of the three, i'm leaning toward the 1.6FSI