Volkswagen Golf GTI: PH Carpool

Best car in the real world? Having covered 240,000 miles in one, this PHer should know...

Name: Nick Passmore
Car: VW Golf GTI Mk5
Owned since: June 2008
Previouslyowned: "Volkswagen Golf Mk4 1.8T GTI, Seat Leon Cupra 1.9 TDI, Peugeot 306 XSI, Peugeot 106 Rallye S1, Volkswagen Golf Mk3 VR6, Vauxhall Nova 1.2 Merit (I know, almost certainly without merit!)"

Childhood dream realised for Nick

Why I bought it:
"Growing up I always craved a Mk2 Golf GTI 16v big bumper edition, I think most of us did back then. When I found myself in a position to buy a modern Golf GTI, the Mk5 was the obvious choice. After reading numerous reviews and comparisons it had to be the Golf for me. When I saw the car for sale in a local garage, I wasn't really looking for a new car at the time. However, after driving it, I realised how much better it was than my Mk4 GTI.

"I really wasn't sure about the DSG 'box initially, but have to say it grew on me, and I really enjoy it now. The amount of time I often spend sat in traffic, it certainly gives your left leg a rest. Once on a good A- or B-road, it still allows you to drive it like a manual. I'd say point to point on roads you don't know, especially in the dark, it's hard to think I could make as rapid progress with a manual."

What I wish I'd known:
"I think on the whole, I can say there have been no real nasty surprises during my eight years and 240,000 miles of ownership. As long as you service the car at all the right intervals, especially making sure the timing belt is changed along with the water pump when it should, you will find it's very reliable. The DSG oil needs replacing regularly at a cost, but it's worth it. I have though replaced two DSG controller units, which were expensive, but I don't think can complain with the mileage the car has. You can certainly diagnose issues yourself and do some basic servicing too with the help of a VAG-Com OBD interface and software. Worth its weight in gold!"

Looking good for 300,000 miles!

Things I love:
"I think the most impressive quality of the Mk5 GTI is its ability to make the trip comfortable and relaxing when you're not in the mood for enthusiastic driving. Having said that, when you want to go for a blast on a Sunday morning, it can be one of the most enjoyable and involving drives. The parp of the DSG on upshifts, often made even louder with a slight lift as you change which is superb. I also love the retro tartan seat trim, taking the lead from the Mk2 GTI of the early 80s. Finally, if you can find one with heated seats then all the better, they're superb during those early winter morning starts..."

Things I hate:
"I've found most of my Golfs have a healthy appetite for light bulbs, I think the VW boffins need to look into that and enlighten us all! The DSG controller unit really does need to be warranted for more than 100,000 miles as that is expensive, but I decided better the devil you know and don't regret spending the money."

DSG controller unit is a big expense

Costs:
"Running a Mk5 GTI would be expensive if you used the dealers for servicing and fixes. Once out of warranty find yourself a good independent mechanic. Steve at Monks VW in Southampton has serviced my GTI and his knowledge and competitive hourly rate makes running a warm hatch affordable; I now regard Steve as a good friend. Simon at Ashbourne Motor Company Southampton sold me a great car, and it was certainly not a Friday afternoon car. Given the news currently, VW needs some positive stories like this."

Where I've been:
"My GTI has been used for many motorway commuting miles. Although it has also visited just about every UK motor racing circuit in its role as my fast van/support vehicle when watching my dad race his Mk2 GTI in the one-make series over the last few years.

"The next challenge is 500,000 miles!"

"A memorable trip was just days after I purchased the GTI, and my dad had just taken delivery of his new Audi TT. Dad lives in Cardiff and I was in Southampton at the time. We decided to go and watch some racing at Anglesey circuit and meet at the circuit. It was a superb drive, albeit in the wet. As I neared the circuit, I was taking it easy as I had made good time. I looked in my mirror to see the distant but fast approaching set of xenon headlights. The driver seemingly knew the road, then no sooner had I looked ahead and back in the mirror, the car in question had shot straight past me. I then realised it was my dad trying out the TT. I caught him up but it took some doing... Once at the circuit, my dad has assumed I was some OAP in a GTI and thought what a waste of a good car it was!"

What next?
"There are no plans to sell the GTI. In fact I think the next challenge is 500,000 miles! To help reduce the work the GTI has to do, I have invested in a 2004 E46 M3 which has always been a car on my wanted list and with prices on the climb thought I should get in whilst I still have the chance. The GTI will have its original Monza alloys restored to give it the original look."

Read more about Nick's Golf in his blog here.

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