Buying Advice - Reliable Shed/MK7 GTI

[scoey1001]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice on my next car(s). Currently drive a Peugeot 207 and for the 4 years
I've owned it it's been an absolute nightmare and God knows why I've stuck with it. Anyway after another issue it's finally the time to get rid.

The car I really want is a Golf gti mk7 performance pack. Looking at these they are at least 14k for a decent miles early model (2013/2014). I was wondering if it is worth waiting until the mk8 is here which may see a drop in prices in the mk7? So towards the end of the year. I would be buying this half cash half bank loan if this has any bearing.

In which case I'm looking to buy a reliable as possible shed as a stop gap. Budget £1500ish but cheaper the better. I do around 12k miles a year majority is short journeys less than 10 miles. Must have 5 doors and nothing too big (no estates). Bonus points if anyone can find me something in Kent or surrounding area. Another point on this is are diesels really that bad for this type of driving? I know a few people who run them doing short journeys everywhere without major issue, and being a tight Yorkshireman the low tax/fuel does appeal.

So would you just buy the golf now or go with plan b and gamble on prices dropping? Also would be very happy to have a good Mk5 gti as a permanent car but having been burned with the Peugeot I'm a bit paranoid relying on an older car (probably unjustified). Any advice much appreciated.

[CrippsCorner]

How about somewhere in the middle... Mk6 GTI or even a R32/R.

Someone I know recently bought a Mk5 GTI and has been hit with big bills from the off, but that does seem to be a rare case. Personally I prefer an older can because I like to modify and make it my own, which I wouldn't really want to do with a £15k car.

Although saying that I am looking for a new hot hatch for the missus (5 door and big boot) and it's between a Mk7 GTI or 308 GTI (or possibly Golf R estate)

[ZX10R NIN]

Don't expect prices to dive to much especially if people aren't buying new if you've found one you like get it.

Or take a look at the Leon Cupra

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Or ones with the Sub8 Performance pack

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[Dewi-asl8m]

I am in a similar predicament but with an 8P and 8V Audi S3. It's the worry about reliability of the older car vs spending a lot more for the newer version and losing money through depreciation. I've also looked at mk5,6 and 7 golf gti's and the Mk7 R and they all seem to old their value well with decent mileage.

[scoey1001]

ZX10R NIN said:

Don't expect prices to dive to much especially if people aren't buying new if you've found one you like get it.

Or take a look at the Leon Cupra

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Or ones with the Sub8 Performance pack

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Cheers, have to say I do like the Cupra, have looked at them a fair bit. You get a little bit more for the same price golf in terms of age/miles but don't think the gap is big enough to tempt me if that makes sense.

I know you like your Mercs, are there any older models known as being reliable that would fall into the 1-3k price bracket? Would need to be 5 door and probably C class size, Thanks

[ZX10R NIN]

scoey1001 said:

Cheers, have to say I do like the Cupra, have looked at them a fair bit. You get a little bit more for the same price golf in terms of age/miles but don't think the gap is big enough to tempt me if that makes sense.

I know you like your Mercs, are there any older models known as being reliable that would fall into the 1-3k price bracket? Would need to be 5 door and probably C class size, Thanks

Will a for door work? If so then the E320cdi is the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

E270cdi

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

C270 the five pot is a bit rough when cold but it's a great reliable frugal unit with a nice bit of go especially with a remap

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

C220 Avantgarde SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Estate

E220cdi

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Petrol C320

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

C180

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

C240

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

With all of the above make sure the gearbox has had it's fluids & filter changed if not knock of £250 off the price apart from that there are no big issues, do your normal checks & make sure everything works, apart from that there's no bad engine etc.