Hot Hatch for £5k-£6k - Golf Mk5 GTI?
Discussion
Hi
I currently have a Cooper S on a PCP, will be VTing it in April which is the 50% mark as its £300pm. We had out first kid in February so got the Wife an F30 330D therefore hers will be our 'main car' as the Mini is too small but we were stuck in the PCP until the 50% point.
Anyway, I need a car as I work in London two days a week and we live in a village so having two cars is required for us but I don't need something costing £300pm.
I am looking to spend £5k-£6k but want something with a bit of power still, the mini has 190bhp and I don't want less than this really.
I am a BMW fan but for my budget I won't get much so I am looking at a Mk5 Golf GTI. Seems to be 200bhp standard and can get 240bhp with a remap plus it looks ok to live with, we use a 360 spin car seat which never leaves the car so happy to have a 3 door.
Had a Clio 200 in the past and loved it but the issues with the gearbox put me off a little, could be a decent bill if it needs replacing.
Not a fan of the Civic looks and although I have never owned one, the Focus/Fiesta ST stuff just doesn't appeal to me for some reason.
Are the Golfs reliable enough for a few years of ownership? I probably only do 5k a year and happy to do maintenance myself so servicing and brakes etc.
Ta
I currently have a Cooper S on a PCP, will be VTing it in April which is the 50% mark as its £300pm. We had out first kid in February so got the Wife an F30 330D therefore hers will be our 'main car' as the Mini is too small but we were stuck in the PCP until the 50% point.
Anyway, I need a car as I work in London two days a week and we live in a village so having two cars is required for us but I don't need something costing £300pm.
I am looking to spend £5k-£6k but want something with a bit of power still, the mini has 190bhp and I don't want less than this really.
I am a BMW fan but for my budget I won't get much so I am looking at a Mk5 Golf GTI. Seems to be 200bhp standard and can get 240bhp with a remap plus it looks ok to live with, we use a 360 spin car seat which never leaves the car so happy to have a 3 door.
Had a Clio 200 in the past and loved it but the issues with the gearbox put me off a little, could be a decent bill if it needs replacing.
Not a fan of the Civic looks and although I have never owned one, the Focus/Fiesta ST stuff just doesn't appeal to me for some reason.
Are the Golfs reliable enough for a few years of ownership? I probably only do 5k a year and happy to do maintenance myself so servicing and brakes etc.
Ta
The mk5 is very capable all rounder. That said, that aren't the most engaging to drive and feel, well about dull.
As you are a BMW fan. Your 6k could get you a decent 130i. Seemingly the forgotten hot hatch BMW started in 05. Compared to the VW, you get 3 or 5 doors. Manual or Auto. 265bhp. Straight Six. Rear wheel drive.
Now, being BMW, for your budget you'd likely get one with approx 80 - 100k mileage but if you are comfortable with BMW you'll know this is not an issue.
They sound and go very well. The handling is fun if not as overtly accomplished as the GTi. However, what it lacks I'm ability it makes up for playfulness and obviously you have the rear wheel drive element too. They are quite happy to get the tail out of that's your thing, yet, are controlled.
The engine is bomb proof. Offers a 0-60 of 6.1 but it feels and sounds much quicker than that. The noise of the straight Six is lovely compared to that of the vag unit. It'll return mid 20s to mid 30s mpg wise around city/motorway. For 3.0 it doesn't drink fuel too much.
Interior wise is perfect for younger kids and the boot is happy to swallow pretty much what you need kid wise should it need to do family duties.
Granted there aren't as many Tuning options available, but with a bit of money on suspension the characteristics are transformed from baby BMW to baby E46 M3.
Its rarer and a lot more under the radar then the golf. That sad the edition 30 is quite a nice rare thing too.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020082027...
Second on the list.
The Ford Fiesta ST.
These are pretty much one of the best most recent super minis developed and certainly one of the best Ford's for quite some time.
For your budget you'd pick up a good ST2 maybe even a category st3. There isn't much in that bar some trim levels. The cars come very well equipped as standard. Are a great hoot to drive and small enough for city duties.
They are deceptively comfortable size wise inside. Plenty of room for four adults really and room in the boot for stuff.
Being a ford they are cheap to service and maintain and parts etc are faulty cheap compared to BMW and VAG in my experience of each. Reliability is definitely up there too.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020093043...
Third on the list
More warm than hot. But very capable and pretty much a Golf is the Seat Leon.
Very good like in many ways. They are just that bit different style wise. Certainly more modern then the mk5 golf. The 1.4 TSI option is a very capable engine. Performance is decent but not neck snapping and they are extremely safe and reliable for family duties.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020101048...
Fourth on the list.
The Mazda3 MPs.
The most powerful out the box I think of those I listed. Like the golf and Leon. Turbo charged platform. 256bhp but actually they do feel more powerful than that. Lots of tuning upgrades available being a JDM market car.
Out the box there's plenty of kit Inc sat nav and the interiors are actually quite nice for a jap car. Though not on a par with vag or BMW. But they are something a bit different.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020060899...
Next we have the Italian offering. The Alfa Romeo Guilietta Cloverleaf. 1.8tbi turbocharged and very nicely styled.
Ignore the fables of ruinous reliability. These are actually very solid. They again perhaps are not overly hot bit handle very well and a remap should see power for 235hp standard to roughly 280/290hp.
Again a very different offering. But for me. The rarity and looks and handling make them a great under the radar hot hatch. Certainly a very well styled one. Though that may be subjective of course.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020100144...
A few different choice options for you. Good luck with the hunt.
As you are a BMW fan. Your 6k could get you a decent 130i. Seemingly the forgotten hot hatch BMW started in 05. Compared to the VW, you get 3 or 5 doors. Manual or Auto. 265bhp. Straight Six. Rear wheel drive.
Now, being BMW, for your budget you'd likely get one with approx 80 - 100k mileage but if you are comfortable with BMW you'll know this is not an issue.
They sound and go very well. The handling is fun if not as overtly accomplished as the GTi. However, what it lacks I'm ability it makes up for playfulness and obviously you have the rear wheel drive element too. They are quite happy to get the tail out of that's your thing, yet, are controlled.
The engine is bomb proof. Offers a 0-60 of 6.1 but it feels and sounds much quicker than that. The noise of the straight Six is lovely compared to that of the vag unit. It'll return mid 20s to mid 30s mpg wise around city/motorway. For 3.0 it doesn't drink fuel too much.
Interior wise is perfect for younger kids and the boot is happy to swallow pretty much what you need kid wise should it need to do family duties.
Granted there aren't as many Tuning options available, but with a bit of money on suspension the characteristics are transformed from baby BMW to baby E46 M3.
Its rarer and a lot more under the radar then the golf. That sad the edition 30 is quite a nice rare thing too.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020082027...
Second on the list.
The Ford Fiesta ST.
These are pretty much one of the best most recent super minis developed and certainly one of the best Ford's for quite some time.
For your budget you'd pick up a good ST2 maybe even a category st3. There isn't much in that bar some trim levels. The cars come very well equipped as standard. Are a great hoot to drive and small enough for city duties.
They are deceptively comfortable size wise inside. Plenty of room for four adults really and room in the boot for stuff.
Being a ford they are cheap to service and maintain and parts etc are faulty cheap compared to BMW and VAG in my experience of each. Reliability is definitely up there too.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020093043...
Third on the list
More warm than hot. But very capable and pretty much a Golf is the Seat Leon.
Very good like in many ways. They are just that bit different style wise. Certainly more modern then the mk5 golf. The 1.4 TSI option is a very capable engine. Performance is decent but not neck snapping and they are extremely safe and reliable for family duties.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020101048...
Fourth on the list.
The Mazda3 MPs.
The most powerful out the box I think of those I listed. Like the golf and Leon. Turbo charged platform. 256bhp but actually they do feel more powerful than that. Lots of tuning upgrades available being a JDM market car.
Out the box there's plenty of kit Inc sat nav and the interiors are actually quite nice for a jap car. Though not on a par with vag or BMW. But they are something a bit different.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020060899...
Next we have the Italian offering. The Alfa Romeo Guilietta Cloverleaf. 1.8tbi turbocharged and very nicely styled.
Ignore the fables of ruinous reliability. These are actually very solid. They again perhaps are not overly hot bit handle very well and a remap should see power for 235hp standard to roughly 280/290hp.
Again a very different offering. But for me. The rarity and looks and handling make them a great under the radar hot hatch. Certainly a very well styled one. Though that may be subjective of course.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020100144...
A few different choice options for you. Good luck with the hunt.
You can get a lot of BMW for your budget now they won't be hot hatch levels of fun & handling but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with them:
130i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008202...
335i the 130i is no better than the M Sports handling wise & the interior feels nicer in the 3 series
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011025...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009133...
330i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010275...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010295...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011186...
In the form of not being the drivers first choice but still being a good car there these:
3.2 TT S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011055...
2.0T Exclusive Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011105...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011156...
Audi S3
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010275...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010305...
Now if you want a Hot Hatch then (get over the badge & look at the actual car) Focus in ST-3 form is a very sweet (a step ahead of the Golf but a step behind the Megane) steer & the 5pot is a reliable peach of an engine.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011186...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011216...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011035...
Overall mo it's a better package than a Golf GTI & if you really want the Golf then I'd say either get the S3 or the Leon Cupra:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011126...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010255...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010084...
Leftfield:
Giulietta Cloverleaf these are a nice car with a characterful engine as well as a decent steer.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010255...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009113...
130i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008202...
335i the 130i is no better than the M Sports handling wise & the interior feels nicer in the 3 series
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011025...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009133...
330i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010275...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010295...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011186...
In the form of not being the drivers first choice but still being a good car there these:
3.2 TT S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011055...
2.0T Exclusive Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011105...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011156...
Audi S3
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010275...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010305...
Now if you want a Hot Hatch then (get over the badge & look at the actual car) Focus in ST-3 form is a very sweet (a step ahead of the Golf but a step behind the Megane) steer & the 5pot is a reliable peach of an engine.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011186...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011216...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011035...
Overall mo it's a better package than a Golf GTI & if you really want the Golf then I'd say either get the S3 or the Leon Cupra:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011126...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010255...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010084...
Leftfield:
Giulietta Cloverleaf these are a nice car with a characterful engine as well as a decent steer.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010255...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009113...
Wagonwheel555 said:
Thanks for the replies so far.
Some good suggestions, I like the sound of something like an S3 but 100k miles makes me wince a little, Obviously I know it depends on how it’s been looked after but could be in for a few bills depending on what needs doing.
Will have a think!
Well if you want newness low miles decent handling & good spec then the Cloverleaf's listed above make a lot of sense.Some good suggestions, I like the sound of something like an S3 but 100k miles makes me wince a little, Obviously I know it depends on how it’s been looked after but could be in for a few bills depending on what needs doing.
Will have a think!
Another vote for the 130i... RWD, manual, 265bhp, straight six and super reliable!
A word of caution on the 335i (N54) and later 330i engines (N53). These are very different to the engine found in the 130i (N52) and come with added complexity, which many report as less reliable or require more careful maintenance. In addition to turbos they also are known to suffer injector and high pressure fuel pump issues. The N52 and earlier M54 engine are seen as the peaches in the lineup.
A word of caution on the 335i (N54) and later 330i engines (N53). These are very different to the engine found in the 130i (N52) and come with added complexity, which many report as less reliable or require more careful maintenance. In addition to turbos they also are known to suffer injector and high pressure fuel pump issues. The N52 and earlier M54 engine are seen as the peaches in the lineup.
I'd say your original thought and the mk5 GTI would be a good pick - you'd get a decent one for that budget.
While it's obviously early days in their "classic" status, the GTI is a desirable car. If you got a decent one now and looked after it, it's probably fairly low on the depreciation curve compared with a lot out there. The mk5 is widely regarded as being a return to form after the poor mk4.
While it's obviously early days in their "classic" status, the GTI is a desirable car. If you got a decent one now and looked after it, it's probably fairly low on the depreciation curve compared with a lot out there. The mk5 is widely regarded as being a return to form after the poor mk4.
stevekoz said:
The mk5 is very capable all rounder. That said, that aren't the most engaging to drive and feel, well about dull.
As you are a BMW fan. Your 6k could get you a decent 130i. Seemingly the forgotten hot hatch BMW started in 05. Compared to the VW, you get 3 or 5 doors. Manual or Auto. 265bhp. Straight Six. Rear wheel drive.
Now, being BMW, for your budget you'd likely get one with approx 80 - 100k mileage but if you are comfortable with BMW you'll know this is not an issue.
They sound and go very well. The handling is fun if not as overtly accomplished as the GTi. However, what it lacks I'm ability it makes up for playfulness and obviously you have the rear wheel drive element too. They are quite happy to get the tail out of that's your thing, yet, are controlled.
The engine is bomb proof. Offers a 0-60 of 6.1 but it feels and sounds much quicker than that. The noise of the straight Six is lovely compared to that of the vag unit. It'll return mid 20s to mid 30s mpg wise around city/motorway. For 3.0 it doesn't drink fuel too much.
Interior wise is perfect for younger kids and the boot is happy to swallow pretty much what you need kid wise should it need to do family duties.
Autocar did a brief comparison of the Golf GTI Edition 30, BMW 135i + TT As you are a BMW fan. Your 6k could get you a decent 130i. Seemingly the forgotten hot hatch BMW started in 05. Compared to the VW, you get 3 or 5 doors. Manual or Auto. 265bhp. Straight Six. Rear wheel drive.
Now, being BMW, for your budget you'd likely get one with approx 80 - 100k mileage but if you are comfortable with BMW you'll know this is not an issue.
They sound and go very well. The handling is fun if not as overtly accomplished as the GTi. However, what it lacks I'm ability it makes up for playfulness and obviously you have the rear wheel drive element too. They are quite happy to get the tail out of that's your thing, yet, are controlled.
The engine is bomb proof. Offers a 0-60 of 6.1 but it feels and sounds much quicker than that. The noise of the straight Six is lovely compared to that of the vag unit. It'll return mid 20s to mid 30s mpg wise around city/motorway. For 3.0 it doesn't drink fuel too much.
Interior wise is perfect for younger kids and the boot is happy to swallow pretty much what you need kid wise should it need to do family duties.
So can it really be as exciting to drive? In a word, yes. The suspension is every bit as well set up as the Audi’s, delivering a near-perfect blend of ride comfort and handling ability. The steering wheel isn’t only great to hold, but provides more detailed feedback than the BMW’s. And although the front-drive layout means the Golf doesn’t put its power down as well as its rivals, it’s superbly balanced, responsive and entertaining.
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-reviews/38184/vo...
Having read a fair few reviews of both of these cars I can't find any evidence from the likes of Top Gear, Evo, Motortrend, Parkers etc etc that say a Golf is boring by being good at it's job.
Both the BMW 130I and Golf GTI are excellent cars well worth driving & neither deserve to be labelled as dull. If you consider a 130i then it might also be worth looking at the mk5 Golf R32 to
As an ex-mk5 GTI owner, I had a casual browse the other day to see how much another decent one would be. I was shocked to see they seem to have gone up in price a fair whack in the last year or so.
If you can get a high spec, low miles one without the usual problems like rusty wings, worn bolsters etc for under £5k then I'd go for it. They're ace cars. We did a few family trips from Yorkshire to the Isle of Wight in ours with 2 kids and a dog with no roofbox etc for a weeks holiday.
Would I buy another? Without a doubt. Would I be tempted to hold out for a mk6 (which seems to be much rarer and I reckon better looking with a nicer interior)? Yes.
If you can get a high spec, low miles one without the usual problems like rusty wings, worn bolsters etc for under £5k then I'd go for it. They're ace cars. We did a few family trips from Yorkshire to the Isle of Wight in ours with 2 kids and a dog with no roofbox etc for a weeks holiday.
Would I buy another? Without a doubt. Would I be tempted to hold out for a mk6 (which seems to be much rarer and I reckon better looking with a nicer interior)? Yes.
I've had a MK5 GTI and a 130i and the BMW was hands down the better car
It's all anecdotal but the GTI was the single most unreliable vehicle I've owned. Just about every common MK5 problem occurred in the 18 months I had it, and the ownership/driving experience wasn't anything like good enough to justify the bills. The final straw was it rusting in three places at 39k and VW more or less washed their hands of it.
I chopped it in for the 130i which was brilliant. Felt special and was headache free, and the only car I've ever regretted selling. As noted the values are strong, I doubt I could buy mine back for what I sold it for 3 years ago
It's all anecdotal but the GTI was the single most unreliable vehicle I've owned. Just about every common MK5 problem occurred in the 18 months I had it, and the ownership/driving experience wasn't anything like good enough to justify the bills. The final straw was it rusting in three places at 39k and VW more or less washed their hands of it.
I chopped it in for the 130i which was brilliant. Felt special and was headache free, and the only car I've ever regretted selling. As noted the values are strong, I doubt I could buy mine back for what I sold it for 3 years ago
I was im the same position nearly 2 years back, and struggled to find a decent condition mk5 golf or any hot hatches tbh. In the end I bought a 2011 seat leon fr+ 2.0t in speed blue, which was local and was in great condition. Its basically a mk6 gti for about half the price with a high spec. The interior isnt the best, but its stage 1 tuned and is pretty quick. I am looking to sell now as I'm looking for an estate car as I need more space. But its been a good car with only a lamda sensor replaced.
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