MK5 Golf TDI SE or MK4 Golf GT TDI?

[MElliottUK]

Given that a MK5 GT TDI is out of my price range and i really need to get a car soon. Which one would you have. The MK5 looks alot more modern and ive heard is a much better car although i would only gte the 105ps on for my money.



The MK4 GT TDI would most likely be the 130bhp version. Might look dated in a few years and no dought will depreciate more. On the other hand its fast.



Given the two which one would you guys recommend.



Thanks

[Fidgits]

if it was me...



I would go for the later Mk5 SE



Okay, its not as fast, but from my [albeit brief] research, they apparantly made huge leaps forward on the Mk5 chassis and engines, and IMHO it will depreciate less being the latest model.

[DavidT]

Agreed, get the Mk5.



Better handling, lower depreciation, better looking. Everything in its favour.



You could always get it chipped when funds allow as well.

[Niffty951]

Just to add a different oppinion and because I was just in the possition to test these. Cars I recently went to trade in my R32 for the new Mk5 Gt tdi170 (pressured to get into something more sensible by my job) drove it, nearly put my money down but just thought I'd better drive the MK4 Gt Tdi (150) they had on their forecourt for half the money a drive first.



I would recommend that anyone thinking about this decision do the same first because the fuel economy, interior quality and the power delivery was so much better in the MK4 that I put my money down immediately! I'm driving it now and very very happy with it! The power delivery in the MK5 was much higher up the rev band than the mk4 which pulls smoothly and firmly from about 1500rpm. I also average 50mpg country and town, 55-60mpg on motorway drive.



On the downside the handling on the 55 high profile tyres is much softer and more spongy than the Mk5. Plus the chassis is less responsive. Even so... its really not bad as the 150 shares the MK4 Gti suspension and the money diffence just brakes the deal.

[MElliottUK]

Thanks, yep mk5 is more sensible, im just worried it will feel too slow although i could remap it.



The other option is a MK2 Focus 1.6 tdci zetec (110ps) not bad power for a 1.6 although finding them second hand at a decent price is somewhat difficult at the moment.

[ukross]

VAG build quality on the new Passats and Golfs have slipped as they build them down to a price.



I think I'd go for the Mk4. And being older is should be easier to haggle a discount, which should negate the depreciation concerns further down the line.



Good luck!

[J400uk]

I think the MK5 is the most sensible buy as its a much more up to date car that will retain more value. You could always have it chipped up to about 140 at a later date as someone else said.

[Olivero]

I have a Mk4 130 (chipped) and am very happy with it - yes it is kind of plain and blends in with everything else out there but I prefer the shape to the Mk5. I bought a Brian James trailer of a chap recently who had just changed from a Mk4 to a Mk5 and wished he hadn't. He said the blind spots in the Mk5 were bad and the car didn't feel as planted on the road. What ever you get do get it chipped - the difference is huge.