Mk5 Golf GTi/B7 A4 2.0T/Octavia VRS buying advice

[Ads22]

Hi there

Im currently in the process of looking for one of the above for around the £4k price mark. Im on a limited budget as im hoping to move next year.

At the moment im leaning towards the Golf as ive always liked that model and the way it drives - Im guessing the other two drive very similarly?

All the examples im coming across seem to be around the 80-150K mileage point, which i am told as long as they have been serviced correctly and regularly shouldn't be a major issue. Or is it best to avoid at this point.

However, Im not sure if im looking to much into it, but I seem to be seeing conflicting information on these models in terms of reliability - seeing as they all share components.

Some reports say that they are bullet proof and can take the mileage, some saying that the engines are notorious for issues. Also hearing about the steering systems being a weak point.

Then theres some reports of which model years have the stronger more robust engine (pre 2005 vs post 2005)

All quite confusing but im trying to broaden what cars to look at outside of Honda and Jap manufacturers, before i was just looking at Hondas but nothing is really standing out. Not keen on the EP3's

If any body has any information or experience of these models, especially the Golf GTi in particular it would be of great help.

Edited by Ads22 on Saturday 22 April 22:51

[ZX10R NIN]

You'll just have to do your checks I'd avoid DSG models the engines can burn oil & have some niggly issues but they are in general pretty robust the GTI handles the best out of the cars you listed but there aren't any bad cars these days.

To me Spec is everything as you'll be keeping it a while so out of the three, personally I'd be looking at the Octavia as the blend of handling with kit would mean that would get my money but if the choice was opened up to other VAG products then I'd be buying the 3.2 Audi A3 it's a cut price R32 the engine has character especially with an exhaust they're a bit hard to find in three door form with good spec but are worth the look.

3.2 A3 52k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

3.2 A3 80k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Now if you opened up the choices to other manufacturers then I'd be buying the Ford Focus in ST-3 trim it's the better car IMO with that stonking engine as well as good handling.

ST-3 98k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[Hub]

Ads22 said:

At the moment im leaning towards the Golf as ive always liked that model and the way it drives - Im guessing the other two drive very similarly?

No, the A4 is a different platform. I haven't driven one myself but they aren't anywhere near as well regarded in terms of handling.

All versions of the engine can use a lot of oil.

I had a GTI (up to 75k) and didn't find it was a hugely cheap car to run or a paragon of reliability, though the engine itself was fine. Cambelt interviews are every 4 years or 60k miles. Air con compressors are weak (and the whole air con system can be quite flaky). Interiors are not that hard wearing, and there are some rust issues too (front wings particularly).

[Ads22]

Oh dear so not sounding great reliabilty wise. I wouldn't be doing a lot of miles to be fair.
I'm hoping to stay away from Ford as I'm coming from one now. Not impressed with them

[Codswallop]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd be buying the 3.2 Audi A3 it's a cut price R32 the engine has character especially with an exhaust they're a bit hard to find in three door form with good spec but are worth the look.

Don't these have chocolate cam chains that can fail suddenly at great expense?

I was quite tempted by a mk2 TT with the 3.2 (for the lovely noise) but the engine trouble was off putting.

[ZX10R NIN]

I've not heard about that problem they seem to be pretty robust, OP check up on this.

[Faisal_uk]

I would recommend the MK2 Octavia VRS.
Had my 08 model for nearly 5 years and no major issues.

Trim finishes, wind noise and seats are probably not as good as the Golf - but it is exactly the same engine, gearbox and a few other bits.

The Skoda's are usually easier to find in better condition and less likely to be modded.
Only downside is all of them are identical spec. Sat nav is easily added/upgraded though.

[xjay1337]

There are literally thousands of posts online about Mk5 Golf GTI - do some research into common issues eg PCV, Diverter valve, cam follower.

Mk2 Octavia FACELIFT is the one to go for for a practicality / cost / niceness balance.

[everyeggabird]

There was a red MK5 Golf GTi for sale in the classifieds that looked so clean, was sensible miles and had all the little niggles done. Less than £4k.