Best Golf for £5-6k?

[The Stiglet]

Looking for a family run around that my wife can learn to drive and gain some experience in. I'd also use the car so it would be nice to have a little bit of poke and some character. We'd have the car for a year or two and I wouldn't scrimp on servicing, consumables etc. Our annual mileage is negligible at around 3,000 miles but reliability is very important.

I've been been looking at:

Golf Mk V GTI
Golf Mk VI 1.4 TSI SE (turbo)
Golf Mk VI 1.4 TSI GT (supercharged/turbo)

I really like the TSI GT but have read the engine horror stories. Is it a total no go based on my criteria? Which leaves me with the 120bhp 1.4 TSI turbo - thoughts?

Then there is the Mk V GTI...

Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[va1o]

I wouldn't bother with the Mk6 1.4 TSI, they're just too problematic so it would be a high risk buy. The timing chain design is fundamentally flawed. The Mk5 GTI is great fun and more reliable but getting old now.

Might be worth looking at some alternatives, e.g. the current shape Leon can be had for £5-6k now and is based on the Golf Mk7. The latest EA211 incarnation of the 1.4 TSI is a fantastic engine and seems much more durable than it's predecessors.

This FR has a few miles on the clock for it's age but looks great value for money https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...


Or an extra £1k would get you into the latest Audi A3 - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...



Oddly the Mk7 GT is quite a bit more expensive than both of those, maybe because they didn't sell many of them https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[g7jhp]

I'd pick-up a nice manual Golf GTI Mk5 just make sure you get it checked. The turbos can go and are a £1k+ fix (ask how I know).

A nice one will be rock solid in terms of depreciation if you look after it.

[bigvanfan]

g7jhp said:

I'd pick-up a nice manual Golf GTI Mk5 just make sure you get it checked. The turbos can go and are a £1k+ fix (ask how I know).

A nice one will be rock solid in terms of depreciation if you look after it.

I agree mk5 gti is the way to go , turbos are good on these think you were unlucky, fuel pump follower and coked up engines are the biggies on these

[The Stiglet]

va1o said:

I wouldn't bother with the Mk6 1.4 TSI, they're just too problematic so it would be a high risk buy. The timing chain design is fundamentally flawed. The Mk5 GTI is great fun and more reliable but getting old now.

Might be worth looking at some alternatives, e.g. the current shape Leon can be had for £5-6k now and is based on the Golf Mk7. The latest EA211 incarnation of the 1.4 TSI is a fantastic engine and seems much more durable than it's predecessors.

This FR has a few miles on the clock for it's age but looks great value for money

Or an extra £1k would get you into the latest Audi A3


Oddly the Mk7 GT is quite a bit more expensive than both of those, maybe because they didn't sell many of them

Thanks for the suggestions but I've discounted these already for a few reasons. I just can't stand the look of the Leon, no matter how good it might actually be (perhaps madness on my part) and I've just sold an S4 so I'm happy to move on from Audi for a while. Those examples you linked to above also have a significant amount of mileage on them as well as being above budget.

I think £5-6k is the sweet spot considering the use case. Sorry to hear that you think the MkVI 1.4 TSI is a total no go.

[The Stiglet]

g7jhp, bigvanfan

Been looking at the MkV GTI on autotrader for a couple of weeks and I noticed that even good examples seem to have rust on the sill behind the front wheel arch - is that a common thing? I've read about rust on the wheel arch. Bolsters really seem to get a kicking on the cloth seats but I do love the tartan! Reminds me of the MKI GTI we had as a kid.

What should I budget for maintenance per annum on one of these?

[Dr G]

We've a MK5 with the 1.4 TSI; it drives extremely well, does 40+MPG all day every day, cruises nicely, and was insurable for my wife as a new driver. Wife loves it and wants to keep it long term.

It did however need a new timing chain a few weeks ago. I was fortunate enough to be able to buy it at trade money and repairs the same, had we paid retail for the cost of the car plus repairs we'd have been better off buying something else.

[va1o]

The Stiglet said:

I think £5-6k is the sweet spot considering the use case.

I'm not sure I agree, as for just a little extra you're into a MK7 which is a significantly better car and really moved the game forward. If you want a Mk5/ MK6 then I would say £3k is sufficient as they're old cars now.

I ran a Mk5 GTI for a few months in 2014. It was an amazing car but felt a little tired and cost me about £1k in maintenance over 6 months. Some of that was normal stuff you'd expect like tyres/ brakes, but also lots of little GTI specific things like the Diverter Valve, DSG oil, CV joints and AC Compressor.

If I was spending £5-6k on a VW I'd probably buy a Scirocco as it at least looks a bit more fresh and modern than the others. But then you're back to the problematic 1.4 TSI!

Each to there own though

[The Stiglet]

va1o said:

The Stiglet said:

I think £5-6k is the sweet spot considering the use case.

I'm not sure I agree, as for just a little extra you're into a MK7 which is a significantly better car and really moved the game forward. If you want a Mk5/ MK6 then I would say £3k is sufficient as they're old cars now.

I ran a Mk5 GTI for a few months in 2014. It was an amazing car but felt a little tired and cost me about £1k in maintenance over 6 months. Some of that was normal stuff you'd expect like tyres/ brakes, but also lots of little GTI specific things like the Diverter Valve, DSG oil, CV joints and AC Compressor.

If I was spending £5-6k on a VW I'd probably buy a Scirocco as it at least looks a bit more fresh and modern than the others. But then you're back to the problematic 1.4 TSI!

Each to there own though

I hear what you’re saying but given that the last time she drove a car 15 years ago, she drove it through her garage door because she confused the accelerator and the brake pedal - I have concerns about my investment!
If everything works out fine then after a year we can look to flip it for something else or keep it if she likes it.
We have a two year old and are planning on more so I’m seeing this as a short window to get the licence out of the way and a bit of fun motoring for me. I did look at the Scirocco too (2.0 TSI) and was hoping that engine would be safe but the car is too small as we need the 5 seats now and again.

Dr G, I told you when I sold you my S4 at the weekend that this would be tough to make a decision!

Edited by The Stiglet on Tuesday 13th November 21:22

[sunnygym]

The Stiglet said:

Looking for a family run around that my wife can learn to drive and gain some experience in. I'd also use the car so it would be nice to have a little bit of poke and some character. We'd have the car for a year or two and I wouldn't scrimp on servicing, consumables etc. Our annual mileage is negligible at around 3,000 miles but reliability is very important.

I've been been looking at:

Golf Mk V GTI
Golf Mk VI 1.4 TSI SE (turbo)
Golf Mk VI 1.4 TSI GT (supercharged/turbo)

I really like the TSI GT but have read the engine horror stories. Is it a total no go based on my criteria? Which leaves me with the 120bhp 1.4 TSI turbo - thoughts?

Then there is the Mk V GTI...

Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve had a mk5 gti for the last 4 years as a family car, it’s never let me down, been France, IoW etc and just so happens it’s currently for sale.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...


Obviously I’m biased but it’s a great family car but also great fun to drive.

Shameful plug I know but who cares ! Ha

Edited by sunnygym on Tuesday 13th November 20:05

[g7jhp]

The Stiglet said:

g7jhp, bigvanfan

Been looking at the MkV GTI on autotrader for a couple of weeks and I noticed that even good examples seem to have rust on the sill behind the front wheel arch - is that a common thing? I've read about rust on the wheel arch. Bolsters really seem to get a kicking on the cloth seats but I do love the tartan! Reminds me of the MKI GTI we had as a kid.

What should I budget for maintenance per annum on one of these?

My 2008 (58) Mk5 GTI has no sill rust so can't comment. I did check fairfully before buying.

[MDMA .]

I've recently bought a very nice MK5 GTi. Put away now for a few years. Makes a very good car when lightly nodded.

[sunnygym]

The Stiglet said:

g7jhp, bigvanfan

Been looking at the MkV GTI on autotrader for a couple of weeks and I noticed that even good examples seem to have rust on the sill behind the front wheel arch - is that a common thing? I've read about rust on the wheel arch. Bolsters really seem to get a kicking on the cloth seats but I do love the tartan! Reminds me of the MKI GTI we had as a kid.

What should I budget for maintenance per annum on one of these?

The rust can be a common issue and I believe some cars are still covered by the warranty, I’ve been lucky and had no issues.


I would say annually around £300 for service and MOT. Tyres are about £100 a corner but depends on how you drive I guess. I’ve changed bulbs here and there and oil top ups but that’s just pocket money.

Edited by sunnygym on Wednesday 14th November 11:12

[The Stiglet]

va1o has messed with my plan...

So let's say the budget crept a bit to circa £9.5k - what would you pick between a MkVI GTI or MkVII Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (122 Match)? I've only seen one MkVII GT in that price range and I'd prefer that but not sure it's a ready option up to £9.5k.

[Hiviss]

My wife has owned a 2011 mk6 golf from new, it's done 46k fsh, and has been a great car good performance, especially when mapped, which was done 2 year's ago. Great cars imo.

[Dr G]

At that money you're into a Leon FR:

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

Looks nice and well-specified if you can find one with tech pack. The same spec in a Golf will be more money again.

[va1o]

The Stiglet said:

va1o has messed with my plan...

Sorry

The Stiglet said:

So let's say the budget crept a bit to circa £9.5k - what would you pick between a MkVI GTI or MkVII Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (122 Match)? I've only seen one MkVII GT in that price range and I'd prefer that but not sure it's a ready option up to £9.5k.

Mk6 GTI is an excellent car but they seem to suffer from timing chain issues, which would make me a little nervous buying one without a warranty. I've got a feeling it was resolved with the later examples so it would be worth researching properly. The run out cars came nicely equipped with full leather and LED tails.

With the Mk7 the 1.4 TSI suits it pretty nicely in either guise. I find the looks of the Match a little bland but it's a very competent all rounder. For Mk7 GT (still my recommendation as it's the best overall package) this seems to be the lowest mileage within that budget if you'd buy privately - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201... Alternatively this one at a dealer could be worth a cheeky offer https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[sunnygym]

MDMA . said:

I've recently bought a very nice MK5 GTi. Put away now for a few years. Makes a very good car when lightly nodded.

Can I ask why you’ve put it away ? Do you think it will become a bit of a classic ? I’ve toyed with this idea myself but not sure it’s its worth it.

[the-photographer]

For the MK6 GTI see

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2627...

There was a revised tensioner fitted from engines built from 17 May 2010
A second revision of the tensioner from engines built in December 2011.
A third revision of the tensioner as quoted by Mike above from 01 May 2012.

Anything May 2010 onwards should be OK or budget £300 for a change

[AI1694]

As much as I love my Mk5 GTI, there is no way I’d consider it a future classic. A turbocharged hatch - plenty of them around, nothing really makes the Mk5 GTI unique or stand out.