Used cars: S3 or Mk5 Golf GTI?

[maxp]

As per title.

An S3 with decent 'standard' spec for £11k
A MK5 GTI which needs a few more optional extras ticked to meet the s3 is probably going for £8.5k ish.


What would you guys pick?
The build quality is outstanding on the s3, especially the interior. I also prefer the 'understatedness' of it, but is it really worth the extra cash?

[anonymous-user]

maxp said:

I also prefer the 'understatedness' of it, but is it really worth the extra cash?

I have to disagree with that, as the silver mirrors and the gold chained driver, with the fist steering position seem to be up my arse most days.

I would go with GTi can't image the S3 offers a lot more over it.

[Ved]

same money, age, miles? S3 for me.

[Luke.]

Ved said:

same money, age, miles? S3 for me.

Er, one's £8.5k and the other £11k - minimum.

[Ved]

Luke. said:

Ved said:

same money, age, miles? S3 for me.

Er, one's £8.5k and the other £11k - minimum.

Sorry my point was car for car the S3 is better but if money is dictating the decision then a well spec'd GTI would be ok but it'll rattle like mad. It's a poor cousin of a Golf.

[ambuletz]

How does the ride of the S3 compare to the S-line? People on here say the S-line is ghastly. Does the magnetic suspension come as standard on the S3?

[alfabadass]

Ved said:

Sorry my point was car for car the S3 is better but if money is dictating the decision then a well spec'd GTI would be ok but it'll rattle like mad. It's a poor cousin of a Golf.

The plastics won't be as good but "ghastly"?

[maxp]

Bump for more opinions please!

[Captain Muppet]

maxp said:

Bump for more opinions please!

Have you considered a SEAT? Or a Skoda? All basically the same thing, or maybe a Focus, or an Astra, or god I don't know, something that isn't an incredibly common tedious hatchback?

I'd spend you £11k on something that made me smile all the time, otherwise I'd feel like I'd wasted it. So whichever one of your options does that - buy that one. If neither the Golf or the AudiGolf do it then buy a Porsche.

[mnkiboy]

The Leon Cupra gives you the S3 engine (99% the same anyway) for less money, or a newer car.
Also look for the Golf GTi Ed30. Quite rare but you should be able to get one for £11k.

Personally out of the two you've chosen, i'd be going for the S3.

[Bitzer]

Ved said:

Sorry my point was car for car the S3 is better but if money is dictating the decision then a well spec'd GTI would be ok but it'll rattle like mad. It's a poor cousin of a Golf.

My 77k 6 year old Golf GTi doesn't rattle at all. I may lucky in this respect

[Spanna]

What about the Mk5 R32 or the A3 3.2.
For a hatchback in that category I'd have a 130i, but I don't mind the looks...

[Ari]

Ved said:

if money is dictating the decision then a well spec'd GTI would be ok but it'll rattle like mad. It's a poor cousin of a Golf.

How is a Golf GTI a "poor cousin of the Golf"? It is a Golf!

[ali4390]

Spanna said:

What about the Mk5 R32

Having just looked how cheap these are now, it would be the choice for me (after an ST).

[Emeye]

Ved said:

Sorry my point was car for car the S3 is better but if money is dictating the decision then a well spec'd GTI would be ok but it'll rattle like mad. It's a poor cousin of a Golf.

Neither of my Mk5 Golf GTis rattled - my second, a 5 door, had 65k on the clock when I sold it.

I'm a big fan of the MK5 GTi as the perfect all-rounder. I'd be tempted by the S3 if it was a Quattro though. Is it a Quattro at £11k?

ETA - at 65k miles my bro's Focus ST was a rattly rattle box.

Edited by Emeye on Wednesday 11th April 13:18

[mnkiboy]

All S3's are Quattro. There's no such thing as a 2wd S3.

[MadMark911]

mnkiboy said:

All S3's are Quattro. There's no such thing as a 2wd S3.

Fab! Nothing like a bit of research ....

[Bitzer]

Emeye said:

Ved said:

Sorry my point was car for car the S3 is better but if money is dictating the decision then a well spec'd GTI would be ok but it'll rattle like mad. It's a poor cousin of a Golf.

Neither of my Mk5 Golf GTis rattled - my second, a 5 door, had 65k on the clock when I sold it.

I'm a big fan of the MK5 GTi as the perfect all-rounder. I'd be tempted by the S3 if it was a Quattro though. Is it a Quattro at £11k?

ETA - at 65k miles my bro's Focus ST was a rattly rattle box.

Edited by Emeye on Wednesday 11th April 13:18

Oh no, this is going to bring out all of the Ford Fan boys and VAG haters

[jackmontandon]

If you plan on tunning either of them, then you should go for the S3, it uses the K04 turbo instead of the K03 which is good for around 370bhp with the right mods

[Emeye]

Bitzer said:

Oh no, this is going to bring out all of the Ford Fan boys and VAG haters

The ST ain't a bad car - just the mpg is a killer.