£8K Golf GTI – Mk5 Edition 30 or Mk6 GTI?

[BenLowden]

I've been researching for a good all-rounder around the £8K mark. Ideally 200bhp+/petrol/manual/35mpg(ish) with 5 seats, a decent boot to get a couple of bikes in and be comfy for my 120-mile commute. I can't think of anything better than a Golf GTI.

I've already had a Megane 250 and want to try something else so Megane's are ruled out. I was very underwhelmed by the Fiesta ST so that's off the list too.

I initially budgeted myself around £6K for a Mk5 GTI but I always convince myself to spend a bit more. So I've narrowed it down to either a Mk5 Edition 30 or an early Mk6 GTI. Both can be had for similar money with similar miles.

So my question is – which one? Has anyone owned either/both and can recommend for and against? I like that a quick trip to Revo will see 300bhp in the Edition 30, although I'm wary of reading warnings about them being prone to rust. May hold its value better against a Mk6.

Benefit of a Mk6 is it's (obviously) newer and I think is better looking and looks smarter inside, but that doesn't mean it's better to drive. Based on the age I'm looking at, the cambelt should have been done within the last year so that's another cost avoided.

I'd be very grateful for any insight!

[steve-5snwi]

I would be looking at either the Leon Cupra or Skoda Octavia VRS over either of those two. If i had to chose out of the Mk5 or 6 then i'd go Mk6 as its a nicer cabin. I wouldn't count on the cambelt being changed either so budget for it, although the Mk6 is chain driven isn't it ?

[gashead1105]

I had an Edition 30 3/4 years ago. It lasted 18 months, mainly because my wife loved it. It's very easy to live with and the spec was good, but I got bored with it after a few months. Perhaps because it was DSG but I found it extremely competent and utterly soulless....

Also, it was a bit of a money pit. Lost nothing in depreciation but the front wings started rusting (VW only fixed one of them because the other had a small ding in it), A/C compressor needed replacing and it didn't half like a drink. 22MPG was about what I averaged, which is pretty similar to what I get from my Evora 400 now!

Compared to your Megane 250 (I had one of those previously when they first came out) you will find it zzzzzzz. Especially if you are thinking of the occasional trackday. Look at something else. Anything. Really.

Mind you, I loved my Fiesta ST3 so what do I know!

ETA: I'm fairly sure there's a reason why the Mk6s are so cheap. Chocolate cam chains or something?

Edited by gashead1105 on Wednesday 14th November 13:07

[GreatGranny]

That's the same as my daily commute (I do 4 days a week) and I spend a LOT on fuel using a V60 D3 which averages 50 mpg!

You'll be filling up twice a week in a car doing 35 mpg.

If you don't mind that then just buy the lowest mileage GTI you can find, preferably DSG.
I regret getting a manual now after owning the V60 for nearly a year.

An Edition 30 is too good to put 30k+ miles a year on IMO.

I know it's only a car but they are pretty sort after and command a premium over a normal GTI.

[Jonny_gti]

I would h E30 before the mk6 gti but again wont feel very special after the megane 250.

[jam_up]

I commute 80 miles daily in a mk6 GTI DSG and it’s just about comfortable enough - the suspension isnt overly firm. Bear in mind cruise isn’t standard which is frustrating! I’ve averaged 33 mpg this year with 80% motorway but I tend to boot it. A bigger issue is the cam chain: any car built before 2011 (2012 is some cases!) must have a revised tensioner fitted or else you’re asking for trouble. The mk5 has a cambelt so isn’t prone to this.

[BenLowden]

Thanks for feedback all, really appreciate it. The more I read about rust on the Mk5s the more it puts me off them, on top of the common AC compressor failure. Although the Mk6 chain tensioner is a new one to me so that's not much better either! I guess most cars have their niggles, some are just more expensive than others.

GreatGranny – I'm only in the office 2/3 days a week luckily, I average about 1,000 miles a month in my Clio at the moment. But thank you for your concern for my wallet!

gashead1105 – thanks for all of that. It's worth mentioning that I found the Fiesta underwhelming driven back to back with a 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport; I'm sure in isolation it would be better but the 208 is much more hardcore and entertaining.

I'm in no rush on this so plenty of time to keep researching and weighing up what's best to do/most sensible for my bank balance.

[anonymous-user]

BenLowden said:

I've been researching for a good all-rounder around the £8K mark. Ideally 200bhp+/petrol/manual/35mpg(ish) with 5 seats, a decent boot to get a couple of bikes in and be comfy for my 120-mile commute. I can't think of anything better than a Golf GTI.

I've already had a Megane 250 and want to try something else so Megane's are ruled out. I was very underwhelmed by the Fiesta ST so that's off the list too.

I initially budgeted myself around £6K for a Mk5 GTI but I always convince myself to spend a bit more. So I've narrowed it down to either a Mk5 Edition 30 or an early Mk6 GTI. Both can be had for similar money with similar miles.

So my question is – which one? Has anyone owned either/both and can recommend for and against? I like that a quick trip to Revo will see 300bhp in the Edition 30, although I'm wary of reading warnings about them being prone to rust. May hold its value better against a Mk6.

Benefit of a Mk6 is it's (obviously) newer and I think is better looking and looks smarter inside, but that doesn't mean it's better to drive. Based on the age I'm looking at, the cambelt should have been done within the last year so that's another cost avoided.

I'd be very grateful for any insight!

What sort of bikes do you plan to get into the boot of a golf? A petrol Octavia vrs estate with a remap to 250bhp would be my choice. Less likely to get nicked so cheaper to insure and more reliable and better dealers than the golf.

[gashead1105]

BenLowden said:

Thanks for feedback all, really appreciate it. The more I read about rust on the Mk5s the more it puts me off them, on top of the common AC compressor failure. Although the Mk6 chain tensioner is a new one to me so that's not much better either! I guess most cars have their niggles, some are just more expensive than others.

GreatGranny – I'm only in the office 2/3 days a week luckily, I average about 1,000 miles a month in my Clio at the moment. But thank you for your concern for my wallet!

gashead1105 – thanks for all of that. It's worth mentioning that I found the Fiesta underwhelming driven back to back with a 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport; I'm sure in isolation it would be better but the 208 is much more hardcore and entertaining.

I'm in no rush on this so plenty of time to keep researching and weighing up what's best to do/most sensible for my bank balance.

Interesting feedback that Ben, I will have to keep the 208 in mind as I'm hopeful that I'll be back in another hot hatch daily next year. Was thinking about another Fiesta as the budget likely won't stretch to a (new) Type R without getting rid of the Evora, which is not going to happen! You might also not particularly like the Fiesta on the motorway (it's pretty firm) but it was very economical on a long motorway drive and not uncomfortable IMO (I thought seats were great), cruise control and climate etc. I did 400 miles of motorway for a meeting in a day without any problem. Hilarious as soon as you find a roundabout. Basically I loved it about as much as I loved my first FF182 clio (bought one at 3 years old). In your situation, I might also check out the current RS Clio if the Megane were to be really ruled out...

If you want hardcore and entertaining, you really don't want a golf. Focus ST break the budget too much?

[cheddar]

gashead1105 said:

I had an Edition 30 3/4 years ago.
It's very easy to live with but I got bored with it after a few months.
I found it extremely competent and utterly soulless....

Edited by gashead1105 on Wednesday 14th November 13:07

This.

Owned one from new, did everything really well except excitement. Sold it after 6 months.

I think the MK6 GTI will be similarly capable and equally dreary.

[PomBstard]

cheddar said:

gashead1105 said:

I had an Edition 30 3/4 years ago.
It's very easy to live with but I got bored with it after a few months.
I found it extremely competent and utterly soulless....

Edited by gashead1105 on Wednesday 14th November 13:07

This.

Owned one from new, did everything really well except excitement. Sold it after 6 months.

I think the MK6 GTI will be similarly capable and equally dreary.

And again. We’ve had a 2011 Mk6 GTI for a couple of years now and whilst MrsPB loves it, which is a good thing as it’s her car, I find it hard to like.

Competent and capable? No doubt. Fun? Hmm not much. And that brake pedal just does my head in - it’s like pushing a piece of timber. The brakes work fine but there’s zero sensation.

When it’s time to replace unless MrsPB insists on another, then it’ll be something else - our youngest wants her to get a WRX, but our needs might be different...

Best advice is to drive one, or drive many and get a sense of whether you’ll like it.

[Blanchimont]

Have you thought about an EP3/DC5?

They're knocking on a bit, but they're pretty tough, and take a few tweaks well. I had 2 Megane RS' before and after a brief M135i shaped ballache I have an 04 Civic Type R project/track car thing.
If you're getting one with over 120k, as a precaution I'd get the chain done as they can stretch, and they're very small (think push bike thickness).

I put a few goodies on mine, like a locking diff, big brake kit, some wider wheels and a few other parts in order to improve it, and it feels very, very close to my old Meganes, except with less power, which is due to be sorted with some FI help soon.

I paid £3500 for a clean, rust free (really!) example for £3500, including mods I'm in for about 6k so far.

DC5 does carry more kudos though, and will keep it's money compared to an EP3.

[ZX10R NIN]

As above the Golfs are competent but after having the Megane you may find them a bit dreary, the car I chose when given the choice was the Focus ST, although the Megane was sharper & a better steer the Focus countered with that 5 pot that just added to the overall package.

With 8k you should be able to find a good low mileage facelift model:

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

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

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

Or if you want to stay with VAG then the Audi S3 is would be my first choice:

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

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

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

Second would be the Golf R32 the engine adds a bit of something to the proceedings.

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

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

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

With the Leon Cupra & MK5/6 Golf GTI's tied in third

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

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

[BenLowden]

Pappyjohn said:

What sort of bikes do you plan to get into the boot of a golf? A petrol Octavia vrs estate with a remap to 250bhp would be my choice. Less likely to get nicked so cheaper to insure and more reliable and better dealers than the golf.

Two mountain bikes. Will be fine with the wheels off! I'd rather a hatch though as I have to park on residential streets as there's no parking at the office (an automotive company with no parking – go figure), so the smaller the better really.

gashead1105 said:

Interesting feedback that Ben, I will have to keep the 208 in mind as I'm hopeful that I'll be back in another hot hatch daily next year. Was thinking about another Fiesta as the budget likely won't stretch to a (new) Type R without getting rid of the Evora, which is not going to happen! You might also not particularly like the Fiesta on the motorway (it's pretty firm) but it was very economical on a long motorway drive and not uncomfortable IMO (I thought seats were great), cruise control and climate etc. I did 400 miles of motorway for a meeting in a day without any problem. Hilarious as soon as you find a roundabout. Basically I loved it about as much as I loved my first FF182 clio (bought one at 3 years old). In your situation, I might also check out the current RS Clio if the Megane were to be really ruled out...

If you want hardcore and entertaining, you really don't want a golf. Focus ST break the budget too much?

Maybe a need to find a mildly tweaked ST to have a drive in to see if I feel any different. If you look at a 208, make sure you go for a Peugeot Sport one as they get a mechanical LSD and nicer wheels/seats and other bits over a standard GTI. I can't remember if the four-pot Brembos are unique to the 'by PS' cars or not, but they're significantly better than the two-pots on the Fiesta. Hadn't really considered a newer Focus ST so will take a look cheers!

cheddar said:

This.

Owned one from new, did everything really well except excitement. Sold it after 6 months.

I think the MK6 GTI will be similarly capable and equally dreary.

It's not looking good for the Golf. I think I just need to go and drive a couple and see how I feel before making my mind up.

Blanchimont said:

Have you thought about an EP3/DC5?

I'm watching your thread actually, looks like a good project! I haven't actually driven an EP3 but should do. If you haven't already seen Luke Hancox's car (lovingly named TurdV2) you should look it up – I'm sure he'd be happy to have a chat about your plans. He's running 400bhp via supercharger so has probably done most things you're aiming to do.

[nunpuncher]

I've not had a mk5 or a mk6 but over the last 4 years I've had descendants in the shape of a mk7 R and a Cupra 290. I figure the Cupra in standard form is much like what a revo'd mk5 30AE must be like (minus the rust). I echo what everyone else says in that they are very capable but dull. Never get the urge to just take it for a drive and never feel I want to rinse it as it doesn't reward much and will probably result in lots of points or a ban.

Fitting a few bikes in the back of a Fiesta ST seems optimistic. I'm another one that was underwhelmed by that car on a test drive. I think the press and people on forums had hyped it up too much.

[Blanchimont]

BenLowden said:

I'm watching your thread actually, looks like a good project! I haven't actually driven an EP3 but should do. If you haven't already seen Luke Hancox's car (lovingly named TurdV2) you should look it up – I'm sure he'd be happy to have a chat about your plans. He's running 400bhp via supercharger so has probably done most things you're aiming to do.

Thanks! Before adding boost, I want it handling and stopping properly!

I've seen the videos on youtube! I think his is turbo'd. I'm thinking about Supercharging mine. I'm thinking about either doing a rotrex kit, or a Jackson Racing kit. The JR kit gives a proper supercharge whine, but tends to suffer with heat above 350hp, but i'm looking at possibilities of running an intercooler to bring IAT's down.I'm aiming for high 3's, low 4's.

If you're ever down Bristol way, send me a message, I'll happily let you have a go in mine!

[TJC46]

BenLowden said:

I've been researching for a good all-rounder around the £8K mark. Ideally 200bhp+/petrol/manual/35mpg(ish) with 5 seats, a decent boot to get a couple of bikes in and be comfy for my 120-mile commute. I can't think of anything better than a Golf GTI.
!

Here you go-

https://online.handh.co.uk/m/lot-details/index/cat...

Just hope is does not reach the estimate.

[manracer]

I loved my ed30. Wish I'd never sold it.
I had stage 1 remap at 45k and s3 brakes.

Quick car. Likes a drink but which 300bhp petrol car doesn't?

Never liked the interior of the Mk6 personally.

Head gasket went at 85k, had it fixed at awesome GTi and kept it until 120k with no issues apart from a seized rear caliper.

[anonymous-user]

Had a edition 35 (near enough to a edition 30)

Echo others of too compotent on the road etc, very comfortable drive and very nice inside bit no raw feel etc.

Thought about a mk2 focus st? Way more raw and that 5 cylinder sound is hard to beat.

[BenLowden]

Blanchimont said:

Thanks! Before adding boost, I want it handling and stopping properly!

I've seen the videos on youtube! I think his is turbo'd. I'm thinking about Supercharging mine. I'm thinking about either doing a rotrex kit, or a Jackson Racing kit. The JR kit gives a proper supercharge whine, but tends to suffer with heat above 350hp, but i'm looking at possibilities of running an intercooler to bring IAT's down.I'm aiming for high 3's, low 4's.

If you're ever down Bristol way, send me a message, I'll happily let you have a go in mine!

Sorry you're right – his is turbocharged. Don't tell him I got it wrong! I think over a certain power they like to eat gearbox syncros – pretty sure Luke has had his replaced 3/4 times now. Very kind of you cheers!

Thanks for all the further advice and suggestions all. I might try and test drive a couple of Golfs over the next week and see how I feel before expanding my search. If I'm left feeling a bit numb I'll have to have a harder think about the alternatives. Will report back!