Cheaper alternative to MK7 Golf GTI

[CX53]

I test drove a nice low mileage early MK7 golf GTI and fell in love with it. The problem is, I don’t want to spend quite as much, if I can help it.

The car was £15,000 with only 14k miles on the clock. Doing around 20k miles per annum, I was thinking it would still be worth a half decent amount after 5 years with 114k on the clock if I looked after it.

I’m more keen to spend around £8-9k and would ideally have a bit better fuel economy.

I’m not necessarily looking for hot hatch alternatives, because some of the hatches have terrible ride quality and doing so many miles i want to make sure I buy something fun, quick yet tolerable for long distances.

Any suggestions?

Head says 118/120d is worth a shout, but it doesn’t do much for me.

[browna]

mk6 gtd? whatever you get will depreciate a lot with lots of miles added. if I was doing load of miles id go comfy and quick bigish engine diesel like a bmw 330/320d

[GreatGranny]

Get an older sensible mileage GTI :-)

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

[Shiv_P]

Focus mk3 ST Diesel?

[kieranblenk]

2013 onwards Leon FR either 1.8 TSI or 2.0 TDI.

[RobM83]

kieranblenk said:

2013 onwards Leon FR either 1.8 TSI or 2.0 TDI.

2014 onwards. The first year cars have a few teething problems, silly things like rattles and a dodgy stereo that doesn't work when the temperature gets too low. My Mrs' has a 13-plate FR and it's generally superb.

Otherwise, this and the Focus are the best overall value you'll find IMO, unless you decide you have no interest in any form of driving pleasure and enjoyment, in which case the world is your oyster.

[culpz]

Scirocco 2.0 TSI? It's basically just a Golf GTI in a posh frock anyway. Very cheap these days too.

Fair play to you for still wanting petrol when doing 20k PA. Kudos!

[Shiv_P]

culpz said:

Scirocco 2.0 TSI? It's basically just a Golf GTI in a posh frock anyway. Very cheap these days too.

Fair play to you for still wanting petrol when doing 20k PA. Kudos!

It's basically a mk5 gti in a frock, which is a 14/15 year old car

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say take a look at the Giulietta in Veloce

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 Sportiva trim:

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

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

Infiniti Q50 SE

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

[DoubleD]

Are the Alfas reliable? I know Alfas have a reputation for breaking down, but im not on about reputation. Im just asking as I would for any other car.

[MondeoMan1981]

Current shape Mazda 3 with the 2.2d will just squeeze into your budget. As will a Nissan Pulsar 1.6 DiG-T

BMW wise at 20k/year a 320d Efficient Dynamics would be worth considering. Decent daily shove and good mpg.

[ZX10R NIN]

DoubleD said:

Are the Alfas reliable? I know Alfas have a reputation for breaking down, but im not on about reputation. Im just asking as I would for any other car.

Yes they're reliable the drivetrain has proven itself to be very rugged I've supplied a few to family members & all are happy.

[DoubleD]

ZX10R NIN said:

DoubleD said:

Are the Alfas reliable? I know Alfas have a reputation for breaking down, but im not on about reputation. Im just asking as I would for any other car.

Yes they're reliable the drivetrain has proven itself to be very rugged I've supplied a few to family members & all are happy.

Thanks thats interesting

[okenemem]

had a Alfa Romeo Giulietta a good few years ago when they were new, and wasnt impressed but the quality of cabin, and it just felt like I was driving a fiat. I did like the exterior looks and the engine

[ZX10R NIN]

DoubleD said:

Thanks thats interesting

I forgot to add the main dealer customer service is patchy but find yourself a good Indy & you'll be fine.

[culpz]

Shiv_P said:

culpz said:

Scirocco 2.0 TSI? It's basically just a Golf GTI in a posh frock anyway. Very cheap these days too.

Fair play to you for still wanting petrol when doing 20k PA. Kudos!

It's basically a mk5 gti in a frock, which is a 14/15 year old car

Well, yeah, that's kinda the point...