Fast Golf for Oldies

[numtumfutunch]

Hi

I am a life long petrol head. My wife isnt.

Since we got together we have had a succession of family friendly cars culminating in a 5 series touring which is now:

a) a bit old
b) far too big

... since the boys have left home and the missus has flogged her own car we are a one car family/couple

The most obvious solution for me is a Golf GTi however Im a bit out of touch with the current model line up not to mention how they cope on long journeys. We live in Leeds and the boys are in London, driving is easily our preferred option - in the 530D this is lovely.

Advice welcome on how the various GTi versions cope with munching motorways

Cheers

[Hoofy]

Depends on how much in-built padding you have. The seats are quite firm on the warm version (GTE) which to me makes it uncomfortable.

Also for longer journeys I understand the GTD will give you a better MPG if you can afford to pay up to £1.99 per litre!

[the-photographer]

You want a MK7 auto/DSG from 2014 onwards all of them have ACC

Expect to pay £18,000 and up for a low mileage facelift 7.5

For comfort, you're going to have to find a local one for a test drive

[SNWT]

We recently purchased a new GTI 8.5 coming from a 530d touring (68 reg). After the BM comfort and refinement is not a strong point with the GTI even with the variable dampers set to comfort and on 18" alloys. As a drivers car it's more fun feeling lighter with much better steering. Having owned a number a GTIs in the past (mk2 in 90 & mk5 in 05) we were looking to relive the past but so far it's a case of mixed feelings. We have kept the BM for long distance drives.

[119]

8.5 performance is the sweet spot imo, but decent ones are getting hard to find.

Took us around 8 months in the end to find ours.

If budget allows, look for a late 19 onwards as these are performance models as standard, along with adaptive headlights, keyless etc,

You might even find one with DCC but in my opinion, the ride is very compliant on standard dampers etc.

[Pica-Pica]

Hoofy said:

Depends on how much in-built padding you have. The seats are quite firm on the warm version (GTE) which to me makes it uncomfortable.

Also for longer journeys I understand the GTD will give you a better MPG if you can afford to pay up to £1.99 per litre!

I think £1.99 per litre is long gone - £1.85 now

[sneezer212]

I really like the gti it is a great car to drive with a good weight balance and good grip. I prefer it to the R which (although is faster) isn't as fun.

I had both the 240hp and 265hp versions and the 265hp one was noticeably better (although louder and less refined).

It is reliable, parts are reasonably cheap and the fuel economy is fine (30 in town, 40 on the motorway).

But it is not a comfortable car for the motorway. It feels squished and the engine drones a bit. Without a sunroof it is quite dark.

You haven't given a budget or desired age so it is difficult to advise alternatives.