Hi Guys,
Having decided that the current GTD is our last one we will be ordering a GTi or R in the next couple of weeks.
The lead times on both cars is pretty long but we can extend our GTD lease month by month so it isn't a big problem.
We just can not decide on which car is the best to have as a long term buy, as in 6+ years or so.
Leasing has become expensive now we have de-registered for VAT and it actually works out about the same to buy the car as it does to lease it and there will always be some residual value in the car we buy so it's a no-brainer really.
My wife likes the DSG Golf R but while I like it, I have always driven manual cars, apart from a Tiguan that I really didn't like at all, especially round country roads. I thought the manual GTi was a much nicer car to drive, but then she thinks I drive too fast anyway.
Anyone fancy offering some advice, even if it's rude?
Stuff waiting for a new one to be built, I'd follow the lead suggested on here and find a new one in stock, either pre-reg'd or sat in a compound waiting for registration.
Ask the same question on the R forum and you'd think the GTI was as slow as a Golf Match and was impossible to drive quickly if there was the merest hint of moisture in the air.
The R is a better car full stop, but that really does depend on driving style.
I've owned all four, GTD, GTI PP, R and a Clubsport.
There's no doubt in my mind that the R is the best of the bunch but it isn't the most fun. It's a little too good, but hard as that might be to imagine after the summer like we've just had, on an average British damp and grey day the R would be a perfect companion for the country lanes, very quick and very surefooted.
I love my Clubsport but do miss the R.
It depends on driving style and gearbox choice in my eyes, as said by others here as to which would be the ideal car for you. It's nice to have the choice.
If you rarely use high revs then a GTI PP manual is great fun, great on fuel, pulls from almost tickover and will surprise you at how well it handles with the VAQ diff. That thing is amazing.
If you use high revs quite often then the DSG R is probably by far the best car you can buy for the money.
Then again, a Polo GTI makes a compelling argument for itself right now.