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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Ginagee on 08 January 2019, 14:53

Title: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ginagee on 08 January 2019, 14:53
My manual GTi PP is 5 years old tomorrow. How time flies. Just sailed through its MOT today with 32815 miles on the clock. I still very much love the car, it still looks amazing. Only the Austins are looking passed their best.

I've been drooling over the Mk7.5 DSG R for a couple of years now, fancying the Tumeric Yellow paint (notice it's no longer available on the VW configurator). I've found a used one on AutoTrader with the ultimate spec for me.... but do I spend the cash & make the jump? Or stick? Has anyone moved from a GTi to an R and found it was really worth it, or regretted it?

Pros: It's got a 0-60 of 4.4 secs
It's not everyones cup of tea, but Tumeric Yellow hits the sweet spot for me
The car on AT has the perfect spec - rare like hens teeth
I'll blooming well enjoy driving it and life is for living

Cons: It will cost more in fuel (98RON instead of 95RON)
It will cost more on the insurance
It's a thieve magnet - I'd worry every time I leave it parked up anywhere
The used R in question is a 3 hour drive away.
Do I really need it? Save the hard earned cash? Just get the Austins reconditioned instead?

Your experience & thoughts very much appreciated  :smiley:

Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 08 January 2019, 14:58
Sounds like you've already talked yourself into it. Go for it, it's only money. Don't let distance put you off, I've flown down to Southampton before now from Leeds Bradford to buy a car.

The colour is very Marmite though but is good to be different. DO IT.

Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 08 January 2019, 15:01
My manual GTi PP is 5 years old tomorrow. How time flies. Just sailed through its MOT today with 32815 miles on the clock. I still very much love the car, it still looks amazing. Only the Austins are looking passed their best.

I've been drooling over the Mk7.5 DSG R for a couple of years now, fancying the Tumeric Yellow paint (notice it's no longer available on the VW configurator). I've found a used one on AutoTrader with the ultimate spec for me.... but do I spend the cash & make the jump? Or stick? Has anyone moved from a GTi to an R and found it was really worth it, or regretted it?

Pros: It's got a 0-60 of 4.4 secs
It's not everyones cup of tea, but Tumeric Yellow hits the sweet spot for me
The car on AT has the perfect spec - rare like hens teeth
I'll blooming well enjoy driving it and life is for living

Cons: It will cost more in fuel (98RON instead of 95RON)
It will cost more on the insurance
It's a thieve magnet - I'd worry every time I leave it parked up anywhere
The used R in question is a 3 hour drive away.
Do I really need it? Save the hard earned cash? Just get the Austins reconditioned instead?

Your experience & thoughts very much appreciated  :smiley:

Think the R vs GTI debate has been really bashed on here recently and comes down to personal choice. Take one for a drive would be the best starting point.

Or.... What about spending a few quid on yours as sound a great low mileage car which you know the history of - some tasty new wheels (Borbet FF1 would be a good choice!), Racing line spring kit, a remap, res delete. It be like having a new car for an extra £2k not £20k....  :smiley:
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Brenbo on 08 January 2019, 15:08
I went from a late 2013 GTI PP to late 2016 MK7 Golf R and have not regretted it for a second.  Both are great cars but for my personal taste the Golf R is all that I want for now and have not had an urge to look at any other car since purchasing it as it ticks all boxes.  I'd say if you have an itch you may need to scratch it. 
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Watts on 08 January 2019, 15:15
Go for it, it's only a car, if after a year or two it's not for you then move on, simples :smiley:

I really like the yellow too, ideal with a sunroof and black Pretorias. Not sure if it'd be a popular colour come resale but so what!
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 08 January 2019, 15:16
What about a 68 plate del miles Clubsport 40....?

Not sure on the seats in this black one...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201812153283090?advertising-location=at_cars&radius=1500&aggregatedTrim=GTI&make=VOLKSWAGEN&sort=distance&postcode=s37bh&keywords=clubsport&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&model=GOLF&page=1

Or white
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201812123205936?onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=VOLKSWAGEN&sort=distance&radius=1500&postcode=s37bh&aggregatedTrim=GTI&keywords=clubsport&advertising-location=at_cars&model=GOLF&page=1
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Exonian on 08 January 2019, 16:43
Well, if you spend a lot of time trying to do 0-60 in 4.4 secs then a yellow R is a must(ard).

Aside from that, if you can afford it and like the look of the car then why the hell not?
Yeah, the R costs a little more to run but not stupidly more. The road tax might be a bit expensive on some of them if they have very high spec though.

The R is an amazing car, a step up from a GTI in certain areas. But the humble GTI still punches above its weight. If you fancy the change then the R is different enough to make it feel like a different car but similar enough to be familiar in all the important places.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 08 January 2019, 16:51
Jesus, WTF are them seats in the black Clubsport  :sick:
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 08 January 2019, 16:53
...And why is the white one missing the alcantara steering wheel?

Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: kmpowell on 08 January 2019, 17:01
...And why is the white one missing the alcantara steering wheel?
They are ROI imports, so non UK spec and not 'numbered'.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 08 January 2019, 17:04
...And why is the white one missing the alcantara steering wheel?
They are ROI imports, so non UK spec and not 'numbered'.

They're not a Clubsport in my eyes then. Certainly not worth the money they're asking for them.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: wolly440 on 08 January 2019, 17:37
Did they not facelift the Clubsport? 68 reg with MK7 body and interior, just doesn't look right
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: TurboTrev on 08 January 2019, 17:39
The 7R is a fantastic car, the 4wd is excellent, but they are very common.  I sold mine to buy a Clubsport because I wanted more exclusivity and I don't regret it!  So, 7R if you're not bothered about how common they are, or a CS if you want to remain within the GTI club. 

Those imports over the page will also come with just a 2 year warranty I believe (as well as being spec'd wrong and not having plaques).  Also, imports have to be declared to the insurance company and may cost more.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: TurboTrev on 08 January 2019, 17:42
Did they not facelift the Clubsport? 68 reg with MK7 body and interior, just doesn't look right

They will have been built late 2016 or early 2017 almost certainly.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ginagee on 08 January 2019, 17:50
Well, if you spend a lot of time trying to do 0-60 in 4.4 secs then a yellow R is a must(ard).

Aside from that, if you can afford it and like the look of the car then why the hell not?
Yeah, the R costs a little more to run but not stupidly more. The road tax might be a bit expensive on some of them if they have very high spec though.

The R is an amazing car, a step up from a GTI in certain areas. But the humble GTI still punches above its weight. If you fancy the change then the R is different enough to make it feel like a different car but similar enough to be familiar in all the important places.

Perfectly put Exonian. Certainly a lot of food for thought here, thank you everyone. Thanks for the CS links Jim_mk7.5...(those seats though :shocked:). Yes, the Tumeric Yellow is definitely a marmite colour - a bit of a concern for when the time comes to sell on. It does look flipping good though with the black Pretorias. Going to do a bit more pondering and hope that the R I've got my eye on doesn't go in the meantime.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: kmpowell on 08 January 2019, 18:06
Did they not facelift the Clubsport? 68 reg with MK7 body and interior, just doesn't look right

They will have been built late 2016 or early 2017 almost certainly.
Indeed, a build date and a registration date are two different things.

In 2017 the ROI was flooded with clubsports and there were a couple of garages over here who bought a job lot of them unregistered and sold them for discounted prices. These were probably left over from those stock bundles and have now been registered.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: king monkey on 08 January 2019, 18:30
I went to a garage where they had 5 of these ROI clubsports lined up. They told me they’d had 25 originally.  :shocked:
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: clarky92 on 08 January 2019, 21:52
Do it


That is all  :grin:
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: JoeGTI on 08 January 2019, 22:53
ROI Clubsports all had the alcantara steering wheel and the proper seats - same as U.K. spec. Irish cars spec doesn’t differ at all much from U.K. spec. In fact I think Irish cars tend to be slightly better spec’d.

That wheel and especially those awful seats have been retrofitted by previous owner(s)!
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Carbon VW on 08 January 2019, 23:36
...And why is the white one missing the alcantara steering wheel?
They are ROI imports, so non UK spec and not 'numbered'.
Sorry mate you’re wrong about them being from Ireland. The speedo is clearly in miles and kph which rules that out instantly. And as Joe says all IRISH spec clubsports came with the alcantara wheel.  :whistle:
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 08 January 2019, 23:44
ROI Clubsports all had the alcantara steering wheel and the proper seats - same as U.K. spec. Irish cars spec doesn’t differ at all much from U.K. spec. In fact I think Irish cars tend to be slightly better spec’d.

That wheel and especially those awful seats have been retrofitted by previous owner(s)!

I must admit, when I first saw the seats I thought 'cheap retrim/retro fit' then the steering wheel on the white one. RUN. A. MILE.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: kmpowell on 09 January 2019, 08:01
...And why is the white one missing the alcantara steering wheel?
They are ROI imports, so non UK spec and not 'numbered'.
Sorry mate you’re wrong about them being from Ireland. The speedo is clearly in miles and kph which rules that out instantly. And as Joe says all IRISH spec clubsports came with the alcantara wheel.  :whistle:
All (not just VW) ROI cars came default specced with KPH clocks from 2005, however at the point of order you can still request MPH clocks. These cars are Irish imports, a chap on Pistonheads bought one and VW Ireland confirmed. They can (and do) differ & vary to UK spec.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 09 January 2019, 08:54
Think the thread has gone way off topic!

I was merely pointing out that a CS might be suitable for the OP instead of an R and saw those 2 with del miles. Whether they are Uk or alternative spec, whether you like or hate the interior, they are Clubsport 40's.


Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Carbon VW on 09 January 2019, 13:31
...And why is the white one missing the alcantara steering wheel?
They are ROI imports, so non UK spec and not 'numbered'.
Sorry mate you’re wrong about them being from Ireland. The speedo is clearly in miles and kph which rules that out instantly. And as Joe says all IRISH spec clubsports came with the alcantara wheel.  :whistle:

All (not just VW) ROI cars came default specced with KPH clocks from 2005, however at the point of order you can still request MPH clocks. These cars are Irish imports, a chap on Pistonheads bought one and VW Ireland confirmed. They can (and do) differ & vary to UK spec.
I disagree on your above points but happy to leave it at that as way off topic. Defo not from the republic.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 09 January 2019, 14:24
Either way. Clubsport > R  :wink:
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: JoeGTI on 09 January 2019, 14:28
...And why is the white one missing the alcantara steering wheel?
They are ROI imports, so non UK spec and not 'numbered'.
Sorry mate you’re wrong about them being from Ireland. The speedo is clearly in miles and kph which rules that out instantly. And as Joe says all IRISH spec clubsports came with the alcantara wheel.  :whistle:

All (not just VW) ROI cars came default specced with KPH clocks from 2005, however at the point of order you can still request MPH clocks. These cars are Irish imports, a chap on Pistonheads bought one and VW Ireland confirmed. They can (and do) differ & vary to UK spec.
I disagree on your above points but happy to leave it at that as way off topic. Defo not from the republic.

I wouldn't say "Deffo". The Clubsports were a strange one here. Ordinarily, you will never see brand new cars coming into Ireland with MPH clocks. It just doesn't happen. But I think VW Ireland must have, for some reason, brought in a few cars with MPH clocks and retailed a few of them in the bigger dealerships here. I remember seeing a white Clubsport with the black prets and buckets up on Carzone for about a year or more - it was retailing at well over 50k!! And it had MPH clocks. Perhaps they spec'd MPH clocks on them to make it easier to re-export them over to the UK for a broader market if they failed to sell here.


Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Exonian on 09 January 2019, 14:32
The 7R is a fantastic car, the 4wd is excellent, but they are very common.  I sold mine to buy a Clubsport because I wanted more exclusivity and I don't regret it!  So, 7R if you're not bothered about how common they are, or a CS if you want to remain within the GTI club. 


I think a Turmeric R on Black Prets would be pretty exclusive and look really cool too.
It’d certainly stand out from the crowd!

A Clubsport is just for us die hard GTI anoraks really. Mind you, considering it’s just a Golf I do find mine gets a lot of attention and questions asked.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ginagee on 09 January 2019, 18:13
Have emailed the dealer with a few questions on the Tumeric Yellow R in question. The VW dealer is in Bury St Edmunds, part of the Marriott group. Google Reviews are a real mixed bag - bit off putting especially when buying long distance. A few reviews say they are liars when it comes to vehicle histories :shocked:. Anyone had any dealings with them?
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Guzzle on 09 January 2019, 18:34
No, but do bear in mind that people leaving negative feedback on the internet usually have some axe to grind. Happy customers are less inclined to take the trouble, unless they think the service they've received is exceptional and out of the ordinary. You'll get a bit of a feel for their service by speaking to them, and whether or not they return phone calls promptly.

Just make sure you negotiate some money off (is the saving worthwhile compared to buying new)? And avoid their ridiculous 9.4% APR finance.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: clubsport on 09 January 2019, 19:00
Ginagee, the car looks a good spec on the outside, colour, wheels & roof.

As another owner of a 5 year GTi, the interior on the R looks quite bland to me, each to their own etc....

The mileage of the car seems in line with the age of the car, if it's a keeper I would thoroughly inspect it personally before spending around £30k to make sure it all adds up.
Good luck!
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: david25 on 09 January 2019, 19:01
Have emailed the dealer with a few questions on the Tumeric Yellow R in question. The VW dealer is in Bury St Edmunds, part of the Marriott group. Google Reviews are a real mixed bag - bit off putting especially when buying long distance. A few reviews say they are liars when it comes to vehicle histories :shocked:. Anyone had any dealings with them?

I rate them average, had a couple of test drives and sold a car to them.

Its a big purchase, so I would invest an a hotel night, one day to view, one night to think etc
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 09 January 2019, 20:13
Have emailed the dealer with a few questions on the Tumeric Yellow R in question. The VW dealer is in Bury St Edmunds, part of the Marriott group. Google Reviews are a real mixed bag - bit off putting especially when buying long distance. A few reviews say they are liars when it comes to vehicle histories :shocked:. Anyone had any dealings with them?

Most dealers will lie to sell a car, especially regarding trying to avoid things like who the previous owner is. We had it with a 1 year old Mazda 3, bought via Mazda approved and when asked to see V5 they purposely said they'd already posted it off despite us only having put a deposit on the car and not even agreed a sale! Turns out previous owner was ERAC - Enterprise rent a car.

Worth bearing in mind though - cars at that age (top end prestige and supercars aside) are almost never 1 private owner so tend to be lease companies, rentals, business, or ex vw fleet or demos.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 09 January 2019, 22:57
For £30k have you considered a Clubsport S? They'll hold their value so much more than a Golf R and they're ultra rare, I've never seen one on the road whereas you see more Golf Rs than you do GTIs.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 10 January 2019, 09:51
For £30k have you considered a Clubsport S? They'll hold their value so much more than a Golf R and they're ultra rare, I've never seen one on the road whereas you see more Golf Rs than you do GTIs.

Perhaps lack of normal Golf practically for most people is why you don't seem them being used? Plus would be hard to tell from a glance between CS and CS40 if it was a 3dr 40.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ginagee on 10 January 2019, 10:50
Feeling quite torn now.
The other half is attempting to persuade me to put a tune box, air cooler, new exhaust and new wheels on the GTi.
Meanwhile the R dealer has sent a video of the car & answered all my questions satisfactorily.
Guess the best thing to do is go to the nearest dealer and test drive a DSG R and make damn sure I'd be happy with it. They can also give me a guide on what the GTi would be as a part ex.
Notice that the R is no longer available on the VW configurator website.... is this due to VW preparing to bring out the MK8 do you think?
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: DTX3 on 10 January 2019, 12:11
Notice that the R is no longer available on the VW configurator website.... is this due to VW preparing to bring out the MK8 do you think?

R has also been removed from Carwow. Says the model has been discontinued  :huh:
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: clubsport on 10 January 2019, 12:16
Gg, get one while you can... soon they will be trading at a premium and way over list like a GT2 RS? :)
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: P6GTD on 10 January 2019, 14:59
I think R is off until it gets WLTP approval, so it MIGHT re-appear yet.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Moro on 10 January 2019, 17:32
Ginagee,

It is a dilemma I had last year as my own car approached its 5th birthday too.

I have never owned a car for 5 years before, but in the end I could not justify the cost of changing to a 7.5 Golf just for more power and the digital dashboard.

Mine has yet to reach 20k miles and is now mainly garaged and only used for fun or longer trips.

If you decide to change for an R I am sure it will not disappoint!
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ginagee on 10 January 2019, 18:42
Thanks Moro. Good to know I'm not own my own with this one.
Well, had a test drive of a 2017 7.5 DSG R at the local dealers today. Not the colour or spec I'm after, but gave me a good idea of the drive & the difference from my GTi.
Well, OF COURSE it's going to be better, and it was. Felt heavier, more planted. Wasn't the animal I thought it might be. Felt good and sensible at 30mph. And accelerated beautifully on the motorway. From a standing start, even on damp roads, as you'd expect, it launched perfectly. If not careful on damp/wet roads the GTi's ABS kicks in.
It was so nice not having to change gears, a much more relaxed drive. I loved the dashboard screen. So it's ticking all the boxes over the GTi.
Even the MPG was better than I expected. 40mins drive - 15mins of which was at 30mph and a bit of stop/start traffic, the rest on the motorway: 36.8mpg for the trip.
The only bad thing was the Part Ex price they gave on mine: £12.5K  :shocked: Dealer explained that because it had been not always serviced by VW, they can't retail it. If it had always been VW serviced it would have been £13K.
My GTi is in pretty good knick, 32850 miles, FSH and all. Only the Austins need attention. If I'm going to go ahead, it's going to have to be a private sale.
What's your thoughts folks?
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: kmpowell on 10 January 2019, 18:51
What's your thoughts folks?
My thoughts for what they are worth, and things I would consider IIWY...

- I can understand why you want the R, after 5 years in a GTI it'll be a nice change, especially going to the 7.5 with digital dash, upgraded stereo etc. Going to a 7.5 GTI or CS probably won't be that much of a change for you.
- The R interior is pretty boring compared to the GTI
- Your current car is now at a place where depreciation is an absolute minimum, the R will be at the start of journey and will drop like a stone in the next year or so. So if you're buying, only do so if you plan to keep it or have an idea what those figures roughly look like and are comfortable with.
- I think you buying Turmeric Yellow is a big mistake. It will be a residual nightmare and be impossible to shift a few years down the line. There's a reason why VW dropped it as a colour, it wasn't popular and looks like dog turd.
- Whack your car on Tootle, no hassle of a private sale and better offers than the p/x price you will get from a dealer.

HTH  :smiley:
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Guzzle on 10 January 2019, 18:59
TBH, i'd wait.

Mk8 isn't far away now, we'll have a good idea of what it's going to look like by the summer.

And it's not as if there'll be no used Mk7.5's around in a few months time if you really don't like the Mk8. Spending the thick end of £20k to go from one Mk7 to another Mk7 is a big step. :undecided:
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 11 January 2019, 09:16
TBH, i'd wait.

Mk8 isn't far away now, we'll have a good idea of what it's going to look like by the summer.

And it's not as if there'll be no used Mk7.5's around in a few months time if you really don't like the Mk8. Spending the thick end of £20k to go from one Mk7 to another Mk7 is a big step. :undecided:

Wait? For 2 years?! That's a long wait for someone who wants to change their car now!  :grin:
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: GolfTi on 11 January 2019, 09:35
I've had mine from for 5 1/2 years from new. 60k

I have no wish to change anytime soon, still the perfect car for me and still makes me smile.
Maybe when the Mk8 comes out I'll think again but in the meantime i am still really enjoying my GTI.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Guzzle on 11 January 2019, 13:49
TBH, i'd wait.

Mk8 isn't far away now, we'll have a good idea of what it's going to look like by the summer.

And it's not as if there'll be no used Mk7.5's around in a few months time if you really don't like the Mk8. Spending the thick end of £20k to go from one Mk7 to another Mk7 is a big step. :undecided:

Wait? For 2 years?! That's a long wait for someone who wants to change their car now!  :grin:

It's not really two years now is it? It's about 6 months until we see pictures of the Mk8. Then you can make decision about whether to wait for the Mk8 GTi. Which may be in the showroom by Easter next year.

What's another year if your car is already 5 years old, and drives just fine? I could understand the rush to swap, if it was swapping to a different car and it wasn't going out of production in about another 6 months time.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 11 January 2019, 16:11
TBH, i'd wait.

Mk8 isn't far away now, we'll have a good idea of what it's going to look like by the summer.

And it's not as if there'll be no used Mk7.5's around in a few months time if you really don't like the Mk8. Spending the thick end of £20k to go from one Mk7 to another Mk7 is a big step. :undecided:

Wait? For 2 years?! That's a long wait for someone who wants to change their car now!  :grin:

It's not really two years now is it? It's about 6 months until we see pictures of the Mk8. Then you can make decision about whether to wait for the Mk8 GTi. Which may be in the showroom by Easter next year.


I know what you're saying but recent articles (Dec '18) suggest later 2020 for the GTI so that's more like 18 months not a year.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Guzzle on 11 January 2019, 16:44
TBH, i'd wait.

Mk8 isn't far away now, we'll have a good idea of what it's going to look like by the summer.

And it's not as if there'll be no used Mk7.5's around in a few months time if you really don't like the Mk8. Spending the thick end of £20k to go from one Mk7 to another Mk7 is a big step. :undecided:

Wait? For 2 years?! That's a long wait for someone who wants to change their car now!  :grin:

It's not really two years now is it? It's about 6 months until we see pictures of the Mk8. Then you can make decision about whether to wait for the Mk8 GTi. Which may be in the showroom by Easter next year.


I know what you're saying but recent articles (Dec '18) suggest later 2020 for the GTI so that's more like 18 months not a year.

Likewise, I see what you're saying. But it's not as if there won't be any used R's around in 6 months time if it turns out the Mk8 isn't worth waiting for. Not to mention possibility of further discounts on new Mk7.5's to fill up last few build slots.

Anyway, i've made my point. And it's not my money so therefore not my call so happy to leave it there.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ginagee on 11 January 2019, 19:06
I've decided to stick with the GTi & I'm going to buy it a 5th Birthday present - some new wheels. Suggestions anyone?

I did enjoy driving the R, I liked the feel and handling. However, I very much value the points kmpowell, Guzzle and GolfTi have made here. All echoed by the other half!!! The GTi's depreciation is going to slow down now, whereas the R is going going to drop rapidly. With the Mk8 coming out, it's going to fall even quicker.

One thing I didn't like about the R: The glossy black trim on the steering wheel, reminded me of a Peugeot 205 we rented in Spain a few years ago. Much prefer the trim on the GTi steering wheel.

All in all, the GTi is the best car I have ever owned. And I've owned it for the longest time I've ever had a car. That speaks volumes.

Did ask the dealer about the missing R on the VW configurator. You all probably know this, the R is dropping to 300bhp. I think he said they are waiting for test figures so they've had to remove it from the website.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: kalimon on 11 January 2019, 19:21
As previously mentioned, these are very nice imo :smiley:
https://www.rimstyle.com/alloywheels/wheel_by_size/18inch/borbet_ff1_forged_mb?gclid=Cj0KCQiAmuHhBRD0ARIsAFWyPwg5i91Chcu3aS2YOKprg3Som_WELKjwNdCcw9jwuZfXJMezISQtfCYaAtnXEALw_wcB
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Guzzle on 11 January 2019, 19:31
Well i'm going to be very boring and suggest sticking with OEM. Something like these;-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-GENUINE-VOLKSWAGEN-PRETORIA-18-ALLOY-WHEEL-SET-OF-4-GLOSS-BLACK-/323109657825

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-GENUINE-VOLKSWAGEN-PRETORIA-18-ALLOY-WHEEL-SET-OF-4-STERLING-SILVER/323106273243?hash=item4b3aa277db%3Ag%3ATlkAAOSwd8FamFYe&LH_ItemCondition=3

Or save even more money and get your original wheels refurbed and looking back to their former glory.

That said, I do quite like the Borbet FF1 as far as aftermarket wheels go.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Watts on 11 January 2019, 19:36
As previously mentioned, these are very nice imo :smiley:
https://www.rimstyle.com/alloywheels/wheel_by_size/18inch/borbet_ff1_forged_mb?gclid=Cj0KCQiAmuHhBRD0ARIsAFWyPwg5i91Chcu3aS2YOKprg3Som_WELKjwNdCcw9jwuZfXJMezISQtfCYaAtnXEALw_wcB

They look good and for sub £900 good value too.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 12 January 2019, 00:00
If you're sticking with OEM alloys it has to be Belvedere. They're not the best looking alloys that award goes to 19" Prets or Brescia but nothing gets close to the performance of the Belvedere and tbh there's not many aftermarket alloys that are lighter either.

I've always changed the wheels on my car's but never considered the weight of a wheel and solely gone for the best looking wheels. Never again. Performance over looks everytime from now on.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 12 January 2019, 00:04
(https://i.ibb.co/0MTZXSK/IMG-20181114-162729.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Ltm6PWr)
(https://i.ibb.co/Hryn576/IMG-20181109-112403.jpg) (https://ibb.co/brVzc1T)
(https://i.ibb.co/BzSv60T/IMG-20181108-130447.jpg) (https://ibb.co/WxY7zmB)
(https://i.ibb.co/D1ZYqfJ/IMG-20181108-130041.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6yk8d0M)
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Watts on 12 January 2019, 13:49
If you're sticking with OEM alloys it has to be Belvedere. They're not the best looking alloys that award goes to 19" Prets or Brescia but nothing gets close to the performance of the Belvedere and tbh there's not many aftermarket alloys that are lighter either.

I've always changed the wheels on my car's but never considered the weight of a wheel and solely gone for the best looking wheels. Never again. Performance over looks everytime from now on.

I think you may find a fair few on here disagreeing with you on one thing above, the Belvedere is quite popular on the looks front too! I wouldn't mind a set :smiley:
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 12 January 2019, 14:08
They're not easy to find, especially in the UK. As most will know I bought mine from Holland.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: TurboTrev on 12 January 2019, 15:09
I like the Belvedere design close up, but on the car they look lost so Brescias every time for me as I'm not bothered about how much they weigh.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: MrJollygood on 13 January 2019, 11:29
Agree about the belvedere wheels TurboTrev. I quite like the idea of a set of Pretoria reps on my Gti, a great looking wheel and gives a bit of a CS look.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: kalimon on 13 January 2019, 11:50
I don't personally care for the Brescias . Way too much going on in their design.
Belvedere all the way for me.
Just get the car lowered :laugh:
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: wantmygti on 13 January 2019, 12:25
I don't personally care for the Brescias . Way too much going on in their design.
Belvedere all the way for me.
Just get the car lowered :laugh:

Agreed - I liked the Brescia wheel when it was previewed on the CS but certainly wouldn’t spec it having seen it in the flash.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Ginagee on 13 January 2019, 12:31
Well i'm going to be very boring and suggest sticking with OEM. Something like these;-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-GENUINE-VOLKSWAGEN-PRETORIA-18-ALLOY-WHEEL-SET-OF-4-GLOSS-BLACK-/323109657825

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-GENUINE-VOLKSWAGEN-PRETORIA-18-ALLOY-WHEEL-SET-OF-4-STERLING-SILVER/323106273243?hash=item4b3aa277db%3Ag%3ATlkAAOSwd8FamFYe&LH_ItemCondition=3

Or save even more money and get your original wheels refurbed and looking back to their former glory.

That said, I do quite like the Borbet FF1 as far as aftermarket wheels go.

Really like the Borbets Guzzle. Much prefer black minimal looking wheels. Also like that they would show off the red callipers very nicely. They look easy to clean too  :wink:
I quite fancied a wheel with a red pinstripe, however the Sevillas are just too fussy. I like the Gloss Black Petorias - look a bit easy to kerb though?
I'm gonna mooch on it for a few days - I'm heavily leaning towards these Borbets.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Guzzle on 13 January 2019, 14:34
Well i'm going to be very boring and suggest sticking with OEM. Something like these;-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-GENUINE-VOLKSWAGEN-PRETORIA-18-ALLOY-WHEEL-SET-OF-4-GLOSS-BLACK-/323109657825

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-GENUINE-VOLKSWAGEN-PRETORIA-18-ALLOY-WHEEL-SET-OF-4-STERLING-SILVER/323106273243?hash=item4b3aa277db%3Ag%3ATlkAAOSwd8FamFYe&LH_ItemCondition=3

Or save even more money and get your original wheels refurbed and looking back to their former glory.

That said, I do quite like the Borbet FF1 as far as aftermarket wheels go.

Really like the Borbets Guzzle. Much prefer black minimal looking wheels. Also like that they would show off the red callipers very nicely. They look easy to clean too  :wink:
I quite fancied a wheel with a red pinstripe, however the Sevillas are just too fussy. I like the Gloss Black Petorias - look a bit easy to kerb though?
I'm gonna mooch on it for a few days - I'm heavily leaning towards these Borbets.

👍

Do let us know if you have any further questions, or if you just want a sounding board. Also, do bear in mind your insurance company will want to know if you decide to fit non-standard alloys. Also increasing the wheel size may have adverse effects on the comfort of your car, and you'll probably find tyres are more expensive too.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Exonian on 13 January 2019, 16:29
Did someone mention alloy wheels?

I always half fancied a set of Mak Wolf on my GTI PP.
https://www.makwheels.it/en-sh/wolf.aspx#!/
OEM looks and good quality plus quite cheap directly from Italy via eBay.


I nearly bought a set of Borbet FF1 for my R (and Clubsport) though.
Again, not too expensive via tyreleader.co.uk




As for the Belvedere lovers and haters.
Great style, nice and light too but the black scratches up too easily and they look too small on the Clubsport  due to the wing and big bumpers. They look better on a regular GTI but still sit too far in unless unless spacers are fitted.
I couldn’t wait to get mine off my CS and fit something bigger in profile to balance out the rear wing.
Pretorias look great but are very fragile.
Title: Re: GTi's 5th Birthday - should I now move onto an R?
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 14 January 2019, 09:46
Did someone mention alloy wheels?

I always half fancied a set of Mak Wolf on my GTI PP.
https://www.makwheels.it/en-sh/wolf.aspx#!/
OEM looks and good quality plus quite cheap directly from Italy via eBay.


I nearly bought a set of Borbet FF1 for my R (and Clubsport) though.
Again, not too expensive via tyreleader.co.uk




As for the Belvedere lovers and haters.
Great style, nice and light too but the black scratches up too easily and they look too small on the Clubsport  due to the wing and big bumpers. They look better on a regular GTI but still sit too far in unless unless spacers are fitted.
I couldn’t wait to get mine off my CS and fit something bigger in profile to balance out the rear wing.
Pretorias look great but are very fragile.

Those Mak Wolf look really good and very OEM!