Thanks for all your replies and advice chaps (and gals?). I'm beginning to accept that any used GTI will come with 1 or 2 compromises. My red lines though are condition and colour. Of all the colours I think black suits the GTI best and when buffed up and clean really looks premium. HOWEVER! black not for me as my current A-class is black and it's a pig to keep clean and even when clean, shows all the swirl marks when the sun comes out 🙄. A real PIA.
I'm looking to trade mine in to save on hassle and have been offered around £19.5k for mine (was 17.5k only 12 months ago) by Motorway and WBAC. So, looking to spend £5.5 -6k cash plus mine. I would really like the pan roof but have read about issues such as rattles and leaks on them. Anyone with panroofs - have you experienced these issues?
Finally, don't want a club sport as increased nickability, higher ins, lower MPG etc etc - same reason as not wanting an R. Just want something me + Mrs can drive sensibly 80% of the time and have a bit of fun the other 20%. From all the reviews I've watched on the 7.5 GTI PP they conclude that it's the best all rounder and that unless you're a track dude or a true enthusiast, it's all the performance Golf you need.