GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: Samuk on 04 August 2010, 00:40
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Hello Peeps,
Have stumbled accross the forum whilst trying to find a GTI to buy. Hoping this forum is going to help.
Would someone mind telling me what I should be looking out for when purchasing a second hand GTI?
What are the running costs like? Tyres.... Servicing etc? When is the cambelt due on the GTI?
Sorry for all the questions, it's just I dont want to find myself in a position of buying the car and then not affording to keep it lol. :grin:
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Running costs are ok. 25mpg on a good day I seem to recall, I've monitored it for ages. Buy from a dealer and you can buy two years service plan too. Arnold Clark charge 249 for a 2 year plan on a Gti and 399 for the R32. Takes the sting out of the servicing which can be £300 a pop otherwise.
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what reg is it?
if its before 2007 i think check the climate control air con works as the older ones a known to be a weak spot (as i found out)
short jounreys are around 25mpg on a run driving sensibly around 34-36mpg
car handles and pulls well, weakest point I would say are the oem brakes.
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Hi There, welcome to the forum
I'm a relatively new GTI owner and i would recommend looking for a car with a few of the optional extras if you can, you wont regret paying extra.
I've been running the car for a month now with a mixture of driving (B-road blasts through to Motorway cruises) and i have been averaging 31mpg - which i think is great for a 200bhp hot hatch.
as mentioned, check the air con on start up. My car is a 55 reg car and there is a strange smell coming from the air con for the first 2-3 mins of it running, then it goes.
Cambelt should be done either 60k or every 4 years, which ever is first. If you are looking for a car of this kind of age, get the waterpump done at the same time to save work later on. I would advise making it part of a potential deal.
car handles and pulls well, weakest point I would say are the oem brakes.
I agree - set of EBC redstuff pads should sort it out (so i've heard...)
Hope this helps! Good luck
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ferodo ds2500 pads seem to the the choice across the forums!!
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ferodo ds2500 pads seem to the the choice across the forums!!
Yeah i've heard a bit about these too. Might give them a shot next time
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ferodo ds2500 pads seem to the the choice across the forums!!
Slightly off topic, but are these good pads for every day road use, mixed in with a bit of "spirited "driving"? I dont plan to take my car on a track day, so I dont want to get brake pads that are great on track but w@nk on the road.
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From what i've heard they're pretty good on the road. Not had experience of the Ferodo's, but a good mate has the EBC Redstuffs in a RenaultSport Clio 172 and they're sh1t hot for the road
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Remember these cars are very tempting to drive with some spirit. Quite a few have repaired crash damage.
Avoid these and you'll be OK. Budget an average of £400 per year for servicing, £300 for tyres plus the usual road tax (£230ish) and insurance. 30 mpg.
I've found mine to be not too expensive. If I crashed it though I'd sell.
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Thanks for all the information guys. Will let you know how I get on.
Sam
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Always a good idea to have it checked out via AA etc or at least HPI it. Great cars (had mine nearly 3 years). Running costs aren't bad and volkswagen have just introduced good value fixed servicing costs. Recently had them do my MOT for £30. I get 34mpg average and recently had over 40mpg on a long run. Should run on super unleaded, which costs more. Always run mine on Shell V-power or Tesco 99 and I think this is what most people use. Also running cost can depend on what service schedule, longlife or time distance. Be aware of white worm problem on 18" wheels and refurb costs. Tyres £100+ ea for decent rubber. Get approx 12K miles from my Goodyears. Check for condensation/water in rear tailgate spoiler brake light and headlights. Check for wear on driver seat bolster. Hope this helps and adds to sound advice from other members. If you're still looking, I'm considering selling my black 3 door 07 GTI with 36K miles soon!
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Arnold Clark charge 249 for a 2 year plan on a Gti and 399 for the R32.
I wouldn't trust them lot to refill my washer bottle, never mind a service!!
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Always a good idea to have it checked out via AA etc or at least HPI it. Great cars (had mine nearly 3 years). Running costs aren't bad and volkswagen have just introduced good value fixed servicing costs. Recently had them do my MOT for £30. I get 34mpg average and recently had over 40mpg on a long run. Should run on super unleaded, which costs more. Always run mine on Shell V-power or Tesco 99 and I think this is what most people use. Also running cost can depend on what service schedule, longlife or time distance. Be aware of white worm problem on 18" wheels and refurb costs. Tyres £100+ ea for decent rubber. Get approx 12K miles from my Goodyears. Check for condensation/water in rear tailgate spoiler brake light and headlights. Check for wear on driver seat bolster. Hope this helps and adds to sound advice from other members. If you're still looking, I'm considering selling my black 3 door 07 GTI with 36K miles soon!
thanks for information. Still on the hunt I won't be in a position to make any decisions until October I would have thought ( New York with the mrs....) if it's for sale then please let me know. :smiley: