GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Sootchucker on 17 March 2015, 08:40
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Sacrilege I know. The Golf is brilliant and my GTD (touch wood) has been absolutely bullet proof, but now having had it for about 18 months, it's so ruthlessly efficient, quiet and undramatic, that (dare I say it), it's become a little boring ?
Don't get me wrong, for the price, it's still up there with the best of the best, but I find myself looking at other brands (and even other VW's) at the moment , even though I had (have) planned to keep her for 3 years. I think part of the problem is:
a) My mileage has dropped over the last 6 months, so I'm only averaging about 8500 miles per year, and it's barely adequate for a diesel,
b) I love driving the wife's Polo Blue GT (it really is a pocket rocket), and I love the petrol engine response and super quick warm up times, (which shows me how much I miss petrol engines).
c) a bit stupid this one, but I love technology, and I missed out by a few months on recent tech that's been subsequently added to the MK7 (heated steering wheel, windscreen, lane assist, Car-Net etc.), and do tend to look enviously at newer cars (stupid I know).
I have even (and I can't believe I'm saying this), been looking at the new 1 series BMW, which from the back looks a lot like a MK7 Golf I think (imitation is the greatest form of flattery). Speccing up a new 1 series 5 door, 118 M-Sport Auto, fully loaded with all the toys (and I mean all), comes to just over the price I paid for my GTD in 2013 ?
Am I crazy and need therapy ? I know car's are a bottomless pit of money, and there's always a better car or a new gizmo round the corner, but we don't have kids, don't smoke or drink (well not to excess), and cars are my passion (along with photography). So our view is "you can't take it with you", and we both have (again touch wood) decent well paid jobs, so why not (rather not leave our money to the government).
I think I need a project on the GTD (adding stuff on), to give it impetus again :grin:
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I get where you are coming from. My threshold is usually around a year before i start thinking about the next car. With my current car I specced a lot of extras in the hope that it would stave that feeling off.
I am now a week or so short of a year of ownership and like you just under 8.5k miles on the clock.
I have to admit I am a bit torn now - I am thinking about the next car but this time I am determined that i will keep this car through to April next year. I have a GAP policy which expires then so thats my cut-off point.
The GTD is a difficult car to replace - the drop in economy of an R would be difficult to tolerate - perhaps i will consider a GTI or the Polo GTI (the latter sounds like a great little car so long as I can get my head past teh notion that its not the 'real thing').
By the way - I don't see 'carnet' or heated steering wheel as an available option on the GTD/GTI/R on the VW website - or have I missed something?
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Chop it in for an R - problem sorted! :wink:
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The honeymoon period wears off in every facet of life and you then have to discover what you really love about someone or in this case a GTD to make that relationship last on.
Maybe reminding self of previous loves that eventually left you feeling you needing a new one?
My previous A3 S Line Quattro is not a patch on the GTD except for fast starts in the wet so with that still freshly in mind the GTD still to this day gives me lots of satisfaction.
However understand your thoughts fully and have already based on same feeling have my next move planned of keeping the GTD and going for likely an R with all the new toys you mention as think the combination of a car that love, with more BHP and 4WD and with all new toys you mention fills that void you describe, well for next 18 months at least. :wink:
Did see S3 as #10 most stolen car in UK so that has moved me away from that as a choice.
Think most on this site feel same as you, minimum 2 years and the itchy feet start and you want that new fuzzy feeling again
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Totally understand your point. Coming up to a year of ownership for me and although I know it is one of the best cars in its class, I find myself looking at alternatives. However, I think the reality is that it would be extremely difficult to find something which I would be better off with.
Human nature - bored of what you have but then miss it when its gone!
Sootchucker - I understand what you mean about missing petrol engines. My wife has an A1 1.4 TFSI and I absolutely LOVE driving that about. It even keeps up with my GTD in some situations!
Although I know NA engines are a thing of the past, I dearly miss my Type R.... :cry:
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Interesting, I traded my year old GTD in for a GTI, it had only 8.5k on it, no regrets so far
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I do wonder how many of you could be classified as 'serial' new car owners though? That boredom is probably just an itch you feel needs to be scratched to get that new car feeling again.
Personally, i'd never had a new car before - I actually only started looking because a company car was expected but then didn't materialise. I got a tax refund and bought my GTD with it to replace my ageing 300K mile 306 HDi that had served me superbly. I specced a nice level of kit, and 1 year/10K miles in i'm still very happy with it (except for the absolutely useless dealers :sad:). I am not bored of it, though I am quite surprised how little mileage i'm now doing after doing between 30 and 40K private miles for many years.
As a result of that I do occasionally think I could've bought a GTI, but then i'm trying to convince the mrs to chop our Mini Cooper D in for a Cooper S Works as we don't need two diesels anymore (her circumstances also changed). I also have a completely ludicrous weekend toy in my stripped, supercharged 306 Rallye so I get my thrills/tinkering habit satisfied there.
Unless I was to get a company car, I can't see me buying new again for many reasons. Besides, the second hand market is for people who like to chop and change, and reap the rewards of the serial new-car owners cast-offs! :grin:
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I think I need a project on the GTD (adding stuff on), to give it impetus again :grin:
What about the DTUK tuning box that many are raving about here?
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Chop it in for an R - problem sorted! :wink:
Already looking :whistle:
I do wonder how many of you could be classified as 'serial' new car owners though? That boredom is probably just an itch you feel needs to be scratched to get that new car feeling again.
As to whether it's new car syndrome, if you mean brand new (rather than just new to me), then that part doesn't bother me one bit. I have a private plate that gets stuck on anyway so a 6 month old or ex-demonstrator if it fitted the bill wouldn't put me off. Trouble is, most of the newer models and tech is only available on brand new cars !
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I can see why people get a little bored with it.....im sure its just the "no fuss" way the GTI takes everything. For me its the very "linear" nature of the engine compaired to my Revo'd Scirocco makes the car seem slow and boring. I say "seem" as its probably quicker than the Scirocco ever was.
I still enjoy driving the GTI, but it isn't my daily driver to be honest......so when we do drive the GTI it still feels special.
Ken
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Itchy feet! You have to ask yourself whether you get bored just purely due to time you’ve had the car, or whether you get pulled into thinking that way because something (seemingly) better is out there that you could be driving.
I’ve changed a lot lately, but I’ve justified it in my mind (man logic warning):-
57 Plate MK5 170TDI, clattered by a bus at 2 weeks old and such a shoddy job done on the repair, I hated the car the whole time I had it – was chomping at the bit to get rid from very early on in ownership.
2009 140TDI Scirocco – loved that car, everything except the performance, it was not as quick as the Golf that came before it. I was in such a rush to get shot of the shoddy Golf, I didn’t wait until the 170TDI was announced (I should’ve!).
2011 170TDI Scirocco – The most enjoyable car I’ve had in the last 10 years, great car, didn’t even cross my mind to change cars for a whole 2 years (an eternity to me!). I was a little wowed by the tech on the MK7 GTD and was expecting it to be and feel a little quicker than the Scirocco, and perhaps a little more frugal.
2013 MK7 GTD – I admire the car, but I don’t love it. A huge step up in interior quality and refinement – but that refinement makes it feel really slow – it feels only as quick as my 140TDI Scirocco. Small gaps between the panels and lots of tech that make me feel as though I don't have to dip into my pockets much for the options make it a good buy. It is really missing some perception of poke with it's very linear and fuss-free delivery of power, and those slippery Bridgestones I was too tight to bin early on piss me off no end with the tramping. The DTUK box helped with the perception (and actual) poke.
Really wanting to get away from tramping (4WD!) and get some real poke at the expense of fuel economy (although the GTD was a huge disappointment to me on the fuel front, around the doors) – so I ordered the R 6 months ago and still 7-8 weeks away from delivery most likely. Although I will probably wince going to the petrol station twice as often, you’ve got to remember that with a new car your depreciation is a far bigger cost than fuel cost differences between engines.
Although this may just be wishful thinking, I can see me keeping the R at least 3 years, there’s nothing out there better that I wouldn’t have to add at least £8k to. Not keen on any of the Golf’s direct peers – 1 series (Ugly!), 2 series (slightly less ugly), A-class – my mate has one of these as a company car, very cheap and nasty interior and a bone-crunching ride, Alfa Giulietta (like the exterior looks, but depreciates like a lead balloon and the engine choices don’t wow me). The only thing that comes close to whetting my appetite to change is a BMW 335D X-drive, and even then only because the ridiculously good level of discount you can sometimes get puts them in my tolerable price range for depreciation in the time I’ll have it.
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I specced a whole lot of nice goodies on the car but even that has not stopped the boredom kicking in. In practically every way this car is better than my TT but i don't love it the way i loved the TT (that sounds a bit weird I know :grin: :grin:). It was the beautiful curves of the TT and the fact that you sat fairly low to the ground which gave it a more sports car feel that i really miss.
I would also say that the car doesn't feel as well built as the Audi (controversial I know) as I have numerous rattles and creaks which drive me nuts but especially the buzzing from the soundactuator for which the car has been in several times and the problem has never been fully resolved :angry: :angry:
The Golf R appeals however I fear i would get bored of that very quickly basically looking at the same cabin. I'm ashamed to say I actually like the look of the the new Focus RS and am sure it will drive brilliantly but the interior will not be the same quality as the Golf.
Ideally, a Porsche Cayman would be awesome as i just love the looks however its out of my budget for now and also priorities are about to change :wink: :wink:
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Ideally, a Porsche Cayman would be awesome as i just love the looks however its out of my budget for now and also priorities are about to change :wink: :wink:
Little 'un on the way Craig? You'd best start looking at Picasso's and Scenic's :laugh:
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Ideally, a Porsche Cayman would be awesome as i just love the looks however its out of my budget for now and also priorities are about to change :wink: :wink:
Little 'un on the way Craig? You'd best start looking at Picasso's and Scenic's :laugh:
Yip, my life is officially over :grin: :grin: :grin:
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Ideally, a Porsche Cayman would be awesome as i just love the looks however its out of my budget for now and also priorities are about to change :wink: :wink:
Little 'un on the way Craig? You'd best start looking at Picasso's and Scenic's :laugh:
Yip, my life is officially over :grin: :grin: :grin:
:grin:
Massive congrats!! I have a 6 year old daughter, best thing you'll ever do!!
There's no need to change your car philosophy - however a TT may be out of the question :grin: Don't even think about going down the family wagon route though, if you do I'm driving up to Scotland to give you a slap :grin: :grin:
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Congratulations mate..... I have a baby due in July and dreading how we are going to cope with my 3dr GTI. My wife doesn't drive either.
Some say just stick with it, others say it will drive me up the wall and that we will need a bigger car.
:rolleyes: :lipsrsealed:
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Congrats!
I don't understand the whole 'get a massive car when you have a baby' philosophy. I don't have kids (yet) but have had experience of looking after my nephew on a regular basis. It was absolutely no trouble in my 3 door civic and also in the A1. Child seat fits in the back, pram + baby bag in the boot with no issues. What else do you need?? :smiley:
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I agree, going to try and stick with my GTI as long as possible as I don't think I can stomach the £8-10k loss to move to a 5 door.
Going to try and get my wife to learn to drive as quickly as possible and have a 5 door car. :evil:
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It's a little more tricky with 3 doors rather than 5, but absolutely no need to change cars! Never had anything other than hatchbacks since my daughter was born and there are no issues whatsoever - unless you have a hoard of kids you don't need a chelsea tractor!
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The only issue with the mk7 is the boot space so anyone with a buggy or a push chair your better having a try first before buying.
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My view...
Keep the Golf GTD... it does the day to day drudgery very well.
Then, instead of spending money on a new car go out and buy something interesting for the weekends... There's lots out there for reasonable money. If you do this go out and buy something different (i.e. don't go and buy a hot hatch...)
There's all sorts out there for what it would cost you to swap to a new, for example, R. You could go for an MX-5 (will make you realise that performance is not all about power), Honda S2000 (give you a different perspective driving... that engine is stunning), Nissan 350z etc. etc.
I know that not everyone wants another car (or has the space to keep it) but I have to keep my GTD for 4 years and I find that having something else interesting to play with makes you appreciate both cars...
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Thanks guys for the kind wishes and big congrats 2014GTI. You are a little before me (Sept) so please let me know how your getting on with the 3dr GTI as I'm exactly the same as you.
I'm sure the car is plenty practical enough to cope with the little un so that's not the main reason I would change. It's the constant rattles and buzzing noises that are doing my head in :angry:
Ps @Mark, I have no intention pal of getting a people carrier but if by some bizarre reason I lose my marbles you have my permission to come up here and slap some common sense into me :grin: :grin: :grin:
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Wow 18 months of ownership, I've had my manual GTD for 6 weeks, it was 9 months old when I bought it and 5k miles, it's now got 6k miles on it.
I love the car but I really would love a DSG, my wife and I were speccing up a new GTD DSG on orange wheels last night and if I got a good trade in price for my car I'm going to order lol
Life's to short mate, if you want a change do it :smiley:
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@Craig,
Congrats!
Now for the bad news! We just had our first baby 2 weeks ago. I have the same car as you and the 3 door is a pain in the arse where the baby is concerned! Lifting the seat in and out is no joke.
I'm currently considering changing to a 5 door. Possibly even an R if I could live with the reduced boot space. It's the access to rhe rear rather than boot space that annoys me most though.
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Not sure I could ever get rid of the R, I did go from a mk6 GTD and at the moment, I don't look back apart from my mpg calculates in at 25mpg and the stereo is rubbish compared to the Dynaudio in the mk6, although it might be breaking in a little (needs the volume raising to break in the speakers). I prefer listening to the exhaust.
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Although this may just be wishful thinking, I can see me keeping the R at least 3 years, there’s nothing out there better that I wouldn’t have to add at least £8k to.
There possibly isn't anything better for the same money but The Grass is Always Greener :evil:
@sootchucker I don't think being an avid forum visitor helps. You get to see folk moving to something new and their justification for it and it gets your cogs turning out of curiosity and before you know it you've convinced yourself its what you need.
The recent R give away deals for instance was a classic example :grin:
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Still feeling the love for mine.
2 years in July.
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Totally agree with corgi..
Keep a daily driver to do the mundane stuff and buy something with more than 4 cylinders for the weekend. I had a previous BMW 330ci and totally regret selling it, sounded great, loads of grunt and does the occasional use brilliantly ( had more comments about it than my recent TTs black edition)
So when another came up I bought it as my weekend fun and now just trying to sort my mundane car, just can't really cope with parting with 28k for that one just now..
What you would loose chopping in all the time you could buy a weekend toy thatis a keeper
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@Craig,
Congrats!
Now for the bad news! We just had our first baby 2 weeks ago. I have the same car as you and the 3 door is a pain in the arse where the baby is concerned! Lifting the seat in and out is no joke.
I'm currently considering changing to a 5 door. Possibly even an R if I could live with the reduced boot space. It's the access to rhe rear rather than boot space that annoys me most though.
That's brilliant news Joe, congratulations pal!
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@Craig,
Congrats!
Now for the bad news! We just had our first baby 2 weeks ago. I have the same car as you and the 3 door is a pain in the arse where the baby is concerned! Lifting the seat in and out is no joke.
I'm currently considering changing to a 5 door. Possibly even an R if I could live with the reduced boot space. It's the access to rhe rear rather than boot space that annoys me most though.
That's brilliant news Joe, congratulations pal!
Thanks Craig! She's a lot of work and we aren't getting much sleep but she's totally worth it!
I thought the 3 door would be fine for a while but I am finding it a pain tbh. The boot is ok, these buggies can be folded up and dis-assembled easily enough but the rear access to reach into the back seat is annoying.
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My brother swears by the three door step into the car facing the rear and effectively sit on the front seat. As you sort out the child.
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My brother swears by the three door step into the car facing the rear and effectively sit on the front seat. As you sort out the child.
I thought that would be the case but we are using one of those Maxi Cosi rear facing seats that slots into an Isofix base that stays in the car (a bit like a laptop docking station!). So you have to reach in and lift the whole seat in and out. Maybe when the child is older and sits forward facing it'll be easier!!
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Ps @Mark, I have no intention pal of getting a people carrier but if by some bizarre reason I lose my marbles you have my permission to come up here and slap some common sense into me :grin: :grin: :grin:
:grin:
I am poised just in case! :laugh:
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On my 2nd 5 door GTD and never had a problem with space with one child.
I think the more space you have the more inclined you are to just throw any old sh#t in and not pack properly.
But, 2nd child born yesterday so will update as time goes on...!!
Changing cars next year and would have probably gone for a GTD estate in a heartbeat, but in typical VW Ireland style, they've no plans to offer that variant...
Time will tell...
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Bored?
Within my budget (lease/purchase and running costs) I doubt I can afford much more.
I have a need for a reasonably sized car and everything else is a plus.
The GTD is quick enough (more than so) for a bit of road legal fun. I don't need it to win races or be used as a ruler to measure my d*ck.
"True fun" (ie a car really worth doing some d*ck measuring with) is the things I see on Top Gear flying around the track for a top 10 laptime.
I'll never be able to afford that, so I don't even dream.
Even a "modest" jump to a M3 or lower end Porker isn't going happen before I retire, so I am happy with my Golf Mk7... its the best car I've ever owned/leased by a long way, pending my future Mk8.
Just putting some reality onto this thread :)
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I think the more space you have the more inclined you are to just throw any old sh#t in and not pack properly.
I'm with you on that... when I was a kid 5 of us (including my, at the time, baby sister) and the dog used to go away on holiday in a 1972 Mini 1000... admittedly we had to have a roof rack... Later, we upgraded to a 1975 Austin Allegro 1750 Sport... ooo the luxury :tongue:
I've seen people I know produce one child and then decide they need a car the size of a shipping container to carry the paraphernalia...
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Bored?
Within my budget (lease/purchase and running costs) I doubt I can afford much more.
I have a need for a reasonably sized car and everything else is a plus.
The GTD is quick enough (more than so) for a bit of road legal fun. I don't need it to win races or be used as a ruler to measure my d*ck.
"True fun" (ie a car really worth doing some d*ck measuring with) is the things I see on Top Gear flying around the track for a top 10 laptime.
I'll never be able to afford that, so I don't even dream.
Even a "modest" jump to a M3 or lower end Porker isn't going happen before I retire, so I am happy with my Golf Mk7... its the best car I've ever owned/leased by a long way, pending my future Mk8.
Just putting some reality onto this thread :)
The GTD for the 90-95% driving we all have to do on same roads under the same restrictions does it better than most especially with the DSG and DCC as you move along with everyone else in good seamless comfort in a really nice cabin AND the rest of the time where roads allow, the GTD transforms to something more than lively enough in Sport to have a little fun.
So 18 months on still feel really good about walking upto and then starting the GTD up and setting out.
That experience does not have me thinking to change the car just the model and like many on here the R is the next and likely last step, for me anyway.
The 300 BHP is last of the reasons why to be honest as rarely get chance to use my 180 BHP! But really do miss the 4WD and if was option on GTD doubt be thinking beyond at all, but 4WD and some certain options that have come on offer since the MK7 was released would enhance an experience already very happy with.
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My brother swears by the three door step into the car facing the rear and effectively sit on the front seat. As you sort out the child.
Anyone who has a 3 door and has kids or has regular passengers and states its not an issue really must have patience of saints and their passengers too!
Had back to back 3 doors as love the lines but by finally giving in and getting a 5 door has been truly transforming for me and my passengers.
If single or a couple with no children, 3 door is perfect, anyone outside of that demographic go 5 door and save your self a daily frustration that does eventually taint the experience overall.
Having said that the reason for 3 doors before was that really dislike the Sportsback but the MK7 Golf arguably suits the 5 door lines better than the 3 door and even if that is not agreed there has to be acceptance that the MK7 does look good in 5 door form.
As for overall space then for the average 2.4 children family without dogs then MK7 is more than adequate.
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Bored?
Within my budget (lease/purchase and running costs) I doubt I can afford much more.
I have a need for a reasonably sized car and everything else is a plus.
The GTD is quick enough (more than so) for a bit of road legal fun. I don't need it to win races or be used as a ruler to measure my d*ck.
"True fun" (ie a car really worth doing some d*ck measuring with) is the things I see on Top Gear flying around the track for a top 10 laptime.
I'll never be able to afford that, so I don't even dream.
Even a "modest" jump to a M3 or lower end Porker isn't going happen before I retire, so I am happy with my Golf Mk7... its the best car I've ever owned/leased by a long way, pending my future Mk8.
Just putting some reality onto this thread :)
I'm very much with you on that.
I often harp on about the best way to remember why you bought a Golf GTI/D/R or for that matter ANY Golf is to go and drive something else for a while.
As for the OP getting hung up on gadgets; you're always going to be on to a loser there. In the mk1 and mk2 days it took years for new electronics or anything else for that matter to appear but we're in another century now and there's a new electronic something or other out every second week. In fact right now with the Golf the latest gadget is the car itself in the form of the GTE.
A Golf is always going to be a little bit dull and dependable, VW spend millions making them that way for a reason.
Unfortunately if you have no children and no vices then you will always have surplus cash and will always be on a constant cycle of playing catch up (it's called too much time on your hands! :laugh: )
I have a colleague just the same. Her husband is a railway signalman and earns sh!t heaps of cash, she works full time in the office with me and they're always on some kind of trail of the latest gadgets which to be honest they never make the most of. Six months later they're hankering after whatever is new out (yes, the iWatch thingy seems to be the latest). Are they ever happy? I'll leave you to guess the answer.
fredgroves has it bang on.
How much performance can you have in a car that you can use if you're not a weekend Santa Pod junkie or a trackday regular like a few of our members here. For a lot of people it's just smugness of having the best car in the range which if fair enough if that floats your boat.
I'm fairly lucky to work shift work so I can actually use my GTI on very quiet roads so can make the best of it and rather than getting bored of it after 18 months I actually like it more and more as I find out more and more what it can do (legally!).
Realistically you'd have more fun in a Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost than an M3 and I regularly see a Ferrari running about locally cruising along with some young kid at the wheel making pops and 'engine noises' with a police car never far away from him. So yes, he's young and will attract attention and therefore can sit and be smug but can he use any of the car's performance?
I visited the R forum the other night when I was bored and they were arguing about a few tenths of a second to 60 mph difference between various gearboxes and tuning devices. Why not get out and enjoy the car instead of getting hung up on a few tenths of a second you'd never be able to tell in real time unless you have - yet another gadget!
Is an R the answer to the OP's requirements? I seriously doubt it as it has even less gadgets than a GTD (no park assist) and doesn't look as nice nor will it be appreciably quicker day to day.
I'm more with those that suggest getting a weekend toy that's not hung up on big BHP but instead puts you in touch with the road and the world outside and is FUN! So a Mazda MX5 would be my choice.
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Is your Mk7 too small for a family?
Have you noticed how the Golf Mk1 was a "small" car, the successor to the Beetle and now your Mk7 is practically the same size as a Mk1 Ford Mondeo (a "big family car").
I'd agree 5 doors is better than 3 for rear passenger installation, but having carted my former baby (now long grown up) in a (real) BL Mini, I can tell you that you don't know you are born lad... but we managed just fine and without drama back them.
The Silver Cross pram didn't fit, but... ;-)
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Sounds like I'm being reprimanded :laugh: :laugh:
Serious, I take all your points, and maybe bored was too strong. I agree that 180+ps and nearly 400nm of torque is more than enough for the public roads.
I'll be honest and admit 2 things.
1. Last night on my way home from work, I dropped the driver profile into sport mode for the first time in ages, and the car just accelerated like a demon and put a real big grin on my face (OK so not GTi or R acceleration but you get my point). Maybe I just don't exploit the performance and it's "fun" side enough as my drive home from work is usually nose to tail drudgery. Need to get out on the open roads at weekends me thinks an enjoy her more.
2. With me being laid up after a major op in early Feb (although I am back at work), the old girl hasn't been cleaned for nearly 2 months and is looking really grotty, with the alloys in particular looking very dirty and dull(just not like me). I know that when I get the chance to properly give her a good going over, she does look completely different, and with the glint off the clean alloys catching the sun she can look pretty special.
OK so I need to give the motor a good cleaning and a good caning :grin: :grin:
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Just get out more :smiley:
Agree that the Blue GT is a lot of fun at a lot lower speed
I always make a distinction of going somewhere (tends to be humdrum) and actually going for a drive
Humdrum i take the Polo if i want a drive take the R
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Add a DTUK to it Sooty :D
From what I've read, if that doesn't meet your expectations then you probably are dead from the neck down :)
I've hovered over the "buy now" button many a time, but reckon my fleet manager (happy soul that he is - aren't they all?) might have a blue fit.
If its your own car, just do it :D
Oh and clean your car too (he says, driving something that looks dirtier than an Army landie from Iraq)
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A tuning box isn't always the answer and it certainly wasn't for me. I like the car in standard form and it's still plenty fast enough. Remember someone will always drive faster than you no matter what car you have even an R. That's why it's nice to stick it comfort mode and enjoy the scenery :smiley: (I'm 41 on Sunday not 71 haha)
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The GTD is a lot more fun when you give up on chasing mpg, leave it in Sport and cane it when the opportunity presents itself for the sake of an extra £10 a month on diesel. When the car is costing £350 a month before you even add fuel, to deprive yourself of enjoyment to save a tenner seems mad to me. I have fewer DPF regens when I put my foot down regularly.
Most of the time the GTD is more than enough, i'm getting the R to satisfy that other 3%. If it wasn't for the tramping i'm sure i'd have been more than satisfied with having the DTUK box on my GTD (which totally transformed it for me).
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I am glad it is not just me, people laugh at me that know me because the number of cars I have had over the years which is 32!
The GTI is my first new car and I love the car but have been looking around at other brands recently and I have had the car for 6 months!
I must say there is a lot of wisdom in this thread and I agree with the idea of a weekend car is a bloody good idea and maybe one I might do at some point.
Anyhow I am considering changing my GTI manual for an auto I am about to change jobs from getting a train to London to driving for 80 miles a day along the A14, M6 and into Coventry. So was thinking the auto maybe the better idea for not having to dip the clutch regularly as I queue in the rush hour traffic.
To change my car would cost two grand is it worth it I am not sure?
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Good read. Gives perspective. Been thinking of changing to a R or GTI PP. But may just keep the GTD for the three year term and buy a weekend car. I've always wanted a corrado VR6 (I've had a 16v) so may start looking at that better to spend the money on that then trying to Change.
Admittedly like MH says, if you give up trying to chase MPG and just enjoy it, it's defo worth it. It's exactly what I have done. I have given thought to the box but still haven't taken the plunge.
Congrats to all those with new addition to their respective families, my daughter was 5/6 months old when we purchased the 5door GTD until then we had an a3 3 door it just takes some forward planning and buy a pushchair that can be folded with ease. The ball ache is getting the seat into the isofix base but I got used to it just in time to change.
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To change my car would cost two grand is it worth it I am not sure?
Depends - is it a new one or newer one? Is it the same spec?
As DSG is about 1500 quid (from memory) more than manual when new - it may well be worth it so long as one or two of the other issues are ticked...
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Going from a manual to a DSG is certainly a good idea if you do get bored - it's a totally different way of driving, and you can play around with drive and sport, paddles or using the lever for shifting, or full auto. Having never owned an auto until this one, it certainly adds another level of interest that will hopefully make me keep the car for 3 years.
As for the posters on the R forum, most of them on there seem to think the R is some kind of super car that will destroy everything on the road - it certainly isn't. Yes of course its quick, but there's plenty of cars that can keep up; its a massive w@nkfest on that forum - perspective is in short measure over there!
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The auto is the same year similar mileage but it does not have the performance pack which mine does.
Reason for changing it is only due to a lengthy commute to work on some crappy roads and I want give my left leg a rest. Maybe I shall just do it a couple of times and see how bad it actually is?
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Auto/DSG is nice if you do a lot of crawling in traffic jams.
Is it worth the extra money to get it and then extra VED/BIK on top (DSG GTD's are a tax bracket higher) plus the cost of changing car?
I'd just soldier on and order a DSG maybe next car change.
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Another serial car changer here, albeit it's the wife's car we change as mine us a company car on a 3yr term.
I think the problem has come from the finance deals on offer from the dealers and with some man maths it can make the change relatively inexpensive and very easy to do. Therefore as we all desire the latest cars/tech/performance the marketing people are leading us all on a merry dance.
We have an 8mth old Fiesta ST which lives up to the reviews, we had it on a 2yr PCP due to my desire to change cars and already I'm twitching looking at Golf R's and Audi S3's etc etc.
Really need to stop as it's ridiculous but it kind if gets under your skin, and all these forums don't help :grin:
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Auto/DSG is nice if you do a lot of crawling in traffic jams.
Is it worth the extra money to get it and then extra VED/BIK on top (DSG GTD's are a tax bracket higher) plus the cost of changing car?
I'd just soldier on and order a DSG maybe next car change.
Yeah I am thinking maybe I will just see how the journey is first before I decide, it is a lot of money for convenience.
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(DSG GTD's are a tax bracket higher)
The 3-door isn't....
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the marketing people are leading us all on a merry dance.
They are. It's a never ending treadmill.
There's something to be said for just relaxing and enjoying what you've got for a little while. For me, 3 to 4 years is about the max before change but at least that's long enough to really enjoy the car and 'own' it. And you know the next car is not that far off, and come change over time you can fully appreciate the advancements in tech. Anyway all this increasing new tech takes you the better part of a year to properly suss out and get the best out of, so, as a serial changer, no sooner have you got to grips with it, you're moving on :rolleyes:
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(DSG GTD's are a tax bracket higher)
The 3-door isn't....
VED:
Manual 3/5 door is 109g/km (band B)
DSG 3 door is 119g/km (band C)
DSG 5 door is 122g/km (band D)
So, I was slightly wrong, its either 1 or 2 bands higher than a manual.
Interesting (and I've never noticed before) that the 3/5 door thing makes no difference to a manual box but does tellingly with a DSG box! I have no idea why that might be - doesn't make any sense at all does it?
For BIK purposes, its actually 3 bands higher for a DSG 5 door GTD!
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Last time I checked DSG didn't affect the GTi either, both 3 and 5 door cars were the same. I asked at the time why the GTD had different groupings for the 3 and 5 Door DSG models, whilst the manual versions remained the same - and as usual they couldn't' answer.
Bloody annoying as just those 1 or 2 units of CO2 was the difference between £130 per year road tax vs £30 :angry:
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I wouldn't say I am bored, more like I was never truly excited about a car that is just a hatchback. (Sorry I know I am on a VW forum)
It does everything very well and covers economy, space, performance and handling, but it’s not an exciting car. It’s also not a special car to me, its just a car that covers all the bases very well, which is why I bought it. But do I want a Megane Trophy on Ohlins when I have 1k mile to Spain or Germany to drive? No not really, maybe for a track day though :smiley:
I think the desire to own new gadgets, cars etc, is part of our society now and so we seek fulfilment in purchases, but it quickly fades i find.
If you want something else for the weekend a Cayman S Gen 2 (to be safe) is a good start, I really liked mine, but traded it and the normal car for 1 all rounder, the GTI. It’s not the same as having 2 cars, as we tend to obviously use the GTI for shopping and for fun, and this dilutes the appeal, but the financial side is waaaay better with just the GTI.
BTW I have a long term plan of keeping the GTI for 10 years, will see how far I get into that before I get itchy feet
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Anyone Traded their GTD in recently, just wondered what kinda price I would expect if i seen something I liked?
Mines 10 months old, 6k miles pure white 3 door, no options (manual), any idea on price :undecided:
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Can't say I'm bored with mine. Everytime I drive it I smile. It is the first car I can see myself keeping for a long while. Sure I'd love an R for the extra power but with the miles I do I need the MPG. I think it is a fantastic looking car (when it is clean) and gets a lot of comments from people about how smart it looks.
I am getting itchy feet in terms of modifications though. Tempted by lowering/upgrading the brakes...
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i think thats where I am Kyle. In reality still like the car very much but want to do something else with it. I've always liked the side exit exhausts and rear diffuser of the GTi so maybe thats a mod i should look into instead ?
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Excellent end of term review for Evo's long term GTI in this month's edition. Really captures what is great about the car and pretty much mirrors my feelings about the mk7.
I've had mine 8 months and normally after 4 or so I'm itching to change, but not even seriously looked into it once.
It's my favourite car owned to date hands down and the only slight disappointment is the fuel economy v claimed. Everything else is exactly what I wanted.
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I've had mine 8 months and normally after 4 or so I'm itching to change,
:shocked: Low boredom threshhold then :grin:
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Unfortunately yes, it's an expensive character flaw!