Just wanted to introduce myself, joined the forum as I've just taken delivery of my first (well technically second, see below) VW Golf and thought this would be a useful place to hang out!
I'm the proud owner of a Golf GTI Performance Pack, 5 door Manual in Carbon Grey. I had originally purchased a one month old example, but after finding out just how bad the paintwork was following what I can only assume was the dealers valet cleaning with a brick, they arranged for a brand new Golf with similar spec, which took a couple of months to sort.
I've decided on a Golf mainly because we have our first child due soon and wanted something practical to replace my ageing VX Astra which served me well for 7 years. Having owned and recently sold a Porsche Cayman R, I wanted to at least buy something with "a bit" of poke, should the mood take me!
I had originally planned on buying a 7R instead, but the seemingly poor mpg and the fact no Carbon Grey was available stopped me, but also because I got a cracking deal on the GTI. I was also concerned the 7R might be too precious to me and a significant theft risk (live in a lovely area but every single S3 has been stolen over the years, so maybe the R would be the same). I might switch to an R in the future, or go for a GTD if fuel becomes a major annoyance.
So far enjoying it, the first one was DSG (my first DSG!) and really liked it, but I didn't find it as engaging as a Manual, so when the opportunity to exchange was there, the dealer offered me a Manual plus the difference back in cash! The car has a lovely balance to it, feels very solid and as daft as it may sound, a similar gearing change feel to the Astra I had (mk4), i.e. nice clutch press position and stick movement. Felt very at home in it straight away.
No pictures as yet, as I took the brand new car with no prep, so I'm working through removing the transit stickers and clearing the car of wax, residue and sand. Probably be a couple of weeks before I get around to it.
My hope for the car is that it lasts us through the early year or two of our new families life, then go from there.
PS - car insurance was only £156. Not sure if that is because the Golf GTI is now so good on insurance with the 'assist', or because I'm getting old
