Some advice about what to look out for (MK5 GTi)

[DanoGTI]

Looking a bit more seriously now at the Golf.....

Ideally I want :-

Leather
3dr
sat nav
DSG with flappy paddle
Armrest
18" Monzas


Now, I need to go and try the DSG, as I haven't tried it, but I was hoping you guys could shed some light on the other aspects...

The Sat Nav - is it actually worth having? I've got TomTom on my PDA. The only post I could find was making reference to the comparison between the RNS510 and the MFD2. Is the MFD2 cr@p? I'm looking at around a 55/06 plate so I'm guessing that it will be the latter rather than the former!!
I also want to connect my Ipod Touch - do I need anything else?
The Sat Nav box - can it play DVDs? (I know the RNS can though)

What I suppose I'm getting at  - is it worth holding out for a car with the SatNav when I've got other items that already do the job?

Are there any colours to avoid? Red always used to be a problem, but is it ok now?

Do they all come with the Highline computer display?

What about the winter packs etc (don't know which is which!)

Seen a few for around the £11K mark with 20K-odd on the clock.....

Any suggestions?

DAn

[vaughn]

there should be some answers to your questions in here 
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?board=59.0

[DanoGTI]

Thanks

OK - so after an exhaustive night of trawling, I *think* I've come to some conclusions!!

1. DSG (and Flappy Paddles) - FANTASTIC pretty much all around however, there are some pitfalls.

(a) On newer models, very good indeed.
(b) On older models (I'm looking at around an 05/55) - DSG can be a bit sketchy! Due to the risky bearing issue.

Therefore, probably an option to steer clear of on an older car  - or is this rubbish?

2. SatNav - lol!! The main thing I've learnt is the minefield of VW options
On the 05/55 (and up to 08 cars), the options are MFD2, or the RDNS510 (at an additional cost)

However, it doesn't play MP3 disks, nor DVDs, and the SatNav software only does 4 digit postcodes in 2D. Correct?

So, if I find a car with it, all well and good. But I've already got a PDA with TomTom, which will be better software.


3. Stereo (MFD2 or RCD300/500) cr@p on standard speakers. I'm coming from a Bose-powered Audi S4 
Is it just the speakers that are rubbish, or head unit?

Ipod - I've got a Touch, so the Ipod armrest option would be pointless. Regardless of which model you go for (including the "MFD3"), the Ipod integration is rubbish. So, I would be looking at a Dension option.


Haven't found much out about the paint, nor the "other" options though.


Any other thoughts?

Dan

[AlanD]

My own opinion with regards to sound systems in the GTI is to not bother with the expensive optional units VW throw in. Go the aftermarket route and for a fraction of the cost you will have a MUCH better system (simple setup of decent HU, sub and amp will do you wonders if you want decent tunage). Only downside is you lose some bootspace.

All imo of course.

[DanoGTI]

Thanks for that Alan

So, would it be worth looking for a "boggo" GTI with the RCD300/500 and starting from scratch?

Or is there some worth in the MFD2 route, perhaps with an amp/aftermarket speakers?

DAn

[AlanD]

To be honest im not really sure what the MFD2 offers. Mine came with a shockingly poor standard unit that I just ripped out and put my own equipment in.

[Dogbucket]

Admittedly the MFD2 is a bit dated now being only 2D, but it is quite well integrated into the car giving directional arrows in the display between the dials. I have a new Tomtom and yes it has lots of bells and whistles, but the old MFD2 does the job and it is always there. I doubt you will have to pay much of a premium on a used car to get one, so you can always junk it later if it is not good enough.

[DanoGTI]

Out of interest, can you use the stereo, whist in Nav-mode on the MFD2?

Also, are there any thoughts/comments on my other points?

Dan

[neg]

Not heard of any bearing issues with early DSG boxes, there are a few of us on here with 50k+ now and no problems.  Most issues seem to happen early and are fixed under warranty.

[DanoGTI]

Thanks for the reply Neg

The DSG "twitch" was with reference to this post -

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=102231.0

Dan