for those who could have afford a R32, why did you choose your Gti/Ed30?

[celica]

as the R32 is becoming more affordable, and especially some Ed30's costing more etc. Why did you choose the Gti/ Ed30 etc. over a R32?

[lookoutsmudger]

The thought of running a 3.2ltr car worried me. I initially wanted the Mk6 GTi but could'nt wait for it (the arrival of my daughter required a 5 door car asap) so for me a mk5 GTi was a sensible compromise. Not too heavy on fuel (?), insurance (i'm 41!) and vehicle tax.
I'm sure that owners of R32s can give you an idea on the running costs etc but I saved several thousand by opting for the GTi and have a car that does everything I need it to.   

[celica]

lookoutsmudger  , congrats on new arrival
what did the gti replace?

[RedRobin]

....

R32 V6 zorst music versus GTI nimbler drive feel. The GTI won but the .:R would be a very close second choice.

[pazz]

I opted for an ED30 over an R32 mainly due to 95% of the models being £400 tax a year and also general fuel consumption.

I think its important to put your car choice into your personal perspective. Everyone is different and require different things from their car.

For example - I use my ED30 to get to work and back which is just shy of a 40 mile round trip. Which IMO is not far enough to warrant an oil burner and yet far enough to make me forget about anything too thirsty.

When it comes down to it, it just depends on how much you are willing to fork out in running costs. To some people, its worth every penny.

[Hurdy]

Couldn't live with a Zimmerframe strapped to the front of my car, so chose the ED30

*Ducks and hides*

*Comes up for air*

Seriously though, The ED30 was more nimble and just "felt" better on the road. The R32 makes it "too easy" if you know what I mean. The ED30 looks better (Although I do like the zorst and sound of the R32) and is ultimately more tuneable and faster.

[illyun]

I didn't have to choose 

[TomB]

The thought never really crossed my mind, I wanted a TFSI after years of TDI and I fell in love when I saw the GTI concept so that was that.

I did have a quick look but they were £4k too much at the time of buying.

[Pando]

As my previous cars had been 6 cylinders cars ( VR6/ 325i/ M3/ 330CI) I always though i wouldn't like the turbo power of the gti and would have to buy the R32. I had a scooby when they first came out but only kept it for a year as it was fast but got bored very quickly of having to stir the gearbox all the time to get power.
Always prefered the look of the gti over the mk 5 R32 as i thought it looked bland - poor wheels and front end.

I took the gti for a test ride and within minutes knew that i liked it. The power delivery was smoth rather than in yer face. I knew this was the car to buy.
3 years down the line i have no intentions to change even though this would normally be the time to trade.

The wife also loves it and would only change for a car that provides the same smiles per mile for drive and performance
We have just had a second kid and hope it serves us well and gets us past the pram stage.
Money has never really been a consideration when buying as when i bought the Gti i firstly test drove a X5 but found it really disappointing.
I am now at the point where i really don't know what to buy next. Quite fancy a 3 series touring but it must have a 6 cylinder engine. Any suggestions welcomed

[M11BYH]

I have owned at r32 and now hav a gti. for me fuel was pretty similar. i hav always said the r32 is the better driving machine, however the gti is in a class of its own. it has more character. plus after a remap u will blow the r32 away lol.