Recommedations for newb

[gr4z]

Hi from a newb
I am looking at buying a Mk5 GTI but need some advice from you guys if possible.
I am looking at spending around £12-14k for 06 plate and above with less than 35k on the clock. Would prefer it in black or grey and DSG. Don't want leather (I don't really like it) and a sunroof would be a bonus! Is this realistic?
Can any of you chaps recommend a good place to find one apart from pistonheads? Fleebay isn't really appealing...

Thanks chaps

[Hurdy]

Welcome gr4z,

£12-14k should be more than enough to get you into a GTI with DSG.

My best advice would be to keep scouring the forums, Autotrader and volkswagen.co.uk.

3drs and 5drs seem to be making similar money.
Used prices for GTI's have firmed up recently, but with the budget you have, it will just be finding the right one.

[jaydubveedub]

Yes that's a good budget. Bought mine early May, 06 plate five door, manual but with xenons and other toys. Paid £13.5k from a main dealer but to be fair the car is in A1 nick with new tyres all round etc.

If you are fussy about condition like me then you might find yourself travelling a fair distance to look at different cars.

Best of luck.

[VWjon]

Welcome matey.

Bought my 3 door manual 06 plate 3-4 weeks ago, only 7K on the clock, leather, 18's, armrest, ipod, paid 13K including a private plate worth £600+

[DanoGTI]

Welcome

Depends what you want to be honest - I personally went down the VW route.

Got an MY05 3dr manual with 22K, 17" wheels, Lux pack 1, Tyre pressure sensors, Arm rest4 new tyres, cambelt service , GAP insurance and VW extended warranty  for in reality circa £13K.
There are gems out there, but you've got to be patient - took me nearly 6 months to find mine, almost gave up then it appeared out of nowhere.

The dealership also p/ex'd my Audi S4 with a fantastic price (pretty much private value rather than trade)

HTH 

Dan

[gr4z]

Thanks chaps for your advice. I currently have a BMW 320d which needs to go due to the credit crunch and a change of job but really fancy a Mk5 GTI as always liked them. I used to do 25k miles per year but now will be doing less than 10k.
Must admit would prefer one from a dealer and obviously the cheaper the better Can I expect to get one less than £12K? Its good to hear the deals are out there and will keep an eye on volkswagen.co.uk and pistonheads as they seem the best bets.

VWJon - was yours from a dealer? The only difference from your spec is that I would prefer a 5dr and of course DSG.

Thanks again

[VWjon]

Saw mine in the autotrader on the morning, saw and bought it on the evening... there was alot of interest in it. Oldish lady owner from new that had to sell due to illness.

Wasnt too worried about warranty, it had a week left when I got it, booked it in to local dealers to sort a few things and give it the once over. I purchased a 3 year warranty from click4warranty for £450.

[gr4z]

Really want 18" wheels as well. Would you guys recommend going for a 17" wheeled version (as they seem cheaper) and then fleebay for these 18" wheel & tyre sets?
Thanks

[DanoGTI]

Be careful with the VW site - normally by the time they're advertised, they've already gone  

Go see your local VW dealer - see if they can keep you in the loop

Dan

[VWjon]

Really want 18" wheels as well. Would you guys recommend going for a 17" wheeled version (as they seem cheaper) and then fleebay for these 18" wheel & tyre sets?
Thanks

You could do, depends on

1. how quick you want a GTi - ie more for sale have 17's
2. Be careful of ebay 18's as some are not genuine monza's (hollow alloy technology) and just heavy steel copies.