Second thoughts

[Ess_Three]

Surely people arrive at a spec they will accept nothing less than and go from there.

Personally, I'd buy new if I could, because I usually spec high amounts of, or odd options, I'm unlikely to find on a used car, and also because I actually don't mind the wait to be the first owner.
I waited 8 months for my GTI.

I didn't spec RNS510 or Bluetooth as they are easily retro-fitted to the GTi...but on other models in the line up, I'd probably spec them from the factory as I couldn't be arsed ripping a new car apart to fit them...and also to get the warranty cover on certain options.

Usually, I'd keep a car 3-4 years, so spending £6000-7000 more on a new car or one with lots of factory options is such a small price to pay for having what I want every day, that i'm happy to pay it.
I know I'd not be happy with ANY car if it wasn't the 'perfect' spec...I certainly wouldn't/couldn't keep a car 3 years plus wishing I had this or that option or colour.

[am1w]

As Ess_Three says, it is important you specify carefully from the factory and consider even more carefully what you can retro-fit easily and cost effectively. This forum is full of good ideas and information.

An example of my mistake was not specifying Bi-Xenons from the factory. It is a PITA to retro-fit.

I personally would order a new car, as over a three to four year period the difference in cost comes to nothing. And you get the car you really want. The waiting can also turn you into a more patient human being, within reason. (Snoops' car took as long as a pregnancy and he was not pleased. But this was the worst case ever that I know of).

All the best.

PS: You don't find virgins too often, so get a new car!

[The Doc]

The guys above have a good point, if your going to keep the car long term you should ensure you get exactly what you want.

My only regret is not having xenons but I couldn't wait for a new build hence I got "the best I could find"

The financial side is down to you :-)

[p3asa]

My dealer told me that I could make no changes whatsoever. I also asked about the situation where VW change the spec before my build and what if I then want to make a change - same answer.

Your dealer is at it.  Phone VW head office in Milton Keynes, they'll tell you for sure.
Once it is locked in the system you can't alter the spec but that doesn't happen for several weeks.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=175220.msg1645715#msg1645715

As for getting your deposit back, I think it would really be up to the individual dealer rather than a legal requirement. At the end of the day the deposit you paid is for a specific, individually made car that the garage has now ordered for you (whether they have actually done this or not).  I think legally they would be be able to keep it as you entered into a contract / agreement with them for the purchase of a brand new car.  The garage could argue you were fully aware it would take at least 20 weeks before you got the new car. You approached them and were fully aware of the deal

Cooling off periods generally only apply to internet deals, telephone deals and deals done at your front door.  Which is designed to protect the buyer from buying blind via the net or pressurised at the front door.

[Snoopy]

As others have said consider the options carefully.
I think most of us with time wished we had added something that we did not.
Mine was ACC suspension. Everything else i don't miss.

[The Doc]

As others have said consider the options carfully.
I think most of us with time wished we had added something that we did not.
Mine was ACC suspension. Everything else i don't miss.

If it helps I have my ACC in "normal" mode 98% of the time 

[branchespark]

Thanks all! Lots of food for thought. Lack of xenons, leather, ACC and DSG would kill me. As you say, if you're driving it every day (and see it more than the wife), a few grand over nine years (expected life) is nothing in the grand scheme.

Btw, doesn't the ACC in Normal mean it adjusts automatically, not that it is of no use?

[Alski]

Branchespark - my 2 pennies worth is that you should def go nearly new. I bought my Mar '10 GTD DSG with full leather 2 weeks ago for £21k. Added (thanks to mortygt from this site) Bluetooth and Nav for less than a grand, so now have a car which would have retailed for £30k which cost me less than £22k.

The only extra I would have liked would have been Xenons, but for the money I saved I am more than happy to live without.

Admittedly I did spend best part 2 months looking and waiting for right colour (Carbon Grey) and spec to turn up - but have to confess better than waiting >6 months for factory order. Also think that now car has been around nearly 18 months more used ones will start to appear and will be easier to assess where they land in terms of residuals.

Mine had been p/x'd against new Yeti (in Lancs) by someone fed up or panicking about snow. But makes me shudder to think how much he/she must have lost in the the 8 months they owned the car .

[The Doc]

Thanks all! Lots of food for thought. Lack of xenons, leather, ACC and DSG would kill me. As you say, if you're driving it every day (and see it more than the wife), a few grand over nine years (expected life) is nothing in the grand scheme.

Btw, doesn't the ACC in Normal mean it adjusts automatically, not that it is of no use?

Interesting, I presumed that "normal" meant standard ie the same as a non acc car???

I'll start a new thread shall I before we hijack this one 

[The Doc]

GTD for sale http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=175700.0