Advice for a newbie looking to buy a MK6

[Pimpmac]

Hi guys I was hoping to get some advice as a newbie to VW and Golf GTI's.  For the last 10 years I have driven BMW's from 316i, 320D's to 330Ci's and a Z4 Coupe thrown in for good measure.  At the moment I am driving a 320D touring as my company car and it is due a change in the next few months.  Having looked around at options I am giving very serious consideration to buying a Golf GTI as I feel it will give me everything that I need - a bit of fun, a fantastic drivers car and a some practicality for the family.  I am starting to look at the specs and the various options and was hoping that you would be able to advise me as to what is really worth getting and what is not.

My thoughts so far were to go for the following:

DSG gearbox = I know its a marmite thing but only driven the BMW M5 equivalent once and the novelty of this is making me very keen.

Candy White

18" Monza's

ACC

Winter Pack

Luxury Pack

Bluetooth

Side Airbags

RCD 510 & Dynaudio

The car needs to be less than about 30k and that comes in at the moment £45 less than this.  Whilst I appreciate most goodies are there there are some noticeable absences.  I am from N.Ireland and it is very difficult to justify or need Sat Nav so I generally do not consider it as it I do not believe it offers considerably better re-sale value.  The biggest debae is probably around the lack of leather interior.  My daughter is 1 year old and my mates think I am mad not getting the leather but at the moment it will take the car out of my budget.....but are there other elements that I should drop from my list to get it?  Whilst not having seen the tartan interior in person some people I have spoken to feel it is too loud and the leather will tone the car down nicely.

Are there any extras there that are just not worth it like the Dynaudio and RCD 510??

Finally what % (if any) are achievable as a discount at the stealers - I can probably get about 8% off if I buy the car online but collection etc is a pain.

Really appreciate anyone's views on this matter and very excited about getting my hands on one of these!!!

[p3asa]

Welcome.
Have a search of the forum as a few folk don't rate the leather in the MK6 Golf.
I wouldn't worry about your daughter and not having leather as a good fabric protector like scotch guard would stop any stains if she spilled anything.
I personally wouldn't be without a rear view camera on any future cars if I could help it as I've found it really invaluable.
Have you thought of Xenons? I haven't got them but I do think the standard lights on a Golf are poor and would probably look at them for any future car.

[PenguinGTI]

Welcome,

The DSG is indeed a marmite thing. I personally love it. Like yourself I got it primarily because of the novelty but I would find it very hard to go back to a manual now. You do lose the clutch pedal but I think there are definitely more gains. In D mode my car is very smooth (perfect for taking people who appreciate a comfortable journey) and in manual mode I can drive how I choose - I never really use Sport mode as manual is a bit better I think. I also love the DSG pop it makes when you change gear whilst having a bit of fun.

Candy White is a great colour. Mine is red but I think the GTI looks great in white (and you also save a decent bit of money by not going metallic).

18 inch Monza Shadows are also a good shout. I didn't get these and are perhaps one of the regrets I have. Although they are vulnerable to kerb damage.

ACC is a further sensible choice. I know plenty of members on here have it (I don't although would maybe get it next time).

As for the leather... it really is personal preference. I prefer the look of the GTI tartan. It is after all unique to the GTI and I also prefer cloth seats for both the comfort and the durability. EDIT I find leather unsightly when it gets creased and marked.
I wouldn't say it is too loud. Orange seats (Focus ST) are too loud in my opinion but I think the tartan (especially in the mk6) adds a nice class to the cabin. There are some images floating around on google and I'm sure there may be some pics on here. If your'e still undecided have a look at one in the dealer if you can.

Apart from that great choice on the car. It really is a brilliant car to live with. it's not faultless (everything has one or two niggles) but it does everything that needs to be done without fuss. The standard car is plenty quick and fun as it is (and if you ever want more then there's always a remap  )

Furthermore, some of your options, such as the RCD510 upgrade can be retrofitted (either by the garage, yourself or some folks on this forum) so be aware that you could save some money on upgrades such as this. I'm sure someone will be along shortly who can advise you further on this.

Well, that's it from me, and once again welcome to the forum.

[am1w]

Welcome.

Get the front and rear parking sensors, ditch the RCD510 and Dynaudio, and retro-fit the sat nav RNS510. Don't know wether it is cheaper to order Bluetooth as a a factory order or retro-fit.

ACC is a must with 18" wheels or for that matter with any wheel size IMO.

All this will be within the budget.

All the best .

[Snoopy]

Great spec, parking sensors is what i would add. The fronts an odd shape and not the easiest to judge. Even if this meens to delete something else to try and stay in budget

[Jimmymature]

Welcome.

Get the front and rear parking sensors, ditch the RCD510 and Dynaudio, and retro-fit the sat nav RNS510. Don't know wether it is cheaper to order Bluetooth as a a factory order or retro-fit.

ACC is a must with 18" wheels or for that matter with any wheel size IMO.

All this will be within the budget.

All the best .

In the last month I've just bought a used GTI, its got a nice spec.  The things i wish it had are a better stereo - Dynaudio is a good shout.  Quite a few people rave about ACC but I think the ride is just right without it, I was used to an Audi so my spine may already be damaged!

Cruise control is great and the reversing camera is the piece of tech kit i like most.

hopefully we'll see you in here soon with a pic of your new car.  If you weren't aware already there is a stupid waiting time from ordering to delivery but don't let that put you off.



Jim

[RedHP]

Greeting McPimp 

As its either a company car or you willtake the allowance etc etc, you obviously do a few miles. Although already liste in your 'must haves' please esnure that you go for the ACC, something which I have regretted not having fitted to my GiT (as-per recent ACC thread) 

Red

[Jimble]

I wouldn't buy one mate, they're rubbish!!

[Pimpmac]

I appreciate all the thoughts and responses guys - always such a quandry and to be honest as I am getting the GTI which has a list price of about £4-5k less than my last car I can get a few bells and whistles that I may not have been able to get in other cars....decisions decisions....

Certainly it doesnt seem that leather is one of those really important things to get.  Pretty sure I will spec and get what I have suggested and if I negotiate hard I can maybe try and get a few of the other toys suggested above  I can get a car on the road with all of the toy above plus Xenons, storage pack, multi function display, front and rear sensors & cruise control for £29.1k - that sounds pretty good to me.

Have only really started looking into this but what sort of wait times are we looking at currently?  Buy A Car are saying 12-14 weeks but I would take that with a pinch of salt.

[Snoopy]

I would be suprised if its not a 6 month wait unless you get a cancelled order slot.