Golf GTI/GTD Vs The Competition. What should I buy? Advice much appreciated. Â

[Streety82]

Thanks for the info. so far fellas! 

@King Monkey - Thanks for the pricing info and website. I just tried Autobytel and they didn't come up cheapest out of the quotes received so far. Did you manage to haggle the free servicing through Autobytel or when you spoke to the dealer? The 3 year service package is currently £299 so would be great to get that for free.

@MDSS MK6 - This is good to hear. The cheapest quote I've got so far is with Drivethedeal, so it's nice to hear you had a good experience with them.

@PenguinGTI - Many thanks for your thorough review. Very much appreciated. I think all along I had my heart set on a Golf and just considered the other's because I thought I should. I've pretty much gone with what every review has said and that is that the Golf is the best in the class and following the test drive I am pretty set on the GTD. 

Discounted Leon due to lesser quality interior.
Discounted BMW due to RWD in winter. Extra money on winter tyres.
Discounted Alfa because I'm not sure of the styling. Like the front (in certain colour's), don't like the back.

@R32UK - yes, not particularly impressed with the service received at the dealer. Hope it improves, but I see the general consensus is they aren't the best.

[king monkey]

Streety82,

The servicing was included free of charge. Didn't ask for it as my dad has been a Vw mechanic for years and always done all my work on previous cars. My brother bought a Roc recently from Autobytel and it was also included for him.

Hope this helps.

[gizzywizzy]

Seriously mate, if you are not going to be covering loads of miles I would plump for the GTI over the GTD, although the GTD is a GOOD car it is not a GREAT car, it does have good mid range torque but nowhere near the outright power of the GTI,  to my way of thinking it is a GTI wannabe but does not quite make it.  Whatever you decide on I would definitely spec ACC and the reverse camera, both of which I could not live without.

All the best with whatever you decide on.

[am1w]

I'll be succinct.

Question 1: What car have you got?
Answer: Golf GTI.
Reaction: Eyes light up and there is a look of envy.

Question 2: What car have you got?
Answer: Golf GTD.
Reaction: Blank look, no reaction.

Life's a beitch.

QED.

[Agreeable Slick]

I'll be succinct.

Question 1: What car have you got?
Answer: Golf GTI.
Reaction: Eyes light up and there is a look of envy.

Question 2: What car have you got?
Answer: Golf GTD.
Reaction: Blank look, no reaction.

Life's a beitch.

QED.

I'll be more succinct.

You overrate the Golf GTI's impact.

I'm as much of a VW fan as the next person on here, however, I feel no envy, or animosity towards people who on mk6 GTI's. Sure they are a nice car, but not something to be envious about.

A car to be envious about is something like an exotic sports car Lambo, Ferrari, Bugatti, Rolls Royce etc. Hot hatches are ten a penny now, and every main manufacturer has one in its line up.

Ultimately to the OP, if you want a GTI for its spirited drive, good build quality and comfortable drive then get one. If you want a GTI for it's perhaps not quite as sure footed drive (due to front weight) good build quality and comfortable drive then get one of them.

It also depends on how long you intend to keep it. High milage on the GTI will affect resale value, on the GTD it won't harm it so much. Servicing costs on both will be higher due to VW method of working, although running costs on the GTD will be lower in terms of fuel and tax.

Economies of scale, which can you afford?

[am1w]

suc·cinct   /səkˈsɪŋkt/  Show Spelled[suhk-singkt]  Show IPA
adjective
1. expressed in few words; concise; terse.
2. characterized by conciseness or verbal brevity.
3. compressed into a small area, scope, or compass.

[evo1986]

Street82 who did you deal with at vw Cheltenham as I work there.

Lee.Evans@ir.inchcape.co.uk

I am off on holiday till the 31st but can see if we can do any more for you. Which broker have you enquired on getting the car through?

[Agreeable Slick]

suc·cinct   /səkˈsɪŋkt/  Show Spelled[suhk-singkt]  Show IPA
adjective
1. expressed in few words; concise; terse.
2. characterized by conciseness or verbal brevity.
3. compressed into a small area, scope, or compass.

Yes love, well done. You can use google.

The first bit was for you. The rest was my view and to aid the OP.

[am1w]

suc·cinct   /səkˈsɪŋkt/  Show Spelled[suhk-singkt]  Show IPA
adjective
1. expressed in few words; concise; terse.
2. characterized by conciseness or verbal brevity.
3. compressed into a small area, scope, or compass.

Yes love, well done. You can use google.
The first bit was for you. The rest was my view and to aid the OP.

Succinct at last, love.
Well done. 

[evo1986]

Streety82,

The servicing was included free of charge. Didn't ask for it as my dad has been a Vw mechanic for years and always done all my work on previous cars. My brother bought a Roc recently from Autobytel and it was also included for him.

Hope this helps.

If you take the car on vw solutions / pcp then you get the 3 year service plan free so guess this must of been the case.