MK6 GT TDi (140bhp) or MK6 GTD (170bhp)

[evo1986]

Simple advice "Circa £15k" is not going to get you a mk6 170ps gtd. So its 140ps gt mk6 golf or mk5 gt sports in either 140 or 170 form.

I would much rather a mk6 gt 140 than a noisy mk5 140/170 gt sport power delivery is so much better in cr mk6's instead of the peaky delivery of pd's.

Spec wise standard for standard on the mk6 you will also gain cruise control, multifunction steering wheel, mdi(ipod/usb/aux connection), front centre armrest. Although lose automatic headlights, rain sensitive wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror and leather in some later mk5's.

[Exonian]

And going from the OPs requirement of less things to go wrong the lack of auto lights and dimming mirrors may be a bonus!

[david25]

My thoughts:

MK6 GT TDi (140PS) - a competent hatch. Sports suspension, 17" wheels, Alcantara seats, diesel for solid residual and good mileage.

MK6 GT (160PS) - another competent hatch, but could suffer engine problems depending on the age of car you find.

I've driven both and in my opinion the petrol 160PS is far far more refined, however I can't ignore the petrol engine problems. So my recommendation would be:

• You drive lots of A-road/motorway miles, get the MK6 GT TDi.
• You drive average or below average miles, get the petrol 122PS model with the optional 17" wheels (ADDED AT THE FACTORY, as this adds sports suspension) and possible save some of your £15,000 budget, depends on age/mileage.
• WILDCARD, try a 140 or 170PS MK5 GT-SPORT (Petrol) these Euro 4 engines are generally very good and definately save some of your budget.
  

[p3asa]

In fact the only additonal running cost on the 170bhp seems to be that tyres (premium) cost around £50.00 each more then on the 140. 

Maybe I'm reading this wrong but my 140 GT has the same size / make tyres as the 170 GTD so not sure where you get the extra £50?
Both come with 225 45 17 tyres as standard or they can be upgraded to 225 40 18

If cost is an issue to you then be aware that you could acctually buy the cheaper 140 but have dearer tyres on them!!

[dubber36]

In fact the only additonal running cost on the 170bhp seems to be that tyres (premium) cost around £50.00 each more then on the 140. 

Maybe I'm reading this wrong but my 140 GT has the same size / make tyres as the 170 GTD so not sure where you get the extra £50?
Both come with 225 45 17 tyres as standard or they can be upgraded to 225 40 18

If cost is an issue to you then be aware that you could acctually buy the cheaper 140 but have dearer tyres on them!!

I think he may have been refering to his current 2002 Golf which is probably on 15's.

[centurian]

All the Mk6 140ps GT TDi I have seen at main dealers come with 205/55 R16 tyres which I've priced up as being about £30 -£60 cheaper then R17s (like for like of course).

Thanks all for the input on this thread by the way.

[evo1986]

Then they have the wrong wheels on! 17's are standard on gt

[dieseldunc]

All the Mk6 140ps GT TDi I have seen at main dealers come with 205/55 R16 tyres which I've priced up as being about £30 -£60 cheaper then R17s (like for like of course).

Thanks all for the input on this thread by the way.

Defo incorrect; sorry. Standard on the GT are Porto 17" wheels; with a couple of 18" options (Vancouver and Bilbao). Standard on GTD are 17" Seattle Shadow; with couple of 18" options (Vancouvers or Charleston Shadow) depending upon age.

FWIW: I have a GT 140 and rate it very highly. I have the Vancouvers and the handling is very similar to the GTD (a tad more roll perhaps). Has great steering on the 18"s. The engine loosens up nicely and certainly ain't slow in real world driving and has excellent pull on motorway slips / overtaking etc. I get real world average consumption over 53mpg easily, and on long runs up the country can easily get indicated 62mpg + and I don't dawdle. GTD will be more so on the power front, but not sure what real world mpg is. They do look nice with the bigger spoiler and GTI style bumpers, but a nicely spec'd GT is pretty close in my opinon. I've seen a few 09 GT140s in the 15k area; so should be able to choose your colour / wheel preference farely easily.

Good luck with whichever you go for, and don't forget pics!
 

[centurian]

Thanks,

Pics may be a problem - will have to check out on how to get 'em on the forum.  Pretty sure it'll be a Mk6 140bhp. 

Nb,  Have had golfs for the last 10-yrs and like them.  Never considered myself an enthusiast as I simply do not know what goes on under the bonnet so, in my opinion I just driver them (I do clean them, check oil, water etc)

My neighbour is/was a mechanic and trained about 20-yrs ago when the cars where mechanical and even he can't offer much advice as now they are computer based.

[centurian]

Hope I don't get thrown off this site for my next comment but - how does the SEAT Leon's compare in your opinions?  Thanks