MK5 GTI, ED30, R32. Which one?

[ditchyboy]

I am looking for a nice 3dr mk5 for £8-10,000. I originally wanted the R32 with DSG but have realised that the fuel usage and tax band are just crazy!
I like the look of the ED30 as it comes with the higher spec than the GTI and i would be happy to drive that as is where as the GTI might need a bit of modding / colour coding to get it how i want it.
What are peoples thoughts on these cars and which one would be the best alrounder and what are the main common faults with any of them?

Thanks

Michael

[Philip James]

IMHO:
R32: Beautiful vehicle, beautiful V6 engine, with 4 wheel drive when required. Road tax very expensive.
ED30: Has KO4 turbo and other engine improvements, pushes 230bhp stock. Styling touches as you mention. 'Higher spec' you mention - depends on what the original buyer ordered - xenons etc., same as a GTI.
GTI: Lovely car and some people feel that a remapped GTI betters an ED30, possibly due to a little more lag with the KO4.

I'd say you're looking at a GTI or ED30, a nice dilemma. I've seen a few horrible ED30's BTW - ragged/crashed so be careful!

Common faults-do a search.

Good luck with your quest!

[ditchyboy]

cheers for the input, i really like the R32 but dont think i can justify the tax and im sure that loving the sound would mean very thirsty on fuel, lol! would love the 4 wheel drive though.
I know what you mean about the ED 30 and Gti's, i suppose a nice, top spec'd gti would match the ED 30 and would probably be cheaper to buy. Not sure what the difference in insurance is etc yet as im still deciding

[PenguinGTI]

I think in today's climate the R32 is even more of an "enthusiast only" car than it was before. The V6 engine sounds sublime and the raw NA power makes it rewarding to drive but the fuel and tax are less than comforting. Granted the tax only comes around once a year but the fuel costs can only really be considered acceptable if the car is a weekend only (or for low mileage use).

For an every day better compromise go for a GTI. Personally I prefer the subtle looks of the standard GTI to the Edition 30, but the Edition 30 offers much more tuning potential and the interior is definitely better. If however you prefer the looks of the Edition 30 then I'd suggest that it's really a no-brainer as to what car you should be considering.

As for DSG, it's personal preference. I have it and I love it but that's just my own experience/preference.

[mattGTI20]

I bought my gti about 6 weeks ago and love it so much but the R32 is one of my favourite ever cars but chose the gti due to the running costs of the R32, now however I'm thinking of trading the gti in and getting the R32 as I love them that much regardless of the cost, having said that I have never driven the R32 so will need to have a good test drive in one first as I have never enjoyed driving a car more than I do my gti. I have done so many searches on here to try and make up my mind but just don't no what to do so I no what predicament your in mate 

[R32UK]

i find that the gti/ed30 are just not quick enough in std guise... so you really need to factor in a remap into yout insurance costs, which can push them sky high.

if you can justify the fuel costs, I would get the R32... its really that simple 

[mattGTI20]

I no I could afford the fuel it's the tax that puts me off a little, but it's only once a year, also how much faster is the gti mapped compared to a standard R32?

[R32UK]

I no I could afford the fuel it's the tax that puts me off a little, but it's only once a year, also how much faster is the gti mapped compared to a standard R32?

very little in it... until you come to some bends. then its bye bye gti

However the R32 is much quicker to drive 'quickly', and no turbo lag.

[Gene Hunt.]

Went from a mk5 GTI to an ED 30 & was a good move.

[ashw831]

I am going to be in the same boat in the next 2-3 months. I just love r32's for the noise, 4wd etc, and they are getting cheaper all the time, then on the other hand I want a ED30 (both DSG). Is the fuel between the two going to be that different??
I do 75% motorway driving to work and back so wouldnt get too much abuse, it would mostly be on acceleration to 70 then cruise control all the way!