Right guys, I've had an insurance payout for my Impreza and I'm putting my midlife crisis days behind me (should have bought a Golf in the 1st place!)
I have a daily driver car so i'm looking for a Golf to modify and enjoy BUT it also has to do a few long journeys a year, commute to/from the missus place (60 mile round trip, 2/3 times a week) plus a trip or 2 to Newquay and a track weekend at the Ring every year.
I have an idea in my head that a 3 Door Mk4 GT Tdi would have the torque to make me smile (its mainly B-roads round here), which I could then add anniversary or R32 looks to, remap/tinker with but also get decent mpg when I need it.
The main problem with this is that i'm not clued up on oil burners, what to look for, year and engine variations and what it will likely cost to mod to a reasonable level (300lb/ft would be nice). I've got some nice, subtle styling ideas and I know about the various Bora etc trim upgrades.
Previously I had thought about getting a 20v turbo 3 door, so I know a fair bit about what potential they have, and I think I could happily blow my budget trying to achieve the torque that a TDI can produce. I know I talk about torque a lot, but i've done enough trackdays, Nurburgring etc to know that I'll get more enjoyment from a torquey motor than one that has 300bhp and will do 150+mph.
So my question is, with 3 grand, what should I be looking for? What sort of mods list should I consider (power wise) before things start getting into "next level" where major surgery and wallet battering is needed? I will have about £400 a month to spend on the car on a monthly basis but i'm crap at saving, so dont say "save up and get a xxxx" coz it wont happen. I cant afford an Anniversary and to be honest, I dont see the justification in the inflated price compared to a standard Gti. They look amazing, but the price tags just dont do it for me.
I've been into modified cars for 20 years, had nearly everything from all the Ford XR's, Vauxhall SRi's, GTE's, Mazda MX6's (Import and UK), 2x Impreza's with 330bhp, 205 Gti's etc etc so I know the score when it comes to playing with cars. I do a lot of car shows, Trax, Santa Pod, Ten of the Best and would like a Golf that people take notice of.
You guys have all been there and done that so I'm hoping you can pass on your knowledge and save me making expensive mistakes or doing things twice. Many thanks to all who can share their wisedom
