GTI test drive + order!

[RobS23GTI]

Hi all

I'm a new poster to the forum, but have followed for a few years now for tips etc.

Been hanging my nose over the new GTI for a while, but couldn't choose between it and the M135i (pure speed v cost really).

Well finally tested the GTI at the weekend and it's unbelievable, the reviews are spot on and its a massive upgrade over the MK6. It sounds great, sticks when you want and it's the all rounder that I can really justify with doing 60 miles commute per day.
I do think VW may have been a bit cautious with the 0-60 figures as is feels a lot quicker than 6.5 or whatever they quote. I had a remapped MK5 GTI pushing around 240bhp and it certainly felt quicker than that!

Sacked the dealer off as they couldn't get near any broker price plus gave s**t p/x value, so have gone through Drive the Deal, got 12% off list price for a 3 door with performance pack in pure white (so covers first hit of depn). If money wasn't an issue I would have added SatNav and ACC, but for the amount that I would use them, it wasn't worth the extra £1500 and the performance pack is the biggie.

I'm not expecting to see it before November really after reading some of the stories on here, but no rush as it builds up the equity in my GTD.

I wasn't expecting the GTI to feel "that" different to my MK6 GTD (outside of the obvious) which is around 210bhp and torquey as hell , but it really is completely different and I would encourage anyone to test the GTI before deciding which way to go as they may regret it.

Cheers
Rob

[CraigW]

Welcome to the fold Rob. It really is a great car and you won't regret choosing it over the 135 

[Gryzor]

Yeah, welcome to the club mate, I'm sure like all of us here you'll be chuffed to bits with your decision.  Let the waiting commence! 

[RobS23GTI]

I definitely wont regret choosing the GTI!

The M Lite is great and will hold its value a fair bit better than the GTI based on the 135i coupe's residuals, but when factoring in fuel costs, excessive tyre wear per the reviews, higher insurance and tax etc, I don't think there would be a great deal in it after 3 years.
Plus I am an horrendous driver in snow so basically would be asking for trouble in a rear wheel drive!

Interior/finish wise, I would take the GTI any day, the BMW is too generic. To steal the strap line, the GTI really is all things to all men!!

Roll on November...

[Gryzor]

Interior/finish wise, I would take the GTI any day, the BMW is too generic. To steal the strap line, the GTI really is all things to all men!!

Although fully aware of the M135i, it didn't even enter the equation!  The strap line you stole is the primary reason why I chose my Mk5 GTI in the first place, and now the Mk7

[drisser]

Hi Rob

congrats, am also going through the pondering stage.

Would be interested to know yours (and anyone elses) experience of buying through drive the deal - i checked a price today and it was a good £3500 off list price.

What is the aftersales like if you buy through DTD ?  Assume no warranty or "import" grey areas as they say their cars are UK dealer supplied ?

cheers and enjoy the wait !  incidentally how long a lead time are DTD quoting you ?

Andy

[mcmaddy]

you get put in touch with a dealer so all warranty is the same. they are UK cars only difference is you go to DTD first instead of the dealer but you'll end up at a dealer anyway.

[Hobojim]

Hi Rob

congrats, am also going through the pondering stage.

Would be interested to know yours (and anyone elses) experience of buying through drive the deal - i checked a price today and it was a good £3500 off list price.

What is the aftersales like if you buy through DTD ?  Assume no warranty or "import" grey areas as they say their cars are UK dealer supplied ?

cheers and enjoy the wait !  incidentally how long a lead time are DTD quoting you ?

Andy

I used DTD, they charge the Dealer a fee for putting you in touch with them that is it. They never touch any of your money. The dealer does all of that.

[monkeyhanger]

The only time you ever lose 3rd year (dealership) warranty is when you buy a grey import - usually from Malta (and they generally lose front fogs - no fog in Malta!). You only get the 2 years factory warranty from a grey import.

[RobS23GTI]

Yeah as said above by everyone, its very straightforward. You place the order with DTD, they call you back to confirm options then put you in touch with a VW dealer who takes it from there. Very easy way of saving over £3k! Plus you don't have to put up with dealer b/s and sales nonsense.

18-20 weeks build time which could be on the low side!!