Honest Opinions - is it REALLY that good as an all rounder ??

[drisser]

Hi Guys

am just at the point of potentially re-ordering a GTi again.

One of the things that makes me change cars is a, getting bored and b, useability..  So this time I am looking for something that really does tick all the boxes all of the time -

Decent looking
Future proof ie 5 doors in case kids come along soon
Fun to drive when I want to
Practical
Reliable
Feel good factor
Sensible running costs v performance
Good residuals
Easy to drive when you just need to "get somewhere" without thinking about it.

So when you tick all of those boxes I struggle to come up with too many cars other than a 5 Door DSG GTi PP ?

Any views ?  Honest views please from those who live with a GTi as their day to day car.  I have a cherished Fiat Coupe Turbo for summer / weekend indulgance so my main car really has to be good at everything..

[vidman2]

The only issue I have is that the boot is not really big enough for a full weeks shop and I have to fill the rear seats.

VW claimed a bigger boot than the MK6 but while it may be more liters that actual floor footprint is smaller.

Apart from that it really is a car for all occasions, looks good, drives superbly, very comfortable and quick

[CraigW]

There's no denying that its a very competent all rounder. It's a decent looking car, build quality is generally quite sound (except for the odd rattle), performance is good rather than exceptional, the interior is lovely and practicality is very good. Although MPG is nowhere near what VW claim it's still relatively acceptable IMO, running costs and insurance for the car like this is amazing.

However, I'm a bit like yourself in that I get bored fairly quickly and will definitely be looking to move on to something else in about 18 months or so.

In terms of what else is out there that would give everything your looking for then there's not much. The R obviously comes to mind however I believe the boot is a fair bit smaller due to the AWD system.

[drisser]

Cheers Craig

am just trying to weigh up these attributes v the cost.  I still struggle a little but with a 4 cyl motor in a golf costing £30k to be honest, they just dont have the expensive feel of BMW's 6 cylinder petrol (or diesel for that matter) engines..

Currently I have a good deal on the table to swap my gf's mini cooper for a BMW 325d M sport and the trade in is nearly £500 better than I have been offered against a new GTi order.. plus the BMW is 3 years old and up for £15k approved used, so its a huge difference in overall cost to change.  Granted the BMW is starting to look dated etc but has a good spec

I do want something with 4/5 doors and auto/dsg, so the only new car I am really thinking about is the golf..

[CraigW]

It's lovely getting a new car but after a few months the excitement soon disappears and then your just left with fairly large monthly payments 

Have you thought about a year old GTI so that your missing the large depreciation hit in the first year?

[drisser]

Yea exactly that is my gripe !  Especially when £15-20k buys you a very good used motor..

Have noticed there is a good selection of used ones around, might be an option, although I really want one with the sunroof so not to many with that..

[monkeyhanger]

It's lovely getting a new car but after a few months the excitement soon disappears and then your just left with fairly large monthly payments 

Have you thought about a year old GTI so that your missing the large depreciation hit in the first year?

A year old GTI significantly cheaper than a new one with 12% discount? When was the last time you looked at a VW used forecourt? 

That's the trouble with VWs - they're not worth buying really new unless they're something really unpopular like a Jetta or a Beetle. Everything else holds it's value so well (especially Golf/Tiguan). If you're talking nearly new with a bit of poke, you could do a lot worse than a Focus ST (not keen on the interior though).

Isn't the 325d still only a 4cyl engine? I thought you had to get up to 330d or 335d to go 6cyl.

[drisser]

Would tend to agree with a good discount you can get a reasonable deal on the Gti with 10-12% off plus lower rate finance also helps new v nearly new..

The E90 325 d is a detuned 6 cyl from the 330d, decent engine 204 BHP and nearly 300 lb ft or torque, 45 mpg, 0-60 7.4 secs.  One I am looking at is a 61 plate so it has the newer shift paddles (right up, left down) rather than the early and truly awful left and right do both paddles on earlier 3 series !

[monkeyhanger]

Would tend to agree with a good discount you can get a reasonable deal on the Gti with 10-12% off plus lower rate finance also helps new v nearly new..

The E90 325 d is a detuned 6 cyl from the 330d, decent engine 204 BHP and nearly 300 lb ft or torque, 45 mpg, 0-60 7.4 secs.  One I am looking at is a 61 plate so it has the newer shift paddles (right up, left down) rather than the early and truly awful left and right do both paddles on earlier 3 series !

I assumed it was the same as the 4cyl twin scroll unit on the 125d. Some seriously cheap deals (25% discount) on 3 and 5 series recently, and BMW don't make you wait an eternity to get one either. Check out HUKD and do a search.

[CraigW]

It's lovely getting a new car but after a few months the excitement soon disappears and then your just left with fairly large monthly payments 

Have you thought about a year old GTI so that your missing the large depreciation hit in the first year?

A year old GTI significantly cheaper than a new one with 12% discount? When was the last time you looked at a VW used forecourt? 

That's the trouble with VWs - they're not worth buying really new unless they're something really unpopular like a Jetta or a Beetle. Everything else holds it's value so well (especially Golf/Tiguan). If you're talking nearly new with a bit of poke, you could do a lot worse than a Focus ST (not keen on the interior though).

Isn't the 325d still only a 4cyl engine? I thought you had to get up to 330d or 335d to go 6cyl.

Still quite a few bargains out there

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/volkswagen/golf-gti-mk7/golf-hatchback-2-0-tsi-gti-3dr/3665096

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/volkswagen/golf-gti-mk7/vw-golf-2-0t-gti-performance-dsg-3dr-huge-spec-cost-35k-new-1-owner-and-6-000-miles-from-new/3330350