After all the pondering, it has just come down to this !

[drisser]

GTi or GTD ?

Sound familiar ?

I find it quite funny that after originally driving a gti and really liking it then changing my mind, am now in the market for a sensible and fun daily driver as I have a nice BMW 330ci for weekend driving.

So I had pretty much settled on a golf, or maybe an A3 or scirocco.  I was pondering maybe a golf GT tdi 150 or maybe 1.4 TSi.  The main criteria was sensible running costs, fun to drive, something I will keep as a long term car as the BMW mig get moved on for a mother weekend car at some point, so basically a fun car that does it all.

Today I went and drove a GT tdi 150 and quite liked it, but it was a tad short of grunt and I thought the basic nav looked a bit cheap, did like the alcantara seats though.  I was going to go and drive the TSi but decided the tdi 150 was the minimum grunt I would need..

Then I had a thought.. Why not try the GTD ?  Can't believe I didn't really consider it before but maybe I thought it lived a little in the shadow of the GTi ( I still do to be honest) in terms of image.  Luckily the dealer has a demo GTD so took it out for a couple of hours, and I have to say I LOVED it.  It really does steer and handle like the GTi and was a world away from the GT 150 tdi. So much tighter chassis, firmer ride, more grunt.  Do prefer the GT alcantara seats though.

Just loved the ride quality of the GTi and GTD I have to say, it's a great compromise and I was constantly telling myself, GTi or GTD !?

S now I have to go through

[drisser]

Sorry posted by mistake before finished !

So basically I need to decide between the 2.  It's the trade off of lower running costs v slightly better performance.. But I have to say I think in the real world the GTD can't give much away in on road performance.  I do wish you could get the GTi wheels on the GTD I do much prefer them..

How many others went through this decision ? What made you make the final decision ?  The GTD computer was showing long term 41 mpg am guessing the GTI does 30..  Ok lower tax and running costs, but higher purchase price, gti has 750 deposit contribution.. My dealer has promised me 10% off list minimum so am assured of a good deal anyway.. Aaaggghhhh help !

Will I look greenly at a GTI PP if I have a GTD !?   I guess it's easier for me to spec a GTD at lower cost as I would only really want the pan roof as a main option ( can't have it with the 19 inch wheels can you ?). He GTD tempts me as a really sensible fun daily driver given i have the bmw anyway..

Am going to need therapy I think coming to a decision !  Help !

I guess one thing, it shows that the golf in Gti or GTD format is a compelling choice..

[JMs_ GTI]

I am new to this forum this will be my first post 
I bought a new MK7 GTI just over a month ago and coming from a MK6 GTD I couldn’t be happier.  The GTD was a great motor and I could easily get over 55mpg on a 30 mile trip. I am lucky to see 35mpg in my GTI but that’s not a concern as I have changed jobs and my commute is much shorter.
Final decision for me is that the MK7 GTD was not enough of a change and with the shorter commute the GTIs mpg wasn’t a concern.
I know my situation will be different to yours but I hope I have helped

[CraigW]

Best piece of advice is stop procrastinating and just make a decision  They are both excellent cars and you won't be disappointed with either.

[drisser]

Tell me about it Craig, I thought I was nearly there, then driving the GTD threw me into confusion !

I was convinvced it wasnt for me, it was GTI or go for basic model, but driving the GTD felt very similar to the GTi..

[Gnasher]

For me, it all depends how many miles you're doing.

If you are all short(ish) journeys, got for a GTI - if the GTD is regenerating a lot, the MPG will drop to near GTI levels.

Both good cars though but if you can't decide and the MPG doesn't bother you too much, it's gotta be the GTI!

[CraigW]

Tell me about it Craig, I thought I was nearly there, then driving the GTD threw me into confusion !

I was convinvced it wasnt for me, it was GTI or go for basic model, but driving the GTD felt very similar to the GTi..

It really does come down to mpg then Andy. Both are pretty much identical in price and looks. Whatever one you go for you won't regret it 

[JB GTI]

I had a GTI performance pack until I traded it in a week early. The dealer lent me a GTD and initially I loved it but by the end of the week  the novelty had worn off and I was hankering after the GTI again. I personally would have regretted not having the GTI if I had chosen the GTD a year ago.
It's your call but I know what I would do !! 

[drisser]

I think if it comes down to just MPG and the fact diesel is a bit of a lazier drive, need to get my excel sheet out..

I reckon in my new job I will be doing about 30 miles each way commute + there is a chance I will have to be out and about a bit with work, hence the GTD is certainly worth considering.. so I would be doing minimum 12k a year just getting to work and back based on 4 days a week (BMW 1 day a week ) + some other work driving..

I worked out based on 30 MPG v 42 for GTD and 50 for a GT TDi 150, the GTi would cost about £1k a year more in fuel than a GT 150, and about £450 a year more than the GTD, so not huge amounts..

I am off to work out the other costs of buying and owning one v the other 

Maybe I should just but an older Mk5 GTi and not worry about it !!

[chubbers]

For what it's worth, over 4500 miles my GTI has averaged 37.4 mpg (manually calculated) on regular shell unleaded.  A shade over 14p per mile which I think is pretty good. Having said that, my 12 mile commute is done during off peak hours and I reckon it would drop significantly if I was regularly caught up in crawling traffic.