Newbie! Looking to buy a GTI

[Matt17121991]

Hi All, new to the forum and in the market for a GTI.

My budget is £20k max, looking for anything upto 3 years old, DSG (preferable but not the end of the world), performance pack? See question below, maybe leathers if the budget allows.

My main questions are is there anything to look out for on these cars? Being upto 3 years old most of them will be coming just out of warranty or may have some left, so I will look to extend this if possible.

Performance pack, worth it in the real world? 40 mile round trip to work, averaging about 12,000 miles a year.

DSG/Manual - I've had DSG in the past and loved it, mainly because of the exhaust note when up changing! Does the manual have the same exhaust note, burbles etc?

[Daz Auto]

Hi All, new to the forum and in the market for a GTI.

I want to get rid of my very boring Skoda Rapid and get myself into a GTI! My budget is £20k max, looking for anything upto 3 years old, DSG (preferable but not the end of the world), performance pack? See question below, maybe leathers if the budget allows.

My main questions are is there anything to look out for on these cars? Being upto 3 years old most of them will be coming just out of warranty or may have some left, so I will look to extend this if possible.

Performance pack, worth it in the real world? 40 mile round trip to work, averaging about 12,000 miles a year.

DSG/Manual - I've had DSG in the past and loved it, mainly because of the exhaust note when up changing! Does the manual have the same exhaust note, burbles etc?

Welcome.

If you are buying from a dealer any car should come with a 1 year warranty.

I was reading that the Performance Pack was about 45% of GTI sales. Though I have also read that it is a desirable option so expect to pay more. You get 10hp extra, bigger brakes that have the GTI letters on them and the VAQ electronically controlled mechanical limited slip differential. Also on newer models there are red GTI badges. The majority of reviews say that in the real world there is little difference. The extra weight form the VAQ diff and larger brakes result in the same power-to-weight ratio. Though if you enjoy powering out of corners or even just roundabouts - the diff will help. Though so will changing the tyres. As the standard Bridgestone tyres are known to be really poor in the wet. It is a powerful front wheel drive car. Good tyres are essential unless you drive like an old married man... 

Mechanically - I have not noticed any recurring faults on the forum. The Golf Rs have issues with turbos, haldex and manual gear boxes. An ex-lease car would be best if you can find one. They are less likely to have been chipped or tuned.

Others may advise if it is worth getting a car with the MIB II infotainment upgrade. It should be available on 2 year old cars. Though being newer, it may be out of your budget range.

[Guzzle]

Hello and welcome

If on the lookout for a used GTi please note there was a spec uplift from week 22 (May) in 2015. All GTi's built after this date should come with sat nav, heated seats and keyless entry as standard. Cars built before this date will only have these features if the first owner specced them.

If the car has 19 inch wheels fitted (Santiago's), there have been a few reports of these wheels being prone to buckling, so check them out before you buy.

[Matt17121991]

Thanks for both of your replies!

 I think I'm going to stick the 18's think I prefer them to the 19's anyway. 

[clubsport]

I am stunned that the performance pack apparently account for 45% of GTi sales, I would have expected half of that, I find around 15% of cars advertised are PP and would be surprised if many lease cars were PP's as the monthly payment was close or higher than that of a Golf R.

I have a PP and on the road rarely do you get the benefit of the brakes or diff. I have driven a regular Gti and was impressed, if you find the colour and spec with low miles you want then I would test drive the car, I doubt you will be disappointed in a non PP?

Can't comment on Dsg, I have only driven them for relatively short distances and they annoy me, hence my car is a manual...   

[Daz Auto]

Thanks for both of your replies!

 I think I'm going to stick the 18's think I prefer them to the 19's anyway.

Apparently DCC dynamic chassis control is also a desirable option to have. Do not buy a GTI and just expect it to be a comfortable car because it is a Golf. I made that mistake with my GTD and it has adjustable suspension. Though I do drive some really poor roads. Performance Golfs have sports suspension and low profile tyres. I'm hoping to see some improvement with the Mk7 MQB chassis and the newer DCC system. At least I know what to expect. Make sure you get a few test drives and, if you can, try sitting in the passenger seat.

[Daz Auto]

I am stunned that the performance pack apparently account for 45% of GTi sales...

I knew I read it somewhere...

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/volkswagen/vw-golf-gti-performance-pack-mk7-facelift-2017-review/

"Verdict

Previously, Performance versions accounted for 45% of UK GTI sales. Again, the derivative makes a compelling case for itself, with the diff and brake upgrade coming at an almost inconsequential premium and firming up resale values. The Performance is the better car too, the Golf GTI as it should be – still polished, still grown-up, but a more convincing ally when you really get stuck in."

[gtiaps]

Hello and welcome

If on the lookout for a used GTi please note there was a spec uplift from week 22 (May) in 2015. All GTi's built after this date should come with sat nav, heated seats and keyless entry as standard. Cars built before this date will only have these features if the first owner specced them.

Hi and welcome 
Not all GTi's after May 2015 come with keyless option as standard when I specced and ordered mine in Jan 16 keyless wasn't available on 3 door Gti's but imo it doesn't bother me that mine isn't keyless.
If you do manage to drop on a good all round Gti with or without PP well you won't be disappointed it's a great car.

[Guzzle]

I knew after I posted that someone would pick me up on that. I keep forgetting about you 3 door owners.

My apologies. All 5dr cars (pre-facelifted only) built after May '15 will feature keyless entry, winter pack and sat nav as standard. For reasons unknown keyless entry was dropped completely from the 3 door (i.e. not even available as an option).

I don't know why, I just assumed  (maybe incorrectly) that op would be wanting a 5dr car.

While we're here, I may as well point out the larger nav screen for week 22/15 cars too.

[gtiaps]

I knew after I posted that someone would pick me up on that. I keep forgetting about you 3 door owners.

My apologies. All 5dr cars (pre-facelifted only) built after May '15 will feature keyless entry, winter pack and sat nav as standard. For reasons unknown keyless entry was dropped completely from the 3 door (i.e. not even available as an option).

Lol not a problem lol