Help To Buy - My First GTI?

[Tally]

Hi Folks

Maybe an unusual post this, but I am looking to buy my first GTI 16 plate onwards (Mk7 or 7.5).

Can anyone please give me any help/advice on things to look out for? & must have & nice to have options?

Or anything else that might be useful to know.

All help/advice appreciated.

Cheers

[davyk31]

If the budget can stretch then get a 7.5  if you can as its just that little bit more modern with nice little touches like the active dash, bigger nav and of course sweeping indicators lol.

As regards faults they are pretty reliable and I haven't had any issues after 4 years in a GTD and now nearly a year in a GTI.

Biggest choice is likely DSG or manual and then 230ps or PP model. I went DSG 230 as the lease deals were good on it and am very happy. Horrible standard wheels on the 7.5 GTI so find a car with the 19" upgrades if you can.

[Tally]

Thanks davyk31

Appreciate your advice.

It's going to be a DSG 5 Door I'm going for.

Was hoping to get one with the PP & DCC. I'm greedy when it came message to the options so might struggle to  get one with the spec I'm after but I'll keep searching.

It's also not always easy to find out what options the GTI has fitted from ads on Autotrader & the like.
I've worked out somethings like them having the red GTI badges & GTI on the front calipers if it has the PP fitted.
Also I think the DCC shows as having 5 options (Inc Comfort choice) when you go into the Driving Mode area.
It's all Al learning process I guess.

[ar899]

The 'horrible' standard wheels on the 7.5 are a matter of taste. I happen to like them and prefer them to the standard ones on the 7.

You might struggle to find a used 7.5 with DCC. Most used 7.5s (ie up to 18 months old) are either ex hire cars or ex demos and few of these were spec'd with DCC. More chance of getting DCC on a 3 year old car that was a private purchase/lease but that of course would be a 7.

[Guzzle]

All late (my2016 onwards) pre-facelift cars will come with keyless entry as standard on 5dr cars. On facelift (Mk7.5) cars keyless is an extra. You also get an extra 15 bhp on the PP edition if you go for Mk7.5. The non-PP gets an extra 10 bhp.

As has been said, the wheel choices are all a matter of personal preference. I think the standard wheels look fine. Bigger wheels will mean more expensive tyres and a firmer ride.

[Tally]

Thanks for all this advice, really appreciated.

This k the wheels will be just whatever the cars got if I can find one with the right spec, although they all seem to be Diamond Cut so experience tells me they will be hard work long term.
Looks like I could be looking for a late MK7 if I'm hoping for the DCC then.
I seem a bit fixated on things like the PP & DCC without really even knowing if they are worth having lol.
Does having them make a noticeable difference over cars without?

[Ryan90GTI]

Blind spot assistance
Dynaudio
Leather
Discover Pro sat nav with HDD
Performance pack
DCC
Climate screen
Self park
Sunroof
19" alloys
DSG
Keyless entry
Advanced telephone connection
Onyx white and black pearl were extras too.

[Tally]

Cheers ryan90gti, yes that's spec will do nicely! Lol.

[kalimon]

Blind spot assistance
Dynaudio
Leather
Discover Pro sat nav with HDD
Performance pack
DCC
Climate screen
Self park
Sunroof
19" alloys
DSG
Keyless entry
Advanced telephone connection
Onyx white and black pearl were extras too.

Only about three of the above are remotely worth paying extra for.

[CHB100]

Blind spot assistance
Dynaudio
Leather
Discover Pro sat nav with HDD
Performance pack
DCC
Climate screen
Self park
Sunroof
19" alloys
DSG
Keyless entry
Advanced telephone connection
Onyx white and black pearl were extras too.

Only about three of the above are remotely worth paying extra for.

Yep, agree, It's down to personal budget. But I would recommend getting a Mk7.5, all round a better standard spec. PP, DSG, 5 Door and if possible DCC on a GTI. My R has it and I seldom use it. But I know the GTI does not ride as well, so best road test and see for yourself. Colour basically what it comes in and no need for 19"s, Leather or most on that list.