MK7 GTI PP vs MK7.5 GTI (£3,000 difference - is it worth it?)

[GTIJamie]

After owning a stupidly low Audi A4 Avant for a year and a half, I've decided that I need to scratch the GTI itch. My Dad has owned an MK5 GTi in Reflex Silver, manual and it was always a car I enjoyed. Now the time has come where I'm in a good enough position to purchase my own.

I'm heart set on a Tornado Red (true GTI colour), 3-door, manual GTI but I've read forum topics that the MK7.5 differences are worth the extra money. I test drove a MK7 GTI Performance Pack and loved every second of it but I wanted some outside advice. To me, the technology in cars is going too far and having the analogue (is that the right word?) dials give it a bit more charm in comparison to the new digital cockpit.

Very curious to hear outside thoughts and any helpful buyer advice!

[fredgroves]

Well, apart from things like the AID (digital dash), better ACC (cruise control), LED headlights (much better)... you do also get the 7 speed DSG gearbox on the Mk7.5 (definitely better) and a bit more power from the Mk7.5 Performance.

I had a Mk7 GTD and now a Mk7.5. The Mk7.5 is a lot more slick in a lot of ways.

Worth the extra money as a second hand car? Hard to say - I had both from new...

Its really a case of what you can afford I'd guess. Just look at it as a newer second hand car. A Mk7 will be at least 2 years old maybe 5.5 years old, a Mk7.5 two years or less. Probably makes a lot of difference in price.

[kmpowell]

you do also get the 7 speed DSG gearbox on the Mk7.5 (definitely better).

You only get the 7sp in the 7.5 245 PP, the 7.5 230 still has/had the old 6sp in it. 

[GTIJamie]

Either way, I'll be getting a manual so the box won't be too much different I imagine? I just find that the new MK7.5 GTI is good but I'll be kicking myself still that I didn't get the Performance Pack. After going out in my brother's new Fiesta ST, it really does reap the reward with the LSD for some spirited driving which I will definitely be doing.

At the same time, I started off with the vision of a MK6 GTI, extended it to a MK7 GTI, now to a MK7 GTI PP and I'm wondering whether the MK7.5 is noticeably better? If anyone has experiences of both who could shed some light?

[fredgroves]

I can't remember when they stopped making 3 door GTI's... currently they don't make them... looking on autotrader, some 68 plate ones are still 3 door.

[Jim_mk7.5]

Welcome! I guess the £3k difference just doesn't represent a better spec of the 7.5 but also a new car with fewer miles.

The main thing is sticking to a budget. You need £25k for a '19 7.5 Performance (manual, 3dr, Tornado red)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201904177059328?make=VOLKSWAGEN&postcode=s37bh&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&radius=1500&transmission=Manual&advertising-location=at_cars&colour=Red&sort=sponsored&aggregatedTrim=GTI%20Performance&model=GOLF&page=1

Whereas for nearly £9k less, you can get a '15 7 PP

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201904086747921?transmission=Manual&radius=1500&postcode=s37bh&colour=Red&model=GOLF&aggregatedTrim=GTI&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=sponsored&quantity-of-doors=3&year-from=2014&make=VOLKSWAGEN&page=1

[Jim_mk7.5]

I can't remember when they stopped making 3 door GTI's... currently they don't make them... looking on autotrader, some 68 plate ones are still 3 door.

I've just found a manual 19 plate, linked above.

[GTIJamie]

Welcome! I guess the £3k difference just doesn't represent a better spec of the 7.5 but also a new car with fewer miles.

The main thing is sticking to a budget. You need £25k for a '19 7.5 Performance (manual, 3dr, Tornado red)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201904177059328?make=VOLKSWAGEN&postcode=s37bh&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&radius=1500&transmission=Manual&advertising-location=at_cars&colour=Red&sort=sponsored&aggregatedTrim=GTI%20Performance&model=GOLF&page=1

Whereas for nearly £9k less, you can get a '15 7 PP

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201904086747921?transmission=Manual&radius=1500&postcode=s37bh&colour=Red&model=GOLF&aggregatedTrim=GTI&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=sponsored&quantity-of-doors=3&year-from=2014&make=VOLKSWAGEN&page=1

This is what I mean, do you think that the price difference is worth? To me, they both look like brilliant cars but MK7 edges it for me but I haven't driven a 7.5. Looking at reviews on YouTube they say that there is hardly any difference between the two as base cars. With the MK7, I'm thinking I have more money left over for modifications 

[Jim_mk7.5]

I'd say go for the best you can afford!

I can't comment on the 7 as haven't had one so others will be able to say. But the revised cars always tend to be better and the 7.5 Performance is a fanastic car and extremely quick. The later cars also make a much better noise but that's less of an issue if you are going to mod it. I much prefer the LED lights front and back on the 7.5 and the bigger exhausts plus inside it just looks more modern.

To be fair though, something like that 15 plate I linked to looks like great value for money and as you say, does leave extra money for mods!

[GTIJamie]

I'd say go for the best you can afford!

I can't comment on the 7 as haven't had one so others will be able to say. But the revised cars always tend to be better and the 7.5 Performance is a fanastic car and extremely quick. The later cars also make a much better noise but that's less of an issue if you are going to mod it. I much prefer the LED lights front and back on the 7.5 and the bigger exhausts plus inside it just looks more modern.

To be fair though, something like that 15 plate I linked to looks like great value for money and as you say, does leave extra money for mods!

All of your points make complete sense but going for the MK7.5 GTI PP would just be way over my budget and I'd be more tempted by a Clubsport personally. It would be great to get someone's perspective who has had both but if not, I'll end up pulling the trigger on a MK7 GTI PP anyway. Regardless, they both seem like great cars with a really good following