Poll -Owners ages & a question

[kmpowell]

Based on nothing more than casual observation the R demographic seems generally younger and in this poll would have dropped in the 26-35 group at the lower end.

IMO the R suffers from a younger 'init bruv' image due to the cheap leases that flooded the market and saturated the brand making it accessible to anybody with £200 a month. The GTI has never had that, I think there was a cheapish lease deal a few years back, but it's always been a brand VW have wanted to protect.

Many on here, myself included, could have gone with an R but chose the GTI because of the very different way they drive and of course the badge and heritage.

I'm one of those. The R is a capable point and shoot weapon, but doesn't reward in the slightest. Fine for traffic light grand prix's, but once on the move the R has very little a GTI can't do.

[azcs]

Hi Guys,

New here and found this thread this evening. Was personally quite shocked that nobody had previously fallen into the 17-25 category as I do. Have seen quite a few people I would have said fell into that category previously, but maybe that's you 'old boys' in your shades.  Quite insightful really, but I seem to find a lot of younger people seem to go chasing big power figures, automatically throwing them at the R, without thinking about the driving experience offered by a GTI. 

[sjw]

I know this has been done before, but bear with me.

As you may have seen from my signature I own a MK7.5 GTI, and it is a car that I do love driving and still think it looks very nice and modern against it's peers. However, I was speaking to my brother (who's 2 years older than me) the other day, and he said as nice as the GTI was, at "my age" he just couldn't see himself driving round in a young person's "boy racer" car.

Now of course everyone is entitled to his (or her) own opinion, but it did get me thinking if I should be in a more "grown up" car, so started browsing at other potential cars that not only look nice, but perhaps suit my age better (so Range Rover Sport, Audi A5, Jaguar E-Pace, Merc C class, BMW 3 series etc.). Problem is, 1) they all cost a small fortune and 2) there's only the wife and I (and occasionally 2 dogs) in the car, so a Golf sized car has always suited.

It brought me round full circle thinking that for our current needs, the GTI is the right size, looks good, pretty economical for it's genre, it's very well equipped (especially with mine being highly spec'd) and most importantly is paid for, but perhaps does make this overweight, greying 57 year old perhaps look like he's trying to cling onto his youth.

Therefore do any more "mature" drivers on here ever think that, or is it a case of "sod it" I'll drive what I want for as long as I want ? Just interested in your views really. Can a performance Golf really transcend age and not look out of place for anyone, or are they really a young persons' car ?

Lol, I can't remember if I've already replied to this thread.

I have the exact same thoughts as you.... but I'm one of the 2% in the lowest age bracket 

[sjw]

Hi Guys,

New here and found this thread this evening. Was personally quite shocked that nobody had previously fallen into the 17-25 category as I do. Have seen quite a few people I would have said fell into that category previously, but maybe that's you 'old boys' in your shades.  Quite insightful really, but I seem to find a lot of younger people seem to go chasing big power figures, automatically throwing them at the R, without thinking about the driving experience offered by a GTI. 

I am in that group! Hello! I'm not sure why I only just replied. I think maybe the poll was added later?

I think the numbers are skewed a bit as younger owners will be on Facebook and Instagram rather than dedicated forums. Dedicated forums tend to have a much older demographic, in my experience.

PS: Well done for choosing the better car and not just "chasing power figures"

[dobb3r]

Well, I’ve got a TCR, graphics down the side and I’m 48. I don’t care what people may or may not think, the car is epic. I guess it helps I don’t look 48 but still, drive a car that puts a smile on your face, not one that you feel you should drive!

[doberman19]

Hi to all. don't ever give a second thought that you may be too old for a gti,
I drive my gti like iv'e stole it and in January i'll be 76, age can be a state
 of mind,iv'e never ever felt to old for any car, in fact I bought an M3 when I
was 65, although it was a great car it wasn't as much fun to drive as the gti.
stay young and drive what the hell you like, oops that reminds me I must
 re-apply for my expiring licence.

[azcs]

Hi Guys,

New here and found this thread this evening. Was personally quite shocked that nobody had previously fallen into the 17-25 category as I do. Have seen quite a few people I would have said fell into that category previously, but maybe that's you 'old boys' in your shades.  Quite insightful really, but I seem to find a lot of younger people seem to go chasing big power figures, automatically throwing them at the R, without thinking about the driving experience offered by a GTI. 

I am in that group! Hello! I'm not sure why I only just replied. I think maybe the poll was added later?

I think the numbers are skewed a bit as younger owners will be on Facebook and Instagram rather than dedicated forums. Dedicated forums tend to have a much older demographic, in my experience.

PS: Well done for choosing the better car and not just "chasing power figures"

Hello! Yeah most likely. Have seen a lot about previously. Haha thanks, I certainly think so too

[r600_clubsport]

i'm 35 but only started driving when i was 31, my dad even though he really likes my Clubsport, says he feels he is too old when driving it (he's 61), told him who cares, if you enjoy it then drive it (i always offer the car to my parents to take away if they want to go on a break, but he always says that comment.....he does say also even tho it's fun, he is scared encase he marks it lol), but nah, whatever car you like or makes you smile then who cares of age.

[Yusee]

Returning from holiday to France this summer in the family Alhambra, took the kids to Mcdonalds Dover just before the long schlepp up to the midlands.
In the parking bay next to us was an elderly couple in their Mx5, roof off, enjoying a cup of tea.
What a nice way to enjoy retirement.
I said to the wife then- that'll be us in a few years- though I'll have a Lotus Elise thanks.
As for the golf gti, good to see some young people also on the forum, dispelling the myth that the golf gti is an old man's car

[Jason b]

Or its likely you will be in out your 205 GTi and they will be in the Seat and asking whats dad doing today ?