GOLF GTI - END OF AN ERA ?

[Hawkeye14]

So the GTI used to be the benchmark for good value quality performance motoring. Er, no longer.

I was looking to replace my ageing VW Passat R Line. Went into my local VW dealer in Guildford - they were not interested and were borderline rude - 'We haven't got one so can't offer a test drive' - 'we can't get new ones' - 'You're welcome to go elsewhere'. So I did.

New and nearly new GTI's are over £40k these days ! And waiting times are very very long.

For the same money i could get a new or nearly new Audi S3 or TT. Or even a slightly more used Jag D Type ! No contest really. And that's before you think about the awful Golf infotainment system.

So I've ordered a new Audi TT for about £6k or 20% less than the 'equivalent' GTI. Delivery 4-5 months. I lose some boot and rear space but gain better handling, better quality and proper cabin buttons and switches.

I suppose it's only rich die hard enthusiasts who'd look at the GTi now, and in a few years (so they say) all will be electric. Probably.

[fredgroves]

Yeah new cars are expensive.

Cheaper if you buy one thats not new.

Not a choice either if you want a performance golf at the moment, which means nearly new ones are very expensive even if you find one.... the guy on here who sold his Mk8 clubby virtually on delivery day... thats up for sale for £50k!

[Exonian]

The TT is more end of an era.
Everyone wants an SUV these days it seems, hence the bigger discounts on end of the line TT’s.

The (DSG) GTI will soldier on. Wealthy, blinkered people will pay over list for recent second hand examples despite those in the know saying the car market is heading around the U bend. Desirability?
Same the the housing market, on the one hand those that know are saying it’s bust following boom, but some properties are still gaining in value.
Such is the world.

VW closed the books to ‘concentrate on the backlog’ before the facelift launches next spring.


Oh, the infotainment isn’t anywhere near as bad as people make out, but it’s a massive pain in the arse to try and adjust the aircon on the move without crashing on occasion but that can be said with systems with buttons and knobs if you have to take your eyes off the road to perform a task you’re not overly familiar with.

I don’t blame you for going TT though. I can 100% see the attraction of an end of line line fully developed car.

[monkeyhanger]

VAG seems to have some odd priorities at times, where some models seem to be freely available with short lead times, and others seem to take forever. When I got my Cupra Born, VAG dropped a load of them at launch that got hoovered up quickly. At the same time, the ID3 had crazy (16 month) lead times, for what is essentially the same car under the skin.

Similar story for my recently acquired S3. Mine was a built one waiting at Emden for a ship, but right now, people placing new S3 orders are being quoted 4 or 5 months lead time right now. It cones with a £3k deposit contribution, and additional discounts from the dealer's margin aren't hard to come by.

I think I'd be too embarrassed to get a TT though. I looked at one in Newcastle Audi's show room, sat in it and combat rolled out of it - far lower than I thought it would be. Looked around as I picked myself up off the floor - no one saw me!  Couldn't be doing that at every stop.

[Hertsman]

VAG seems to have some odd priorities at times, where some models seem to be freely available with short lead times, and others seem to take forever. When I got my Cupra Born, VAG dropped a load of them at launch that got hoovered up quickly. At the same time, the ID3 had crazy (16 month) lead times, for what is essentially the same car under the skin.

Similar story for my recently acquired S3. Mine was a built one waiting at Emden for a ship, but right now, people placing new S3 orders are being quoted 4 or 5 months lead time right now. It cones with a £3k deposit contribution, and additional discounts from the dealer's margin aren't hard to come by.

I think I'd be too embarrassed to get a TT though. I looked at one in Newcastle Audi's show room, sat in it and combat rolled out of it - far lower than I thought it would be. Looked around as I picked myself up off the floor - no one saw me!  Couldn't be doing that at every stop.

We went and looked at a couple at last change, as they are good value as definitely not for family, and even us, who fit the demographic for the car with just 1, max 2 of us mainly using the second car, there was too many compromises to put up with, not least the massive doors and on the floor driving position for entry and exit,

Only having all the functions in the center display though seemingly very practical, does not allow for any passenger interaction, passenger feels separated from the experience as its all driver focused (some might like that!)

Its a lovely looking car, apparently drives great, and interior is superb, but dare say its for younger folk where practicality is lower on their scale, we do look for more practicality and comfort these days, or at least being able to get in and out without some gymnastic act

[Hertsman]

The TT is more end of an era.
Everyone wants an SUV these days it seems, hence the bigger discounts on end of the line TT’s.

The (DSG) GTI will soldier on. Wealthy, blinkered people will pay over list for recent second hand examples despite those in the know saying the car market is heading around the U bend. Desirability?
Same the the housing market, on the one hand those that know are saying it’s bust following boom, but some properties are still gaining in value.
Such is the world.

VW closed the books to ‘concentrate on the backlog’ before the facelift launches next spring.


Oh, the infotainment isn’t anywhere near as bad as people make out, but it’s a massive pain in the arse to try and adjust the aircon on the move without crashing on occasion but that can be said with systems with buttons and knobs if you have to take your eyes off the road to perform a task you’re not overly familiar with.

I don’t blame you for going TT though. I can 100% see the attraction of an end of line line fully developed car.

I am out until used cars hit the 'U' bend, quite set with our 2 cars at moment and though that never previously stopped me looking, and buying, the current market is too warped to waste money on chasing something might like.

My 66 Plate R when lease ended was on market at tad over £20,000 in 2019, that same car, with 3 years more mileage and wear would likely cost you more now.

[Snoopy]

Don't blame you going for a TT. I've always found the end of the line cars are always the best to go for as any issues have been sorted. I also like the way the dash is laid out. I had no issues with entrance and exit unlike others here when I looked at a  TTRS abit back but talked myself out of it. 

[Adam T7]

Spent a fair bit of time in a TTRS when a mate bought one new in 2015 - very nice car. We both do a lot of cycling and he managed (just) to get his bloke in it, so perhaps more practical than folk think.

[Dav3smith]

Spent a fair bit of time in a TTRS when a mate bought one new in 2015 - very nice car. We both do a lot of cycling and he managed (just) to get his bloke in it, so perhaps more practical than folk think.

A bit surprised there was room for his "bike" and his bloke.

Sorry couldn't resist.

[Adam T7]

Spent a fair bit of time in a TTRS when a mate bought one new in 2015 - very nice car. We both do a lot of cycling and he managed (just) to get his bloke in it, so perhaps more practical than folk think.

A bit surprised there was room for his "bike" and his bloke.

Sorry couldn't resist.

The ‘bloke’ bit was a different hobby😂