Hi all – just saying hello and asking a couple of questions about my new-ish golf…..
So….. wanted a GTI for ever and a day….. but could never afford one – house, kids, motorbike, e39 resto project etc etc etc never allowed it to happen…..
Previous car was a 1.6 TDi Ibiza…. Had over 100k miles and was great for all the house work etc etc – too small for the kids – but we have a touran so that’s fine – but earlier this year it gave up…. Coincidently I got a small promotion at work so after a lot of discussion with the wife… I was “allowed” to get a GTi….. didn’t want an S3 or 340i or fast ford etc etc – it was a GTi or nothing a BMax (for the kids)
So having found a ’19 plate with 17k miles from an independent they took my knackered seat and I drove away with my “new” car….. I am chuffed….
Even though the £££ is a factor I actually wanted a 7.5…. I think they are better looking than the 8, I wanted a manual, I wanted the “old fashioned” heater controls and I wanted to avoid the high tax as I think a mk8 might have been over the £40k mark and under 5 years….
So here we are – 6 months on – I LOVE IT….. the kids go in it and the wife gets to drive it occasionally(not PC I know – sorry) – but its mine and its great – its gets kept clean and tidy and I am really happy and lucky to have one….
So onto the questions….
I am a huge fan of winter wheels and tyres (based in scotland) have been using them for years and think they are worth their weight……
SO – question is so I move from my 18” austins to 19” brescia (which I like) and put 18” winter tyres on – or do I get 17” winter wheels and keep the austins…. Option 1 means the car will look nice in the summer but its an expensive path with genuine brescia being £££ and 18” winters will also be £££ OR do I just go with keeping the austins – its certainly the cheaper option – but I really like the 19s although I am worried about the ride given the state of our roads….
Next thing – engine mapping – My local is ECOTUNE who seem to have a good rep – but that standard map puts the bhp up quite a bit – its all well and good them saying its been well tested - but the increased stress to the engine must be significant and all the power through FWD only – any thoughts…. Much discussion here I imagine…
Finally is anyonw a fan of subtle exterior upgrade – I would l like to make the car a bit “darker” and meaner looking without going full chav if I can help its – any suggestions welcome…
Anywho – happy to have chat about this and anything else related to GTi stuff –
cheers