In answer to the original OMG question, when I purchased my ex-demo MK8 GTI in May '24 there was a resounding OMG! moment which probably registered on the Richter scale!
Reason? I was unloading my 2020 Porsche Macan S, a more powerful V6 vehicle with 4WD and of allegedly superior quality. I was doing this because a) the mega-expensive 4 year service was due, and b) a pair of rear tyres were imminent, but mostly c) with the car now being out of warranty, I could not shake that feeling when driving it that "if something happens to this thing, I'll have to sell a kidney". Up here at least, the cost of Porsche ownership has gone through the roof; e.g. the guts of £500 for an annual oil change! Oh, and the missus wouldn't drive the Macan - hated it.
As I've previously posted, I've always liked GTIs and have owned most marks over the years (even a Mk 1 Campaign) so I started doing some research. Eventually a suitable car came up which was less than 2 months old, and a deal was done; I ended up getting the car for free, including road tax and private plate transfer, plus a lump sum of cash.
I was totally impressed with the car during the extensive test drive (still am!), but the OMG moment came when returning back home (100 miles) in the Porsche! Hoewever, I needn't have bothered because I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever. I can't fault the GTI, the performance and drivability is pretty close to the Macan S (the GTI is 1/2 tonne lighter), and I have worry free motoring for the next 3 years. (Apart from the rip off £600 annual raod tax that is!)