New Golf GTi or Focus ST?

[PassatRaidon]

I'm a newbie so first things first, hi everyone.

I've got a bit of a quandary, I currently have a 2.0 old shape Audi A3 as my company car and I'm due to replace it in 3 months.   I've got a budget of £20k and I'm going for either Golf GTi or the Focus ST.  I've driven them both in a test drive and to be perfectly honest I loved them both, the Golf was less chavvy and more refined but the Focus had some real grunt and put a real smile on my face.  To tell the truth I couldn't really see myself in the Ford but I really loved the power.

My main point is I want something reliable because my A3 was anything but.  When I took out the Focus I told Ford it was a choice between the GTi and the ST, I told them I was leaning toward the VW ford this reason.  They said Fords are far more reliable than VW's.  I nearly fell over, surely Ford stands for Fix Or Repair Daily and VW's watchword is reliability.  Ford then got out what car and showed reliability figures for 2004 and 2005 and VW was mid-table with Ford 2nd in 2004 and 3rd in 2005.

This really could tip the balance so I thought I'd get some advice and that’s why I'm here.  I love the GTi but I don't want monthly visits to the dealer and days without my car like I had with the A3.  Please reassure me?

[Organisys]

Reliability you main concern?  Lexus Is200 base model 2.5 v6 £22.4k ?
http://www.lexus.co.uk/lexus_cars/is_new/is250/pricing/index.asp

[PassatRaidon]

I want something hot and more fun than the Lexus and its a bit out of my price range as well.

[Rhyso]

get the Golf - better image and IMHO looks the business 

[Neaty]

If it was my money it'd be the golf with out question!

we can all make some thing go fast if we put a volvo engine in it!

[Stu-1.8T]

I think Clarkson got it spot on when he re-named it the Ford ASBO. I would'nt mind having a go in one, but I think the Golf would earn more respect if you need to take out client's or visit important customers.

Both the Ford and the VW are relatively new models, and I suppose you could get reliability issues with either car.

[PassatRaidon]

Totally agree with the ABSO comment, that lairy orange is awful.   If I did go for the ST it would be an ST3 in black or silver.  I'm still leaning toward the VW purely on snob value.  I think the GTi looks a bit too understated and the ST looks cheap an tacky.  The new Audi A3 is much more eye catching but I'm not going back to Audi after all the trouble I've had with my current car. 

I guess its gonna have to be a leap of faith and hope for the best.

[joffangti]

You can't take away the fact,the Focus is very nice and very fast.I would be tempted.
The Ford salesman was lieing,they do that.
I have owned A Mk 3 GTI,Mk 4 GTI and now have a Mk 5 GTI The Golf as Mr Clarkson says is "The complete package"
The GTI is the benchmark,everyone has to be faster and better than it.   

[PassatRaidon]

Hi Guys just a quick update. 

Still undecided so I've booked to drive both cars again on Saturday (its been 3 weeks since I tested the GTi).  After doing a little research reliability and build quality there isn't much between them.  I get more for my money with the ST and get a more refined looking car if I get the Golf.  Its complete swings and roundabouts so I'm gonna drive them both the ST at 10:30m the Golf a 2pm and decide which one is most enjoyable and easy to live with.

I'll keep you posted.  PS.  Can't wait for Saturday, I'm so excited.

Place your bets now .... GTi or ST?

[Rhyso]

GTI 


















otherwise we'll all come round and kick some sense into you!!!