18 inch alloys and alarm question

[Paul-GTI]

Hi,

My first time here, please be gentle...

Just 2 quick questions I would appreciate help with...

1- Does the GTI come with a Thatcham Cat 1 alarm (The specs sheet says alarm with interior protection). Would be helpful for insurance if it was cat 1

2- 18 Inch alloys. Had em on my mondeo but that was a lot softer than a GTI. Do they make the ride any more crashy or harsh that the 17.

Thanks for any replies and advice

PS- Great forum


Paul

[Cass]

Hi Paul,

Cannot help with the alarm question, but I would assume most factory alarm/immobiliser systems meet minimum insurance standards these days.

As far as the 18" wheels go, I recently test drove a GTi with 18" Monzas and they were fine, the ride was good and not too harsh. They also look much better anyway, so I have specced them on my new car which should be here is less than 4 weeks now.

 

Cass

[G]

Hi, I've had my GTI for a year now with the 18's, to be honest the ride is a bit harsh on bumpy roads, but on good roads there's no problems, and lets be honest, the car looks a million times better on 18's.

[The Doc]

Cat 1 = YES

18" = YES - no difference in ride but big difference in looks!

[Paul-GTI]

Hi,

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I had been set to get a Focus ST (Is that swearing on this forum?!?!?), But as I checked out my alteranatives I found I like the golf more than I expected, as I have been in fords for about 8 years now.

Just one more question for those that have brought a nearly new (Bout 5000 miles)from a VW dealer, Did you manage to get a discount with a bit of haggling? The ones I like are about £21,000 (5 door, xenon, 18s, DSG), but my budget is really more to £19000...

Ta, Paul.

[G]

Shop around first before going back to the dealer, there are companies out there (car supermarkets or importers, or even privetly) who are selling new cars or nearly new at reduced prices, there are bargains to be had, but possibly not with the exact same spec you're looking for. After you've done that, if you'd still rather buy from the main dealer, take the info on the other cars you've found with you, and you can use them as a bargaining tool, and if you show them that you're seriously committed to buying, and have the funds or finance in place, you should be able to get a deal (Also don't be afraid to tell them you're looking at other cars like the focus ST or the maybe even the seat cupra which is near enough the same car as the golf, only more powerfull and cheaper!).

Hope this helps.

g

[Paul-GTI]

Thanks for the advice G, it makes sense.

When buying new I usually have done all my homework and tell the sales-person that Im looking for the best "cost to change" price beween what they have and several similar cars, BUT, I have a deposit to deal today if someone has a deal that is too good to refuse.

They usually come back with some good figures that they say are today only, but thats just sales talk, it will be there next week. Sometimes they come back with a deal that really is better than expected, as with my current Fieasta.

Has anyone recently brought a nearly new GTI and got a decent discount?


Ta

[Pintman]

Hi

I had been looking around for ages for a nearly new Gti with the right spec, but couldn't seem to find one. 

Went to my dealer in Swindon who had an '06 plate, Dsg, 3dr, Black, Xenons, 18" alloys, leather and winter pack with just over 7k on the clock. 

Although out of my price range, 25k+, I managed to get top price for my P/X, £750 above anywhere else, and get 3.5k knocked off the price of the golf. Main reason is they wanted to get rid of it as the new 56 plate was coming out and wanted there demonstrator on the new plate. 

And I'm still smiling

[Paul-GTI]

Top result fella!!!

nice one!!

[Angloital]

"Went to my dealer in Swindon"

If you are talking Mann Egerton then I would have to say they are one of the better dealers, bought my Mk5 GTi from there new on an 05 and whilst there was no discount on price they chucked in a load of stuff and fitted a Phat Noise system for free, mainly because they had them on the shelves and no one was buying them!! If this is the same dealer it seems they have a sensible approach to selling cars.

Anyway nice deal I'm sure your going to have fun!!