GTI Import issues?

[WILLK]

Hello, just posted this in the newbie forum,

I currently own a Nissan 350z and I have just started to think about selling her on.  I have been offered a MK5 GTI from a mate which has almost everything on - Leather, 18" Monza's, CD Sat Nav, Cruise Control etc June 05 20,000 miles.  The thing is my mate imported her through a Broker direct from the factory and I am concerned about re-sale and warrenties etc.

He has offered it to me for approx £18k (good price) and I just wanted to get an idea if there are any potential hazards that I might be letting myself in for - and secondly is the MK5 GTI any good as I haven't even driven one yet???

Just looking for some general assistance, all responses welcome.

Many thanks

WILLK

[dalgleish00]

Hi WILLK and welcome!

I think that sounds like a good price. I have a virtually identical spec car without the sat nav that is not an import and it cost me £20k a couple of month's ago (still not bad for a £26k spec car). Therefore I reckon the £2k price difference for an import seems about the same as you would get new. Only thing to consider is ability to re-sell later on but IMO there will always be someone happy to get an import for a couple of k less.

Check the warrany though as some are only 2 years on imports.

[WILLK]

Hi WILLK and welcome!

I think that sounds like a good price. I have a virtually identical spec car without the sat nav that is not an import and it cost me £20k a couple of month's ago (still not bad for a £26k spec car). Therefore I reckon the £2k price difference for an import seems about the same as you would get new. Only thing to consider is ability to re-sell later on but IMO there will always be someone happy to get an import for a couple of k less.

Check the warrany though as some are only 2 years on imports.

Thanks very much - though as much re the warranty and apparantly it is from the date of manufacture not the import date, however I think/hope that i can extend the warranty at the end of the 2 yr period.

I am hoping that Nissan will give me a half decent price for the 350 so I don't have to go through the general hassle of a private sale but we shall see.

I presume that the MK5 is actually at good car and deserves the GTI badge?

WILLK

[dalgleish00]

Definitely. I came from an S2000 and bought this because I wanted something a little more practical, easier to cope with around London and more creature comforts. Of course I miss the top down action, but the GTI is a much easier to drive fast although I am tempted to get the Morego 250 conversion for a little more umph (and to ensure I am faster on track days than my friends with S2000s still!

[The Doc]

GTi is a stonker of a drive - not the fastest but very, very good!

[ReDBull]

When I bought my GTI it was between the big Z and the GTI. The Nissan is a special car you sure you want to sell it? The standard GTI is good but does not come close the the 350Z in my opinion. In the end bought mine for practical reasons but every time I see a 350Z on the road it brings back memories of a very memorable days test drive. Can still hear that engine in my ears when I go to bed at night. 
What spec is it?

[WILLK]

Thanks guys, very useful.

I have spoken to a dealer and they don't think that being an import is a major problem, however what I haven't mentioned is the BEIGE leather and it is a black GTI!  The dealer reckons this will be the biggest sticking point for a re-sale so I shall have to bear it in mind!! - Any thoughts as this will affect the resale?

bullyboy, it is the 350 with GT pack with standard wheels, incredible car given the price and as you say everytime you start the engine or drive through a tunnel I have the window down just to hear the V6 burble!!

Needs must and I have had the 350 for over two years now and I fancy a change to a more practical car in all senses!!  I will definatley have a 350 again at some stage but at the mo I am considering the VW (my car before the 350 was a TDi Bora!!  Woohoo!!

One thing I will miss badly is rear wheel drive!

[ReDBull]

Oh yes front wheel drive is the only problem I have with the GTI. If it was a rear wheeler it would be near perfection. The GTI engine may not have the charisma of a V6 but it's a cracker of a motor. You wont be disappointed.

[dalgleish00]

in real world fast driving I find front wheel drive much easier to handle than powerful rear wheel cars. Yes its fun to slide the back out on a £5-10k car but when you start doing that on a £25-30k car it becomes a little more worrying. Certainly that was my experience with my S2000 compared with a 72 Alfa Spider I had but then might just be due to my lack of driving skill. :embarassed:  Equally on a nice B road I can drive the golf fast with much more confidence than the rear wheel drive.

[ReDBull]

Not driven a S2000 yet but a friend  said compared to the Z there pointy and much more manic and can snap at the limit. Having only drive it for a day on damp roads the Z was well behaved. Most of that time was spent on roads in the wolds. You could also get the back end into play with your right foot, even with my very limited skill and not feel intimidated. Then again it was not my car.
Bet you miss that V-tec scream to 9000rpm?