Aussie needs advice

[mhh]

Hi, I'm new here.

My mother in law is changing her A-Class Benz and I've recommended a new Golf GTi - mostly because I love the look of them.  Is the car too "sporty" for a 75 year old?  I'll be paying for the car and it will be mine when she's too old to drive, so there is some method in my madness.

Are the seats hard to get into?  This is my main worry for her. They look like the side bolster might be hard to get past.  Is the DSG smooth enough for someone used to an auto.  She is without a car due to a major gearbox failure in her A190 so I want to move fast and order in the next day or two so any thoughts are welcome.

 

[micalee]

wow!! 75 And geting a GTI!
Well, I dont have a GTi myself, but i believe the seats are quite firm on the sides, mine are the recaros and they are - well, they're meant to be supportive!

Never the less, they are comfortable, but getting in and out of them could prove difficult for her.

DSG, well you cant get a beter box in my opinion, bang it in "D" and leave it there, so smooth and when she is at the lights, tell her to put it into "S" mode and enable the launch control!

Good car for the future, but for an elderly lady?

[mhh]

Yeah, it is probably a silly idea.  Somehow though I'd love to see the look on her face when she gives it some stick for the first time.  And it is a 4 door automatic sedan which is what she wants.  I drove past the VW dealer with my wife and showed her a white GTi on the lot she said "that looks just fine" (She didn't know it was a GTi mind you!) 

I'll give her a ride in one tomorrow and let you know how it goes.  I really should order her a plain jane Golf but what the hell.  Even 75 year olds deserve fun!

[Daz...]

Welcome to the forum 

[Len]

I intend to be still driving a Gti at 75 and unlike most on here that only 21 years away for me!
The comfort side would be my only concern so let her take a test drive!

[micalee]

I'll give her a ride in one tomorrow and let you know how it goes.  I really should order her a plain jane Golf but what the hell.  Even 75 year olds deserve fun!

Yeh, that would be good to hear how she gets on.

Please post some pics of her in the seat also

Lee

[Martz]

I intend to be still driving a Gti at 75 and unlike most on here that only 21 years away for me!
The comfort side would be my only concern so let her take a test drive!

Welcome to the site buddy. A gti for the elderly is good.

And Len, you will soon be there mate!

[bsting]

If the GTI ride is too firm for her, there is always the TDI or GLI.
Both good everyday cars. The TDI is fantastic!! It just eats the miles up.

 

[mhh]

If the GTI ride is too firm for her, there is always the TDI or GLI.
Both good everyday cars. The TDI is fantastic!! It just eats the miles up.

 

I've tried a TDI DSG and was impressed with the mid range grunt, but it felt a bit flat for the first few yards.  The car will be used only in town.  Is the GLi a bit faster/smoother  from a standing start (not 0-60, but say 0-20mph)?

[bsting]

Hi aussie, kiwi here

The GLI is a good car. I reckon you just have to try them all, if the dealer will let you have one or the other for a day or so get out of the city and give it a good drive. With your mum-inlaw and see what she thinks of each one.
Petrol vs Diesel...its a hard call, both have their merits. I think the TDI DSG is a great car.

There is also the option of not buying a brand new car and looking around for a mk5 GLI/TDI/GTI second hand with FSH and low kms, will save you a few $ there.

Im sure others will chip in with their views, give it a day or so mate