R32's at Motorpoint

[Megaos]

I'm thinking of changing my 06 GTI next year and was having a browse round when i found some R32's at motorpoint for 22k, This seems a very good price even though they're imports. Has anybody bought one? If so, are there any differences in spec and what other downsides are there?

                                       

[Cass]

Like all imports - cheaper initial purchase, but:

May not be to full UK spec
May not have UK handbook/documents
May have been built some time ago and left lying around in a field for months
May have been built for another RHD market eg Cyprus, then shipped on to UK
Will not have full UK 3 years warranty
Will not be worth anything like UK supplied cars come resale

Having said all that, there are still some very good deals to be had and if you are a private buyer spending your own hard earned cash, the savings are still substantial and could well make the difference between affording one, or not.

Things like handbooks and warranty can be got around of course, but can you trust your supplier and why does the motoring trade still discrininate against imports. 'Self serving' springs to mind.

I can't comment specifically on the company you mention, but any reputable dealer should give you some confidence if you do the research.   

In 2000, I bought a Euro Audi TT import from a private broker who sourced the car in the Netherlands. Full UK spec and with a pan-European 12 months warranty. Dash Pod module failed after 6 months and was replaced under warranty but when the dreaded Dual Mass flywheel issue became apparent after 11000 miles and 13 months, it was a much bigger problem and I had to threaten to go to the motoring media to get some effective redress. Yes, I saved over £4k when I bought the car, but I got my pants well and truly pulled down when I sold it on

There are still some bargains out there, if you shop around - like here for example:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/175311.htm

Why not consider importing yourself as an alternative Still some savings to be had but nothing like a few years ago. Good idea if you are not in a rush to buy and feel confident enough to do the research and legwork yourself.

Cass
 

[glynnd]

Have bought a GTi from Motorpoint and yes they are bargains there to be had.  £18.5k for full UK spec car with a list of extras, and the car was built just 2 months ago - but check date of build for sure - and lift the bonnet too.

Metallic paint
18" Monza's
Winter pack
Xeons
Cruise control

The UK car at a VW dealer retails at £22k plus and all you really get is an additional 12 months warranty and a hand book- which can be bolted on if you feel the need and the book sourced independently. 

Resale is of course less but the cars value will fall in line with UK cars.  ie £22k today vs £18.5 today and £20k vs £16.5k a year down the line - it just depends on whether you can afford the £3.5k premium outlay up front. 

Cars in perfect condition and so far so good - only waited 3 weeks to take delivery.

I guess the bottom line is you pay your money and take your choice! 

[Megaos]

Thanks for the replies, one for and one against i'd say. Glynnd, i've read on another thread that after 3 years the difference in value between an import and dealer sourced car is nothing.

It's a no brainer for me anyway cos i can't afford to pay full whack at a dealer but you hear horror stories like Cass's but like you say if you're careful, there is serious money to be saved.

                                                             Thanks Again.

Does anyone know if centre armrests can be dealer fitted?

[Cass]

Retro fit armrest - yes - dealer or DIY job

Some info/links here:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2175947&postid=23771147

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3145502&uid=291057&dir=1&postid=37106846#37106846

Cass