Thinking about getting a GTi

[FlashBastd]

Hi, looking at a couple of cars, currently after an R26, though that was before I read about Renault's appauling reliability. It looks like even a 55 plate GTi will cost me more than a new Renault, but I guess that is what you pay for quality!

Anyhow, I have a couple of questions;

1. can the steering wheel conttrol buttons be retrofitted? If so, is this a huge / expensive job, or is it not so bad?

2. does the GTi come with climate as standard - I am looking around an '05 car.

3. what about the spare wheel, space saver?

Thank you in advance for your help.

PS, having a go in a DSG car on Tues, concerned that between the added practicality of 5 doors, the bonus of DSG, and better build / reliability than Focus ST / Megane R26, I am going to have to find an extra couple of k.

[Manu_R32]

Im 18 and i have gone from a Clio Sport to a GTI...i wanted to get an R26 but my dealer didnt want to sell me one as he thought i was gonna smash it(hes a poof)....i am so happy i went for the GTI, its so much more mature, i love it, the space is excellent and the girls also like it! I think its so much better looking than alot of the other models in its range such as the S3, R26, Astra VXR, and so on...It depends what ur after thou, if you looking for an an all rounder, i would think the GTI would be the car to buy!...The S3 is only a 3 Door option, the GTI you can get in 5 Door, the same happens with the R26 and the Astra VXR. I beleive the steering buttons can be retro fitted as some one did mention it before but im sure ud be fine without it! Aslong as there is some one beside you to change songs n stuff your fine. I Beleive the GTI does come with Climate control as standard and yes...there is a spare wheel in the boot along with the tools and stuff. Your most welcome to take it out and take the risk of driving without a spare wheel....Its 5:30 am and i normally wouldnt write so much but im pissed, got nothing better do and felt like helping! Hope this helps mate, and all i have to say is....go for it 

[GTI CV7]

3. what about the spare wheel, space saver?

Yeah, I think cost-saver spare wheels are standard on Gti's in the UK... fantastic idea, you get limited to 50Mph and get to ruin the look of a fantastic car just so the manufacturer can save a few quid.

[p3eps]

Yeah, I think cost-saver spare wheels are standard on Gti's in the UK... fantastic idea, you get limited to 50Mph and get to ruin the look of a fantastic car just so the manufacturer can save a few quid.

Better than getting a can of air / gunk - which a lot of manufacturers are doing now!
At least if its a small puncture you can get it repaired... once you use those cans your tyre must be replaced.

[FlashBastd]

Thanks guys. Just a couple of other Qs,

is there room for a full size spare?

do 18's have a detrimental ride? Is there anything other than aesthetic benefit to them?

are DSG boxes pretty reliable?

are there any options that I really shouldn't be without?

thanks!

[PabloGTI]

Hi,

Not a full size, but I think the space saver is better than a can of goo

18s ride very nicely. Never tried the 17. The 18s use a 40 profile trye, the 17s use a 45. So in theory, the 18 should have less sidewall flex (good for handling, not so good for comfort). BUT, i seriously doubt that you would be able to tell a car on 17 or 18s from the drivers seat. But as i said, the 18 are not uncomfortable.

Mines an april 06, the DSG hasnt missed a beat yet. Its my first auto, so not being able to slip the clutch during parking manouvers took a little getting used to.

Even a "poverty spec" GTI is a good car. DSG is a personal preferance (you want it or you dont). 18s are nice (unless you are a kerb magnet, then have the 17 as they are much easier to get refurbed, or refurb yourself). Xenons are woth it if you can afford it, second hand Satnavs are £350 - £60 on ebay if you want to add one later...and I REALLY wish mine had the highline computer.

Basically, If it has GTI on the boot your gonna be happy with it. All the rest is just sugar on your cornflakes.

[FlashBastd]

Highline can't be retrofitted then? - shame, I would like a proper computer, but I guess it all depends what is available at the right price. DSG and 5drs are both pretty important, anything else is a bonus. I love those Recaro's, and would also like a sunroof, but I guess the chances of finding a car with;

Recaro's
DSG
5drs
Cruise
Steering wheel controls
Xenons
18's
low miles
new as poss

For around £16k, are going to be pretty slim, meaning compromises somewhere, and that is before colour choices. I am expecting the DSG will make the car just so much easier to live with, without compromising performance or control. Cruise and 18's can be retrofitted, so I guess they aren't issues, but I will prob have to do without a sunroof.

It is a bit gutting, as an R26 has most of that as standard, is great to drive, and available for around £15k plus metallic and Xenons, but even with 3 yrs warranty, I just don't want to be messing around taking it back to the dealers all the time, or worse getting stranded because it won't start, or let me in.

The Renault horror stories are really awful - I ran my '01 Mondeo 2.5 from year 3 to year 5, 30k to 65k and called the AA once when a spring broke. I am currently running a '93 BMW E30 318i Touring, we have had it from year 10, to date, 55k to 85k and only called the AA once, because of an aftermarket immobiliser fault, so the prospect of having to routinely get them out to a 0-3year old car really puts me off, hence considering spending more on an old GTi.

[Manu_R32]

I Have heard all the Renault Horror stories and have also experienced them! The amount of problems my clio hsa given me is countless. You just cant compare Renault to VW. The moment i went from the Clio to the GTI i knew i was in a good, safe and friendly car. Have you tried test driving a GTI? Not sure how test drives work in the UK as i am from abroad but im sure it will be worth it. If you want to have a look at forums to do with the R26, www.renaultsport.co.uk i guess. If i were in your shoes i think id put my money on the GTI. Much better investment!

[TheReflex]

I would say make a car with 18's your priority. You will regret it big time if you don't get them and it will cost you £1k + to get a pukka set with tyres if you want to upgrade to them later. Other than that, as has been said the GTI is pretty much sorted . Not as quick point to point as the Renault R26 but the GTI a far classier , better built car . I had a Clio 172 Cup years ago and the buld quality was shocking.

[RedRobin]

Thanks guys. Just a couple of other Qs,

is there room for a full size spare?

....Not hidden away but I sometimes carry a full set of 17's with back seats down - No problem.

do 18's have a detrimental ride? Is there anything other than aesthetic benefit to them?

....I did my first 15,000 miles on the 17's and now up to 32,000 on 18's. 18's feeler firmer but not harsher and I have firmer modded suspension. UK road salt is shyte and can corrode the clear lacquer on the 18's.

are DSG boxes pretty reliable?

....Just as reliable as any other component on the car. DSG offers so many driving style options and takes a while to get natural and fluid with it but it's awesome when you do.

are there any options that I really shouldn't be without?

....Highline computer, Armrest - Not essential but very useful.

thanks!

....You're welcome - We're here to help each other