Get a mk2 now? Or wait a year?

[Tom H]

Anytime I have a difficult decision like this I toss a coin.

No really - I went to Canada for 6 months on a coin toss, here's the clever part though: Toss the coin, catch it on the back of your hand and cover it with the other - in that instant you'll know what you want the coin to say - don't bother looking at it, go with what you want it to be.

p.s. - you'll want it to be buy, so don't even bother with the coin!

Although saying that don't rush into it, there are quite a few MK2's about, but it's worth spending the time and money to get the right one, so a little patients may be for the best.....stop by tomorrow for more contradictory advice! (sorry!)

Have you considered getting a smaller engined golf, possibly a gti replica for a year or 2? They’ve probably lost pretty much all the value they’re going to, so if you find one that won’t break down every few weeks you probably won’t lose that much on it, and then upgrade to the real thing when the insurance has dropped.

[Simon8v91]

buy buy buy
 

I thought it was sell sell keep  

seriously, if the right one comes up go for it.  They are getting harder to find.  But as other have said keep a cool head and dont jump at the first one.  Take your time and have a look at a few first, but be ready to pounce if you see the right one (others will be after it too).   

[DubFan]

I'd be in two minds.

Either you go the "sensible" route, wait another year, save some money, in a years time you'll be older, you'll have more no claims and an extra year of driving experience, all of which helps with insurance costs, but there are other factors involved in the insurance that you can't do anything about.
If you have another car to get around, and you're a student with little money, they why spend so much money when it will be cheaper next year.

Then of course, the enthusiast in me says, go for it. When I had a small accident in my first car, I used that as an excuse to buy a Mk3 16v GTI. You can always find reasons to do it.

Will you still be a student next year?
If so, you income probably won't change, but the insurance will be less of a burden.

My suggestion would be, keep using your current car to run around till you find the GTI you want (as it may take some time) but saving the money and building up the no claims discount.
Then when it gets a couple of months from the end of your years policy, check out the prices, see if it's affordable.
No point buying a GTI then sticking it in the garage not being driven because then it may need more work when you want to get it going again. Then you may well have to MOT and Tax it again having had no benefit from it.
You could however buy a project car and stick that in the garage, spending your spare time working on it, getting it ready for next year.

There's nothing like owning a GTI though

[kittie]

My insurance didn't go any cheaper when I turned 21 

Might as well just get one whenever you find a good one!

this might take some time as loads out there seem to have been ragged about all their lives or are horribly 'modified' unfortunately