Just joined from Bondi

[boynamedsue]

Hola - Looking at buying a Golf GTi - my first VW.

Selling a Mercedes C200 kompressor sports coupe (not a sports vehicle at all really - tho' quite alot of creature comforts).

Prior to the C200 I had a Peugeot 306 GTi - which remains my favourite car to drive in terms of handling – both raw and focused – yet very costly to maintain with constant issues... In fact if I had a garage I would have kept it for weekends.

Just poking around the site to see if there are any Golf GTi's for sale and what issues I should look out for as I will be looking for a pre-owned vehicle.

Best
D.

[h100vw]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

What GTI are you after? MK4 5 or 6?

I would think the MK5 would be closest to the Merc if you are not looking at buying new.

Gavin

[boynamedsue]

Hi Gavin,

Price point is my guide so it looks like a MK5 series GTi is my target – Ideally I'd like a 2004 R32 but they appear to be just too far north of $30k which I'm tempted to go to but I must try to exhibit restraint and keep it under $28k.

Just this afternoon I test drove my first 2005 Golf MK5 GTi with 55k on the clock, full VW service history, leather + 2 years left on the extended warranty – asking $28k but negotiable.

I think this seems reasonable and cosmetically the car was in fine shape.

Any thoughts on that price as a ball park from what I've described?

Best
D.

[Yevvy]

Hi Gavin,

Price point is my guide so it looks like a MK5 series GTi is my target – Ideally I'd like a 2004 R32 but they appear to be just too far north of $30k which I'm tempted to go to but I must try to exhibit restraint and keep it under $28k.

Just this afternoon I test drove my first 2005 Golf MK5 GTi with 55k on the clock, full VW service history, leather + 2 years left on the extended warranty – asking $28k but negotiable.

I think this seems reasonable and cosmetically the car was in fine shape.

Any thoughts on that price as a ball park from what I've described?

Best
D.

That looks like a good deal actually. But it is always worth it to negotiate a little good luck with a purchase!

[boynamedsue]

I'm getting the car checked this week by an acquaintance who is a mechanic at mercedes – pending all being fine with the car I can't see how I can really bargain the price down on anything tangible other than the rego being due at the end of this month (sept) which will cost close to $1000.

Still I'll wait to see what the check brings up.

Best
D.

[h100vw]

Make sure you find some one to do a scan of the ECUs. VCDS is the best thing to use IMO but there's other scan tools out there.

Your Merc mate can probably get something that would work.

Can't advise on pricing but go in hard to start with.

Gavin

[boynamedsue]

Hi Gavin,

Thanks for the advice.
I'll ask my merc mechanic guy about the ECU scan.

However as the car still has 2 years left on the warranty I'd imagine if I experience any problems then it's straight off to the dealer to rectify the issue.

Best
D.

[noone]

Welcome.

If you have not yet been sold on the Golf, I'd suggest having a look at the;
- Polo GTI
- Passat

Obviously, they are differently styled, and are differently priced, but there are often nice ones of both on here within your price range.

I don't think that a Mk4 R32 is unrealistic for your price, there is one for sale on here with a bit of work for just over 30K look here

Its worth holding out for what you really want, makes it so much more worth while when you finally get it

Be aware that the 55K kms mark may mean you are close to spending a few thousand (eg expensive 60K service). I don't know, but there are plenty of people on here who can help an no doubt lots of info already in the Golf section.

Any which way, welcome and I'm sure you will enjoy...

[boynamedsue]

Ok – I did it and now happy owner of my first VW.

Late 2005 Mk5 Golf GTi. Black, Leather & no mods.

Mechanic checked out car and gave the thumbs up.

Negotiated $1k off price.

And the Gti goes like a rocket – very surprised by the mid range pull.

Locked in 60k service this week with VW for $820 – which is $300 cheaper than the top price I was quoted by one VW dealership. Happy with that.

Now just researching which iPOD adaptor to install.

Top tip seems to be the Connects2 iPOD kit rather than the VW OEM kit.

Very surprised by how spec'd the car is compared to the Merc I just gave up.

))))))