Hello ! Prospective new GOLF GTi/R owner

[PGS_AUS]

Hello all !

I found this site while doing a bit of research for a planned replacement for my 5 year old XR5 (came down to it and MkV GTI last time around) and have to say the information here is terriffic. I was looking at a few different cars such as a Megane RS (great driver but longevity of any Renault worries me still), STI (dreadful interior) etc but after some test drives have pretty well short listed the Golf R or GTI with the Skoda Octavia vRS a slight possibility. I was leaning towards a VW more since my wife took my advice and has a Polo GTI on order which should arrive after a 12 month wait in March next year.

I've driven a manual R and a DSG GTI and have basically put the R at the top of my wish list though the value equation of just spending a fraction of the difference on the GTI to get similar performance in probably 80% of likely driving conditions is at the back of my mind. I should also be having a drive of a Scirocco in the next week or two which might change my thoughts a little more. I would like to have the new car ordered by late January or early February at the latest.

A few of the other factors I'm considering :

Manual v DSG
Leather v Cloth (I found the R leather seats less comfortable than the cloth GTI seats - maybe just the taunt new leather ?)
18s V 19s on the R (Ride comfort in everyday use)

In regards to myself I currently own my own business, work long hours and want to reward myself with a nice toy. I've also previously had about 17 years experience working in different areas of the automotive industry - everything from new car sales to working in service departments and have had a pretty reaonable list of "nice" cars in my garage over my driving career so do know a "little" about the automotive industry.

Cheers,

Paul

[team_v]

Welcome Paul.
Hope you find what you are looking for and bring the beastie out to some of our events (Euro meet, happy laps etc)

[Finance_Analyst]

Get a GTI DSG - I think the long term running costs will be lower and looks better with the white stripes and 18 detriots. DSG is also easier to sell and better resale.

Plus, who can possibly say no to the tartan fabric? Leather is not even an option (but a very pricey one at that!)

[entice]

Sounds like a similar choice that I was faced with. I even considered a Lancer EVO
But, working the long hours and wanting some reward, I chose the car that I just felt good in...
even in traffic.

I've owned subarus (wrx's, STI's etc etc) before, and you certainly dont feel good in idle.
In idle, interior matters. Golf wins hands down.

blip the throttle and hear the exhaust pop from time to time on up and downshift, and that little noise will bring a smile to your face no matter what your mood.
So.. it has to be DSG.

I ended up with a new GTI delivered in April 2010.

I DID option the leather, and park assist and camera. Not negotiable, had to have the camera and front sensors.. and had to have leather. Once you have your aching back from a 13 hr day resting against a heated seat, you cannot consider going without.
Besides, easier to clean all the kids mess in the back.

and if you're thinking that they'll travel in teh wife's car, you're kidding yourself. why would you take her car as a family when you could be driving yours??

anyway, I digress

I recently was looking at the same proposition of what do I buy now... so teh current contenders:

Whilst the Megane is a nice drive, the interior is rubbish, especially once you've gotten used to an integrated sat nav car, and a golf interior
Whilst the STI has tamed from teh one I used to own and is more user frienddly, it's still fugly, inside and out, and still not a nice "idler"
whilst teh EVO is quite nice, and teh interior a little better than the Subie, it's no way germanic, and the nice evo pushes up 80K
anything BMW and nice s=will start at around 80K.. before you add options. Same for Audi

I think I got teh best of both worlds..

The wife is getting a Passat Wagon 125TDI with some added fruit,

and I have on order a Golf R in white (Scirocco was impractical interior wise)..

yes, with leather, roof, 19"S in black, sat nav (couldnt be bothered retrofitting this time, taxman can help), and camera, and lets not forget.. DSG

Hope this helps, but a nagging little voice just tells me, you really have made up your mind (or heart, more importantly) and are just seeking extra justification....

[AdamD]

Welcome Paul! Tons of info in the Mk6 section to help you decide between the GTI and R. Many have been in the same boat as you, and everyone's got an opinion to share.

[DonJuan]

Welcome Paul.
Hope you find what you are looking for and bring the beastie out to some of our events (Euro meet, happy laps etc)

+1 welcome to the forum!

[grtuned]

Wait for the scirocco before making any decision!! Welcome to the forum.

Cheers.

[TomTom]

Welcome to the forum.

I went through the same issues. In the end, I went for the GTI Edition 35 - not as quick as the R, but had quite a few of its features. I just didn't think I would really need the AWD, and extra go - plus the dollars did not justify the extras offered that I really did not want.- and the GTI has enough go in it (the 35 has more of course - in the middle of the GTI and the R). I was not keen on the significantly smaller boot of the R (as this was a priority for me). I got the R taillights and the Xenons, 18" wheels with the rims which are far superior to the GTI's standard rims. The GTI rims are awful and would need to be replaced in my view if you went for the GTI. I like the cloth seats - depends if you have kids etc. Leather is fine, but not necessary.

The Edition 35 is a thrill to drive every time - it was a present for me after many long hours - I just love driving it - it covers sedate driving well, and then if you want a thrill, you can certainly have it.

The interior is superior. No other car can match it at the price.

In short, I suggest get an Edition 35 - more go than the GTI, lots of extras - and you will feel different. You may need to dig around - I understand there are still some in the country dealerships

Either the GTI, the 35 or the R - will be a great choice which you will never regret.

[Candyman]

Hello all

I've driven a manual R and a DSG GTI and have basically put the R at the top of my wish list though the value equation of just spending a fraction of the difference on the GTI to get similar performance in probably 80% of likely driving conditions is at the back of my mind

Cheers,

Paul

In that case, get the R or you will always wish you had, especially in that 20% of driving.

Don't compromise.