Sell MK4 GLE, buy MK4 GTI...opinions?

[anth]

Hi all,

Been a while since I've posted in these parts, but I've been having a bit of a mental dilemma lately and I thought it best to share with those who will understand and hopefully share some advice with .

I've owned my MK4 GLE for a couple of yrs now and it's been great to me, I love the build quality, the fuel economy, how practical it is, and the cruise control and numerous cup-holders were luxuries I've never experienced before! A while back I was getting bored of it so I installed some Hottuning coilovers and R32 reps to keep me interested. It did the trick for a while, the car looked fantastic, but it didn't really make it any more enjoyable to drive (except for the flatter handling once you were out in the twisty stuff). But it was still a wheezy 2.0 with nanna-spec tan/black interior. I've since sold all the good bits and it's back to stock now, I'm slowly cleaning it up for it's eventual sale.

I've been thinking of what other car to replace it with in my budget (up to 12k), and I keep coming back to the MK4 GTI. I still love the shape of the MK4 and the layout/design of the interior, but the GTI has those little extras like sunroof, recaros, factory alloys, not to mention the 1.8T. I just think it'll be an all-round nicer and more fun car than my GLE for daily duties. But is it a waste to buy another car of the same make/model? If I'm going to all this effort of road worthies and transfer fee's, should I go for a whole different car?

So my question is, do you think it would be wise to sell my GLE to buy a GTI, or should I take the opportunity to get something completely different?

thanks in advance! looking forward to hearing what you guys have to say

[leighaus]

Depends how fast you want to go. You can get a lower spec mk5 or a high end mk4... Either is a good buy. I picked up an mk4 gti for 8500, so gave me some room for upgrading parts I'm very happy with it, though the gti isn't that quick stock.

[djorkboy]

If you are worried about buying a car too close to what you currently have why not try a Bora 4mo, 12k would get you a pretty nice one and it will have all the extras that a GTI will have plus a few more, like leather, traction control, heated seats, 4 wheel drive, more power, 6 speed gearbox, better looking shape etc.

...not that I'm biased towards Boras or anything

[anth]

Going fast isn't really a priority, I'm just after something more fun with a few extra features and better appearance. I have a turbo datto in the garage for when I wanna go fast!

I love the idea of a V6, and truth be told if they offered the MK4 VR6 in Aus I would never have made this thread, I'd be getting one of those for sure, I love the sound. I love the look of the Boras, but the things that hold me off from one is that being awd there's twice as much stuff that can potentially go wrong with the driveline, plus there's the extra weight. The other thing is I really like the versatility of a hatch back, you can fit so much stuff in them. Does the bora have the ability to fold all the rear seats down?

[balkanac]

if they offered the MK4 VR6 in Aus I would never have made this thread

They did mate, they call it R32

[governor22]

yeah, the rear seats go down no worries, but you're still stuck with the fact it's a sedan and thus can't fit the same stuff that you can in the hatch (i once put a 7ft bookcase in the old golf and drove it to canberra.....just amazing space)

but djork's got a point-- if you find a well-looked after bora with decent k's, you'll be pretty happy. And 12k could fetch a decent 4 motion with 90,xxx ~ 150,xxx on the clock

re. the weight, i think the engine makes up for it. I haven't clocked mine, but owners say it's close to a 7 second car, and the purr it makes when idle is just art (stock too)

[dylan8]

Going fast isn't really a priority, I'm just after something more fun with a few extra features and better appearance. I have a turbo datto in the garage for when I wanna go fast!

I love the idea of a V6, and truth be told if they offered the MK4 VR6 in Aus I would never have made this thread, I'd be getting one of those for sure, I love the sound. I love the look of the Boras, but the things that hold me off from one is that being awd there's twice as much stuff that can potentially go wrong with the driveline, plus there's the extra weight. The other thing is I really like the versatility of a hatch back, you can fit so much stuff in them. Does the bora have the ability to fold all the rear seats down?

yep bora seats go flat.
What about the V5, CAN come with all the options of the 4mo minus the V6 and AWD i believe...

They did mate, they call it R32

there is one none R32 model that pops up from time to time on carsales isnt there?

[governor22]

problem is the mk4 R32 is still a 25 grand car. way out of budget. and only 3 door

[Stan]

just build a GTI like I did

For the dollars if you are after something else, look at a mk5 in your price range. If faster is not such an issue (love that Datto!) then find the most specced up interior you can.

or do a 4wd conversion with k04 turbo upgrade and put it on your site

[governor22]

just some things i found on carsales:
2002 VOLKSWAGEN BORA 4-MOTION 1J MY2002 Private Cars For Sale in NSW - carsales.com.au
2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI 4th Gen Private Cars For Sale in NSW - carsales.com.au

[djorkboy]

just some things i found on carsales:
2002 VOLKSWAGEN BORA 4-MOTION 1J MY2002 Private Cars For Sale in NSW - carsales.com.au

Those taillights are freaking hideous!!! Nice Bora otherwise, but those lights!!

[governor22]

i know, haha!

[anth]

Thanks for all the great replies everyone, really appreciate it!

They did mate, they call it R32

Sorry, I should have been more clear and said MK4 GTI VR6 I'd love an R32, but the below quote is 100% correct...

problem is the mk4 R32 is still a 25 grand car. way out of budget. and only 3 door

yeah, the rear seats go down no worries, but you're still stuck with the fact it's a sedan and thus can't fit the same stuff that you can in the hatch (i once put a 7ft bookcase in the old golf and drove it to canberra.....just amazing space)

but djork's got a point-- if you find a well-looked after bora with decent k's, you'll be pretty happy. And 12k could fetch a decent 4 motion with 90,xxx ~ 150,xxx on the clock

re. the weight, i think the engine makes up for it. I haven't clocked mine, but owners say it's close to a 7 second car, and the purr it makes when idle is just art (stock too)

Good news re: the folding seats, that makes a big difference. I know all about the engine note, I've spent way too long on youtube listening to VR6s!

yep bora seats go flat.
What about the V5, CAN come with all the options of the 4mo minus the V6 and AWD i believe...

If I was to get a Bora it would have to be the V6, I need to experience that engine at least once in my lifetime.

just build a GTI like I did
For the dollars if you are after something else, look at a mk5 in your price range. If faster is not such an issue (love that Datto!) then find the most specced up interior you can.
or do a 4wd conversion with k04 turbo upgrade and put it on your site

I think I'd be happier with a top-spec MK4 compared to a bottom-spec MK5. I already have one project car, don't need two haha! Thanks for the kind words, too

So it looks like this thread has turned into Golf GTI vs Bora 4motion!

[jDub]

GOLF GTI hands down...

[Lito]

I may be biased but I say get a gti.... And then chip it