To GTi or not GTi.....

[Greg Roles]

But one thing I WILL add is that a manual diesel in slow, crawling start stop traffic is a pain in the clutch leg! You do really re-learn clutch control though, I feel my driving skills are much improved from my lazy V8 auto days.

For that 5-10% of the time in heavy traffic, you miss an auto!

[mark4323]

I had the same concerns about the GTI and would I be annoyed by the suspension. However, after 6 months it is no longer an issue.

[Paul_OH]

What sort of driving do you mostly do, your age group and km per year?

Obviously the GTI, GT TSI, GT TDI and Pacific FSI/TDI are very different beasts and what may suit others may not suit yourselves and your tolerance to back pain (just kidding!)
We went with the GT 1.4 and haven't regretted the decision for a second.
I originally went in with the intention of getting the GT TDI but didn't like the driving style at all with so much grunt and an extremely short powerband (Cost also was a factor, it's very close to GTI territory). I personally liked the GTI but I too found the ride harsh and because this is 'our' car instead of my car I knew the ride wouldn't cut it. If it was just me I could have lived with it but I'm not 18 anymore and I either would have got used to it or it would have driven me nuts. An expensive gamble if it was the latter.

As another option we also considered the Pacific TDI (after spending 2 months driving one in Europe earlier this year), all round very good, excellent economy and I'd recommend one of these for 90% of 'John Citizen' drivers however I thought they looked a bit bland compared to the GT/GTI.
As for economy, the TDIs can't be beat however when my wife drives she averages around 6-6.5 l/100km around town. I certainly don't, I avge around 7 in economy mode or 8 in usual driving mode

Some food for thought, good luck, enjoy your shopping experience and hopefully welcome to Mk V world!

Paul

[gregozedobe]

If you do lots of driving in heavy, stop start traffic and are leaning towards a diesel it would be worthwhile doing a search on DPFs (Diesel Particulate Filters). Some of the DPFs on 125Kw TDIs have been known to have frequent regeneration issues when driven a lot in heavy traffic.

[dangerous_daveo]

If you are in Brissy, and going for a decent test drive. Try get it up Mt Cootha, and go the longer back way. Milton road in and out to get up there, gives you a pretty quick idea of whats good and bad.

[KWICKS]

I test drove all the Golf variants, R32 to Comfortline 1.6. We, like you, had worked out that Golf was greater than its competitors. Our purpose was to find a second car after wife's car was written off.

We selected the GT Sport TSI in manual with leather. The GTI was more expensive, had firmer suspension, m,ore expensive to fuel and insure and was very common.

Then the problems started. "September 14" delivery soon became, "mid October", "mid November", "maybe this year". So we negotited on similar stock and we were able to turn our planned pearl black $38000 manual GT Sport with leather purchase into a pearl black GTI with leather and manual transmission for very little more. With 2 week delivery, so we have that instead.

Suspension is a little jiggly but you will get used to it and its plantedness is a fair compromise you'd accept for it. It's not harsh. Off idle I think the GT Sport goes great, but the mid range and top end of the GTI is far stronger than the GT.

I would only suggest to you if you are large, as I am, that the GTI seats can be too small ( I fit in them but it makes them less snug by bending the bolsters so the wife hates that!), but this is unlikely to be a problem for almost all buyers.

I think the GTI has more extras than the difference in price.

If you can wait I'd go for a Mark VI though. There will be a GTI diesel (GT Sport diesel engine) but not sure if there will be a GT Sport 1.4 in AUs, dealer didn't know when I asked. However, if there is the Mark VI GT Sport 1.4 TSI will have the same output but EVEN BETTER fuel economy.

ALl told now is an awesome time to be car shopping. If you can pick something in stock in AUs you will be almost able to name your price.

[GTIWesome]

What sort of driving do you mostly do, your age group and km per year?

Late 20's, and will do around 30k per year, mostly highway driving.

Want a balance of a fun car and comfortable one. I think wed be happy with the TSI2.0 ...if we hadnt driven the GT....and we'd be happy with the GT if we hadnt driven the GTi lol

I personally liked the GTI but I too found the ride harsh and because this is 'our' car instead of my car I knew the ride wouldn't cut it

Yup thats the main concern. To top it off, a female friend has told us she was using her boyfriends for a while as her car was at the panel beaters, and she hated it! Gawd when i heard that I knew i was in trouble.

Seem to be a balance of opinions here either way on the ride being too rough or not, so not all hope is lost i suppose.

Anyway need to get on the blower to find out which dealers have the models we want to drive.

[zz2]

Yup thats the main concern. To top it off, a female friend has told us she was using her boyfriends for a while as her car was at the panel beaters, and she hated it! Gawd when i heard that I knew i was in trouble.

don't listen to her. even my 68yo dad doesnt complain about the ride, as for my gf.. she loves the car. trust me the suspension is soft in comparison to my mates cars (skylines, silvias, mini cooper S)
the gti is a superb long distance cruiser. i have been in it for almost 5hrs straight in the country many a time and never once had any issues.

the 'I' is worth it

[gerhard]

Yup thats the main concern. To top it off, a female friend has told us she was using her boyfriends for a while as her car was at the panel beaters, and she hated it! Gawd when i heard that I knew i was in trouble.

Seem to be a balance of opinions here either way on the ride being too rough or not, so not all hope is lost i suppose.

Anyway need to get on the blower to find out which dealers have the models we want to drive.

Bluddy women - put on earth to spoil men's fun

Have you thought about the Jetta - same engine as the GTI, and better ride if you don't get the 18" wheels (stick with the 17s) BUT - when you want to have a blast you get virtually the same performance as the GTI. It weighs only about 90kg more but the brakes are not as good.

And there's a BIG boot for all those things the ladies need to take even on a short trip.

[Greg Roles]

don't listen to her. even my 68yo dad doesnt complain about the ride, as for my gf.. she loves the car. trust me the suspension is soft in comparison to my mates cars (skylines, silvias, mini cooper S)
the gti is a superb long distance cruiser. i have been in it for almost 5hrs straight in the country many a time and never once had any issues.

the 'I' is worth it

And yet I, and a few others on here chose the GT over the GTI because of the ride, when the price difference was less than a decent pushie. Each to their own my friend.

[Paul_OH]

ps don't get me wrong, we're all proud of our cars and I'm sure we're all happy with our purchases. Of course GT drivers will say get the GT, GTI drivers will say get the GTI etc etc.
It's all some type of sub-concious confirmation that we made the right choice if we can convince someone else to buy the same. You will see it day in/day out on many forums whether it's cameras, cars or laptops.

In saying that, I'm a big fan of all the current Golf performance models and appreciate the way they've come up with great options Twincharged 1.4, Turbo Diesel, Turbo 2.0 and 3.2lt V6, where else can you get this variety

I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever option you choose as they are all great cars, just different

[Russ59]

I find the ride in mine is firm but very comfortable, handles like it's on tracks, I had surgery a little over 2 years ago and have an artificial disc fitted in the lower back. I still get pain with it but I can tell you in all honesty the seats in the GT are very supportive and I never feel any discomfort when driving and it is especially good on long trips.

Russ

[KWICKS]

Our GTI is my wifes car and she loves the handling.

[GTom]

ps don't get me wrong, we're all proud of our cars and I'm sure we're all happy with our purchases. Of course GT drivers will say get the GT, GTI drivers will say get the GTI etc etc.
It's all some type of sub-concious confirmation that we made the right choice if we can convince someone else to buy the same. You will see it day in/day out on many forums whether it's cameras, cars or laptops.

I have a GT but also want a GTI......... I have come up with the perfect solution....



Get both lol. (I wish I could)

[Paul_OH]

Get both lol. (I wish I could)

True, if only it was that easy