GTI - MKV or MKVI?

[aeon]

Hi folks, with the MKVI GTI later this year, what are peoples thoughts on getting a cheaper MKV GTI right now, or waiting for the MKVI GTI to come out later this year.

From my calculations and a price I got a couple of weeks ago (which may or may not be still valid), I could get a MKV GTI for about $4k - $5k cheaper than a brand new MKVI GTI would cost (if the MKVI retails for about the same as the MKV + $2k - $3k on roads).

Whilst I shouldn't really care about resale values, I'm guessing there will be a drop in resale on the MKV when the MKVI comes out, which would negate the initial savings in price.

From most review reports, the performance is pretty much the same, just the MKVI has the obvious (although slight) difference in external look, though most are reporting the interior is a bit better – including less road noise.

It would be nice to have one right now, but on the other hand, it'd be nice to get the new model!

[Corey_R]

Welcome to the forums mate.

From what I can see, the 2nd hand prices of the MKV are already dropping now. (Just look at all the prices on carsales). You can also do some pretty good deals on brand new GTI's and GTI Pirelli's which dealers still have on stock.

So if you like the MKV , go for it.
I owned a MKV and loved it. But after seeing the MKVI I'm happy to wait for it to come out and look at the GTI or the R20T (or whatever it'll be called).

[kaoticice]

It really comes to how much you willing to spend.. if you're looking for bang for your buck, i think the mkv GTI will win by a margin, fairly obvious though prices are slashing badly on the mkv gti.

Its really hard to comment how good the mkvi is compared with the mkv as none of us has officially driven the mk6 GTI. By the look at all the current reviews on mk6 GTI. It seems obvious thats its a lil better then the mk5 GTI at all category. More refined, better handling, better performance, higher quality, better fuel economy, and the list goes on.

I'll recommend waiting and getting the mk6 GTI

[scotty1991]

Get the MKV, a good second hand example and put the savings into modifications

[triode12]

Get the Pirelli - same engine as the VI but with more power.

I didn't like the VI's looks at first - too pedestrian for my taste but it seems to be growing on me. But the V still looks more aggressive from the front.

If the VI proves to be as popular as the V was when it first came out, you might be looking at a 6-9mth wait for a VI once it is launched. So you probably won't be able to get one till mid next year and you will probably have to pay a premium for the privilege of getting one.

[Maverick]

Get the Pirelli - same engine as the VI but with more power.

The Pirelli has a limited edition engine installed, it is NOT the same as the Golf VI engine which is the next incarnation of the Mark V engine. The current Mark V engines are EA113 which is a dated design limited on the amount of power it can handle, the new engines are the EA888 series which can handle a lot more power.

I haven't finished this off yet but a comparison between the EA113 and EA888 engines is here, some info may not be spot on.

http://www.my-gti.com/1046

http://www.my-gti.com/1046/differences-between-the-gti-mark-v-and-mark-vi-engine

Differences between the Edition 30, Pirelli etc and the GTI engine are also here

http://www.my-gti.com/546

http://www.my-gti.com/546/differences-between-vw-golf-edition-30-vw-golf-pirelli-audi-s3-and-seat-leon-cupra-r-engines

[kaoticice]

^ wow I never knew that the Pirelli and the mk6 has a different engine block. Thx for the link.

If you dont mind me asking, what other cars are using the EA888 engine block at the moment other then the upcoming mk6 GTI??

[anthony_VWJET]

Anyone know how many Pirellis are still on sale?

[triode12]

The Pirelli has a limited edition engine installed, it is NOT the same as the Golf VI engine which is the next incarnation of the Mark V engine. The current Mark V engines are EA113 which is a dated design limited on the amount of power it can handle, the new engines are the EA888 series which can handle a lot more power.

I haven't finished this off yet but a comparison between the EA113 and EA888 engines is here, some info may not be spot on.

http://www.my-gti.com/1046

http://www.my-gti.com/1046/differences-between-the-gti-mark-v-and-mark-vi-engine

Differences between the Edition 30, Pirelli etc and the GTI engine are also here

http://www.my-gti.com/546

http://www.my-gti.com/546/difference...upra-r-engines

My bad, from what I read I assumed that they were the same.

[triode12]

Anyone know how many Pirellis are still on sale?

Someone posted before that there were at least 50 units left.

[anthony_VWJET]

Someone posted before that there were at least 50 units left.

Wow, thats still quiet a bit, Id be interested to see how much they'd be worth by the end of this year if there were still a few around.. I wouldnt mind trading in my Jetta for one, but id miss the boot space...

[Maverick]

^ wow I never knew that the Pirelli and the mk6 has a different engine block. Thx for the link.

If you dont mind me asking, what other cars are using the EA888 engine block at the moment other then the upcoming mk6 GTI??

The EA888 series covers the new 1.8 as well. The 1.8's were the first EA888 series engines launched and are found in the Skodas and a few others with the newer engines.

In the 2.0 it's the Seat Cupra, Audi A4, A5 (and a few others), the MY09 GTI sold in the states and of course the GTI. The S3 will also get this engine, not sure when but I assume soon. They started producing these engines starting 3/2008 (I assume week 3) so I assume the old series are not being produced anymore or in low volumes.

Other VW models will I guess be upgraded soon if not already.

[bwen]

Hey mate, I was in the same situation as you not too long ago. As I also started a thread here: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ad.php?t=30051

Right now would most probably be the best time to pick up a MKV as there is quite large supply of GTIs and that would give you more options as to exactly what colour and accessories you want with your car. Also if you pick it up soon you can skip all the on road costs and taxes. I found that the Pirelli is a good choice as you get the newer engine as Maverick stated and it's quite close to the normal MKV GTI price.

I didn't wait for the MKVI because I simply didn't really like the shape but if you don't mind waiting the MKVI would have to be better than the MKV just because it's a newer revision? (I'm assuming) but the wait might be quite long though, there hasn't even been a definate quote when the MKVI GTI lands in Australia

[aristocrat]

I agree with bwen. If you haggle hard, you should be able to get a really kick ass deal on a GTI or Pirelli, together with free onroad this month, you'd be saving at least $6-8K off what you'd normally be paying for a GTI - assuming that the new GTI is priced about the same as the Mark V.

I also like the Mark V look much better - a bit more distinctive and more aggressive. Seeing that the Mark VI has pretty much the same chassis but more refined tuning, I don't think it'll be that different an animal as opposed to the old Mark V, but you'd be paying a premium for it plus the wait.

I also debated this question of Mark V or VI recently and opted to buy a new R32. Together with the free on road and the massive discount the dealers are willing to do, I'm saving close on $10K off the same spec R32 when its not discounted.

[aeon]

Thanks for the replies so far, I need to add $1200 - $1700 on top of any price quoted (for delivery) because I'm in Darwin and the local dealer won't/can't get any MKV GTIs in... so it lessens the extent of any great bargains to be had.

I nearly went with a $41,500 delivered to Darwin (including paying NT taxes/rego etc) for a 5dr White DSG, but in the end they weren't able to get any without a sunroof, which would've put the price at about $43k delivered. (I changed my mind as I figured a MK6 would be that much + on roads... still a nice price though).

I contacted about 8 places on carsales a couple of weeks ago, and only that one dealer was able to offer me a good price - has anyone got suggestions for other good dealers to try out?

On tuning - I have no real interest in doing that, and a Pirelli would be nice, though not necessary (and I haven't seen any for cheap enough).

I do like the idea of the slightly more refined MKVI, and having the latest model... but a hefty saving, and having the car soon is also an attraction!