2nd hand 2007 TDI GT Sports vs 2009 103TDI Comfortline

[doc dogg]

I've been wanting a TDI GT Sports ever since I test drove one last year but didn't have the funds to get one. Now that my circumstances have changed and they don't make them any more, I'm a bit undecided as to which car to buy.

Obviously buying one 2nd hand ($35,000 on road) will save me some money, but using my rough calculations only $20 per week when comparing it to a current model 103TDI Comfortline demo ($39,000 on road). For a brand new 103TDI spec'd up similar to the GT Sports ($44,000) I'd be looking at an extra $34/week extra in repayments (basically a months worth of fuel).

So is the new car worth the added expense (and wait while it is built in the case of the same spec)?

Apart from the 125kw engine and flappy paddle gear shift, is there much noticeable difference between the GT Sports and the MkVI TDI in day to day use?

Perhaps I should just save some money and wait for them to release the GTD

[Dyldo]

My opinion, FWIW, is to buy a 2nd hand TDI GT and go nuts with some basic mods for a little while (not too drastic, something like ECU chip, intake and exhaust mods, rims, track days for fun and giggles) and yes definitely wait for the GTD.

[pologti18t]

Isn't there a special deal on Comfortline TDIs at the moment? About 34K driveaway for a manual TDI with metallic paint. I suppose about 36K with sports pack

[scotty1991]

GT and mods unless you dont like modding.. then MK6

[Greg Roles]

Big difference performance wise, and the GT has a lot of engine, turbo and suspension differences to handle that power. Depends if you just want a new car, or a more sporty car. The GTD will be an awesome machine, especially with the active suspension, but so too will it probably be well into the $40's spec'd up in such a way.

[MariusGT]

Well, have you driven the 103 tdi yet?

I would say look at buying a low kms gt sport tdi. I drove one a little while back and loved it. My wife didn't like the excessive wheel spin...

Are you after sports or comfort?

Gt sport v 103 tdi comfort?

[STV4SYT]

Drive the 2 back to back. If possible try and drive the GT first then get into a 103 and witness how gutless it feels in comparison.

There is always the option of a chip to make up the difference in power but there are still a few things missing.


Also, have a look interstate, a GT diesel with 54,000km on it sold in VIC recently for $28k. Its barely run in at that.


I know there arent many around for sale (good for me selling!!!) but they do crop up.

[poyta]

I'd go the GT Sport over the TDI because its somewhat of a more exclusive and rare car compared to the sea of TDI's out there. Im my opinion also a far better looking car too. The Mk6 was never a HUGE improvement over the Mk5 ( most people claim its Mk5.1 ) so why go for one? If you were talking MK6 JTD that would be another issue but it wont be in the same price range.

[MariusGT]

From the little I have read about the GTD- it is just a GT Sport tdi engine in mk VI gti body??

For a $10k++ premium?

Not worth it

anyway- when is the GTD coming to Aust? If at all..

[triode12]

I'd go the GT Sport over the TDI because its somewhat of a more exclusive and rare car compared to the sea of TDI's out there. Im my opinion also a far better looking car too. The Mk6 was never a HUGE improvement over the Mk5 ( most people claim its Mk5.1 ) so why go for one? If you were talking MK6 JTD that would be another issue but it wont be in the same price range.

I concur - the MKV is better looking than the MKVI.

[triode12]

Well, have you driven the 103 tdi yet?

I would say look at buying a low kms gt sport tdi. I drove one a little while back and loved it. My wife didn't like the excessive wheel spin...

Are you after sports or comfort?

Gt sport v 103 tdi comfort?

The GT is setup for comfort too actually it's suspension isn't as stiff as the GTI. It has been setup for long distance travelling (Grand Tourer). Hence, it isn't as good around the twisties as the GTI is.

[MariusGT]

The GT is setup for comfort too actually it's suspension isn't as stiff as the GTI. It has been setup for long distance travelling (Grand Tourer). Hence, it isn't as good around the twisties as the GTI is.

I agree- only this is a comparison between gt sport tdi and 103tdi

I haven't driven a vi 103tdi but I would assume it isn't as sharp as gt sport..

[KWICKS]

The MkVI will have the fresher look, the longer warranty, better interior ergonomics, and the novelty of being brand new. That said $20 a week is fuel. I'd buy the new car if money was no option and chip it, although there is plenty of grunt from the 103TDI - enough to overcome grip and the slightly rolly suspension (inf act I thought the tyres were woeful on the demo we test drove).

If money is a consideration, then a low km GT Sport, although having a higher original price, will have done most of it's steep initial depreciating, will still be a good car, and will offer slightly better performance stock for stock. Choose one with a full service history from an enthusiast if you can find one, and buy privately if you can, bargaining hard. Then perhaps consider the extended factory warranty if it is approaching (and before it is) 3 years of age.

For me the deciding factor here is affordability. Both good cars - so what are you comfortable with?

[doc dogg]

Thanks for the advice everyone

Seems like my initial feeling that the GT Sports is the way to go was right on the money. I do enjoy a spirited drive on the weekends so the GT Sports fits the bill for that. The one I test drove handled the potholed Adelaide streets comfortably, so it should handle the smooth Canberra roads like I'm sitting in an arm chair

I'll do a back to back test drive this weekend I think...then I have to convince my girlfriend that it is worth postponing a house deposit, marriage, kids and pets for a few more years so I can get it

[Fanaki]

I'll do a back to back test drive this weekend I think...then I have to convince my girlfriend that it is worth postponing a house deposit, marriage, kids and pets for a few more years so I can get it

^ good luck buddy