Buying a Turbo Jetta or golf gti mk5

[deewhy]

Hmmm I've had little bit of a think and I'm actually really thinking about a 9N GTI. Can save a bit more moula, and I'm more used to a smaller car.

[maca]

Yeah the Classix are okay, but the Charlstones make it look a little less innocuous.



The rear valance is like that from VW, all TFSIs had it colour coded I think. The ride height is standard (again, the TFSI gets the slightly lower height ex-factory; I think you also get the lower height on non-TFSI if you ordered the Charlstons).

I think the sports pack added 18s, lowered springs and front fog lamps. I could be wrong though.

Hmmm I've had little bit of a think and I'm actually really thinking about a 9N GTI. Can save a bit more moula, and I'm more used to a smaller car.

Yeah it's worth it if you save the money and are used to a smaller car.

[Bizi]

A new Drive.com.au Used Car Review: VW Jetta 2006-09 [Link]

Pros

• Petrol turbo has heaps of performance.
• Turbo diesel also good but has brilliant economy.
• Good standard safety package.
• Classy feel.
• Ride/handling compromise about spot-on.
• Many have been pampered.

Cons

• Base-model petrol is no stunning performer.
• Looks pretty conservative from most angles.
• Stablemate Golf is probably more versatile with five-door layout.
• Over-shadowed by new sixth-generation Golf models.

This model has often been overserviced and underdriven, making it a smart buy, writes David Morley.

There is a list in the review of the most common used car faults for this car, plus the predicted advice that the Jetta is more likely to have been under driven and over serviced compared to similar model Golfs, which might have been thrashed by P platers who could not drive the GTI.

Specifically re. TFSI & TDI (the reviewer didn't like the non turbo petrol):

The Turbo was available only with the DSG six-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the normally aspirated car was available with either a six-speed manual or normal automatic.

But from a used-car perspective, the best of the bunch was probably the turbo diesel. It wasn't as fast as the petrol turbo but it was nearly as quick as the base-model petrol car. In the meantime, you got a lovely, lazy power delivery that worked so well with the DSG and fuel economy that will startle anybody not used to modern diesels.

[dkgti]

Gti

I would definitely go the GTI.

Its sportier, looks better, nicer interior touches, lighter, better suspension tune etc.

A GTI is a GTI! ...

Jetta's are also mechanically great cars but by the time you spend money on it making it looks nicer you might as well get a GTI.

[deewhy]

I'm still leaning towards a jetta TFSI, GOLF GTI is a bit too expensive atm, with the prices at around what my budget is, they've done high k's, which I'd like to avoid.

Also I'd rather drive an auto rather than a manual but still deciding. (thus pretty much means manual - 9N gti or auto Jetta TFSI)

[triode12]

I'm still leaning towards a jetta TFSI, GOLF GTI is a bit too expensive atm, with the prices at around what my budget is, they've done high k's, which I'd like to avoid.

Also I'd rather drive an auto rather than a manual but still deciding. (thus pretty much means manual - 9N gti or auto Jetta TFSI)

Are you financing your purchase or buying outright?
If you are financing, you might find the difference in repayments bet a GTI and Jetta to be very small. And you may be better off getting the GTI in that is the case.
Check with your financial institution before making your decision.

[DionM]

, plus the predicted advice that the Jetta is more likely to have been under driven and over serviced compared

That'd be me - a 3 year old TFSI with only 11,000kms on the odo, serviced every 3000kms ...

[jessv3]

I'm still leaning towards a jetta TFSI, GOLF GTI is a bit too expensive atm, with the prices at around what my budget is, they've done high k's, which I'd like to avoid.

Also I'd rather drive an auto rather than a manual but still deciding. (thus pretty much means manual - 9N gti or auto Jetta TFSI)

Take a polo gti for a test drive and then a golf gti shortly after and you will quickly see why the golf is worth the extra $ - even if it means you have to wait an extra month or so.

[deewhy]

Are you financing your purchase or buying outright?
If you are financing, you might find the difference in repayments bet a GTI and Jetta to be very small. And you may be better off getting the GTI in that is the case.
Check with your financial institution before making your decision.

Buying outright as soon as I sell my car, however I'm open for taking a loan if I find a super deal.

[triode12]

Buying outright as soon as I sell my car, however I'm open for taking a loan if I find a super deal.

For good finance deals - check out the Credit Unions, they are usually cheaper over the life of the loan and more transparent in their charges.
Don't get sucked in by the finance deals that the dealers are offering - there are usually hidden traps in them.

[deewhy]

Thanks for that triode. Will keep it in mind.

Off on a tangent a little bit. Ive acutally got an auto license (learned manual but never had manual cars at home so went the easy way) If I get a manual car now, will that screw me over with insurance say if I got into an accident?

D

[DionM]

Thanks for that triode. Will keep it in mind.

Off on a tangent a little bit. Ive acutally got an auto license (learned manual but never had manual cars at home so went the easy way) If I get a manual car now, will that screw me over with insurance say if I got into an accident?

D

Well technically you would be driving unlicenced, so your insurance would be void.

[deewhy]

heh I guess so. Onwards to the T JEtta!

[jessv3]

Are you a P-Plater? only red p platers are restricted to auto only licenses (if they took the test in an auto). Once you get your full license you can drive what ever you want even if you had an auto only provisional license. I know this because I came from an auto only provisional license as well, also i was caught once driving a manual and the officer let me off on a warning, so i highly doubt its classed as driving unlicensed.

If you are a P-plater then forget the 2.0t jetta or GTI as they are on the restricted list.

[deewhy]

Fortunately I am not a P plater. Got my license 5 years ago and on my opens. Am I free to drive a manual "legally"?

EDIT: Never mind looks like I'll just have to retake the test if I want one. Might practice to get back into it sometime