another new boy

[amrjon]

G'day, Yep another new member first post so go easy on me!

I’ve been reading a while though - great site, a great place for me to get lots of info quickly.

I ordered a new GTI today - so now I'm doing what everyone probably does and dreaming of what mods to get first!

As an order-er cf. an owner the only experience I can share so far is from my test drives over the past month, which have basically confirmed the conclusion of the typical magazine 'hot hatch' type comparison article I have read.

What I mean is that on paper, there are a few cars that seem to promise a bit more than the GTI - wrx's, 3mps, etc. I drove them all then drove the GTI last, and as soon as I did I knew where my money was going! The whole package just seems to come together, despite being a little down on power and no AWD, the GTI just felt right. I think the good torque down low helps a lot and the paddle shift is a lot of fun - wonder if that will wear off or last?

I'll try my luck and ask a few of things that are on my mind.
(yes I have been searching - so if I've missed something please just point me in the right direction)

Top of the list is an APR ECU re-flash, I am like the idea that you can load up either the standard of upgraded program. The questions I have about this though are:
* should I be worried about getting this straight away ? ie. should I wait a few months to run-in?
* Anyone got any tips to get this any cheaper than 2K? I have stretched things a bit with the better half to get the GTI ...why can't we just get the one without the turbo, it looks the same anyway .... So I'm not sure she will be too keen sink in another $2K right away! does anybody do any 'specials' or discounts for vwwatercooled.org members? group buys? anything? perhaps PM you could me if you have any pointers ?
* Is there anything else that needs upgrading along with this? ie. what's the next weakest link?
* does anyone have a strong opinion that one of the others is better value?

I'm also a bit of a ebay browser and I spotted this LCD DVD screen thing.
Does anybody have one or know anything about them? any good? they look good but looks like power output might be less than the standard GTI stereo?

My last FWD car benefited greatly from a rear sway bar upgrade. Is this a good bang for buck handling upgrade for the golf? Or not really necessary?

Well, I’m probably pushing it with all those questions.
Look forward to spending more time here.

Thanks to all those who contribute and post their experiences for everyone to share.

(by the way, I do have some VW heritage, my wife has a mkIV golf - even if is it a 1.6 auto, and my dad has v5 bora)

[phaeton]

Welcome to VWwA amrjon

Congrats on your order

[neil]

Welcome amrjon.
Interesting find with the LCD DVD screen thing.
Neil.

[burtybear]

Hey amrjon, welcome!
I'm not an expert on all these fish and chips to speed up my car, partly because I'm a retro guy and I like to keep my car as original as possible, hence my opting for the checked fabric vs leather, but partly because I would hardly need it for the day-to-day drive.
As for the LCD screen thing, all I can say is be wary of these things, for two reasons:
(A) Who will install, and will they stand behind their work, and
(B) If something goes wrong, who will sort it out - you're taking the word of an importer/exporter that this item is compatible with VW's CAN-bus system. If something happens to go wrong with that whole system, and VW finds it was due to your LCD/DVD, it will not be fixed as a warranty job. As a result, whatever you save on the LCD/DVD will be lost, plus extra, in the repairs.
I guess I'm a cautious sort of guy, but I reckon just hold back on all the bits and bobs and enjoy your car for the first few months. Then you can decide whether or not you really need these extras. I've only had mine for two weeks and I don't think you'll have any need for DVD players, that's for sure!
Keep a close check on the dealer though, read some of the posts regarding some of the guys who have ordered GTIs and they've gone astray.
All the best and keep in touch.

[mikinoz]

1st, well done.

2nd, do the APR, If you save $100 here or there, it may or may not be worth it, every $ will be worth it.

3rd, the LCD display with CAN BUS connection should not harm the electrics, however the menu GUI is ugly as all get out and the only reason I would be buying one is for a ICE CPU install where I can control the menu etc.

There is a extensive write up on the unit here.

[amrjon]

thanks

Thanks for the replies, and the link re. the LCD/DVD, yes the menu is a bit ugly, I'm tempted but I think I'll save for the APR upgrade first.

[VW Convert]

Thanks for the replies, and the link re. the LCD/DVD, yes the menu is a bit ugly, I'm tempted but I think I'll save for the APR upgrade first.

Hi amrjon,

Welcome to the forum, I think someone mentioned keeping track of the car you have ordered, they certainly do have a habit of going AWOL!

Welcome amrjon.
Interesting find with the LCD DVD screen thing.
Neil.

Don't like to be a killjoy but I'm reasonably certain that it is illegal to install a DVD player in such a position. My recollection is that the the regulation mentions a video screen "installed at any point forward of the back of the driver’s seat, or that is visible, directly or indirectly, to the driver while operating the vehicle" or something like that being illegal.

Cheers

George

[amrjon]

Thanks, hopefully this won't be a problem, I'm getting one off the floor from the local dealer. just a bit of paperworrk to sort out should be drivign this week! - hopefully.