Hi, Newbie here

[hrb93]

Hi,

Having previously owned 5 WRX's and after finding out the new 08 was not suitable due to baby capsule issues, i started looking fro a replacement.

On the list are

FPV Typhoon, VE SS, XR5 Turbo, GOLF GT TDI.

First port of call today was Kloster Volkswagen (Darren) salesman was fantastic test drive was not a problem, no pressure fantastic.

Back to the story, they had no GT TDI's in stock, but had a 2 brand new GTI's, one a manual with cloth and a DSG with leather. Took the DSG for a drive, great car, Wife loved it and she really likes the WRX, I was impressed not with the performance but the quality of the car, feel of plastics and materials used.

Went across the road to look at the XR5, sat in it and noticed the seats were lumps of soft foam with RECARO on them and left immediatly.

OK, so i have nearly decided on a GTI, GT had an average steering wheel and seats, and to me they are what gives a car the sporty feel (WRX coming out in me).

I have a few questions which i can't find the answers to, which will ultimately make the decision if i buy the car.


1. What power can the DSG handle? I am planning to do a Flash at the minimum, /CAI/TBE (Depending on answer to Q2.)

2. Can a dealer tell if i have a flash?

3. What power can the engine/drivetrain handle? any weaknesses with them ie: diffs etc

4. With the "CHIPS" on offer, i notice they are from Europe etc, but are any tuned for OZ fuel on our dynos? or are they just generic, she'll be right maps slightly tweaked?

5. The amount of "Rattle" related threads/posts is concerning as this is a selling point for me.


Thanks everyone.

[Mischa]

Hi,

Having previously owned 5 WRX's and after finding out the new 08 was not suitable due to baby capsule issues, i started looking fro a replacement.

On the list are

FPV Typhoon, VE SS, XR5 Turbo, GOLF GT TDI.

First port of call today was Kloster Volkswagen (Darren) salesman was fantastic test drive was not a problem, no pressure fantastic.

Back to the story, they had no GT TDI's in stock, but had a 2 brand new GTI's, one a manual with cloth and a DSG with leather. Took the DSG for a drive, great car, Wife loved it and she really likes the WRX, I was impressed not with the performance but the quality of the car, feel of plastics and materials used.

Went across the road to look at the XR5, sat in it and noticed the seats were lumps of soft foam with RECARO on them and left immediatly.

OK, so i have nearly decided on a GTI, GT had an average steering wheel and seats, and to me they are what gives a car the sporty feel (WRX coming out in me).

I have a few questions which i can't find the answers to, which will ultimately make the decision if i buy the car.


1. What power can the DSG handle? I am planning to do a Flash at the minimum, /CAI/TBE (Depending on answer to Q2.)

2. Can a dealer tell if i have a flash?

3. What power can the engine/drivetrain handle? any weaknesses with them ie: diffs etc

4. With the "CHIPS" on offer, i notice they are from Europe etc, but are any tuned for OZ fuel on our dynos? or are they just generic, she'll be right maps slightly tweaked?



Thanks everyone.

hey there welcome to the forum

1. dsg is rated to 350nm; although many ppl run more than this, i wouldnt be wanting to do it to my car if i had dsg, especially if you wanna go more than just a chip

2. yes, very easily. they can also tell if you've had a box connected and the the car has a fault so dont be fooled into thinking you'll be safe if you just get a box instead of a flash. the flash is a much better choice.

3. engine and drivetrain well i would guess that many other components would die before simple stress kills the engine (a non-educated guess)

4. you need to run good fuel through your car no matter what. but let me warn you about one thing from experience; if you get the gt tdi, whatever you do dont chip it, the diesel particulate filter (not fitted to any other diesel models bar the passat 125) will absolutely **** itself with more fuel being burnt. if you want to chip the diesel then get an exhaust and airfilter at the least. with filter + zorst + chip you'll be getting WAY more than a stock gti

also one thing to note on the tdi is it has short first and second gear: 1st to 40km/h and second to 70. i think the gti has 1st to 70 and 2nd to 100? or something like that, so less gear shifting. they have their pros and cons but if you want to do mods and wont worry about using 10L/100km in the gti as opposed to 7L/100km in the gt tdi then id suggest going for the gti in manual

good luck!

[hrb93]

Thanks for that,

After driving the Gti DSG, it's that or nothing for me @ VW.

My main concern is the $15K cost of the gearbox, at least with the WRX when it blows the gearbox you have to indestructable alternatives @ $5K a pop (PPG gears/ Sti 6 speed).

[orsegtsport]

Hi,


Went across the road to look at the XR5, sat in it and noticed the seats were lumps of soft foam with RECARO on them and left immediatly.

Interesting comment.... I'm a former XR5 owner, and the seats are one of the the things I miss about about it. I think they are firm, without being rock hard, and have great lateral support. In fact, everyone who ever sat in the car commented on how comfortable and supportive the seats were.

I have a GT Sport TDI DSG and can attest that it is a fantastic car. If you can ignore the fact that it sounds like a bloody tractor, it is, in my opinion, the best blend of performance and economy that you can get your hands on at the moment (although that will change if BMW release the twin turbo diesel 1 series down under).

I mean, how many cars can offer genuine thrills in the twisties, dispatch a road train in the blink of an eye, and still return between 800km - 1000km on 50 litres of fuel? However, if fuel economy is not one of your primary concerns, then you'd be better off in the Gti, as it definitely delivers a more complete driving experience.