A little help for a prospective MK5 owner

[oconnor]

Hello All

Lovely to be here! Currently I have 2 VW's, 2011 Amarok Ultimate, 2012 Transporter TDI400.

I'm in the process of updating my girlfriends 92' Corolla (finally!). We have recently moved near the sea and its beginning to rust out quite seriously. Anyway, a bit of help if you don't mind. I have a few options to consider at the moment.

Had a look at an 06' Jetta 2.0 TFSI yesterday, 132kms on the clock, service history through VW up until 75 kms then a checkered history since (there are some stamps in the book but not consistent). It appears to have a couple of panels resprayed, but the car is in overall good knick. Leather, sunroof, heated seats etc. Drives really well, the DSG seems to have no issues on my roughly hour long drive, performance is strong as you might expect. There is a small oil leak from the right hand side of the motor, not sure what part it is, possibly oil filer or something similar?

I doubt the belt has been replaced so I'm thinking I would need to do a full service including belts, DSG oil etc. Would this be a wise move? I'm guessing id be very lucky to get change from 2k for something like this. I've been reading some conflicting views on when the belts need doing - but I'm guessing around the 130 mark would be about right.

Long story short - I think I can pick the car up for around $8,500. Any thoughts whether I should jump on it or perhaps let this one slide? I will be driving the car on long trips etc, gf just for knocking around town. For this reason the TFSI is very appealing. I'm after something that will be reliable for the next 5 years, or up to 200kms.



Other option is an 05' Golf Comfortline 2l (black, sunroof, auto, leather) with 130kms, belts done at 110. Pricing would be about the same for this one, full service history, seems to be owned by an older lady. I can see already that this is probably the wise choice - any thoughts?


Last but not least, a nice clean MK4 Golf 2l SE, (auto, sunroof, service history). Slightly cheaper at probably the $6500 mark. Again, 130kms.


Given the above choices, what would be the best option? The Jetta wins for me due to being slightly larger, alot more lux, MK5 Golf looks nice, MK4 Golf is cheaper.


Any thoughts or advice on what I should be looking for would be great. I'm in the Newcastle area.


Thanks in advance!! Chris.

[lhennessy]

If your going to be doing long drives if suggest a golf or Jett's TDI.

Wouldn't by that Jett's you mentioned, you can pick up some really decent mk5s for around 9-12 now.

[Mattlock]

Had a look at an 06' Jetta 2.0 TFSI yesterday, 132kms on the clock, service history through VW up until 75 kms then a checkered history since (there are some stamps in the book but not consistent). It appears to have a couple of panels resprayed, but the car is in overall good knick.

I'd avoid the Jetta as there's too many little question marks (patchy service history and average panel repair suggests it's not been looked after recently (and at the point the larger bills arrive).

I would certainly be looking for a Mk5 (Golf or Jetta).

[oconnor]

Thanks for the help - I think you're right, the Jetta might be a little too much trouble and costly for what I'm after at this stage.

This is the MK5 Golf in question; 2005 Volkswagen Golf V Comfortline Tiptronic

What do you think? I would be looking to pay 8.5 ish

Chris

[Mattlock]

It certainly reads well. It's worth a look.

2 owners and a FSH with receipts for the belt change would be a big tick.

I used to be scared of higher mileage cars but my 07 Golf had 92k on it and drove like a 50k car.

[oconnor]

Thanks Mattlock... I think so too. Have called and am waiting to hear back. Will keep posted with my progress and check back if I find any others that are worth considering

Chris

[oconnor]

Appears I'm on the lookout again - the lady with the MK5 Golf has chosen to sell it to someone else.

Please let me know if you see anything decent pop up! Will post here again when I find something of interest.

Chris