Help me decide on which car

[bwen]

Hello, a short little intro about me. I live in Brisbane and currently driving a 1968 Mini Cooper with a Honda B16A Vtec engine in it and owned it for 4-5 years now so I've finally decided for a new 'luxury' car. I've looked at the Golf GTi for a long time now and decided it over most cars, I'm looking for a 3 door hatchback that is under 2L and turbo, I looked at the new Subaru WRX but it doesn't come in Automatic? I'm planning on buying the car about the end of next year so I'm just going for ideas now, will there any new models coming out between now and end of next year?

I haven't had time to test drive any cars yet but from what I've read online (during work) is that the GT Sport and that with both cars and their DSG gear box they're almost the same price based on RRP, how is the drive between the two? Can anyone persuade me to buy something besides for the Golf GTi or persuade me into buying the Golf GTi sooner?

Cheers

[gareth_oau]

you could also consider an Audi A3 or A4. I'd strongly recommend an S3 of course, but they only come in manuals

[Bubu]

If you want to be persuaded to buy a non VAG car you have come to the wrong place.

Turbo cars that are automatic are not very common but they do exist. Good luck!

[Chardy]

technically the DSG isnt an auto.

[ozgriff]

What have you done/doing with the mini cooper?

[Steve_GTI]

Go the GTI with the DSG.
I spent weeks test driving the GTI, WRX, Mazda MPS, Ford XR5 and Astra turbo before I made my decision and I am really pleased with the GTI.
I have had it for 3 months and love driving it.

Do your homework and do some test driving, not only do you fell better about your purchase but you get to scare the crap out of a few salesmen and have some fun.

[Guest]

I agree with Steve–GTI - I also test drove all the same cars most of them at least 2 times, over a 4 month period + the Audi A3 Sportback - before deciding on the GTI with DSG.

My business partner decided on the A3 Sportback because he needed the extra boot space - he's trading his older model WRX and has to wait 4 months to get the A3.

[Mischa]

if you want an automatic then you'd be silly to buy anything other than a VW with dsg. the gti is actually a lot more expensive than the GT Sport TSI but only 1k more than the GT Sport TDI (the diesel model) the gti and r32 are also the only golfs that come in 2dr. GL

[pinzvidz]

GTI DSG... nothing else comes close!

[BL33SU]

wrx cuz

[bwen]

What have you done/doing with the mini cooper?

Nothing really still sits around the place, done some engine work with toda cams and it revs to a healthy 9000rpm, besides for that just headers, intake and exhaust nothing else really. I'm looking for a car that still has some decent performance but looking for an auto mainly because a) I'm tired of driving manual, I don't race or anything so there is a need for one in my opinion and b) so my girlfriend or mum can drive it if they need to.

Thanks Steve_GTI, they were the exact cars I was looking at but feel that I prefer an automatic that still provides a bit of grunt.

[ozgriff]

Good luck with getting the right car.

No turbo autos because nobody wants them, was a salesman's quotes as he was showing me a manual Subie GT. When I saw the auto, it was priced at a premium because they rare "because people want to buy them".

IMO for an all round car - in the price range, the Golf is the pick of the bunch (of course).

Other small cars get bigger engines or more cylinders (heavier too). Some are down right ridiculous in the interior dept. Others are lack lustre in the engine.

The golf's transmission, engine, and interior are very nicely married. It's a good bit of car and the price is about right.

The contender's would be the Renault - but it's a taste to acquire. Pugs, alfas, fords, holdens, the Mazda or Volvo. Some brands ask to much for the badge, some don't have good reputations for reliability in oz. Others will plummet in price faster than a computer.

The Honda is a shame that they insist on keeping the N/A tradition because even though it's a great car, as a daily driver it doesn't have the same manners.

Still, you will know which car is right for you - but I'm sure you won't be disappointed with a VW badge.

[bwen]

Just giving my topic a quick bump, I've decided I am buying the Golf GTI around November this year because I'm travelling overseas for work soon so I would probably need to save a bit of money.

A couple more questions though, will there be a brand new model out by then? and when do you think the best time to buy would be? Now (start of 09) or end of the finicial year for the best bargains?
Also, I drove a Golf GTI with an APR chip which I was quite impressed with. With the APR tune is there anything I should know about it? Void the warranty or something I should be steering clear of?

Is there anything else I should know before buying a brand new one

[WhiteRabbit]

The GTI is great (biased opinion of course)
One thing I suggest, is go to the dealer and ask him for an overnight test drive.

I picked up a GTI DSG @ 5pm, and returned @ 9am the next day. Got the Baby seat in, went shopping, went to RNP for a few corners in the rain. I think I clocked about 200kms. Fell in love

[Blitzen]

Just giving my topic a quick bump, I've decided I am buying the Golf GTI around November this year because I'm travelling overseas for work soon so I would probably need to save a bit of money.

A couple more questions though, will there be a brand new model out by then? and when do you think the best time to buy would be? Now (start of 09) or end of the finicial year for the best bargains?
Also, I drove a Golf GTI with an APR chip which I was quite impressed with. With the APR tune is there anything I should know about it? Void the warranty or something I should be steering clear of?

Is there anything else I should know before buying a brand new one

Good to see. Was just curious to know id this is the same B16A powered Mini that was featured in the Unique Cars DVD back at the end of 2006?
About the warranty. If it contributes to a failure on a car, then it will void a warranty, but as long as the APR tune is switched off, it is vertually undetectable to scan tools.