3-4 year old Golf GTI or brand new Polo GTI?

[tooch]

Hello people!

Currently in the market for a new(ish) car, as I've had enough of 15-20 year old Japanese sports cars

I'm very keen on a MK5 Golf GTI and have been for a while, but the more reading I do, the more concerned I get about having problems with a 3-4 year old model, especially as most of them are out of warranty and are starting to rack up the km's now. Have read lots of reports of cam follower wear and failure on the US forums, so this is slightly concerning. Note, I'm only looking at manuals, not keen on the DSG.

I also don't mind the look of the Polo GTI, and have heard some good reports about them, and the idea of getting one brand new or ex-demo with a full warranty in my price range is very appealing. But does it feel like a cheap econo-box compared to the Golf?

What to do, what to do?!

Would appreciate any advice!

Simon

[Golf Houso]

Get the MKV, preferably one with extended warranty.

[Tim]

Polos are a cool car but they are very small. I was innitially going to buy one instead of my GTI but yeah.. Just wasnt quite enough boot for me.

You might also want to consider a second hand Polo? They are getting close to the 20k mark for some nice cars. Given the replacement model is not too far off either you would probably take a pretty big depreciation hit buying one brand new.

[tooch]

Thanks for the input fellas!

The MK5 is by far my preference, it's just all the 07+ models (i.e. still with some warranty left) are few and far between and are pushing my budget!

I suppose with the new GTI not far off, the prices should come down pretty soon and more might appear on the market?

Tim, yeah I saw a few second hand Polo's very well priced with leather and sunroof etc. Are they similar to the Golf to drive in terms of feel?

I'm not overly concerned about the size of the boot etc, seeing as I've just come from an AW11 MR2 . This also explains why I'm after something interesting to drive, as the AW11 is a hoot! Just too old now.

Appreciate your responses guys!

[seangti]

i was weighing up between the mk4 golf GTi (low mileage) and near new polo GTi (around 10,000km, within 12months old). I went with the polo. Newer everything, warranty, and depending on what you read, generally a better car than the mk4 - doesn't help your case.

weigh up initial outlay versus depreciation, expecting to modify it, amount of mileage per year, etc, etc. If you do you research a 3-4yr old mk5 will still be a beautiful car and probably a better drive than the polo, just expect 60,000+kms on the clock and no warranty.

[break]

I love my Polo, but I'd be buying the MKV Golf GTI if given that choice.

[tooch]

I love my Polo, but I'd be buying the MKV Golf GTI if given that choice.

Funnily enough, your thread on OCAU is one of the ones that was making me appreciate the Polo more and more

But the more I look at the Golf's the more I want one. I guess I just need to be patient or be prepared to get one from interstate!

[philthy]

Funnily enough, your thread on OCAU is one of the ones that was making me appreciate the Polo more and more

But the more I look at the Golf's the more I want one. I guess I just need to be patient or be prepared to get one from interstate!

Yer, get the golf. I love my polo but it's just a bit too small sometimes. Still heaps of fun to drive but a pain in the posterior if you want to pick friends up from the airport etc.

Have you looked at buying a second hand golf V with 3yr extended warranty?

[tooch]

Yer, get the golf. I love my polo but it's just a bit too small sometimes. Still heaps of fun to drive but a pain in the posterior if you want to pick friends up from the airport etc.

Have you looked at buying a second hand golf V with 3yr extended warranty?

Haven't seen any around with the 3yr warranty, not in my price range anyway. I'm looking at under $30k, preferably 26-28k which limits me a bit.
I've been scouring carsales and ebay and every other car website non-stop all week

[mikepologti]

if you wanted a mix between the 2 , here's a 2003 audi s3. has a less powerfull engine then the golf V , but she's awd and tuning the 1.8t.............well thats self explanatory. has a 5yr dealer warranty optional and has audi quality. beautiful lil car actually.

[scotty1991]

Offer people 28k, they might take it..

[noone]

From another Polo GTI owner:

If you think you might want the space, the Golf is the better option. Personally, i'm over 6ft tall and have no problems fitting into the car and its big enough for everything I need. I also live in Sydney inner suburbs, so the smaller car is that much easier to parallel park.

If you don't plan on spending any real money to Mod, the Golf with a chip is pretty good, where as the Polo needs a few K to make it handle properly in the corners.

I'm not very interested in the newest Golfs, not a fan of the shape and rear lights, but I'm sure they drive well.

If you want a hobby, the Polo section on here has plenty of enthusiasts, a good following and there are a good amount of possibilities engine and suspension wise to help you spend that extra cash...

Then again, if you want real potential, the Audi AWD or R32's may be a better place to start.

[Golf Loon]

I`d get the Polo, faster out of the box and more nimble.

[tooch]

I think I'm going to go and test drive both on the weekend and make a decision.
I don't plan to mod the car heavily (famous last words ) as my budget doesn't allow it really! At most I would be doing wheels, suspension and ecu flash.

As for the suggestions of the Audi's, I have given them some thought too. My original idea of buying a new car was something less than 5 years old, so I'd want 2004 or newer, which counts out most S3's in my budget. Also I'd imagine the ongoing maintenance costs of the S3 would no doubt be higher than either VW. And I'd hate to think how much anything out of warranty would cost on an S3! But they are bloody nice cars, so its tempting.

I've also seen one R32 in my price range, but the km's were too high for me to be comfortable with.

Looks like I'll be busy visiting dealers this weekend

[philthy]

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on the Polo and Golf back to back.

Also I see a couple of demo polos on carsales in VIC for 23,888 driveaway... thats a pretty good deal IMHO.