Talk Me into a GTI...

[JimmyC]

Hey Guys thought i'd sign up to the forum! Basically as the title says i've been thinking about a gti mk5 for a while. I currently drive a mk6 fiesta zetec s petrol. Not the quickest of things but it's relatively fun. Im looking for a car which will be reliable, fast, practical, and with a more premium feel than a fezza. I had a mk1 leon cupra before my fiesta and tbh it had every problem under the sun from boost leaks, door locks failing, rattles and wet carpets....constantly. It really dissapointed me after everyone raved about vag build quality etc. Ive driven an ep3 type r which i wanted ever since i was a kid and it really wasn't my cup of tea, having to thrash the pants of it to get the power just doesn't work in the city. My commute to work is under 10 miles a day so MPG is not really an issue, although my fiesta gets absolutely filthy within days because of the route i have to take... so what colours would you guys recommend? Anyone have experience of going from a fiesta to a GTI? My budget would be about 6-7K 
Thanks! 

[Ricky123]

For that sort of money you should be able to get a nice spec gti with decent mileage and all the minor common faults sorted. There's not much to worry about, there pretty bomb proof.

The engines can sound "tappy" but it's normal
Have a good look over the service history make sure it's been maintained and had the cambelt & waterpump replaced
If it's dsg then make sure that's been serviced when it should be
Check the front arches, rear arches and boot lid for the usual rust
Check the air con as it can be common to break
Check the rear high level brake light works
And all the usual checks you'd do when buying a car, tyres, previous accident damage etc etc


The mk5 gti ticks all your box's and more, In my opinion there's no other sporty hot hatch around for similar money that is better than a gti. It's a "Do it all" car. The build quality is far better than mk4 golf/mk1 Leon platform.

I've owned all sorts and have always been happy to go back to a Mk5. All colours are nice and it's personal preference really. You'll be fine going from the fiesta to a gti, it's a capable car in standard form but even a novice driver wouldn't have any problems in it. it would feel like a real upgrade from the fiesta (quality and power).

Get to somewhere local to you that has one in and get a test drive.

[AJP]

Silver hides dirt better than other colours. Black is a nightmare.

[rashg60]

Tornado Red or Candy White - the two best colours in my opinion. Or gunmetal grey looks good also.

I would suggest you go for something highly specced, as otherwise they can be rather basic and boring. Retrofitting/upgrading bits like sat nav/radio, seats, highline display etc. can be costly (which I've learnt).

Good luck with your search and keep us posted on what you end up getting. You shouldn't be disappointed.

[JimmyC]

Thanks for the replys guys. Wasn't aware rust was an issue! Build quality over the previous gen of vag is good to hear, i've always loved black cars but your right they are a pain to keep looking good. Grey with gunmetal wheels I think would look ace, i fancy one with leather seats, xenons and a manual box but that's about it for how fussy I am. Would like to find a well sorted one after xmas.

[Morgen]

I've got a steel grey ed30 with the pescaras done in anthracite grey and it's a fantastic colour option :) It doesn't look too shabby when it's dirty but when it's clean she shines so well!

I agree with the first reply though! (My high level brake light and air con are both broken  ) Would like to note that when you check the boot lid, check the bottom of the VW badge as well as around the bottom of the actual boot lid 

[Andy]

Nothing wrong with a black one,just don't drive it once it's clean like me