Moving From Clio To GTI For Light Track Work - Advice Needed

[anyone4apint]

Hi Guys,

I was shocked today when looking online at how cheap some 100k miler mk V GTi's have become, so I have been poking around online and ended up here to seek advice.

I currently have a Clio 172 Cup and am seriously debating chopping it in and getting a GTi. I would use it to do about 7-8 track days a year, it would be a second car and as such a bit of a toy. I have no intentions of going all out and stripping it, putting on coilovers, rollcage, etc.... I just want it to be pretty much standard.

With this in mind, if I pick up a 100k mile GTi, what kind of pain am I getting myself into?

There are load on eBay / Gumtree / etc for under 5k with about 100k on the clock, many have recently had a cambelt and full service history. If I pick one of these up and just turn up at Blyton, will it survive? Does it need anything more than some decent pads and possibly springs to be good fun an reliable on track? Is the DSG or manual a safer option in terms of longevity? Should I touch a car with 100k on the clock? Anything else I need to know?

Ideally I want to treat it like a big clio. Chuck some decent pads on it, possibly chuck it on springs, get a second set of rims and track tyres and job done for a year. Is that viable or should I expect huge bills?

Any guidance is appreciated!

Will

[tony_danza]

Out of the box...

Your Clio will be faster around most tracks.
It'll be cheaper on consumable items (brakes/tyres/spares)
It'll arguably be more fun.

Don't get me wrong, my old MKV was a hoot by the time I'd finished making it 'track capable' but I threw a hell of a lot of money at it in the process.

If you can get one that's had some sensible mods added, then it's worth considering. But as a pure track car purchase, stick with what you have.

[simonp]

Supercharge the Clio!

[joms6r]

IMO you would be better off putting the 3K difference into your Clio. I've also got a 172 cup and to get a Mk5 GTI into a spec that would be as fun as the Clio your talking a few thousand at least.

[dansmith180]

I took mine around the track and it was excellent, but as above I had to spend £1100 on brakes, £800 on suspension and it needs a map (£300) to get the best out of it. Also 18" tyres to fit over the brakes. If you can afford to do one properly then it would be great but as purely track car for good value stick with the Clio.

[anyone4apint]

Thanks guys.

I know the Clio is a more capable track car, but what I should have said in my initial post is that I have to drive a 200 mile round trip from Birmingham to London twice a week and it is REALLY starting to suck in the Clio.... hence why I want something bigger so it is a bit more comfortable on that run, but it still has to have that jeckle and hyde nature for when I do track it on the weekend.

Golf GTi seems to tick that box.... its just a question of can it do it out of the box with basic mods like pads and a second set of track rims, or am I into a world of money?

Also, the thing I am struggling with... DSG or manual. Are the horror stories of DSG on 100k mile cars as common as they seem?

[Tfsi_Mike]

The thing is; it's doable without anything drastic.  I would say a stage 1 map, light alloys & good tyres, Pads & fluid would give you quite alot of fun on track.  It's resisting that next mod and that next mod and that next mod...... 0:-)

[MrACD]

@anyone4apint

Regarding the 100k miles thing, totally depends on how it's been looked after really.  There are quite a few issues that the MK5's have that need addressing, hopefully they already have.  You looking at manual or DSG? - I've had both and although the DSG is fantastic I'd go for a manual (kinda wish I did this time around lol).

Check it has had the Cambelt, water pump etc etc changed, serviced well.. Then you have the Diverter Valve, Cam Follower, PCV, clunky front subframe which are quite common things...

I've had mine for about 3-4 weeks now and have done the cam follower (when I took it out it didn't need replacing buy hey ho), PCV is ok (did the dipstick out for a second test) - Fitted the ESC Spacer Bolt kit on the subframe and am checking the Diverter when I get 5 mins.

There seems to be quite a lot out there now so just take your time.

As a track car out the box it would be OK but nothing special, I have a 2003 MR2 Roadster and on a tighter track I'd leave the Golf for dead as it's so much more direct..  But the same as yourself, if I had long runs to do in the MR2 as you do in the Clio, that would become tiresome and that's where a Golf is good too!!! 

[anyone4apint]

Really good advice there, thanks.

[DaveMsport]

I've just got a Gti for my Mrs as she only has a short drive to work and hares diesel cars. Only tolerates they're boos, choos in the likes of my Defender and X5.

I comptemplated getting a Clio 182 for her but the mk5 is just a safer all rounder and dsg is so easy to drive as an everyday car.

GTI will also be used for the occasional trackday in tee autumn and winter due to my M3 only really being used in the is a spring and summer.
Probably take it to the Ring too within the next couple of years after I do a few bits like brakes, suspension and things to it.


In terms of picking a clio or golf for track, it would be hands down clio for me but having tee 200 mile trip every week and I'd be very tempted to go for the golf instead. Hard decision!!!