Help! What would you rather have?

[animal]

Unfortunately, I dont have the budget to just be able to go out and buy the MkV I'd really like. So given my modest budget, my options have been limited somewhat and I'm struggling to make my mind up. So I thought I'd throw it out to you guys to see what your thoughts were.

Basic spec is as follows:

Must be 3dr
Must be DSG
Will consider more or less any colour, except black (unless the offer is too good to refuse)
Would rather it didn't have full leather - it sags too quickly and I'm just not a fan of full leather seats.
Up to 30k miles

I want to avoid retro-fitting as much as possible and I'd especially like to have factory fitted Xenons, for obvious reasons. 18" Monzas, Highline, MFSW are all toys I'd really like to have. On top of this, the chassis is the same. Do I really need more than what can be extracted from the standard engine (without spending loads e.g. K04/BT conversion). The car will be my daily drive and I'm lucky if I hit 50mph on the way to work.

But(!) at the same time, I want something fun and quick(er) for the weekend and the odd track day with friends. The power and added tuning potential of the ED30's engine plus the half leather seats, body kit and wheels et al are so tempting I might be prepared to let all the above options go if the right car came along... The idea of a Boxter chasing Golf really appeals, and I just can't get 300bhp from a remap out of my head (even though I know that it'll put my in serious license loosing territoty and I wont be able to make use of the power that often)!

I've also checked out insurance and there is less than £100 in it, which really doesn't help!

I welcome your thoughts and input.

[Rich]

A lower mileage and/or slightly newer, well spec'ed GTI (i.e. Xenons, Sat Nav etc.)?
A slightly older and/or higher mileage, more basic Ed30?


Do you have that the wrong way round... shouldnt it be

A lower mileage and/or slightly newer, more basic ED30  ( because lower milage/newer will cost more )
A slightly older and/or higher mileage, better spec   ( older/higher mileage cheaper but better spec )


or im a wrong  

[Rich]

For me i'd go for lower milage & basic spec... i'd be worried higher milage/older mileage have been ragged a lot and would cause me problems further down the line

[pitsirikas]

A lower mileage and/or slightly newer, well spec'ed GTI (i.e. Xenons, Sat Nav etc.) for me...

[WhiteGTI]

If you find an example of an ED30 within your budget and your desire is to tune the car then an Edition 30 is going to give you so much more bang for your buck than a regular GTI!

[animal]

I appreciate that Chris, but what I'm trying to weigh up is options/toys/comfort over out-and-out power. I'm interested to know how other people feel.

Rich - I've not got it wrong, ED30s are worth more than equivilent age/spec GTI for obvious reasons.

[RedRobin]

i'd be worried higher milage/older mileage have been ragged a lot and would cause me problems further down the line

....Not necessarily ragged or poorly maintained. I'm coming up to 80k miles and you should see the paperwork evidence of my service history etc plus it's garaged.

[RedRobin]

....

It's really your choice, animal - No-one else's.

There are things to like about the Ed30 and things not to like. I'd be inclined to look at both which are available on the market and decide on an individual car basis. Otherwise it's a bit like deciding only to consider blondes as a girlfriend/wifey etc and missing out all brunettes (and gingers!).

[DanoGTI]

I got lucky - 3dr MY05, 22k FVWSH, minimal toys + 17".

Don't give a sh1t about the Xenons, got cloth interior and regular steering wheel.

I'm changing the ICE anyway to aftermarket, so most of it won't work with a MFSW. Plus for BT phone, voice control is the way forward

OH and mine's a lowly GTI.

I will be lightly modding, but nothing mad.

Got it cheap too from a VW dealer

DAn

[animal]

....

It's really your choice, animal - No-one else's.

There are things to like about the Ed30 and things not to like. I'd be inclined to look at both which are available on the market and decide on an individual car basis. Otherwise it's a bit like deciding only to consider blondes as a girlfriend/wifey etc and missing out all brunettes (and gingers!).

I know it is Robin, and I'm not looking for forum members to make the decision for me - I'm just interested to know other people's take on the situation might be.

I wasnt looking to creat a huge debate on the subject, just a poll to see what the general view on the forum was.

[VC]

For me i would go for what you would experience most on a daily basis..or rather interact with the most. I personally dont get many opportunities to open the car up as there are more twisty roads where i am than straight ones so it was about equipments spec and handling for me (waits for the heavy .:R32 jokes )

I spend alot of time under 50mph so i interact with the cabin more so than the speed, Xenons on the Cornish lanes are simply epicly better than standard, heated leather for the cold days, sunroof for the warm ones etc.

A basic car that carrys the 'right' badge vs a specced car that doesn't? and by your own admission your not going to be in a position to open it up all the time either?

A well specced GTI would be my choice  

[Phil Mcavity]

Ed30 for me, this is my third Mk5 GTi and there is just something

Special the Edition30 has. I couldnt imagine selling it. Didnt have

those feelings when i had 2 High spec GTi's prior to my lower spec current Ed30. As long as you have Highline comp, you can retro fit all other goodies laters.

[Poverty]

whats more important to you? Speed, or having your balls massaged and heated? Once you have answered that question you will know which one you want.

Although there is another option avaiable to you in which you could have both.

[animal]

whats more important to you? Speed, or having your balls massaged and heated? Once you have answered that question you will know which one you want.

Although there is another option avaiable to you in which you could have both.

Really? What's that then?

[Poverty]

whats more important to you? Speed, or having your balls massaged and heated? Once you have answered that question you will know which one you want.

Although there is another option avaiable to you in which you could have both.

Really? What's that then?

Fully loaded cupra for the price of the GTI, with the ed30 engines, and the bigger brakes. The interior might you off though.