Looking to buy a GTI

[monk180]

Hi,

Looking at MK5 GTI's now, have a GT TDI at the moment, good mpg but that engine is so rough.

I think they came out in 2005, so were there any issues with the early batch cars, that were fixed on later models.

And I am guessing that a car that has done 80k motorway, is a better deal than a lower mileage that has been used in a town.

Also how often do front tyres / brakes get changed on these, the theory being that if I find one and see in the service history, lots of tire and brakes changes, suggest it has been ragged.

Thanks

[lukemk5gti]

No issues with earlier engines "AXX" vs new ones "BWA" I think. 

People CLAIM motorway miles all the time. Bullsh*t. Buy the most maintained one you can afford.

Front tyres last anywhere from 1 - 3 years. It really depends on how heavy your foot is. Brakes are 4+ years again dependant on driving conditions. 

Tyres will wear faster than standard golf but if you're worried that you can't afford a Gti because of tyres/brakes then you shouldn't buy one!

Running costs will be huge for petrol, insurance and tax

[AJP]

No issues with earlier engines "AXX" vs new ones "BWA" I think. 

People CLAIM motorway miles all the time. Bullsh*t. Buy the most maintained one you can afford.

Front tyres last anywhere from 1 - 3 years. It really depends on how heavy your foot is. Brakes are 4+ years again dependant on driving conditions. 

Tyres will wear faster than standard golf but if you're worried that you can't afford a Gti because of tyres/brakes then you shouldn't buy one!

Running costs will be huge for petrol, insurance and tax

I agree with all of that. Apart from the last bit.

They're really quite good on fuel. At least if you weigh up bhp/performance of a tuned TFSI. I'm using no more fuel in normal driving on a Stage 2 map (with pump) than I was when it was bone stock at 200bhp. Yes, it drinks it if you hoon it, but if you want to be frugal you can.

In terms of tax there's plenty of slower/worse looking/older/sh*ttier stuff out there that costs lots more to tax.

Insurance... well that's a lottery. But my policy isn't a great deal more than I was paying for unquestionably less desirable cars.

For me the mk5 GTI is quite an affordable way of having a nippy car with some degree of quality.

[shoaybmakda]

No issues with earlier engines "AXX" vs new ones "BWA" I think. 

People CLAIM motorway miles all the time. Bullsh*t. Buy the most maintained one you can afford.

Front tyres last anywhere from 1 - 3 years. It really depends on how heavy your foot is. Brakes are 4+ years again dependant on driving conditions. 

Tyres will wear faster than standard golf but if you're worried that you can't afford a Gti because of tyres/brakes then you shouldn't buy one!

Running costs will be huge for petrol, insurance and tax

I agree with all of that. Apart from the last bit.

They're really quite good on fuel. At least if you weigh up bhp/performance of a tuned TFSI. I'm using no more fuel in normal driving on a Stage 2 map (with pump) than I was when it was bone stock at 200bhp. Yes, it drinks it if you hoon it, but if you want to be frugal you can.

In terms of tax there's plenty of slower/worse looking/older/sh*ttier stuff out there that costs lots more to tax.

Insurance... well that's a lottery. But my policy isn't a great deal more than I was paying for unquestionably less desirable cars.

For me the mk5 GTI is quite an affordable way of having a nippy car with some degree of quality.

+1 agree with this. It's a great car to have as a daily (mine is) and sure they have their problems as do all cars but a lot of quick fixes like diverter valves and PCV valve replacements to newer versions will cure issues.

As mentioned just get one that's got good documented history and you know it's been looked after and not thrashed about

[Andy]

Running costs on a Gti are very good it's when you get a r32 then they like petrol stations

[JoshJaggard]

Recently just bought an early one on 86k,
One owner and very good history,
Seems to be running sweet for the age and mileage
*finger crossed*
Look up mk5 gti buying checkpoints before you buy