Newbie needs help please with first GTI! :-)

[driver rider]

Hi Guys,

I am new to this forum and have a whole host of questions that I need to ask.  I apologise in advance if all I ask has been seen before. I shall be trawling through previous post when I get a moment.  All pointers no matter how small will be greatfully recieved!

First a little background, I've had a Polo 1.4  se for a few years now. (no laughing back there )  This was needed to help me build my no claims bonus. By January I would have turned 26 and will have 4 years no claims.  How much should I be looking at for fully comprehensive insurance.  I live in croydon and I'm a single professional with a clean license.

Ive seen a car that I like the look of its an '06 plate three door in (spotless) black with 18's (not kerbed!!), DSG with paddles, Xenon, Heated Leather Seats and 70k on the clock. I'm relatively happy with the spec.

However there are a few things I would like to retrofit to the car namely, a multifunctional steering wheel, and an official VW sat nav system.  Can I plug an IPOD into the sat nav via the glovebox and control it via the sat nav screen?  Could anyone on here point me in the direction of where I could find the parts in question and also someone in London or the surronding area that could help me with fitting for a reasonable price.  Don't mind travelling as i'll get to drive the car more!    

Also "my" car doesn't have an armrest on it.  I was really looking forward to having one of these!    Is it possible to retrofit an armrest?

Now the things previously mentioned are quite insignificant but I would really love to get these things onto the car as they'll help me enjoy "my" car even further.

Now the more important bits   ......

The cars "stance" appeared to be fine.  I was told this was something to be wary of. I had a good look at the tyres I looked for "feathering" again saw no evidence of this.  The rears are in good condition they're michelins.  Though theres a nail embedded in one of them. :-( Where should I go to repair the tyre?  I would go kwikfit but the alloys are spotless and I don't trust them with such wheels.  Didn't care what they did with my polo!   The fronts however are gone and need to be replaced. I suspect the tyres have been swapped as they different brands! Which tyres come highly recommend and again where should I go to get them at a good price.  225/40/18 are the correct size I believe.  What load and speed rating do I need?  

The steering moved from lock to lock with no problems. Again I understand this was something to pay attention to.  The climate control worked well as I learnt the compressor units do fail. There was no mist in the tail lights.  The engine was a little noisy again I understand the engine is inherently noisy (the bonnet was open) the engine settled down quickly and idled perfectly.  Is there anything else I should pay particular attention to?

I shall be taking the car for an extended test drive is there anything I should look out for? The DSG in particular is alien to me what should I  pay particular attention to?  The electrics of the car worked fine.

Which specialist in south london come highly reccomended for looking after "my" car.

I Apologise if this information is basic knowledge but I thought it'll be good opening post.  I shall be trawling through posts and trying to resurrect a few!  I look forward to living on here!!    

Where Should I go for a HPI check?  Im leaning to RAC because they're the cheapest!! The dealer said they do theirs but for peace of mind I'd like to do my own.

Also the speakers need upgrading    ......pointers on this will be greatfully received......

Please go easy on me I will look at previous posts in the week.....thanks in advance for all your help in.  I look forward to joining in the fun!!

PS I posted this on another forum as I had difficulty last night trying to register on this forum for reasons unknown. (this forum was my first choice)

[sub39h]

Hi Guys,

I am new to this forum and have a whole host of questions that I need to ask.  I apologise in advance if all I ask has been seen before. I shall be trawling through previous post when I get a moment.  All pointers no matter how small will be greatfully recieved!

First a little background, I've had a Polo 1.4  se for a few years now. (no laughing back there )  This was needed to help me build my no claims bonus. By January I would have turned 26 and will have 4 years no claims.  How much should I be looking at for fully comprehensive insurance.  I live in croydon and I'm a single professional with a clean license.

i'd probably post this in the insurance section. there's a couple of representatives from insurance companies that would give you a quote

Ive seen a car that I like the look of its an '06 plate three door in (spotless) black with 18's (not kerbed!!), DSG with paddles, Xenon, Heated Leather Seats and 70k on the clock. I'm relatively happy with the spec.

i'd imagine around the £8k mark, but it's a buyers market and the Mk5 GTI isn't exactly rare. bargain hard

However there are a few things I would like to retrofit to the car namely, a multifunctional steering wheel, and an official VW sat nav system.  Can I plug an IPOD into the sat nav via the glovebox and control it via the sat nav screen?  Could anyone on here point me in the direction of where I could find the parts in question and also someone in London or the surronding area that could help me with fitting for a reasonable price.  Don't mind travelling as i'll get to drive the car more!    

RNS-510s can be had for around £500 i believe. Hazzy Dayz (google) are the London retrofit masters, but they're pricey. i'm sure a member on here would be able to help.

Also "my" car doesn't have an armrest on it.  I was really looking forward to having one of these!    Is it possible to retrofit an armrest?

i believe this is easy to do

The cars "stance" appeared to be fine.  I was told this was something to be wary of. I had a good look at the tyres I looked for "feathering" again saw no evidence of this.  The rears are in good condition they're michelins.  Though theres a nail embedded in one of them. :-( Where should I go to repair the tyre?  I would go kwikfit but the alloys are spotless and I don't trust them with such wheels.  Didn't care what they did with my polo!   The fronts however are gone and need to be replaced. I suspect the tyres have been swapped as they different brands! Which tyres come highly recommend and again where should I go to get them at a good price.  225/40/18 are the correct size I believe.  What load and speed rating do I need?  

i wouldn't write off all big chains right away. i had National Tyres fit my tyres on my brand new BBSs and they did a grand job. i'm sure someone from London will be able to recommend someone local

I shall be taking the car for an extended test drive is there anything I should look out for? The DSG in particular is alien to me what should I  pay particular attention to?  The electrics of the car worked fine.

make sure it's been serviced every 40k miles or so, make sure it's smooth, no hesitation, make sure it doesn't stall. as you're looking at an '06 car (by which i assume you mean you KNOW it's an MY06 car and not an MY05 car that was registered late - check the chassis number and ask your local dealer) they'd ironed out most of the DSG mechantronics problems. this can be very expensive so make sure it feels good. it'll be a little jerky at stop-start speeds but otherwise should be the best gearbox you've ever driven

Which specialist in south london come highly reccomended for looking after "my" car.

Where Should I go for a HPI check?  Im leaning to RAC because they're the cheapest!! The dealer said they do theirs but for peace of mind I'd like to do my own.

Also the speakers need upgrading    ......pointers on this will be greatfully received......

can't help with these. sorry

Please go easy on me I will look at previous posts in the week.....thanks in advance for all your help in.  I look forward to joining in the fun!!

welcome

[driver rider]

Hi Guys,

I am new to this forum and have a whole host of questions that I need to ask.  I apologise in advance if all I ask has been seen before. I shall be trawling through previous post when I get a moment.  All pointers no matter how small will be greatfully recieved!

First a little background, I've had a Polo 1.4  se for a few years now. (no laughing back there )  This was needed to help me build my no claims bonus. By January I would have turned 26 and will have 4 years no claims.  How much should I be looking at for fully comprehensive insurance.  I live in croydon and I'm a single professional with a clean license.

i'd probably post this in the insurance section. there's a couple of representatives from insurance companies that would give you a quote

Firstly thank you for such a helpful response. Ill post this in the insurance section asap!

Ive seen a car that I like the look of its an '06 plate three door in (spotless) black with 18's (not kerbed!!), DSG with paddles, Xenon, Heated Leather Seats and 70k on the clock. I'm relatively happy with the spec.

i'd imagine around the £8k mark, but it's a buyers market and the Mk5 GTI isn't exactly rare. bargain hard

Your bang on the money he wants 7800. The cars mint though. Only got a hundred off him.

However there are a few things I would like to retrofit to the car namely, a multifunctional steering wheel, and an official VW sat nav system.  Can I plug an IPOD into the sat nav via the glovebox and control it via the sat nav screen?  Could anyone on here point me in the direction of where I could find the parts in question and also someone in London or the surronding area that could help me with fitting for a reasonable price.  Don't mind travelling as i'll get to drive the car more!    

RNS-510s can be had for around £500 i believe. Hazzy Dayz (google) are the London retrofit masters, but they're pricey. i'm sure a member on here would be able to help.

I'll give them a ring and see if the supply and fit or just supply and also how much they want. Thank you for the figure.  Where could I find the units to buy for 500? I'm assuming ebay?

Also "my" car doesn't have an armrest on it.  I was really looking forward to having one of these!    Is it possible to retrofit an armrest?

i believe this is easy to do

Glad its easy to do! Again where would I get the parts and instructions from? Would it look factory? ie blend wit my black leather interior.

The cars "stance" appeared to be fine.  I was told this was something to be wary of. I had a good look at the tyres I looked for "feathering" again saw no evidence of this.  The rears are in good condition they're michelins.  Though theres a nail embedded in one of them. :-( Where should I go to repair the tyre?  I would go kwikfit but the alloys are spotless and I don't trust them with such wheels.  Didn't care what they did with my polo!   The fronts however are gone and need to be replaced. I suspect the tyres have been swapped as they different brands! Which tyres come highly recommend and again where should I go to get them at a good price.  225/40/18 are the correct size I believe.  What load and speed rating do I need?  

i wouldn't write off all big chains right away. i had National Tyres fit my tyres on my brand new BBSs and they did a grand job. i'm sure someone from London will be able to recommend someone local

Guess I'll wait for the reccomendations.....Though ill look at national tyres.

I shall be taking the car for an extended test drive is there anything I should look out for? The DSG in particular is alien to me what should I  pay particular attention to?  The electrics of the car worked fine.

make sure it's been serviced every 40k miles or so, make sure it's smooth, no hesitation, make sure it doesn't stall. as you're looking at an '06 car (by which i assume you mean you KNOW it's an MY06 car and not an MY05 car that was registered late - check the chassis number and ask your local dealer) they'd ironed out most of the DSG mechantronics problems. this can be very expensive so make sure it feels good. it'll be a little jerky at stop-start speeds but otherwise should be the best gearbox you've ever driven.

When you say "my dealer" you mean the person I'm buying it from or VW themselves? Shall I give them a ring? Im collecting the car on the 24th! Hope VW will pick their phones up!

Which specialist in south london come highly reccomended for looking after "my" car.

Where Should I go for a HPI check?  Im leaning to RAC because they're the cheapest!! The dealer said they do theirs but for peace of mind I'd like to do my own.

Also the speakers need upgrading    ......pointers on this will be greatfully received......

can't help with these. sorry

Please go easy on me I will look at previous posts in the week.....thanks in advance for all your help in.  I look forward to joining in the fun!!

welcome

[driver rider]

I'll definately look into the DSG issue sounds v important.

Im being quoted 995 + VAT FOR THE MFSW AND HIGHLINGE DS!

WHEEL MFSW 595 + VAT.

1100+ VAT FOR THE SAT NAV!!!   

I want the upgrades but not for that kind of money. Please help me out!!

I will spend some time browsing the web when I get a moment but got a lot of long days at work for the next couple of weeks.

[Tamiyoman]

I'll definately look into the DSG issue sounds v important.

Im being quoted 995 + VAT FOR THE MFSW AND HIGHLINGE DS!

WHEEL MFSW 595 + VAT.

1100+ VAT FOR THE SAT NAV!!!   

I want the upgrades but not for that kind of money. Please help me out!!

I will spend some time browsing the web when I get a moment but got a lot of long days at work for the next couple of weeks.

If you buy teh parts and find some one on here to do the coding for you (possibly fitting too), there are a few members who do it (Eddie-NL is one up in Great Yarmouth, maybe someone nearer.

I would not be paying £995 +VAt for an RNS510, you can likely buy one for £500 and pay someone to fit

[higher1]

only use HPI to check the car http://www.hpicheck.com/ i used a lowe rate company and after buying the car found out there was outstanding finance on it !! its a very long and stressful process to  get it all sorted and i was a lucky one!

[robby]

Also make sure cambelt and water pump have been replaced at this age/ mileage - £399 for belt and £99 for pump at dealers on fixed price servicing

[Mk5 GTian]

Have you read the MK5 GTi buying guide on club GTi?

Have a look at that.

Also, the Autocar MK5 GTi buying guide published earlier this year suggests going for manual if you are buying a higher mileage example, as DSG problems can be very costly. I recently bought a 75k 55 plate, and went for a manual, and it's brilliant fun to drive.

[driver rider]

Tamiyoman- thank you I'll try and find someone to fit the parts for me.....where do reccomend I buy the parts from? Are the sellers on ebay that come highly recommended?

Ive been quoted 1200 to have RNS 510(610), MDI kit (for iPod) (295) and bluetooth (395). They'll throw an in motion kit in as well.  All three items are guaranteed for 6, 12 and 24 months respectively.  If supply the MFSW they'll fit that for me though apparently ill need a new loom?

Higher1 thanks again- I shall be checking the HPI.  Sounds like you had a close call. Does this check also include reports of accident damage?

robby- cheers I've checked and the cambelt has been done don't know about the water pump though how do I check this.  Im collecting the car christmas eve so I'll look through the history properly.

Mk5 GTian cheers to you as well- I'll go online and have a look at club GTI? I'm assuming this is available online? I shall have a look at the buyers guide.  What issue of autocar was the buyers guide.  I'd love to know but ill search on google....I appreciate your help but think I'm sold on the DSG....tips on what to look for will be greatfully received...


Thanks so much   

Please keep coming with info.  loving it on here already 

[nathangallo]

Also make sure cambelt and water pump have been replaced at this age/ mileage - £399 for belt and £99 for pump at dealers on fixed price servicing

when should the belt reall be changed on them ?

[sub39h]

Also make sure cambelt and water pump have been replaced at this age/ mileage - £399 for belt and £99 for pump at dealers on fixed price servicing

when should the belt reall be changed on them ?

5 years/60,000 miles (whichever's sooner)

[robby]

robby- cheers I've checked and the cambelt has been done don't know about the water pump though how do I check this.  Im collecting the car christmas eve so I'll look through the history properly.

Pump is optional when the cambelt is changed so you'll only know if it's been done by checking invoices or speaking to garage that did the belt.
People change the pump at the same time as if the pump goes later on then the belt, etc has to come off again to change it so it saves on labour by having it all done at the same time.

I think VW changed the belt change from 100k or 4 years to 60k - a lot sooner than the handbook sugests

[Mk5 GTian]

Yes, it's on the club gti website. I don't go on there much anymore, this is where it's at if you own or love Mk 5 GTi's!!!!

I'll have a look to see if I still have my copy of Autocar.

Enjoy your new car and this forum. I have had so much help and advice on here, it's unbelievable.

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[driver rider]

@ robby- i'll look through the paperwork if not I'll be calling the garage. I just hope the garage will be open to call on christmas eve as all going well I really want to pick it up in time for christmas.  Thank you for pointing it out to me.

@ Mk5 GTian - I love my GTI mark V (assuming I collect it as planned) so shall be on spending loads of time on here.  Was on another forum and nobody helped me with my questions.    Checked out the buying guide its a good bit of info. Thanks.  Ill be looking at my car against that info.  Im hoping i'll get help on here as well. RNS510 research is driving me bonkers!  

Im excited and nervous at the same time! Looking forward to drving it as I've heard a lot of good things about Mark V GTI's.

Called dealer(s) the DSG change was done at 40K 

The cambelt was done at 60K and the water pump was also done! 

sub39h the dealer told me that the car is an '06 model and that there are no outstanding recalls on it. Would this mean that that it'll be the latest model DSG?  How else can I check?

Going to check the HPI online. Guess itll soon be due another DSG service....