Best manufactured year to purchase????????

[D. Diddy]

What would be the best manufactured reg year to buy a car since? 06/56 onwards?

[Beddie]

2012 on account it would be the newest?

[D. Diddy]

Ha, yeah sorry! However i meant the MK5 as this is the 'MK5 GTI' website! Now that's two of us stating the obvious ;-)

[Top Cat]

Your question wasn't obvious though. Are you asking if VW had an off year. 

[D. Diddy]

Yeah because i heard they had to recall certain models for the coil pack change but was unsure of which year??

[Beddie]

Coilpack recall was pre mid 2007 iirc?
As for the MK5 i'd go for as late as possible within your budget, push the boat out and get a 2009 Pirelli... 

[Top Cat]

You can just take your car into any dealer and give them the details and they will tell you if it is on the recall list. so it makes no difference buying a car that might have the dodgy coil packs.  

[E30Dom]

Yeah but older cars are built with tired/worn tooling... :-p

[Top Cat]

Yeah but older cars are built with tired/worn tooling... :-p

What?

[D. Diddy]

Okay wicked thanks! But if you were me and wanted to purchase a mk5 GTI, what year manufactured would you opt for? Without obviously getting the most recent (58 plate) as I'm spending £10k maximum. . . . .

[Top Cat]

There is no discernible difference between year models. You just need to go for a car that has a full service record and the optional extras you would like. Keep an eye out for the cambelt service which is the fourth, if this hasn't been done, or is due you need to be aware that it is quite expensive. 

[D. Diddy]

Thanks alot, i really appreciate your advice! I don't mean to bore you but is there anything else inparticular that i should look out for?

[Beddie]

There is no discernible difference between year models. You just need to go for a car that has a full service record and the optional extras you would like. Keep an eye out for the cambelt service which is the fourth, if this hasn't been done, or is due you need to be aware that it is quite expensive. 

^^ This  

Condition and history for me is more important than age, get the best car that suits your spec 'wish list' and dont be afraid to haggle if it's above your budget, it's a buyers market out there!  

[Beddie]

Thanks alot, i really appreciate your advice! I don't mean to bore you but is there anything else inparticular that i should look out for?

A good solid VW service history, cambelt change at 60K/4 years if applicable, DSG service at 40K if you end with a DSG version..
Check for rust on the front and rear arches and sill ends..
Accident damage or repainting as you would with any car..
Check air con works correctly with no noises from the compressor, check ESP light is not permanently illuminated (ABS pump fault)

[Top Cat]

Thanks alot, i really appreciate your advice! I don't mean to bore you but is there anything else inparticular that i should look out for?

The air- con unit has been known to fail, and is expensive to replace, so make sure it works. If you plump for a DSG gearbox make sure it is smooth when operating. They have a mechatronics unit which again is costly to fix.
The best advice would be to spend a week on here first researching, this will give a good idea of the best spec and also a lot of cars are known to our members so when you find one you like the look of you can post it up on here and maybe get a history and some pearls of wisdom on suitability.