Opinions wanted: What mk5 GTi would you go for?

[ksamyui]

I’m Narrowed down to 2 GTis

One 2007 on about 140k with stage 2 mods
One 2005 at about 170k with stage 2+ mods but it had a 70k BWA engine in at 140k that was walnut blasted and prepped really nicely before going in the car

My dilemma:
The 2005 looks no expense spared on chassis and engine, but am I opening a can of worms with an engine swap?
The 2007 -  £500 roughly cheaper initial purchase  - is lower miles on the car, newer model higher spec, but with not such a comprehensive list of preservative and strengthening replacements, is it going to start causing problems at this mileage?

Both have similar mods, however the 2005 one has had internals reinforced, still on Ko3 turbo but had some mods done to the turbo, and all hoses and plastics replaced around the engine and is tuned 345bhp on the rollers, the 2007 270 on the rollers. The 2007 is a better factory spec and looks well looked after.
What would you do?

The other thing is, the 2007 I can go and test, the 2005 I have to buy blind as can’t get the time to travel so far for it

[Clarkj93]

Sounds like a hybrid ko3 setup.

I'd go for the 2005 one personally if the suspension and stuff is all tip top, the engine swap wouldn't bother me if they've got all the right history and documentation for the engine and work etc.

[ksamyui]

The other thing is, the 2007 I can go and test, the 2005 I have to buy blind as can’t get the time to travel so far for it

[Clarky]

Just an opinion is required so here Is mine....I’d never buy a car without either seeing it myself or getting someone to lay eyes on it on my behalf. I work as an auctioneer in the motor trade and even though we are all online these days I still got a colleague to lay eyes on my Golf before I bought it. I wouldn’t trust a sellers opinion 100% in any situation. No pictures or videos can ever be accurate enough for my money!

[ksamyui]

Just an opinion is required so here Is mine....I’d never buy a car without either seeing it myself or getting someone to lay eyes on it on my behalf. I work as an auctioneer in the motor trade and even though we are all online these days I still got a colleague to lay eyes on my Golf before I bought it. I wouldn’t trust a sellers opinion 100% in any situation. No pictures or videos can ever be accurate enough for my money!

I agree with that. I’m trying to find someone up that way; if I go down that route, last resort I can try RAC or AA. Car is near Darlington (in case anyone’s up that way 🙏 😀)