Hi Everyone and About to buy! Recommendations please!!

[Simmo]

Hi Everyone,

Thought I'd post to say Hello and also ask for a bit of advice!

I've got about £6500 to spend on a new car (I've gone from a '10 Scirocco GTI Stage2 to a Fiesta 1.6 and now I've saved enough for a a half decent car again!) and looking at either:
- Golf MK5
- Focus ST-3

I've spent quite a bit of time looking at cars on the market and I love the MK5 golf... I also would like a car that I get remapped safely (plus a few other mods) up to around 270-300bhp as the Stage2 Scirocco I had was like lightning!!

I also will be doing a fair bit of motorway milage so DSG looks a good option, I'll make sure its serviced every 4k during ownership

I've got a few questions, any help greatly appreciated:

- Are there common issues I should be looking out for with the MK5 GTI's (porous bottom ends etc)?
- If I go for the DSG option, is the DSG reliable (especially after remap)?
- I've seen quite a few around the 95,000 mile mark (2005-2007), is this considered high for the MK5 or are they the type of cars that "go on forever"?
- Did VW implement any changes throughout the model-years that dramatically improved the car after 2005 (i.e. changes of engine etc - have seen engine code changes?)?


Thanks again

Andy

[Tortaruga]

The engine will 'go on forever' if it's been serviced correctly, i.e. oil change every year/10k miles. Early engine AXX replaced with BWA I think in late 2006. Early models have blue tinted glass and do not have a roof aerial. Also have 2 extra speakers inside.

DSG is reliable, but again must have had it's oil changed at the correct intervals - every 40k miles I think. This is important.

Mk5 remaps easily to 240bhp at stage 1. Stage 2+ will get you around 270bhp, but it'll cost a few quid. To get to 300bhp it would be better to get a Pirelli or Edition 30 model which has a different engine & turbocharger, but they're more expensive to buy.

Google for 'common issues' - nothing too dramatic IMO.

[zerolag]

If your doing a fair amount of motorway, do not get the Focus, it will cripple you in fuel bills; my mates ST-2 stage 1 is about 7-10MPG worse than my Stage 1 GTI

As said, 300bhp from a K03 is about the limit; that said you would do well to upgrade the brakes / suspension and possible LSD after Stage 1 K03 imo.  
K04 (Ed.30/Pirelli edition) make 300bhp from a stage 1.

[MC71]

Welcome along Andy. 

Some great advice from the chaps there so not a lot to add. Had a Focus ST, drinks like a bloody fish that thing, cheaper to run an R32 IMO so stick with a Mk5 GTI. Make sure the car you get has a FVWSH and if not at least a FSH from a garage with a good reputation.

If your getting the GTI mapped then have a look into getting the DSG mapped as well.

 The Cambelt/Waterpump will need changing every 4 years or every 60k miles (whichever comes first) so its something to be aware of when buying an older or high mile car as it could be due again. VW main dealer will be after £450 plus for the job, cheaper from an Indy Specialised though.

As to problems with the car, not really any of concern. Any problems that you encounter, you'll find the answers here.

[Simmo]

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice guys, have had a good read through and looks like the GTI DSG is for me (I really want the ed30 engine but another 2k on the price pushes it out of my league unfortunately currently)

Time to go shopping!

Thanks again and will post up some info when ive picked up the beast!


Cheers

[GrayMK5GTI]

If your after reliable performance, don't go with the ST. The engine's liners can barely handle the 225bhp they come with. When tuned your running a serious risk of them cracking, meaning a new engine required 

[Andy]

all above advise is very good and just to add-Check the wheel arches for rust usually on the front wings

[Simmo]

Cheers guys, after checking out a load, I have bought a 3 door 2006 gti with the dsg and 75k, full vwsh so am well chuffed :)

[GTI-Ross]

Cheers guys, after checking out a load, I have bought a 3 door 2006 gti with the dsg and 75k, full vwsh so am well chuffed :)

Get some pics up as soon as you can mate, ps: well done mate, and welcome to the club

[81lly]

Welcome to the forum and get a few pics up 

[Simmo]

Cheers all, have posted them up in the Members Rides section :)