Thinking of buying a MK5 Gti...

[Kavichauhan]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum, and thought I would sign up and do some research before buying a MK5 Gti.

I was seconds away from making a deal yesterday, but gave myself the weekend to make a decision. Apparently 7k can now get me -

05 Gti, 67k miles, FVWSH (cambelt changed), 1 lady owner, 12 months MOT, 4 brand new tyres, 17inch unmarked monza alloys

The car does have a few scuffs but is in good condition given the age. there are a couple of things though that are annoying me - the boot handle appears to have white worm on it. I have been doing some reading and understand that this is an issue on the earlier models such as this one and can be costly or a hassle to fix. should I ask the garage to sort it before I get the car?

Also, the interior of the car is the standard Gti cloth interior, and due to the age of the car the the outside lower part of the drivers side seat has started to fray, assuming due to how it it positioned and that it will be knocked each time you get in or out of the car. Can anything be done about this or does any one have any suggestions?

Would love to hear if anyone else has any similar issues and your thoughts, I need to make a decision on the by tomorrow!

Thanks all!

P.s - the car is a manual, although I have driven a DSG automatic. Any preferences?
Also, can anyone give me an idea of how many miles I can expect to get from a full tank?

[Mandy]

Hi, welcome to the forum. I'd ask the garage to change the rear boot handle for a new one if its got white worm on it. Otherwise it means you having to fork out for the part and paying someone to fit it or spending a couple of hours yourself trying to DIY it. 

DSG or manual really depends on your personal preference, plenty of threads on this subject if you wish to read them.

Can't go wrong with either though.

[Gazza747]

The first thing I would say is don't buy this one now, take a bit of time to look for and test drive others and then you can always come back and buy this one, if it's still there of course.

I would suggest trying a DSG and also do some research here, there are lots of threads, one recent one on "should i buy a DSG"

The whiteworm on the rear badge can happen on the early GTI's, mine is an 07 plate so has the 3D badge so no whiteworm.

The seat bolsters can suffer from wear, depends on who has had it before and their size, frame etc and how they took care of it. Try getting in and out of it a few times and see if you knock it? I wouldn't worry, it's an 8 year old car, I knock my bolster getting in and out and it's still in ok condition.

Good luck with your search  

Edit: At the moment I have a 72 mile round trip to work and back and get 38-39mpg. I'm not sure if the later GTI's are slightly better on fuel? I get about 430 miles to a tank of fuel.

[Frodo-anni]

Welcome  

Interior if the car has had a lady owner, then its likely to have had the seat further forward and been hammered getting in and out, will same as the Girlfriends Leon as she does it all the time. (firmly instructed if she has my ED30 to move the seat back before getting in and out!!)

I think the only way to rectify the fraying is taking it to a re-trimmers.

DSG/Manual - this has been asked many times and we all have our preferences, i have an ED30 DSG, girlfriend has manual Leon, each to their own. It did take me sometime to get used to the DSG box and i'd be happy with either, some feel once you have had DSG you will have no other. Only think i can say is if you look at DSG make sure it has had the Oil and filter changed every 40k, within the gearbox itself.

Range - around town daily i can see from 270-310, over last 8k i have averaged 25.63 (ED30 DSG ko4), in the leon over last 6k 27.47 mpg (ko3 manual). This week have mainly been on the motorways, so have managed so far an 33mpg av and will probably see 350-360 from the tank, but doent happen often.

Either choice you make they are great cars.  

[Kavichauhan]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the responses and advice!

I have to say I did enjoy driving the DSG, will take some getting used to though. I'm not really fussed which I end with actually, whatever comes up at the right price I guess.

With the fuel, if I can get about 300 from a tank then that would be fine, i currently have a mk4 gttdi and used to over 400 miles!

I will definitely get the garage to sort the badge out if I go for this car, I know it's such a little thing, but its an annoying problem! I know it's a long shot, but would VW cover it in there 12 corrosion guarantee???

Again with the seats, I know I will be careful and that I won't let it get any worse, and guess I'm after a way to fix it but know there isn't really a quick fix. My 2001 mk4 has done 94k miles and the seats are unmarked in there! They should have gone with leather seat trims in the MK5!

Thanks all

[Frodo-anni]

Leather was an option on the mk5, so there are some out there.

I too came from a mk4 TDI pd, 25th anni, so was well used to over 400 per tank, but you soon get used to it.

[Kavichauhan]

I have seen a couple of Leathers actually, but obviously wanting more money!

I am assuming the fuel ecomony on the GTi is a bit better than the ED30 due to engine power?

[Top Cat]

I have seen a couple of Leathers actually, but obviously wanting more money!

I am assuming the fuel ecomony on the GTi is a bit better than the ED30 due to engine power?

Welcome to the forum. 

To be honest the VW leather is really poor it is more like a leatherette, not worth the extra in my opinion, even second hand. And the Edition 30 doesn't use much more fuel surprisingly, as  long as you can resist putting your foot down. 

[wodder42]

Welcome