I've had my first VW, a MkV GTI in Tornado Red, for about one month now.
It's a 56 plate, just coming up to three years old with 19.5k miles on the clock.
Although an import, I chose this one because of its fantastic spec, it's got a fully colour coded body, xenons, sunroof, DSG, electric seats, rear parking aid, 18" R32 wheels, folding/dimming mirrors, MF steering wheel, cruise control and a CD six pack.
I paid £13.9k for it from an independent dealer. It seems good value but I'm no expert on used GTI values - similar ones (but with less extras) in VWdealers seemed to be in the region of £18k - £20k. Interestingly, the V5 says it was first registered in the UK but the sevice book contains a PDI stamp from a dealer in Dubai. I'm not quite sure how that works!
The car is in exceptional condition and I love the drive, however, mechanically it has been far from trouble free.........
When I went to pick it up there was an intermitent starter problem. The local VW dealer in Altrincham had severe difficulties solving the problem so I had to wait a further two weeks for a return visit to collect it. On the return 200 mile trip the Aircon packed up requiring a new compressor. Then about a week later it went onto three cylinders - new coil and plugs this time. Finally, (I very much hope!) about a week ago the computer menu button on the s/wheel stopped working!! I haven't had this looked at yet.
So, all of you GTI experts, the big question is: Have I bought a lemon? or are all these failures normal on a 2 years 9 month old GTi with under 20k on the clock?
Your thoughts would be appreciated.