My next car - Mk5 GTi, Mk6 GTi, Mk7 GTi or S3?

[Itguy]

Hi Everyone

I know this is a Mk5 forum but I'm after some advice.

We've just got a Mk5 DSG Gti for my wife and I absolutely love it.

It's our first VW GTi (I don't class my old mk4 130 GT-TDI anywhere close) and it's fantastic.

I've got a current gen MINI Clubman Cooper SD and I can swap it next Feb, so I'm starting to think about what next.

I can spend up to about £20k but that doesn't mean I want to - unless there is good reason.

I generally don't buy cars at the bottom end of offerings as want lowish miles and good condition etc.

The choice seems to be

Mk5 Gti for c.£8k
MK6 Gti for c.£12k
ED30/Pirelli Mk5 for c.£12k
MK6 ED35 for c.£20k
S3 Sportback Stronic for c.£20k
PCP a Mk7 GTi with Performance Pack c£stupid money.

I've test driven an ED35 a while ago and loved it (not remapped) but it felt similar to our new GTi just with a bit nicer trim and a little bit quicker.

Never driven an S3 but have owned an A4 Avant S-Line 140tdi previously and got bored quickly as it was a bit too efficient at everything!

So - thoughts from those who have driven some of these please.

Is the S3 really the top of the tree and worth the extra outlay or would I be better going ED30/Pirelli as I love our Mk5 so much?

Does the Mk6/S3 really drive any different and is the mk7 a game changer again??

I'd only want a DSG model of any of the above BTW.

Help!

[xjay1337]

Surely this is a pointless thread as you are going to have to buy the car and live with it. Only you can give a true answer.
I drove a Mk7 GTI and it was better than a stock Mk5 but a new car is going to feel better anyway simply because of bushes.

[GTI5]

Is Fuel economy important and does it have to be VAG?

[SRC]

Sorry to complicate matters, but have you considered the R32 (mk5) or Golf R (mk6)?
Sort of half way beween the VWs and the Audi.  In a funny kind of way - I know there'll be an argument about that!

[Itguy]

Not really considered the mk5 R32 except in my dreams, a bit too heavy on the fuel for me I think.

Mk6 R, that is an option but is it any different to an S3 which I assume would have a better fit/finish/interior for the same money?

[Deako]

M135i will be hitting £20k by then I reckon for basic early reg models. Might have 20k miles on being 18 months old, but performance bargain. :)

[garrardrj]

Get an Edition 30 or a Pirelli - Can't fail at £10-£12k . If you like wasting money then get the £20k S3 or the ED35 - Quite fancy the Cooper SD to replace our Cooper D

[Eddie-NL]

as you have a mk5 GTi to have 2 very similar cars would be boring in my opinion.

get something fun that is different to your current car

[sub39h]

if it were my money i'd have a Mk6 Ed35. but it's not my money and only you will know what's right for your needs

[Tortaruga]

From your list I'd also pick the ED35. A very good looking car and not common.

[Beddie]

Another vote for the ed35 here, a natural successor to the ed30 but different enough to have felt like a really nice upgrade, for me at least 

[GTI5]

Having two of the same car may get boring.

[dan930]

as you have a mk5 GTi to have 2 very similar cars would be boring in my opinion.

get something fun that is different to your current car

+2 on this
If it was my money I get a s3 or a golfR....only you will know mate

[Pikey Motorsports]

depends what your looking for in a car really, i prefer my ed30 over my s3

if you want a new car then golf r ed35, but are you prepared to pay double for something which is basically the same car?

[QD MBE]

TTRS