Newbie from London who needs some help! Please :)

[nicole86]

Hello there. Very quick background I love driving and fun cars but haven’t owned one for last few years. My previous car was 2.8 Z3 which I loved (though I know not well regarded). Anyway I’ve always liked the Mk5 Gti – these were new when I had my Z3 so I couldn’t afford one. But now they are within reach. The reason I haven’t owned a car is as living in London I haven’t really needed one so been getting by with Zipcar etc. But now I’ve decided to go for it…

Right sorry for the talking lots. I do do that. If you’re still with me I’ll get to my point very quickly, promise. So I’m close to lining up deal for 05 plate 85k with leather, full service history (VW and specialist) it’s been recently serviced and had the cambelt done last year. Looks in great condition though haven’t viewed yet. I’ve got the dealer down by a few hundred but at £6,600 I still think might be over paying. But I’m really bored of looking for cars and just want to own one now. I also don’t want to have to view many more outside of London (this one outside M25 and about hour drive away). So boring!

So my question, ok questions are:

1.   Is that price reasonablish? i.e. am I not getting completely ripped off.
2.   Financially is it really silly time to buy as prices will continue to fall with Mk7s and Mk6s depreciating.
3.   Would you invest that much money (which is a lot for me) into a car that is nearly 10 years old? If I sell say in 3 years will it be worth near to nothing as so old?
4.   Also despite it being well serviced etc. is there risk that engine could fall out because getting on a bit?! Ok I’m being silly not engine falling out but you know some major problem that costs me loads.

I should also say I have done loads of research and read loads of threads. I know what to look for and understand 17 v 18 Monza type stuff but never found anything that talked about value and investment so sorry if this has come up before.

Really appreciate your help. I guess I’m just looking for a sense check from people in the know.

Promise won’t be an annoying forum poster. Well not too much. 

Nx

[Grande_GTi]

Tbh theres possibly cheaper ones avaliable but from experince there genereally need tlc, or higher mileage.

My GTi is approaching 118k but I suffer from and OCD when ever theres a problems its sorted out straight away but to be honest these engine dont want for much, good services intervals, Cam belt change at 70/80K, change the D/V, Cam follower and PCV and you should be good for the a while.

I personally think they great cars

[Bennybear]

1.   Is that price reasonablish? i.e. am I not getting completely ripped off.

Cars are worth what someone is willing to pay. If it's in good condition, you like it, you think the seller is genuine and you can afford it? Then buy it! Who cares if you pay £500 too much, in a month you won't care and you'll have the car you want.

2.   Financially is it really silly time to buy as prices will continue to fall with Mk7s and Mk6s depreciating.

Golfs traditionally hold their value quite we'll, and the mk5 GTI was a return to form for VW. It has a decent following as you can see from this forum. Also with quite a lot of people myself included preferring the look of the mkv, prices should be ok. Although obviously you would lose some money if you sold in 3yrs

3.   Would you invest that much money (which is a lot for me) into a car that is nearly 10 years old? If I sell say in 3 years will it be worth near to nothing as so old?

Hard to answer, I just sold my 02 plate Alpina with 110k for £8,000, it was 12yrs old! Cars are worth what someone is willing to pay. If you like cars and you enjoy driving then you shouldnt view any car purchase as an investment. It's an expensive hobby, people who don't like parting with cash to fund their hobby should take up fishing or something.

4.   Also despite it being well serviced etc. is there risk that engine could fall out because getting on a bit?! Ok I’m being silly not engine falling out but you know some major problem that costs me loads.

The mkv is fairly robust, if it's been well serviced and has had the cambelt done and there is nothing obvious that needs doing then it should be ok. You can always tell a well built car if there are lots for sale that have high miles. As there are plenty of 100k+ cars on the market it's an obvious sign that they wear well if looked after.

I should also say I have done loads of research and read loads of threads. I know what to look for and understand 17 v 18 Monza type stuff but never found anything that talked about value and investment so sorry if this has come up before.

Really appreciate your help. I guess I’m just looking for a sense check from people in the know.

A good motto that I try to live by is..... "If you like it? DO IT!"

So if you like the car and you want it. Buy it.

Look forward to seeing your pics of the new car.

[bigeyd]

1.Dealer prices are a bit more but your getting a years warranty as well (if its a main dealer that is)
2.No as new models do come in all the time,luckily the newer Golfs seems to be fatter versions of the mk5 imho
3.Its a car not an investment,if your worried about money then buy a 1.1 fiesta and run it into the ground,you will never make on a car unless you happened upon a limited edition model.
4.Volkswagen Audi Group have used these engines on so many cars and I have not seen any major issues with them,coilpacks were a recall but as long as been serviced at correct intervals then its bulletproof I'd say.

[J12spk]

^^^^^^^^^^^^
 
Great reply BENNYBEAR, I think Nicole86 you have got the help you needed. Only other thing to do is have a look at the Cars For Sale section on here to compare/buy.
http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/board,53.0.html

[nicole86]

So annoying I had written long post then blinking computer crashed!!! So got to do it all again.

But it is good news I bought one!!!! Omgeees!!! O6 plate black standard spec but in good condition. I hope. Seemed to be well looked after and with dealer stamps though I couldn't speak to VW servicing over weekend but hoping all legitimate. I freaked out a little over the weekend reading about scams. So fingers crossed!!!

So first impressions are he is amazeballs! So much FUN! So pleased. Best car ever. Sounds great. Drives lovely. So solid inside. Looks awesome.  What more could a girl want? Well a couple of things but will come on to those. But first of all thank you for all your helpful posts especially Bennybear. Great motto!

So onto my questions. Now I promise to do some searching and have read loads already but initial things. Yeah here comes so numbered list. I love lists. 

1. Car audio. So I want to upgrade to get iPod and sat nav. I've got my heart set on rns510 but worried about getting window smashed and stolen. I park on London street and five days a week will be in town commuting by train so car will sit on road. I read about supaguard complete with cheesy 90 videos! Anyone actually had this done? Does it cost a lot?

2. Security as above I'm terrified about leaving car on rods which I know need to get over. But any tips or things I can to do improve security? Also does red flashing light mean alarm working?

3. Tyres. So I think my tread is pretty light and prob need to replace the four of them soon. Think they are continentals but not sure codes. Are these the standard ones? Is there consensus on what are good ones for performance and price for around town driving and country lanes? I like comfortable ones which will last.

4. Blind spots. So those chunky pillars between doors are bit annoying. I keep trying to remember to properly look over my shoulder when pulling out and changing lanes but worried about something bad happening. Any advice? I know I should learn to drive better!!

5. Idle. So when sat in traffic there's s little vibration. Nothing major. I hope. The rev sits at 1,000 at idle and the needle doesn't move up and down like I read somewhere but there is a little vibration. Any ideas what is going on here?

6. Lights. So I put normal headlights on this evening but they don't seem that bright. I obviously don't use full beam in town but I'm sure other normal headlights seem to show more than these ones. Or am I going blind? Maybe I need some geek chic glasses?!

7. Seat bolsters. So the charming salesman said that the last owner was heavy hence the wear but that obviously I wouldn't have any problems! They are a little frayed on the bolsters. I have standard tartan which I love. Any tips on how I can cheaply spruce them up?

8. Keys. So locks are bit sticky in that remote thing doesn't always work especially to open boot. Do you have to press boot unlock to open boot each time or if car unlocked you can open? I think it's one press to lock and set alarm. Red light seems to flash so think it's working. Sometimes rear or passenger doors don't open when I unlock. Found some threads on this so going to some more reading.

I've got a million more questions but I will spare you kind folk for now especially after typing this twice!!!

It's so cool to have a gti and lovely to be part of this forum. Who knows perhaps this time next year I will be able to impart some advice to some excited newbie who lists loads of questions. 

Thanks again for all your advice so far. I really do appreciate it.

Nx

[V2 FAN]

Sounds like you got yourself a tidy motor 

I can't answer all your questions but if you bought an RNS510 why would you want an iPod connection? I throw all my music onto the SD card, works a charm. Got to admit thou the RNS is an attractive unit and rather quick to remove. Can easily be unlocked by 3rd parties so it too worries me 

I'm still trying to work out the boot thing myself haha, so I'll be leeching on here to see what the seasoned chaps have to say.

Enjoy the new 

[nicole86]

Ha yeah not bought 510 but want too. Just worried about it getting stolen and that is only thing holdjng me back. I guess I like the idea of having access to spotify in the car so would need to connect iPhone to stereo. Back up would be just having iPod connection and sticking all music on that. I guess could do same with sd card but can you have playlists or find tracks easily?

Basically I need iPhone/iPod option and sat nav and 510 does all this in neat package. Mabes alternatively I get removable face stereo with aux input and portable sat nav both less risky than leaving 510.

So annoying having worry about nasty thieving people. Happy thoughts.  Happy thoughts.

Nx

[Horatio]

Some of my thoughts 

So annoying I had written long post then blinking computer crashed!!! So got to do it all again.

But it is good news I bought one!!!! Omgeees!!! O6 plate black standard spec but in good condition. I hope. Seemed to be well looked after and with dealer stamps though I couldn't speak to VW servicing over weekend but hoping all legitimate. I freaked out a little over the weekend reading about scams. So fingers crossed!!!

So first impressions are he is amazeballs! So much FUN! So pleased. Best car ever. Sounds great. Drives lovely. So solid inside. Looks awesome.  What more could a girl want? Well a couple of things but will come on to those. But first of all thank you for all your helpful posts especially Bennybear. Great motto!

So onto my questions. Now I promise to do some searching and have read loads already but initial things. Yeah here comes so numbered list. I love lists. 

1. Car audio. So I want to upgrade to get iPod and sat nav. I've got my heart set on rns510 but worried about getting window smashed and stolen. I park on London street and five days a week will be in town commuting by train so car will sit on road. I read about supaguard complete with cheesy 90 videos! Anyone actually had this done? Does it cost a lot?
I wouldn't bother with SupaGuard, its a total rip. Save a bit of money and get the car machine polished, between £300-£700, and properly sealed. Have a read of this before you think £300 for a car wash http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,74892.0.html

2. Security as above I'm terrified about leaving car on rods which I know need to get over. But any tips or things I can to do improve security? Also does red flashing light mean alarm working?
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/volkswagen-introduces-rns-navilock-28453.html
Flashing alarm working yes. If its not blinking before you unlock the car, or stays on after you unlock the car you may have a fault with one of the locks

3. Tyres. So I think my tread is pretty light and prob need to replace the four of them soon. Think they are continentals but not sure codes. Are these the standard ones? Is there consensus on what are good ones for performance and price for around town driving and country lanes? I like comfortable ones which will last.
Don't scrimp on tyres. An area the size of a CD, on all four corners, is how much your tyres are in contact with the road at all times. Expect to part with £400-500. Pro-Tyre Enfield are pretty good actually.

4. Blind spots. So those chunky pillars between doors are bit annoying. I keep trying to remember to properly look over my shoulder when pulling out and changing lanes but worried about something bad happening. Any advice? I know I should learn to drive better!!

"OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR ARE LOSING"

5. Idle. So when sat in traffic there's s little vibration. Nothing major. I hope. The rev sits at 1,000 at idle and the needle doesn't move up and down like I read somewhere but there is a little vibration. Any ideas what is going on here?

GTI's are noisy on idle, get a video up though or get your car scanned with VCDS; dealer may do this for a small charge or a helpful member???

6. Lights. So I put normal headlights on this evening but they don't seem that bright. I obviously don't use full beam in town but I'm sure other normal headlights seem to show more than these ones. Or am I going blind? Maybe I need some geek chic glasses?! Osram Nightbreaker Unlimited, bulb type H7

7. Seat bolsters. So the charming salesman said that the last owner was heavy hence the wear but that obviously I wouldn't have any problems! They are a little frayed on the bolsters. I have standard tartan which I love. Any tips on how I can cheaply spruce them up? B-Trim in Ponders End are quite good. Ive used them once to fix a hole in the rear seat of my work car. There are kits on ebay you can buy for £25 and do it yourself

8. Keys. So locks are bit sticky in that remote thing doesn't always work especially to open boot. Do you have to press boot unlock to open boot each time or if car unlocked you can open? I think it's one press to lock and set alarm. Red light seems to flash so think it's working. Sometimes rear or passenger doors don't open when I unlock. Found some threads on this so going to some more reading.
Drivers door will only open with one push of the button, two will open all doors. If the car is locked, push the hatch button and it will unlock. When you close it again it will lock automatically

I've got a million more questions but I will spare you kind folk for now especially after typing this twice!!!

It's so cool to have a gti and lovely to be part of this forum. Who knows perhaps this time next year I will be able to impart some advice to some excited newbie who lists loads of questions. 

Thanks again for all your advice so far. I really do appreciate it.

Nx

[nicole86]

Thanks so much Horatio (cool name!).

CAR AUDIO
I think I've got supaguard mixed up. I didn't mean polish protector but a film to go on windows to stop nasty getting to my car stereo and inside by smashing through a window. It's very much a security thing rather than a cosmetic one. I really want 510 but have horrible feeling that my window will get smashed in and some will steal it. My excess is £200 and given what it will do to my premium it wouldn’t be economical to claim on insurance if that did happen. I think the 510 look really nice and has all the functionality I want so only thing stopping me is the increased risk that someone low life will see it and smash window to steal it.

ALARM/SECURITY
I checked and flashing light was still going when I left this morning. I know it takes so time getting used to leaving car and not being scared about it. It sure doesn’t look like an 8+ car. He looks all shiny and new!! I’m so proud of my car which is why I’m so worried about some nasty awful person seeing and either going I’m going vandalise out of spite or stealing…

TYRES
Thanks for Pro-Tyre recommendation they are really close to me so will check them out. £400-500 is a lot but I suppose I’d rather than a tatty one with fresh tyres! Is consensus to stick on Continental ones? I’m not looking for super duper grip as I’ll never push this car to the max (I’m too chicken) so I want plenty of safe grip for having fun on country lanes even in wet but a comfortable ride. I intentionally chose 17” wheels as even though 18” look amazing – ride comfort is more important to me.

IDLE
Thanks guys for sharing posts on this. I’ve read around the issue and seems it is a general characteristic and issue. PCV, MAF and DV have all been identified as potential sources on this forum so I might find a local specialist to check these out. I don’t think I’m mechanically able to do anything myself so will need to heavily rely on good and reasonable mechanic who won’t rip me off. Any recommendations for North East London? I actually have a question about servicing…

SERVICING
So mine has full VWFSH and all verified by the garages – god I was freaking out over stamp scams all weekend – the last one was a major service end of last year where the helpful guy told me they also did cambelt, engine valves and brake pads. So question is whether I stick with VW servicing. I guess my thought is having a complete book of blue VW stamps may help if I decide to sell in a few years? But I’ve also read VW garages are expensive and not good service. Would going independent be a better bet. Perhaps a combination might be to have servicing done at VW but then any ad hoc issues/tweaks can be done at indies? Alan Day seem to be doing this fixed price servicing offer at the mo where you spread cost of three year servicing by monthly payments. This is attractive to me but I think the price I’ve been quoted is high so £260 major, £140 minor plus £40 MOT. How much is a good price for main dealer servicing? How does this compare to getting it done independently?

LIGHTS
I had a quick look at Osram Nightbreaker thanks for tip. From what I saw these lights seem to create a whiter light but not necessarily improve visibility? Is that right or are all you guys using them? I was tempted by xenons when looking for car but they seemed quite rare and I was too impatient to wait around for one with. I know expensive to add these now so not really an option also when I was reading around the issue I noticed there was a lot of concern about dazzling on coming drivers. A lot of my night driving will be around town or own motorways so don’t think need super duper xenon visibility but just improve standard ones. Do Nightbreakers dazzle oncoming traffic? I do like to dazzle people generally in life but not with my headlights!! 

SEATS
Thanks for B-Trim tip I’ll def check them out.

Thanks for all your help guys I really do appreciate it. I feel sorry for all the peeps who have never come across this wonderful site. I’ve already learned loads before buying through old posts and the welcome and support you’ve given so far has been amazeballs. THANK YOU!!!! 

[Horatio]

Heard a few good things about these guys http://www.pentagonlondon.co.uk/ , got a quote last year for £390 I think it was to have Glass Shield applied to a five door golf

If you go RNS route you can buy a VW anti-theft shield Called VW Navi 300 Euros i think, link in first reply. Or if you buy aftermarket all in one; satnav, mp3, handsfree, bluetooth streaming I dont think they have removable facias for the whole unit. Either way your looking at about 800-1000 for both units with hands free, bluetooth streaming etc. Fit an RCD510 and use phone for nav???

Tyres will be a tad cheaper for 17's. Pirelli P Zeros are quiter, softer tyre, wear a bit quicker and Continental are a harder tyre with more road noise. I found them to be a huge difference with road noise.

Ive used a VW independent mechanic for a while on and off and always had a good service, VW AUDI Expert in Waltham Cross. Previous VW's dealers I wont be returning too for a service; Harlow, Loughton, Watford  , St Albans, Bishops Stortford aaaand Buntingford. 

Full VW service history is not the be all and end all. If your car does have a full VW service history people are not interested in paying any kind of premium for that, they know the car is sound and will brow beat your price down. If your car does not have a full dealer history people are instantly suspicious. If all your services are are done on time and have reciepts whats the beef???? Id say indy all the way, all dealings ive had with mentioned VW dealer's have been less than pleasent

Thanks so much Horatio (cool name!).

CAR AUDIO
I think I've got supaguard mixed up. I didn't mean polish protector but a film to go on windows to stop nasty getting to my car stereo and inside by smashing through a window. It's very much a security thing rather than a cosmetic one. I really want 510 but have horrible feeling that my window will get smashed in and some will steal it. My excess is £200 and given what it will do to my premium it wouldn’t be economical to claim on insurance if that did happen. I think the 510 look really nice and has all the functionality I want so only thing stopping me is the increased risk that someone low life will see it and smash window to steal it.

ALARM/SECURITY
I checked and flashing light was still going when I left this morning. I know it takes so time getting used to leaving car and not being scared about it. It sure doesn’t look like an 8+ car. He looks all shiny and new!! I’m so proud of my car which is why I’m so worried about some nasty awful person seeing and either going I’m going vandalise out of spite or stealing…

TYRES
Thanks for Pro-Tyre recommendation they are really close to me so will check them out. £400-500 is a lot but I suppose I’d rather than a tatty one with fresh tyres! Is consensus to stick on Continental ones? I’m not looking for super duper grip as I’ll never push this car to the max (I’m too chicken) so I want plenty of safe grip for having fun on country lanes even in wet but a comfortable ride. I intentionally chose 17” wheels as even though 18” look amazing – ride comfort is more important to me.

IDLE
Thanks guys for sharing posts on this. I’ve read around the issue and seems it is a general characteristic and issue. PCV, MAF and DV have all been identified as potential sources on this forum so I might find a local specialist to check these out. I don’t think I’m mechanically able to do anything myself so will need to heavily rely on good and reasonable mechanic who won’t rip me off. Any recommendations for North East London? I actually have a question about servicing…

SERVICING
So mine has full VWFSH and all verified by the garages – god I was freaking out over stamp scams all weekend – the last one was a major service end of last year where the helpful guy told me they also did cambelt, engine valves and brake pads. So question is whether I stick with VW servicing. I guess my thought is having a complete book of blue VW stamps may help if I decide to sell in a few years? But I’ve also read VW garages are expensive and not good service. Would going independent be a better bet. Perhaps a combination might be to have servicing done at VW but then any ad hoc issues/tweaks can be done at indies? Alan Day seem to be doing this fixed price servicing offer at the mo where you spread cost of three year servicing by monthly payments. This is attractive to me but I think the price I’ve been quoted is high so £260 major, £140 minor plus £40 MOT. How much is a good price for main dealer servicing? How does this compare to getting it done independently?

LIGHTS
I had a quick look at Osram Nightbreaker thanks for tip. From what I saw these lights seem to create a whiter light but not necessarily improve visibility? Is that right or are all you guys using them? I was tempted by xenons when looking for car but they seemed quite rare and I was too impatient to wait around for one with. I know expensive to add these now so not really an option also when I was reading around the issue I noticed there was a lot of concern about dazzling on coming drivers. A lot of my night driving will be around town or own motorways so don’t think need super duper xenon visibility but just improve standard ones. Do Nightbreakers dazzle oncoming traffic? I do like to dazzle people generally in life but not with my headlights!! 

SEATS
Thanks for B-Trim tip I’ll def check them out.

Thanks for all your help guys I really do appreciate it. I feel sorry for all the peeps who have never come across this wonderful site. I’ve already learned loads before buying through old posts and the welcome and support you’ve given so far has been amazeballs. THANK YOU!!!! 

[nicole86]

Thanks Lord Horatio! 

GLASS
Yes Pentagon are the guys I was thinking of. I loved the cheesy videos!! £390 is a lot of money but then so is 300 euros for the plate shield thing. I guess the window film does have safety side too. Also does seem to deal with my concern of someone trying to smash through window with a brick or baseball bat. I know doesn’t prevent glass shattering but at least makes it difficult for them to get in which hopefully would be a deterrent.

STEREO
RNS 510 is definitely my first choice but need to work out all the costs. I saw this link http://www.oemretrofits.co.uk/satnav-vw.shtm?gclid=CMLyyOuo07wCFSbnwgodwGsAvA £600 for LCD unit and fitting – too good to be true? Even if £600 that’s still £1,000 with window stuff and that’s a lot of money to spend on my new purchase. I guess tyres and idle issue are more essential so will probably try and get those sorted first. I’ll just have to tolerate those blinking radio ads and also get a sticky thing and car charger for my phone so I can use the sat nav. Googlemaps is pretty good I just worry about my data charges…

TYRES
So I came across this post… http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,9200.15.html

EVO and their result:
1) Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric
2) Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta
3) Continental Contisport Contact 3
4) Bridgestone Potenza RE050-A
5) Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
6) Pirelli PZero Nero
7) Kumho Ecsta STP KU31
Cool Dunlop Sport Maxx
9) Yokohama S.Drive

Autocar and their result:
1) Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric
2) Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
3) Bridgestone Potenza RE050-A
4) Continental Contisport Contact 3
5) Pirelli PZero Nero / Rosso

Autocar Videos - Autocar.co.uk

Tire track and their result:
1. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric
2. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
3. Continental ContiSportContact 3
4. Bridgestone Potenza RE050A

Autobild and their result:
1. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric
2. Hankook ventus V12 evo
3. Pirelli P Zero Nero
4. Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
5. Contintenal Sportcontact 3
6. Michelin Pilot exalto 2

That seems to be quite compelling reason to choose Eagle F1s. They seem to be around £90 online for 225/45 R17 which I think is the right size for my 17” Monza wheels. Not sure how much more to have them fitted…

SERVICING

I’ll give the guys at Waltham Cross a call to check pricing etc thanks for recommendation. I guess me as a buyer liked seeing the VW dealer stamps and for right or wrong (I know more WRONG) it was a decisive factor in me choosing this particular car. I’m sure there are other mechanical unconfident buyers out there that might be similarly swayed by blue stamps – I know so silly but I think true. I’m going to see what price I can get with VW then compare with indies. I know not like for like in terms of service though so keen to build relationship with indie to check/resolve little problems…

I found the whole buying process so distracting and now ownership seems to be even more distracting!!! How am I ever going to get any work done ever again?! 

Nx

[nicole86]

Also is correct speed rating Y?! 

[Horatio]

yes, Y will be fine   

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=18454.0

Bit of a tip, if you go to Google, type, or copy and paste, site:mk5golfgti.co.uk tyre speed rating

Google will look through this site for those key words 

[Wooosh]

Welcome nicole86, good to see a female Mk5 GTI enthusiast. What part of London you from?