Considering my next car options....

[uk345]

Hello guys,

I signed up to the forum ages ago but haven't really posted much. Loving the "members ride" section and all the work that is being carried on the cars.

I am due to upgrade my car very soon and on my list i have a mk5 golf gti. I love the front end of the car (not so keen on the rear bumper) but it is not enough to put me off buying one. When i looked at them last (about a year ago) prices were high but now prices seem to have fallen a bit which is good news for me.

I was wanting to know what the common faults are with these cars and how to spot these. When i buy a car i like to do loads of research before parting with my cash. My budget for the vehicle will be £6000 but naturally i want to come in under that. I want a manual and will not touch a DSG one. Ideally i would like the full black leathers although i have noticed that alot of them look a bit crinkly and the leather is not perfectly smooth.

What were the optional extra packs available for this car ?

[mrggg]

Hi from being in a similar situation to you not so long ago, I will add a few points.

Try to get a BWA engine (think they came on the 2007+ model), rather than the AXX which comes on the 2005. Because on the AXX engine there is a timing chain noise which can cause problems, it also costs a lot to fix as you have to replace the timing chain, the tensioner and sometimes the adjuster.

There are lots of option extras, for me I would look out for: Xneon headlights, heated seats, Parking sensors (for me its hard to see out of the back from a 3 door), Bluetooth for music, cruise control and Monza alloys (they make the car stand out, but they scratch so easily) 

Look for good quality tyres, in my opinion this shows if the owner has spent money on looking after it. Also get someone to scan the car prior to purchase to see if any faults come up. Lastly look for full service history, ideally a specialist and look to see if there are invoices of work being carried out with this; ring the garage where it was serviced and see what they say about the car. Also look to see if PCV, DV and cam follower ( these depend on the mileage) and look to see if there is rust. Make sure timing belt along with the water pump( mind you some garages say the pump doesn't need doing at the time) have been done at 60k or 4 years, which ever one comes first.  Lastly ask what fuel the car has been run on, best to always use Shell V power or super unleaded as I heard it can cause head gasket issues if its been run on normal unleaded + you buy a gti you should use good fuel :)

There is loads of stuff on here from people who have asked similar questions, just do a quick search at the top and just write down points and take those when you go to view the car + mine 

Good luck 

[ruhaleali]

With regards to your comment on the rear bumper, it does kind of ruin the look which is obviously a personal thought. However, you can find one 05-06 with your budget that has a good mileage and good history with your leathers etc. I would recommend one with an ed30 bumper or r32 bumper as these can cost you if you want to fit them OEM obvcourse.

Moving on, with regards to the problems etc to look for. I have previously stated in another members post; common things to look for I hope everyone will add to my information as I may be limited in some cases. Ensure the car comes with a spare key so two sets or these can cost you £190 for another. Problems, look at the wings on the underpanel as these tend to have rust depending on the model and have been under warranty and can be replaced. Run the car and check the coilpacks as these are very common for causing a droopy ride and need changing. Check the engine cover and that no intakes have been unsecurely fitted and this can lead the the oil cap blowing off literally! Look at the springs as sometimes heavy rusted can cause serious ride problems. The diverter valve is a common problem that can underlie alongside the catcan and Pvc unit. These can cause the ECU light constantly due to wrong emissions flowing through the vehicle. majority of the issues can be fixed yourself with a few tools. The diverter valve can cause boost loss and leak due to weak membrane but this can be replaced also. These are problems I have had myself...

[R9OSW]

Extend your budget and go for an edition 30.

Thats what I done and it was well worth it
Infact I'm selling mine right after new year due to family expansions

[W6llace]

I have a 55 plate gti with the AXX engine in it and it's mustard, not noisey one bit so don't be put off as long as it's got full service history then it should be fine (engine wise ). I don't like the rear bumper either so got the R32 look On mine so much better 

[Matthewsimone]

Extend your budget and go for an edition 30.

Thats what I done and it was well worth it
Infact I'm selling mine right after new year due to family expansions

He wants a tidy Gti for 6k or less mate, what kind of budget extension are you suggesting 50% to £9,000 for a ropey ed30 

[uk345]

Thanks for the replies it is good to see that this community has the necessary knowledge to help a newbie like myself. I have noticed while looking at them that alot of them have had work (i would only buy one with a full service history). My preference for wheels would be the 17 inch Monza's as the roads around here are terrible and i cannot be bothered with cracked/buckled alloys. My preference is not to buy a grey one as it looks dull. I have noticed that they are £265 for road tax which is a little annoying but i suppose we are all on the same boat with that one.

With regards to the rust, how long does the warranty last for and is it just a case of popping into VW and they will get them replaced ? Am i also correct in saying that the timing belts should be replaced at 5 years or 60k ?

In response to a previous suggestion regarding the ED30 model. I do prefer the look of them and they are very nice cars but i cannot justify paying an extra few grand for one. My budget can realistically only stretch to a normal GTI.

I have a few cars that i am considering but as always cannot make a decision. The GTI is my sporty option which does have a lot of pros.

[jamie]

I can't really advise on the GTI as I went for an Edition 30 after looking around for a year but I'm sure you won't go wrong with a GTI.

One thing I would say is hold out for the car you want.  You will always look back and say I wish I'd have gone for X or Y if you buy a car for the wrong reasons.

I firmly believe that to a certain extent you get what you pay for.  Invest some time checking out all you can about a vehicle as suggested in the posts above.  I would also say be prepared to travel for the right car.  I don't always get it when people won't look at a car as it's 200 or 250 miles away...if it's something you want why not go for a look?

I'm in Suffolk and I bought my Golf from Scotland.  I had some photos but corresponded with the seller and then had an AA inspection done on it.  The AA were my eyes, I spoke to the inspector and they sent me photos of specific issues they found, which was useful.  They took the car for a drive, checked the documentation, took all wheels off and sent me a detailed, accurate report on the condition of the vehicle.  I couldn't fault the feedback - it was invaluable as the car was the spec and mileage that I wanted.  But - I would have walked away if the car wasn't for me or I had my doubts - even after I'd have got to Scotland to collect it.

Out of interest, why do you not fancy a DSG?  They are a joy to drive (or not as the case may be - just stick it in D and enjoy). :-) 

Above all, good luck with the search! 

[R9OSW]

Extend your budget and go for an edition 30.

Thats what I done and it was well worth it
Infact I'm selling mine right after new year due to family expansions

He wants a tidy Gti for 6k or less mate, what kind of budget extension are you suggesting 50% to £9,000 for a ropey ed30 

as most people on here do some kinda modifications to there car spending X amount. Why buy a a normal gti?
Its all ready been mentioned that he doesn't like the rear end etc.
R32 end or rd30 fitted plus paint is more money etc.
No need to chase as much power with them either to make them more exciting.

3 edition 30's on gumtree right now for around £7500.  Mileage is wee bit higher than some but a decent inspection on them and I bet all the normal problems mk5's occur have probably been cured.

1 is 7500 and has, milltek, bluefin 90k and fsh. Sounds and looks no bad to me! 

[Matthewsimone]

Sorry but for £7,500 you aren't getting a tidy ed30
Still say he's better lookibg for a decent Gti for his mentioned budget, i recently paid £7,200 for my fully loaded 57 plate, 1 owner absoluty stunning Gti for a ed30 even in similar condition be looking at 10k easily!

As for mods, no mods needed as great car to start with, factory standard all the way for me  limited slip diff be nice tho 

[numec]

Sorry but for £7,500 you aren't getting a tidy ed30
Still say he's better lookibg for a decent Gti for his mentioned budget, i recently paid £7,200 for my fully loaded 57 plate, 1 owner absoluty stunning Gti for a ed30 even in similar condition be looking at 10k easily!

As for mods, no mods needed as great car to start with, factory standard all the way for me  limited slip diff be nice tho 

that is a good bargain you got there..fully loaded, fairly low mileage and 57 reg..

[Matthewsimone]

Yes i thought so too mate, 67k miles when bought her in August
Guy had it up for £8,000 but he let slip that his mk7 Golf R was bei g delivered later that week so was obvious he needed it gone and Vw must have made a poor px offer against the 7R so just said its my one and only cash offer right now £7,200 and he fortunately he accepted (nice bloke)

What was a 2007 loaded Gti when new? I dont think he did too bad to own it for nearly 7 years and get over £7k back for it really!

[StuF]

There are bargains to be had out there though
I got my 08 Plate, Candy White, 1 Owner, 3door, Bone Stock GTI with wingback leather seats, bi-xenons, 18inch Monzas, Highline, MFSW all for £3750
The only issue was the mileage at 167k but it has been perfect so far! And it drives like its only done 40k

[MAT ED30]

Miles are nothing it's condition that sells a car

[StuF]

Miles are nothing it's condition that sells a car

Yep - absolutely!