Hi guys,
I'm Matt, 24 from nr Oxford and I'm currently looking at the 'sensible' option of getting myself into a MkV GTI / Ed.30 in the near future. I originally had a Focus ST which I chopped in for the Renaultsport Megane DCI 175 (sports diesel) due to a mega commute for work. I do miss the free-revving petrol engines and after securing employment locally, I no longer require the diesel!
For the past month I've test driven a range of cars including S2000, 350Z, Monaro, Mini Cooper Works GP and many more - and I'd had my heart set on nearly all of them after a test drive, but I have to be completely honest with myself and accept that I need a car with some practicality, reasonable fuel consumption and that is going to be reliable to a degree. The GTI ticks the box on all these accounts but is still no slouch and it's my intention to get a remap too (I did on my ST) and no doubt this will open up a whole new world of fun when I do want a spirited drive! The missus also used to have a Golf that she liked and as such, means she can drive it if she needs to...
Unfortunately (or fortunately maybe?!) my company have me on a secondment from our UK office, to our base in Melbourne... so I'm actually writing this from Oz right now and as such, I'm trying to get as much research done before I get back to the UK and hit the ground running. My Megane is expected to sell for around £8500 so initially I was looking at putting a little money towards getting a good example of a GTI - or should I really look at splashing out for an Ed.30? There seem to be some good examples of GTIs which are higher mileage, but they do have very good service history's which is more important to me.
I think I'm pretty set on a DSG after test driving one before I left for Oz - I was really impressed - simply because of the ability to stick it in D when just pootling to and from somewhere, but then able to get a bit more involved with the tiptronic or S mode for spirited drives. I haven't tried a manual, but I can't see me wanting it over a DSG - though it wouldn't bother me either way.
Anyway, I'll be sure to have a good scour through the forums and keep an eye on any GTIs for sale! I'm back in June should anyone be looking to sell from the forums...
Take it easy!
Matt.
