Changing my GTI

Gorill8

So the times comes in every mans life when his wife turns to him and says that she's pregnant. Fantastic news, delighted to now know that there really is lead in your pencil. Not long after that the fear sets in, my car's only got 3 doors.............
What to do? Well I'd appreciate any input from your guys on what you'd do or think I should do? I was thinking of a few different options, firstly, just get a 4 door GTI, or get a 4 dooor GT although the downgrade in power would upset me, or get an A4 or maybe a 3 series Beemer

While my wife is busy making baby I've got to get busy changing the car

Cheers

Biro

Gorill8 wrote: »

So the times comes in every mans life when his wife turns to him and says that she's pregnant. Fantastic news, delighted to now know that there really is lead in your pencil. Not long after that the fear sets in, my car's only got 3 doors.............
What to do? Well I'd appreciate any input from your guys on what you'd do or think I should do? I was thinking of a few different options, firstly, just get a 4 door GTI, or get a 4 dooor GT although the downgrade in power would upset me, or get an A4 or maybe a 3 series Beemer

While my wife is busy making baby I've got to get busy changing the car

Cheers

No need to change! The back of a Golf has more than enough space for a child seat. What does your wife drive?

Gorill8

have got to get a 4 door, by order! wife doesn't have a car at the moment, sold hers last month

fox007

I have a 2008 gt golf 170 bhp with dsg it does not lack in power and the mpg is a little better thanks to its 1.4 engine, drive one you will not be dissiponted just dont let the dealiers robb ya , if they think your in a hurry the will so be cautious and good luck....

Berty

It depends OP. Have you a budget to stick to?

Gorill8

i'd rather a swap it straight in cash terms but can add a few quid to it if necessary

ntlbell

why would you be worried about to downgrade in power?

considering you're going to be carrying your child in it I would be more worried about the overall safety of the speed and not how quick i can get to 0-60

Gorill8

The child won't be in the car everytime I turn on the engine...............

ntlbell

Gorill8 wrote: »

The child won't be in the car everytime I turn on the engine...............

but every time the child is in the car the priority would be still safety no?

I'm just surprised that an expecting father's request is not for safety rather than speed..

not to worry grasshopper..

R.O.R

Gorill8 wrote: »

So the times comes in every mans life when his wife turns to him and says that she's pregnant. Fantastic news, delighted to now know that there really is lead in your pencil. Not long after that the fear sets in, my car's only got 3 doors.............
What to do? Well I'd appreciate any input from your guys on what you'd do or think I should do? I was thinking of a few different options, firstly, just get a 4 door GTI, or get a 4 dooor GT although the downgrade in power would upset me, or get an A4 or maybe a 3 series Beemer

While my wife is busy making baby I've got to get busy changing the car

Cheers

Keep her and yourself happy
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/TFSI-RS-/200904191551314/advert

Can't link to any Petrol Hatches - they all seem to be diesel, which is a cracking car, but not quite as quick as the GTI

Victor_M

ntlbell wrote: »

why would you be worried about to downgrade in power?

considering you're going to be carrying your child in it I would be more worried about the overall safety of the speed and not how quick i can get to 0-60

Not exactly helpful now is it? :rolleyes:

I doubt the child is going to be a permanent fixture in the car, I drive the M3 like I'm driving Ms Daisy when the kids are in the back, but I drive it like I've nicked it once they've been dropped off.

Op get the 4 door version of your own even if it means going back a year, speed is fairly relative and anything less is going to feel very slow.

Berty

ntlbell wrote: »

but every time the child is in the car the priority would be still safety no?

I'm just surprised that an expecting father's request is not for safety rather than speed..

not to worry grasshopper..

Stop diverting the thread and offending the OP.

In any case regarding the power. You can simply not accelarate any harder or drive as fast. Surely the NCAP rating and isofix seating would be more important on assuming he will drive so dangerously he will put his childs life in danger.

Gorill8

Safety is the number one issue when changing my car, if I was some gobsheen just interested in power and zero safety I might have mentioned a brand other than audi, bmw, VW.
The GTI does have the isofix in the back alright not sure about the beemer and audi's no doubt they have something similar

Also just to touch back on another thread posted, even with my misses in the car I drive like an old granny, and no doubt will be even more cautious if a child were in the back. To suggest that I'm more interested in speed than my childs safety is pure idiocy.

Biro

Gorill8 wrote: »

Safety is the number one issue when changing my car, if I was some gobsheen just interested in power and zero safety I might have mentioned a brand other than audi, bmw, VW.

? VW/Audi/BMW aren't the pinnacle of automotive safety by any means, they're on par with the rest, no such thing really as an unsafe car in the last few years, not among any of the main stream makes.

Gorill8 wrote: »

The GTI does have the isofix in the back alright not sure about the beemer and audi's no doubt they have something similar

Most cars have isofix these days. Why don't you just swap it for a 5 door model if you're happy with the GTI?

mickdw

You are on the slippery slope all the way to a big dirty slow people carrier. People nowadays seem to need an estate car for even one child. I dont know why but then again I dont have kids.
Get yourself a nice Audi A6. Great value in them now. Loads of space in the back for the baby, huge boot. Nice cabin, super safe and plenty of engine choice.

Berty

As I glance around at the seats in my 06 A4 I notice that my seats are not isofix but thats not to say that Audi A4's do not come with Isofix.

EDIT I presume they are not on account of the lack of the Isofix label.

JoeA3

You could try living with the 3-door GTI for a little while, perhaps get a 5-door runabout for the missus in the meantime :pac:

Access to the rear in the 3-door Golf is not too bad, although the front seats could certainly be more intuitive to slide forwards.

Other than that, I'd consider looking at 5-door GTI's, not as pretty as the 3 door, but there are loads of them about, you've lots of choice!

An A4 / A6 Estate if you really need the space would be a nice option!

Eoin

mickdw wrote: »

You are on the slippery slope all the way to a big dirty slow people carrier. People nowadays seem to need an estate car for even one child.

Estate cars aren't the same as people carriers. You can get some cool estate cars these days. There are a few I'd drive with no kids, let alone one. Edit - it certainly doesn't mean it has to be slow either.

Gary ITR

I'd get a new wife tbh OP

psmate

Well done Gorill8, thats the hard part out of the way...wife is pregnant all is in working order :cool:

I had the same trouble about a year ago looking for a new car, I had 1.4 Golf, obviously nowhere near the speed/power of a GTi but we came to the conclusion that the boot would not accomadate all the gear that goes with a kid.
We looked at all sorts, in the end we went for a 3 series touring, the only reason went for a BMW was I always liked the touring and thought it was practical and a good looking car. Lots of boot space which I have discovered you need as once the buggy is in there is not that much room left for much else...we have a bugaboo in case people are wondering just what kind of buggy we have.
Anyway, an estate would be the way to go IMO, a few more we looked at and would recommend:

Maxda 6 Estate, good looking and nice performance
Ford Mondeo, sheer size
5 seires, Audi A6 great size and lots of engines to choose from, however price dictated against these. Some good deals on the E-Class at the moment too.
3 series and A4 estates, A4 is bigger then the 3 series but 3 series was my choice, lots of engines.

NiSmO

This post has been deleted.

ShadowHearth

ntlbell wrote: »

but every time the child is in the car the priority would be still safety no?

I'm just surprised that an expecting father's request is not for safety rather than speed..

not to worry grasshopper..

Well, like he said, child wount be in the car 24/7. And when child is not in the car, why he cant have some fun?

You know, live does not end when you get a child. Atleast untill you sign "good bye cruel world" note...

But i dont think you will be able to trade it in for a 4 door version withouth extra cash.

p.s. Min e misses was using mine opel calibra red top, while she was baby sitting a small fella. And it was all sound! She had no trouble at all. So you could really try to live with 2 door car. Some poeple making too much drama about it... And make ather people do same.

dlambirl

my friend ( a girl) recently had the same problem.
She had a three door golf and loved it but found it hard to manover (sp?) the baby in and out of the back, especially as it got a bit bigger. She also found that the boot wasnt big enough for the pram/buggie and anything else.

So she bought a 318D and loves it

su_dios

Buy a VRS http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/VRS-Dies/200904191563011/advert

Same engine as the GTI and more space.

Gorill8

So it appears my days of laughing at people in estates are numbered, karma eh

voxpop

how about a nice audi estate http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/RS4/B5-440-B/200846190814176/advert

Gorill8

nice looking charger, would prob disfigure your face once you plant your foot down, plenty of room for the golf clubs though!

Eoin

Gorill8 wrote: »

So it appears my days of laughing at people in estates are numbered, karma eh

That seems to be quite an Irish thing - estate cars seem much more popular on the continent, even for those without children. The Audi one looks good, and I think the Alfa ones look at least as good as the saloon versions. In fact, I think there are loads of good looking estate cars: SAAB 93, Subaru Legacy and Impreza.

VolvoMan

eoin wrote: »

That seems to be quite an Irish thing - estate cars seem much more popular on the continent, even for those without children. The Audi one looks good, and I think the Alfa ones look at least as good as the saloon versions. In fact, I think there are loads of good looking estate cars: SAAB 93, Subaru Legacy and Impreza.

Don't forget the Volvo V50!;):

Eoin

VolvoMan wrote: »

Don't forget the Volvo V50!;):

Absolutely, those were ones that sprang to mind.

CharlieCroker

I'd be going for the Octavia vRS. Fantastic car and all the space you'll ever need.
Get a black estate with tinted glass.
It'll look evil!!!!!

RedorDead

voxpop wrote: »

how about a nice audi estate http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/RS4/B5-440-B/200846190814176/advert

It aint no RS4 though!

WHITE_P

You don't need an estate yet, it is only one child, I'd just look for a five door GTi / Gt, particularly if you are happy with your current one. Although the Octavia VRs would be an excellent alternative.

If you ended up with a Gt, and weren't happy with the performance, just get it remapped, Revo Technik can get 205 bhp from the 1.4 TSI. Westward in Enfield are agents for Revo Tech.
http://www.revotechnik.com/aboutRevo/news/TSiTFSi_engines.aspx

Even a 140 bhp TSI Touran can be entertaining to drive, so unless big BHP is a must why worry.

Although you will find your attitude to driving, even when on your own will change, afterall you do want to be around and healthy to see your child(ren) grow up. I do most of my driving alone (for work) and have become very conscience of how I drive.

Although I still enjoy a good punt along a back road.

CL32

If its a hot hatch you want don't rule out the Leon FR or its big brother the Cupra.

The Octavia VRS is an absolute beaut though.

L-M

RedorDead wrote: »

It aint no RS4 though!

Why not? Lol

I'd be going for the likes of the Octavia RS as well OP. Nice in blue or the likes, and your going for the same power.

At the same time, i'd imagine a dealer would do a like for like swap with you for a 4 door GTI. A 3 door should be an easier sale for them.

Bluefoam

Gorill8 wrote: »

if I was some gobsheen just interested in power and zero safety I might have mentioned a brand other than audi, bmw, VW.

:rolleyes: How do I respond to this without appearing to personally insult the OP?

L-M

Bluefoam wrote: »

:rolleyes: How do I respond to this without appearing to personally insult the OP?

Saw it in your head:D

RedorDead

Limerick man wrote: »

Why not? Lol

I'd be going for the likes of the Octavia RS as well OP. Nice in blue or the likes, and your going for the same power.

At the same time, i'd imagine a dealer would do a like for like swap with you for a 4 door GTI. A 3 door should be an easier sale for them.

Two rear exhausts on the left - proper RS have two oval pipes - one each side. No interior shots of supposed RS badging would make me dubious too.

L-M

RedorDead wrote: »

Two rear exhausts on the left - proper RS have two oval pipes - one each side. No interior shots of supposed RS badging would make me dubious too.

Lol, it is an RS4.

Here's a different one i saw.

Robertr

What exactly are you driving at the moment?

Tony Broke

Saab 9-3, sell your gti and go over to the uk and get a Vector one.

SomeDude

RedorDead wrote: »

Two rear exhausts on the left - proper RS have two oval pipes - one each side.

That's certainly true for the latest RS4, but I'm not sure if it rings true for an RS4 built in 2000.

robtri

why not just keep the GTi, if you like it so much and buy a cheap second family car?
plenty of cars suitable for under €1k on carzone.....

Kafer

I was in the same position a few years ago. Went from a 3 door GTI to an Octavia RS. Brilliant value for money and a great all rounder.

dlambirl

Why all the recommendations for estates?

There is no need for an estate for a baby!! There is no actual need to change your car at all OP. Maybe a five door or a saloon car for comfort when taking the baby in an out but god no need for an estate!?!!!

*hate estates!!!

BlackWizard

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1320344 ?

Victor_M

BlackWizard wrote: »

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1320344 ?

Noooooo don't do it, aside from the fact that Opel make the worst vehicles I've ever driven, the Zafira being the very worst of them!

An MPV, come on! - Suburban surrender at it best/worst, he is only having one kid for god sake.

Swap the Golf 3 door for a 5 door or the Octavia VRS.

su_dios

BlackWizard wrote: »

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1320344 ?

Why oh why would you recommend that?

JoeA3

su_dios wrote: »

Why oh why would you recommend that?

I think he was joking...

BlackWizard

Yeah I wasn't really being serious. But if he ends up with quadruplets I don't think a Golf will fit the bill.

Actually why can't a baby seat fit in the back of a 3 door golf? And is a 5 door golfs boot bigger than a 3 door?

JoeA3

BlackWizard wrote: »

Yeah I wasn't really being serious. But if he ends up with quadruplets I don't think a Golf will fit the bill.

Actually why can't a baby seat fit in the back of a 3 door golf? And is a 5 door golfs boot bigger than a 3 door?

Interior dimensions are identical. The 3 door even has the isofix thingys on the rear bench.

Its whether the OP's back is up to the job of folding & sliding the front seat forwards and reaching into the backseat is the $$$ question!

I have a 3-door GTI myself and I find letting passengers in and out of the back a pain in the backside on the rare occasion I need to do it.