MKV 08 Golf GTI

heathersonline

Hi folks

Considering looking at one of these as a city car, I don't mind the tax etc, just wondering if I'd be mad to consider one that old? Seem to be priced between 7-10k.

Anything major to look out for? Would ideally like an auto so I understand the auto box should have been serviced a couple of times by now, is that correct?

JoeA3

They're a very good car but the trouble is finding one that's been looked after - they're getting thin on the ground, many are rough.

The DSG is a super gearbox but it needs regular servicing - every 40k miles afaik so you need to make sure that's done. Don't touch one that doesn't have a proper service history.

You'll tell a lot of things about the condition of the car and how it was maintained by some obvious cosmetic stuff - the wheels (the 18's are diamond cut and corrode), the paintwork, the condition of the interior (are the seat bolsters in good nick?), etc... Some of them are enthusiast owned and will be looked after. Others not.

Post up links to ones you're looking at...

heathersonline

You're right, very little on donedeal when I include automatic and under the 10k mark. I'll have a look around and post some links up, Any I've looked at with leather, the seats look very worn, and very few have mfsw which would annoy me!

If you are going to be driving in the city all the time with little chance to actually drive the car on and enjoy it you should keep in mind that they are heavy on petrol in traffic, you will be looking at something around 25mpg in stop/start city traffic in a manual so probably slightly worse in DSG.

heathersonline

Makai Deafening Blackberry wrote: »

If you are going to be driving in the city all the time with little chance to actually drive the car on and enjoy it you should keep in mind that they are heavy on petrol in traffic, you will be looking at something around 25mpg in stop/start city traffic in a manual so probably slightly worse in DSG.

I'm living down in Wexford so traffic isn't too much of a worry! Will take it up to Dublin a couple of times a month as well. Tired of having a toothless/boring second car, so these caught my eye. Not too keen on the astra opc's, wonder if there's anything else worth looking at

dar83

Focus ST is a better weekend car to be honest. Worth it for the extra tax that people tend to take issue with.

Moanin

heathersonline wrote: »

Hi folks

Considering looking at one of these as a city car, I don't mind the tax etc, just wondering if I'd be mad to consider one that old? Seem to be priced between 7-10k.

Anything major to look out for? Would ideally like an auto so I understand the auto box should have been serviced a couple of times by now, is that correct?

Try and get a 3 door if possible. They are far better looking imo.

FSH is a must. Also take a look on enthusiast websites as they pop up now and again.

JoeA3

It's a fair bit more money than your budget but if you were in the mood to stretch a bit more, I know of a mint (and I mean mint) MK6 GTI for sale that I would totally vouch for.

heathersonline

Not mad on the look of the focus St, probably a bit too old for it!

There's potential to increase cash, is there a massive difference between the mk5 and mk6 other than visuals?

JoeA3

heathersonline wrote: »

Not mad on the look of the focus St, probably a bit too old for it!

There's potential to increase cash, is there a massive difference between the mk5 and mk6 other than visuals?

The MK6 was effectively a heavy facelift of the MK5. A slight power hike (210bhp over 200).

heathersonline

Looks like I may have to go manual, seems to be a lot more available. Might avoid leather also, tartan seems to wear better for the age of the car

Roger Mellie Man on the Telly

I had an '07 manual - I thought it was a great car.

I think they still look quite good. The wheels are practically a design classic.

Would you consider one of these?

You said you didn't mind the tax, although maybe €1809 is a bit much...

noelf

Only 78085 km one owner 3 door dsg cruise control leather interior sunroof €10995 ..

NCT to 30/03/2018

heathersonline

Roger Mellie Man on the Telly wrote: »

I had an '07 manual - I thought it was a great car.

I think they still look quite good. The wheels are practically a design classic.

Would you consider one of these?

You said you didn't mind the tax, although maybe €1809 is a bit much...

The performance looks pretty savage but not sure having it as a runaround would make sense! I like the understated look of the standard GTI as well

JoeA3

An R32 is quite a different proposition altogether. Quite a few of them were sold in 06-08 but they'd still be relatively thin on the ground.

MarkN

My brother has a 2007 GTI, R32 style bucket seats (think they were a 4k option back then!!!) with DSG and he paid 10k for it a year ago. Like anything a bit thin on the ground here, the UK is your friend.