2nd hand Bora - which one???

[Molinari]

I'm about to buy a Bora, and have found two that I'm interested in but I'm unsure which one to go for. So I thought I'd post a message here to get some advice.

1st Bora:

1999 (T) VW BORA 2.3 V5. <u>Private Sale.</u>

4 doors, manual, petrol, 68k miles, tax & mot, full service history (VW until last service), dark green. PAS, Trip computer, Drivers & passenger airbag, side airbags, ABS. Full leather recaro interior, heated seats, rain sensor windscreen wipers, satellite navigation, 6 cd audio system, all electric, climate control. £5,500.

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2nd Bora:

2001 51 Reg VW BORA 1.8T ST 150 BHP <u>Trade Sale</u>

4 Doors, Manual, Petrol, 78k miles, Metallic Blue. ABS, Adjustable steering column, Air con, Alloy wheels, Central locking, Computer, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors & windows, Head restraints, Folding rear seats, Immobiliser, Lumbar support, Passenger airbag, PAS, Rear armrest, Radio/CD, Side airbags, Rear headrests, Sports seats, Traction control, Immobiliser, Leather Steering Wheel. Full VW service history. 1 prev owner (I think). £5,491.

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Both are in relatively good condition with a few small scratches as to be expected, although the 2001 1.8T is in slightly better condition.

The V5 has better equipment but is a couple of years older and doesn't drive quite as nice as the 1.8T. It is supposed to be as quick, but doesn't feel it, or as much fun. It has also had 5 owners because it was a show car for 3 VW garages.

The 1.8T has been a company car, so the 78k on the clock is all motorway miles. It is not as nice inside, quite sparse in comparison, but seems like the engine responds better when accelerating and would be more fun.

I'm going to have a full RAC check before buying just to make sure everything is mechanically fine with the car.

Given the choice between these 2 cars, which would you choose and why????

Thanks

[mulkbear]

I would you for the 1.8T because it is a nice colour, Full vw history and i find the recaro seats are not very comfy and the V5 engines cost more to service.

[THEBLUER32]

I personally would ad some more money to my budget and get a pukka tdi version, preferrably a 130 BHP.

A volkswagen tech for 15 years, thats why I have a Bora 1.9 TDI highline.

[benjie]

2nd one!

(but,being a TDi owner, I would have to say THEBLUER32 has a good point - the extra money you may spend on a TDi, you'll get back in fuel costs!)

[shao_khan]

Out of your choice I have the second one - better engine and better colour.

As said twice above - I'd up the budget and get a TDI 130. There are a few under 10k on the VW used car site.

[cruiser647]

Just to spoil the poll,,,,,you could up the money and get a V5 with the 20 valve engine that gives 170BHP and more torque.

The later V5's had a much better engine - revs better. I think it was from 2001 on. It makes a lovely sound.

Personally, I'd have the V5. It makes a glorious sound AND has a better spec.

[51bora]

Had a 10v V5 which handled like a pig. 1.8T a better car but less well equipped.

Go for a TDi - they might sound like a skeleton playing dominoes in a dustbin, but they are just as quick (if not quicker in many cases) and you get 50mpg.

[shao_khan]

welcome to Tyresmoke.

[philpugh]

If it's not too late - go for a TDi. I bought a '99 TDi SE 110 BHP, 6 months ago. Very nice car. A bit noisy (but it get quieter after a few minutes) well spec'd and it returns 58+ mph on long journeys and 54 average.

[sidlad]

I'm no expert (only had a VW for about three months) BUT i got a '02 1.9 TDI BORA SPORT 130 for bang on 10grand with only 25K on the clock, and i'm absolutely loving it. Averaging 50 MPG even tho i've been giving it some serious testing on my bi-weekly trips up and down the M1.