winrya Posted October 15, 2005 Report Share Posted October 15, 2005 Hi, after a test drive on tuesday i cannot resist the GTI. I have a few questions though which i hope you can answer. Firstly the car i drove was an unregistered diamond black 3 dr with 18" alloys and a few other options. I have to say i was quite impressed with the ride but im a bit worried about whether it deteriorates with time. Has the suspension on your cars become any noisier and clunky over time. Im used to alfa's where the firmer ride leads to quite noisy suspension and quick wearing of the bushes? How many miles are people getting from their tyres, 17s and 18s? Also does this firm ride lead to any unwanted dash rattles? I've heard a few stories about lacquer peeling off the alloys, is this a big problem? What MPG are you all achieving? Has anyone taken out VW's maintainance package? It sounds too good to be true for £22 per month. Anyone have any pics of diamond black 3dr's with 17's and 18's for a comparison as my head is saying 17's but i really want the 18's. Also does the midline computer still show you current and average MPG? sorry for so many questions Thanks in advance Ryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotw Posted October 15, 2005 Report Share Posted October 15, 2005 That is a lot of questions. I seem to think that the Alloy problem is just with 18s as they are different, but I could be wrong. 18s will also make the ride a bit harsher, but they do look good. People seem to be getting anything from 25->30+ mpg on average. You'll certainly get better MPG out of the GTi than the R32, but the new GT should be best of all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTiMK5 Posted October 15, 2005 Report Share Posted October 15, 2005 Hi Ryan, welcome mate. I have the 18's and in my opinion I think they look better but I dont think the 17's look bad. I don't find the ride too hard at all and have not noticed any deteriation in the 8500 miles I have done so far. As for the life of tyres, mine will need changing within the next 500 miles. Ref pictures of the 17's and 18's, I think it would be difficult for you to make a decision from photos, it is harder to see the difference. When I ordered mine I had only seen the 17's and I was told the 18's were exactly the same only bigger so when I picked my car up I was pleasantly surprised to see the difference. MPG - I am averaging about 25 - 26 mpg although sometimes it has been low 30's if I am really taking it easy. I have not experienced the laquer peeling off in the 8500 miles and have found them one of the easiest set of alloys to clean with just soap and water and then I apply a wax. The midline does show both current and average MPG. The bottom line is whatever spec you finally choose, I dont think you will be disappointed in anyway whatsoever. Go for it mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 Welcome Ryan. I don't know who among us has done the highest mileage so far (could be a new topic) but I don't think that the suspension will deteriorate in the ways you ask on a standard unmodded GTI Mk5....It seems too well designed and built to me. The better German cars are like that. I'm on 17s which look absolutely fine on a red car aesthetically and give a very firm but not skippy ride on more minor West Country roads - I'm a very practical kinda guy. 18s look absolutely fabulous on a black GTI. Neither size will make any difference to GTI performance. In fact I'm told that 15s with low profile tyres are the most power efficient of all. Mpg - 26-32 has been my experience so far in 2,800 miles after textbook running in for first 1,000. I took the VW maintenance packet and replace-at-full-spec insurance extra and have not used either yet. The Monza alloy design is absolutely second to none for ease of cleaning (I pity those new R32 guys!)....Just wax once every 6-8 weeks or so and wipe whenever desired . Both comps display the same important info but slightly differently. I have Midline but wish I had ordered the Highline at only about £45 extra - No big regrets though. I second the statement that this car is one of those rare examples of the manufacturer getting it all right! (Well, 99% and 100% where it matters). The worst part is the wait!! 2,800 miles later and I really am still grinning....Pure joy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rowley Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 Red, Whats the VW maintenance packet? Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 ....Should have read "package" but it's a fixed monthly payment for 3 (?? - forgotten but no time to look it up right now) years which means that all your first 3 (?) years servicing is paid for whatever it entails. There are different stages you can buy - Your dealer would be most happy to tell you about it but can only tell or sell you it if he is a qualified Financial Advisor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mulkbear Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 Whats the VW maintenance packet? worth its weight in gold When your car comes in for service most dealers will rape it (not in that way) when it's got the V.A.G Service package e.i. replace pads and disc's when they are only 50% worn, change wiper's replace every service and frote air con treatment used with every service. Also get Brake fluid service's and air con service and Total vehical alingment checks when they are needed. The dealer is happy they have got work The customer is happy they got a well maintained car VW happy because they are still making money and dealers and the customers are happy. All this for £22 a month, you be mad not to Only one problem the V.A.G Service package is that screen wash and oil top ups are not included Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Also does this firm ride lead to any unwanted dash rattles? [/ QUOTE ] A few known rattles are the grill on the centre top of the dash, and door panels. [ QUOTE ] I've heard a few stories about lacquer peeling off the alloys, is this a big problem? [/ QUOTE ] Its a problem with this type of wheel finish (18" ones only) the polished lac finish type the lac lifts with time or cracks and goes white or peels. I have had a car with this design of wheel from the VW group twice before and would not have one again, Is it a big problem on the GTI time will only tell especially if you live somewere that gets lots of salt in the winter. [ QUOTE ] Also does the midline computer still show you current and average MPG? [/ QUOTE ] Im 90% sure it does the highline gives you more adjustments and looks better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 Black metallic 3 door with 18" wheels Black with 17s Best i have hope there some use. Best to see them in person imo they don't look the same in person to photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mulkbear Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 Is this a pic of your car ? Does it have any thing wrote next to the P.D.I stamp ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winrya Posted October 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 right so its definately 18's then and diamond black. That car looks stunning and is exactly the same as the one i test drove. Thanks for all tbe replies so far guys. The next thing is when do i buy it. Obviously it is gonna be a 3 month wait at least and possibly worth waiting until march for the new registration. Obviously with this massive demand and low supply, prices remain undiscounted but do you think i am correct in thinking by march with the r32 on the market (guy at vw confirmed 23k) there will be more discount and better deals around. Somehow i feel now is not a sensible time to buy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winrya Posted October 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 BTW guy at vw confirmed the 23k for the r32 included 18" wheels and xenons and he suspects things like armrest and highline computer will also be standard. That makes the money between the 2 very close and must surely kill a bit of demand for the gti? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 ....Except that running costs of the R32 will be much higher - Insurance and petrol consumption. I don't think the R32 is available on 17s. DSG would add a significant cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Is this a pic of your car ? Does it have any thing wrote next to the P.D.I stamp ? [/ QUOTE ] Sorry no not my car its just one of quiet a few pictures to say the least i have saved on my hard drive because of my GTI addiction. It probably came from here or uk-mkivs.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 [ QUOTE ] The next thing is when do i buy it. Obviously it is gonna be a 3 month wait at least and possibly worth waiting until march for the new registration. Obviously with this massive demand and low supply, prices remain undiscounted but do you think i am correct in thinking by march with the r32 on the market (guy at vw confirmed 23k) there will be more discount and better deals around. Somehow i feel now is not a sensible time to buy? [/ QUOTE ] A mate of mine has just been over and is looking at buying a new GTI too and said the exact same thing. Its a very very good question. I guess you either wait and follow your head or buy now and follow your hart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 GTI aint gonna get any cheaper mate, and will continue to depreciate regardless. R32 won't do jack to the GTI's residuals. Of course dealers will start to discount when their stocks are replenished, but this happens on all cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silentandy Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 I can't see the R32 affecting GTI prices too much to be honest. They're not expecting to sell that many R32s and ownership costs will be quite a bit more. I think the GTI will remain just a popular next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 It's as LeMan TheMan says plus VW are currently planning to only produce 7,000 GTIs for the UK in 2006. You might save a wee bit of dosh but you'll lose time having fun with your own GTI. Life is for living! Buying cars isn't the same as planning financial investments and their returns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silentandy Posted October 16, 2005 Report Share Posted October 16, 2005 A good measure of how much discount you are likely to get is by looking at places such as drivethedeal.com who get their cars from UK dealerships. At the moment it's just a £10 discount, so I wouldn't expect to get anything significant anytime soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted October 17, 2005 Report Share Posted October 17, 2005 Autocar 27 sep 05 "autocar approached 3 VW dealers and found the GTI waiting list currently stands at between 3 and 4 months. 2 out of the 3 deaers were willing to knock up to 5% off the £19995 list price of a new manual 3 door, but couldn't match the £18836 we found through www.new-car-discount.com . Right hand drive imports are even cheaper www.motorprovider.uk.com can supply european-sourced 5 door manuals within 6 weeks for just £17395" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted October 17, 2005 Report Share Posted October 17, 2005 When i bought my previous car i could not match the WhatCar target price listed in there magazine so i contacted whatcar and they put me in touch with the dealer who gave them that price. Worth checking the whatcar mag and see what price they have listed as there target price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silentandy Posted October 17, 2005 Report Share Posted October 17, 2005 Where on earth did they get that price of £18836?! Sometimes I wonder if they don't just make things up in Autocar. A quick look on www.new-car-discount.com and the cheapest GTI I could find was this: List price: £19995 Our price: £19380 Save: £616 Registration: 2006/06 Mileage: Delivery Colour: Full Colour Choice Available Metallic cost : £335 Delivery Time: 30 Weeks ALL CARS ARE UK CARS - NO IMPORTS Comments: 3 Year Full UK Waranty And www.motorprovider.uk.com just says they have no stock! I do agree though that the only way you are likely to get a significant discount is by getting an import. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted October 17, 2005 Report Share Posted October 17, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Autocar 27 sep 05 "autocar approached 3 VW dealers and found the GTI waiting list currently stands at between 3 and 4 months. 2 out of the 3 deaers were willing to knock up to 5% off the £19995 list price of a new manual 3 door, but couldn't match the £18836 we found through www.new-car-discount.com . Right hand drive imports are even cheaper www.motorprovider.uk.com can supply european-sourced 5 door manuals within 6 weeks for just £17395" [/ QUOTE ] Autocar talk and are quoting stealers who are twisting their wait times anyway. It's the blind leading the blind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sburke1 Posted October 17, 2005 Report Share Posted October 17, 2005 Sounds pretty much the same spec as mine..aren't the 18's on black metallic the dog's wobbly bits?! I've tried so hard to stay away from Tyresmoke recently as a Jan 3rd delivery date is killing me.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neimad Posted October 17, 2005 Report Share Posted October 17, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Where on earth did they get that price of £18836?! Sometimes I wonder if they don't just make things up in Autocar. A quick look on www.new-car-discount.com and the cheapest GTI I could find was this: List price: £19995 Our price: £19380 Save: £616 Registration: 2006/06 Mileage: Delivery Colour: Full Colour Choice Available Metallic cost : £335 Delivery Time: 30 Weeks ALL CARS ARE UK CARS - NO IMPORTS Comments: 3 Year Full UK Waranty And www.motorprovider.uk.com just says they have no stock! I do agree though that the only way you are likely to get a significant discount is by getting an import. [/ QUOTE ] I ordered mine from new car discount all the way back in July -- delivery expected March '06 (yes I know, I know... don't even say it), and at the time they were quoting £1300+ less than list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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