Buying used GTI- what would you go for?

[necorner]

Subsequent to my earlier post relating to my weak driving skills (wrote-off "Y" reg 2001 2.0 GTI 115bh)) I am now on the look out for a replacement.

I've got a maximum of 7 grand to play with and nothing to trade in. I do about 80 miles per day to and from work.

I know the car I had wasn't the best performing GTI ever but it was comfortable, reliable and reasonably economical to run compared with other cars I have had (plus it saved me from injury when it came to the crunch).

I have sen various arguments saying the the TDI models are ok and that the 1.8 was better than the 2.0 so if you were in my position what would you go for?

[edo]

Golf GTI 1.8T or an A3 1.8T, Golf 4 Motion (bit lumpier on petrol) or even a V5?

1.8T 180 (most are 150);

2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 1.8 T GTi [180] 3dr Hatchback

37,000 miles, Diamond black,3 dr hatchback,manual,petrol,recaro sports interior,1 prev owner,FVWSH, 16"alloys, ABS, traction control, a/c, wood trim, alarm & immobilser. remote central locking, driver & pass airbags,e/w, adjustable steering column,lumber support,cd/audio system.Immaculate condition.Genuine low mileage. £7,495

or

2001 Y Reg VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V6 4MOTION 5DR5 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 33,000 miles, Oceanic Blue, Power Steering,ABS,Electric Windows,Climate Control,Cruise Control,Full Leather,Heated Seats,Immobiliser,Remote Alarm,Traction Control,Electric Mirrors,On Board Computer,MultiDisc CD Player,Remote Central Locking,Rear Wash/Wipe,Radio/Cassette,Height Adjustable Seat,Adjustable Steering Column,Sports Seats,Xenon Headlamps,Rear Headrest,Centre Armrest,Multiple Airbags,Self-Dip Rearview Mirror,Folding Rear Seats,Head Restraints,Rear Armrest,Metallic Paintwork,Colour Coded Body,Lumbar Support,16inch Alloys,Main Dealer Service History 4WD. £7,495.

or

2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2.3 V5 5dr [170bhp] Hatchback

35,000 miles, 52 plate, fsh, 1 previous owner, metallic reflex silver, full black leather interior, heated front seats, abs, power steering, traction control, airbags, climate control (air cond.), winter pack, comfort pack, 6 cd changer (front loading), on board computer, service indicator, rain sensors, remote c/locking alarm & immobiliser, 16" alloys, 1 years mot, 6 months tax, fantastic condition. £7,995. ono

??

[necorner]

blimey- i like the sound of the V5. Might be digging in to the savings a bit shortly.

[petsy]

make sure you check insurance costs before a final decision.