Mook Posted May 18, 2007 Report Share Posted May 18, 2007 The R32 is going. 3 and a bit years on, 80K miles and it's starting to cost a lot to maintain. Seriously considering a Mk5 GTI Ed30, but I'd like to know what you love and what you hate about the Mk5 GTI. Yes, it'll doubtless be treated to a full Milltek and a remap, but that'll be all for this one (I've spent far too much modifying the R32 to get it to go and handle how I like it!), so your comments on standard stuff would be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarmac_Terrorist Posted May 18, 2007 Report Share Posted May 18, 2007 Not sure where to start and end here. Personally, I have nothing negative to report and I'm totally delighted with the car so far. The big plus point to me is the power delivery - very linear and strong. The car definitely drives better than is looks. My Father in Law has bought an Ed30 (66 years old and drives like a spoon )and is touring Scotland in it. He's driven fairly quick cars all his life and is so far very impressed by it apart from seat comfort...but then again he is about 18 stone. Have you driven a MKV GTI? Would you go for DSG? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted May 18, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 18, 2007 Yes, driven a Mk5 - DSG and manual. DSG isn't for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamv2 Posted May 18, 2007 Report Share Posted May 18, 2007 Like: Ermm get back to you on that one Dislike: It rattles a lot, it's not very fast, It doesn't have 320bhp like my previous car, but buying the golf seemed like a good idea at the time. Ah well you live and learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robp Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 Love: DSG (which I would personally highly recommend), linear power delivery, combination of power and practicality, looks...oh, and in terms of details, the cloth trim is cool, and the steering wheel is great Hate (or rather, things that annoy, as hate is a bit strong!): interior rattles (sorry, but VW have cut too many corners. I guess they would say they've put the money elsewhere, but when you spend 2.5 hours in the car every day the rattles can be annoying); auto-wipers are rubbish; DSG is too lazy in full auto-mode - it changes up too early and so gets bogged down - but I don't use it much so not too big a problem; service costs and VW dealers; I sometimes think it ain't that quick...I guess like everything in life we always want more...; lack of full control for audio on steering wheel e.g. can't change CD or track, and can't change station. Don't know if you get that with Highline? The love very much outweighs the 'hate' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 Love: DSG - way beyond any doubt about it and to the extent that my next car must also have it or a close equivalent. But you have said it's not for you, Mook. Performance - smooth delivery without turbo lag. The GTI is totally happy slow cruising or being driven enthusiastically on B-roads and maintaining high speed 120mph on autobahns. Steering wheel - ergonomic and good feel and size. Seats - excellent support and great cloth design and durability. Load capacity - luxury hot hatch also doubles as luxury (very) small van. Sunshine roof - the best I've had. Xenons - light the way! Monza 18" alloys - iconic and unique to the GTI. Front body styling - I love that honeycombe etc. Good eye-candy. Overall size - not too big and not too small. 'Golfness' - what all VeeDub Golfs have always had. Overall 'feel' - Superb! The car is fun to drive. Hate (Dislike): OEM exhaust not loud enough inside the car (hence Milltek). In fact the cabin is generally too well soundproofed - I like to hear stuff! OEM suspension - good but not what it can be (hence KoniFSD+Eibach+ARBs). OEM brakes - good but pedal feedback not what it should be (hence AP brake kit). Paddleshifters (DSG) - would be better if much bigger. Gear display (DSG) - miniscule and almost useless. Speedo display - jumbled and numerals too small. Sqeaks and rattles - rarely noticeable and quickly forgotten when driving. Overall: The Love outweighs The Hate by miles and miles! I'm still grinning after 32,000 miles . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack_is_Back Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 The traction control is too sensitive - it cuts the power at the first hint of wheelspin and takes (what feels like) an age to feed it back in. The manual gearbox is only 'okay'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nutkins Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 Have to disagree there - I think the Manual Gearbox is wonderful! Lovely slick positive feel to it. 3rd to 4th is particularly satisfying. Best gearbox I've ever experienced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 I like the manual gearbox too. I don't find TC problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winrya Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 I think the tc is superb, allows a bit of wheel spin and doesnt cut the power. Previous alfa would bog down at a hint of wheel spin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbucket Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 I guess I have done what you are thinking Mook, and although I have only owned it 8 hours here are my first impressions compared to the R. Things I like More relaxed driving experience More comfortable ride/softer ride but still handles Goes like a rocket when the turbo kicks in Extra 64hp for £600 from Superchips available Much better MPG Dash nicer Gear knob better positioned and sharper change (manual) Things I need to get used to No V6 sound, and the FSI does sound a bit diesel on tick over. Not sure whether its worth getting a Milltek at the moment. Turbo lag, no instant power like the R. Makes it feel abit dead when driving. But then this is my first turbo car. No 4WD, ESP does a good job but you have to wait until the wheels are straight then all hell breaks loose (in a good way) View out the back is a bit restricted. But I can best sum it up by saying I have not thought about the R all day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReflex Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 £400 + car tax on the R32. The GTI is a great all rounder with cheap running costs ( relatively speaking ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vagabond Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 Well i only had my candy white for 6 weeks before i chopped it in for the R32. I sometimes wonder why exactly i did that, the GTI was a stunner in white with the monza's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 ....Yes, but DBP looks stunning and you could always change the alloys. V6 sounds glorious too . But, personally I would still prefer my GTI . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vagabond Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 Yes Robin, the R is a glorious sounding machine but i'd still have no hesitation in buying another GTI. I love the MKV's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkzz Posted May 20, 2007 Report Share Posted May 20, 2007 [ QUOTE ] Like: Ermm get back to you on that one Dislike: It rattles a lot, it's not very fast, It doesn't have 320bhp like my previous car, but buying the golf seemed like a good idea at the time. Ah well you live and learn. [/ QUOTE ] LOL!! It doesnt rattle that much, not much at all!!, it is quick, its a great nippy car, my previous car had 343BHP and i dont miss it at all owning the MK5 GTI. each to their own i suppose!!. IMO. Dislike: The rear windscreen wiper has a mind of its own, you cant turn on the rear fog light on without the fronts, erm,.... i dont have any other negatives. Likes: performance, handling, comfort, smell, size, looks, economy, and the ability of being able to put a smile on my face!!. Owned it a year and half, and still love it. I have been driving 12 years and this is my 17th car, i get bored of cars very quick, but i havent with this one. Its the longest i have kept a car, and i still love driving it!!. that must say something..lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robe Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 [ QUOTE ] Dislike: It rattles a lot, it's not very fast, It doesn't have 320bhp like my previous car.. [/ QUOTE ] Thats just silly. You buy a 200 bhp car and then complain its not as fast as a 300 bhp car How fast exactly did you expect it to be? My own likes and dislikes: L: feels quicker than 200bhp, great seats (standard ones, you don't need recaros IMO). MPG is great at 30-ish given the performance - a few years back my Focus RS struggled to do 20mpg in similar driving. Handling is great for FWD - best I've driven. Lots of grip, in fact HUGE grip. Looks great with 18's. Super engine in terms of lack of lag - it is super responsive for 2L turbo. DL: does not sound good, the mk5 r32 has a lovely rasp, the gti is just a bit flat and quiet IMO, ST Focus sounds much better for instance. Suspension is pretty hard, but not unbearable - its perfect for a flat out b road blast, but a little to harsh for a long motorway trip with 8 month pregnant wife.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack_is_Back Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 [ QUOTE ] Have to disagree there - I think the Manual Gearbox is wonderful! Lovely slick positive feel to it. 3rd to 4th is particularly satisfying. Best gearbox I've ever experienced. [/ QUOTE ] Then you should go drive a Honda Civic Type R (old shape) or S2000. The GTI gearbox is nowhere near as slick as these two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petsy Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 a short shifter kit would soon that out... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D1MAC Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Have to disagree there - I think the Manual Gearbox is wonderful! Lovely slick positive feel to it. 3rd to 4th is particularly satisfying. Best gearbox I've ever experienced. [/ QUOTE ] Then you should go drive a Honda Civic Type R (old shape) or S2000. The GTI gearbox is nowhere near as slick as these two. [/ QUOTE ] Seconded Whatever people might think about the CTR (good or bad), it has one of the best manual 'boxes available at any price. Once you get used to the position it really is rather good, which given how much it needs to be used is a good thing Haven't tried an S2K but would guess it is just as good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nutkins Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 Ford Puma has a smashing gearbox considering the cost etc of the car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted May 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 Cheers for all the feedback guys [ QUOTE ] a short shifter kit would soon that out... [/ QUOTE ] I currently run a Neuspeed on the R32. Is there a preferred option on the Mk5 GTI? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 I don't think that many TSN GTI owners have fitted a short shifter IIRC. It's done much more by the R32 boys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petsy Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 the boys in the US seem to like the EIP one... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReflex Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 Only had the car 2 days but : Love - everything. The car is fantastic, great seats, good quality dash ( rattle free ) . 18" Monzas are stunning. Excellent handling. Not so good : Tinny stereo speakers. Rain sensing wipers are poor. Arm rest blocks the handbrake when extended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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