john banks

I'm under no illusions about GTR reliability (it is after all now Renault) or costs, sometimes I curse the gearbox and engine problems they're having stock or tuned. But one I tuned did 722 BHP today (so far highest in the UK) on stock engine/clutch and gearbox with just a few clips and upgrades which cheers me up.

The VW experience has scared me off for a long time I think.

john banks

Scotsman, if you are seriously interested in a MkV 5dr with a full disclosure of history or just want a drive you're welcome to come over. Just about to get an MOT and the fans fixed so the AC blows cold when in traffic jams rather than just when moving. Wife says she isn't certain she'll let it go yet, but I would hope if you did take it it would statistically be the most reliable Golf ever as all the rubbish has been replaced!

I hardly ever drive it, it hasn't been tuned (what is the point ), and you'll be able to see by the condition of the original pads and discs at 38000 miles how gently it has been used.

Hope you like my advert m8

In praise of it (this is the kindest I will ever be to it ), the body is in really good condition, all the wheels have been replaced (bit of whiteworm back though), tyres all good, engine, gearbox, clutch all good.

LG John

I find it interesting that you found the interior of the e46 M3 and a Mondeo to be full of rattles. Both my car (ST220) and my mates (M3) are rock solid inside in the build quality department. Nothing makes a noise in either car, everything works and everything is where it is supposed to be <shrug>

If your wife can hack circa 25mpg and a large car she'd not go far wrong with a used ST220 (get the diesel if fuel is an issue). It's basically a nicer made, better looking, better equipped, much better handling and faster version of her old 406. They are cheap as chips for what you get. Comparitively speaking it's actually quite hard to make a case for the M3 when the ST does nearly everything almost as well for a fraction of the price.

You've mentioned Audi's, what about the latest S3? 4WD, golf sized, looks decent, tunable if you can be bothered, etc, etc.

P.S. On second thoughts, a nova with hubcaps beat me from 20-80 last night.....better set aside money for bluefin if you get an ST

john banks

Mondeos don't rattle from what I've found, but the trim isn't premium even compared to a Golf.

She didn't like the 406, so the LS460 may take some convincing, but it might save her some trips for a massage if you get the right options

Matteeboy

John - I don't think I have ever seen such a random list of "possibles" from Disco to LS460 to Volvo C30 to old Mondeo!! Reckon you need to step back, refine your spec then get hunting.

john banks

Spec is in the original post, the only thing that has changed so far is the no-RWD spec because the remaining options don't satisfy the other criteria.

Matteeboy

FSO Polonez. In brown.

Scotsman

iTrader: (3)

Thanks John - not that keen on 18" wheels - but is it 5 door and what colour is? spec?

I've viewing this one on Friday afternoon:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi.../100?logcode=p

I'm keen on lowish miles as I've seen a number of Mk5's with 50k plus on the clocks and the interior really hasn't lasted well - with the drivers side bolsters on the seat the worst for wear. Given that my Impreza was 9 years old and the interior was immaculate with zero wear the Golf was disappointing.

Took a couple out for a test drive this morning - one was a manual 5 door - which was worse for wear inside but drove very nicely and the other was a 3 door DSG version. 3 door will be useless for me with a young family and I wasn't that taken by the DSG. The changes were silky smooth and great fun when pushing on but I found a couple issues which means I'll be going for a manual. They were:

1) When using the paddles I couldn't tell from the engine noise what gear I was in (wasn't obvious over the road noise) - so had to keep looking at the dash - don't know if I would learn to tell the difference over time.

2) I was in 'D', doing 40 behind traffic and the the car was in sixth (I believe it goes into top as soon as possible to get better mpg) and I just squeezed the throttle very gently to stay up with traffic and it dropped a couple gears which then (with the same throttle position) caused the car to jump forward, so you had to pull back quickly - which didn't really give a smooth driving experience.

So, impressed with the smooth and quick changes, but I prefer the manual.

I've had a couple offers now on my wagon and just waiting for my replacement V5 to arrive (took my private plate off) before she goes - so should be looking to buy within 7-10 days.

Cheers
Richard.

john banks

5dr, 18s, front centre arm rest, manual, graphite blue, May 2006, 38000 miles. We really look after our cars UK car, owned from new, FVWSH.

I think you'd get the hang of DSG after a while to drive smoothly with it. Would be my preference having driven a Passat with it.

Scotsman

iTrader: (3)

Graphite blue - unbelievably my colour of choice

PM sent.

Scotsman

iTrader: (3)

Yes, I'm sure I would - certainly in a different league to a normal automatic.

john banks

Still don't know what on earth to buy.

If you want a really good quality hatch (our ideal size) that is not RWD (and doesn't need to be AWD because you don't need more power than FWD can handle), the winner has always been a Golf or other VAG equivalent. However, the reliability is a huge block to us getting another, otherwise an A3 with sensibly sized wheels could be a great choice. Trouble is if you look at Honda/Mazda/Ford, they just don't look or feel premium inside.

If you go up a class you find everything that feels nicer and is more refined is RWD.

So we end up compromising on either another VAG, or on RWD and on the size of the car.

Daryl

Alfa Giulietta 1.4tb

john banks

Alfa reliability? Even if they are trying to improve, no thanks.

Lexus IS250 sounds interesting, in reviews is said to be quieter, smoother, but slower and not as "sporty" as an equivalent 3 series. IS220d might be cheaper to run but the engine apparently lacks the torque delivery or refinement of its rivals and comes with an unpleasant manual gearbox only.

Honda Accord - I liked a drive of an old 2.2 diesel, but the some reviews slate it as having worse handling than a Mondeo and a poor ride.

Mazda - reviews say they have cheap looking interior.

Matteeboy

I'd still be tempted by a Volvo John - maybe a size up from the C30? Maybe a D5 engined V40 or V50? Both FWD. Or even something like the XC60? Good for where you live and pretty stylish.

Lexus is RWD.

Devildog

In addition to the Volvo ange, some suggestions:

If VAG products are out of the picture (and I agree on the perceived versus actual reliability) then what about:

123d hatch, standard suspension, bin the runflats and have a set of proper winter/snow tyres on 16's for the bad weather. Ask for the winter wheels/tyres as part of the deal. The small quality option.

Pros : will be fast, refined, frugal, high quality and great fun. Cons : The winter tyres will be a must and its not as big as A3/Golf.

Ford Kuga. Probably the best of the smaller SUVs right now - the wildcard option.

Pros: Good in the winter, although like anything else to be honest nothing beats the right tyres, raised driving position for your Fife roads, decent space. Can be had in 2 or 4wheel drive. It's a Ford, so will have good ride handling balance for its type (with a sensible wheel tyre choice) and be car like to drive. decent refinement and pace. It's not a VAG product.

Cons: It won't have the interior build quality of the Germans. Its not a "gti" and never will be.

You'll have to compromise on something - what you need to decide is where the compromise is going to be.

john banks

Good ideas, she didn't like the look of the Kuga.

123d sounds good with winter tyres.

Daryl

Doesn't sound like it could be any worse than your Golf!

john banks

My colleague had a 159 and that was actually worse. A driveshaft fell off on the motorway IIRC and it broke down leaving him stranded twice in as many months.

SRSport

If reliability is the priority then it has to be Japanese, however I would look at the total amount spent over the year running it. I have a Mercedes at the moment and have found that the cost in putting it right is pretty much off set by the more efficient engines, reducing the amount I spend on fuel over the year. My B200 Turbo is more powerful than my old Hawkeye Impreza yet saves me over £500 in petrol costs, so on the balance of things I spend roughly the same amount running it but enjoy greater refinement in the process.

tony de wonderful

Holy thread resurrection.

Devildog

Bias Matt.

Golfs are ****, overhyped examples of preception becoming reality (ably helped by great marketing)

tony de wonderful

How did you find GTI ownership John? Having briefly owned an R32 I'd feel a little shortchanged with the FWD I think, but I do like VW stuff. I test drove a 2010 2.0 TSI Scirocco in the summer and was a very nice place to be. Not a bad motor with some torque early in the rev range but no urgency at the top of rev range; ran out of puff where a VTEC type engine would take off. It didn't really say 'buy me' and I wanted to save money anyway. Handled ok I suppose, quite planted.

LUCKO

iTrader: (3)

i would like some feedback on this vehicle

Op said car was unreliable, what do you mean exactly

i currently have 2001 20v turbo golf as daily runner looking to get 2008 gti turbo golf

are these no good then?

ScoobyDoo555

I'll chime in here: John, by his own admission, had a bad experience.

I had an 05 GTI.


And aside from a quirky rear wiper (common fault). When I came to sell it, I was shocked that the time had gone so uneventfully and quickly.

it's not the quickest car, by any means, and the stereo is shocking. But I enjoyed it. I'd have another.
FWIW, when it came to moving on, I struggled to find something else. "Ended up" with a Porsche.

jay-sti

iTrader: (2)

My mk5 gti was a decent car , I always thought It did everything too well if that makes sense , was comfy , pretty quick in standard form , quiet and smooth , the dsg box was faultless in the 30k I done , never had any reliability issues and the factory option nav, heated seats etc were nice additions , I never really appreciated how well it was built or how little it cost me to run and maintain until I changed it for my05 sti ppp , which in comparison feels like it's been built by a 4 year old , fantastic engine , fantastic 4 wheel drive , but bloody hell it's not in the same league on build quality and comfort , but I have a boring audi for that

ScoobyJawa

Replaced my old Seat 1.8T Leon Cupra with a MKV Golf GTi DSG for the wife. Theres a few common fault niggles but then all cars have that but so far 6 months in its been a good car, a level above the Leon. Its not quite as fast (as the Leon was chipped and about 210bhp), but could do that to the golf but don't feel the need.

Overall its feels like a nice well built bit of kit.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

When newish my mk5 golf had some issues...timing chain, dual mass. Neither failed, but I picked up on it early (very faint rattle when cruising at low rpms, and a slight clunk when changing gear). All sorted under warranty.

Only issues since have been the alarm siren, front lower arms wearing out (potholes+salt+age), and rust on the front wheel arches from stone chips. Central locking motor died, but I rebuilt it (easy - its just two scalextrix motors that needed excercising). The variable valve timing also plays up if I use a cheaper non-longlife oil (which the VW dealers kept putting in), so I had to dump it and use the more expensive stuff, even though its changed every 12months.

So over 7 years of pretty uneventful ownership, bar some initial warranty issues and wear and tear/age quirks - the longest I've personally owned a car for daily driving. Although I now think I have a coil pack starting to go down. But there is a free replacement scheme if it has the qualifying part numbers (need to find out if mines covered).

More reliable than my scoob? Close. Although the one did have a new engine (piston slap) and the brakes did fail (EBC's fault). More reliable than all of the BMWs we've had? Yes (too much to list).

john banks

We've still got it, 8 years old in May no new cars since the GTR in 2009, priority is to pay off mortgage this year by the time I'm 40. Golf on 62000 miles, still polishes up well and drives much as it ever did. This week it is jacked up in my garage with a seized rear caliper removed so dripping brake fluid into an old washing up bowl. When the caliper is back from being refurbished it will go back on the road with the summer 18s instead of the winter 16 steels. Other than that, not much has gone wrong with it, the auto lights turn on in the middle of the day, the fuel filter developed a pinhole and pissed fuel on my drive. I should get the high pressure fuel pump off to look at the cam followers, but no driving issues or fault codes.

Trying to remember all the things that went wrong mostly in the first 3.5 years:

Fuel pressure problem that required several dealer visits to diagnose/fix
Whiteworm diamond finished Monza II 18" alloys (twice, eventually powder coated them)
Intermittent radiator fan failure
Failed ABS unit (pressure sensor)
Cruise control failure

Main objection is the ride quality on the 18s, only a problem as a passenger.

LUCKO

iTrader: (3)

cheers John