Potential Polo GTI Buyer need advice

[Tarq57]

sweet so it does have ESP the one that helps if you make sharp turns etc thats okay then thats all I was worried about lol
don't wanna flip the car lol

Having ESP won't prevent you from flipping the car if you are really determined, nor any other car with electronic doo-dahs. It will help a little with breakaway if using too much power, say, through a corner near the limits of adhesion.

Better to educate yourself about the limits than rely on gadgets.

My experience so far of the GTi is that it is a marvelous platform for providing feedback to the driver. That combined with a rapid and precise response to any control input makes it an excellent car for learning to drive in a reasonably accomplished manner. If you take the time to learn what it's telling you, it could make you a better driver as a result. (Any car can teach you stuff; the Polo seems to be a slightly better teacher than a lot of 'em. For those that are prepared to learn, of course.)

I'm not against techy bits. I am dead against the over-reliance of them as a substitute for poor driving. Something I see far too much of in my own country.

[edit] Not in any way suggesting that you are a poor driver, BTW.

[blackbetty]

hi fatjoes
first off you cant expect a stock standard gti to be as quick as the 135i twin turbo thing - they are dam fast cars for the money.

the gti is a good day to day car that will give you no troubles. some small money and you can get some extra go. having said that i still have a stock standard car and while its no rocket, i've grown to enjoy it by learning how to drive to its strengths.

virtually no turbo lag, reasonably good gearbox (if your lucky like me and get a model that has no issues), great mileage when driven normal (and even when you hammer it) and its doesn't standout much in traffic so you wont get cops looking at you funny.

for 15k you might be lucky to get a 06 model, but you'll prob have to pass up on the leather and a few other options. they're good value and have minimal issues service wise. turn off the traction control and they have a bit of old school fun too with a more realistic traditional gti feel.

[sssstew]

that white one on car sales does indeed look well presented, and got some nice wheels. Leather and sunroof options on it too.

External mods - get the mesh lower grilles from VAGLINK, and a stubby aerial from dub addiction to start.

[PeterHBne]

yeah look - if your focus is on what is the availability of ugly stuff you can stick on the car to make it heavier, i'd go for a nissan or a honda or something. if you are thinking rationally about your purchase then a polo gti is a good pick. cheap REAL mods transform it.

[fatjoez]

haha cheers
no not looking to stick anything ugly on it don't worry
i'd probably leave it standard exterior wise, possibly consider painting the red strip in the grille black but thats about it..

i'm more interested in some simple/cheap mods to improve performance/handling

btw heres a pic of my 135i. stock + ECU tune + black grille + tinted windows + blacked out wheels

[fatjoez]

I just wanted to post the online quote I got from AAMI insurance, I think it's very steep and rediculous
Here are the details

Annual Premium with AAMI - $1242

2005 VW Polo GTI
No Modifications
Value $14,000

me ~ age23, no accidents, drivers license for 7 years, Area: Varsity Lakes

Pretty rubbish quote to be honest, do you guys have another company you recommend because I'm not paying $1242 premium when I paid $1000 in NZ for my BMW135i

[Ralfi]

I just wanted to post the online quote I got from AAMI insurance, I think it's very steep and rediculous
Here are the details

Annual Premium with AAMI - $1242

2005 VW Polo GTI
No Modifications
Value $14,000

me ~ age23, no accidents, drivers license for 7 years, Area: Varsity Lakes

Pretty rubbish quote to be honest, do you guys have another company you recommend because I'm not paying $1242 premium when I paid $1000 in NZ for my BMW135i

Shannons. Stand outs. I ended up getting the house insurance with them also, adding another saving on top of the hundreds of dollars their standard quote already beat competitors by.

[fatjoez]

Shannons. Stand outs. I ended up getting the house insurance with them also, adding another saving on top of the hundreds of dollars their standard quote already beat competitors by.

Can't get an online quote as I don't meet half the dam requirements (eg. all drivers over 25 years old)
Will give them a call later..

Anyone else?

Is YOUI good? I see them advertised a lot..

[injidup]

my 135i is overseas and I can't bring it here
sweet so it does have ESP the one that helps if you make sharp turns etc thats okay then thats all I was worried about lol
don't wanna flip the car lol

also what mods can I do to make it handle better around corners etc etc

If you feel you will need ESP, then you're better off spending your money on some driver training! Seriously. A good driver will make up for the lack of power. You should never have to rely on some electrnic doo-dad to get you out of a sticky situation. It should only be there for emergencies. (Wow - I'm showing my age!)
And don't forget that the Polo is front-wheel drive, so expect a few chirps from the front tyres when you pull away "enthusiastically"! (I get this but my car has crap tyres on it at the moment. Will be changing them v. soon)

[sssstew]

Joez - i use Bingle, cost me about $400 i think.