Confidence with buying a 4-yr old GTI

[MovieDude]

I've decided to buy a Mk5 (MkV) Golf GTI (atlast) and am itching to get into some of the advertised models on carsales asap. My budget is around $30k but I am tempted to get a newer model meaning having to spend $40k. That would crush my spending for the next year or so but may be worth it in the long run with reliability and original warranty. The miser in me says that there should be plenty of well maintained models around and I just have to check them out. I am looking for leather and any other extras to improve the overall experience of owning one and high mileage is not a problem as I don't drive much on a daily basis. Would it be wise to go for a 4-year old model in the process saving $10k or are there likely to be issues that would cost me dearly?

[h100vw]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a MK5, I'd take some convincing to spend the extra on a MK6. There's not much in the con's list for me. I'd be picky about any DSG that didn't drive perfectly and would insist on seeing evidence of the DSG oil/filter being changed on time.

A solid service history is another thing I'd insist on.

Otherwise, pick the cleanest one you find. Don't worry too much about the mileage, just pay accordingly as long as the history is appropriate.

Gavin

I've decided to buy a Mk5 (MkV) Golf GTI (atlast) and am itching to get into some of the advertised models on carsales asap. My budget is around $30k but I am tempted to get a newer model meaning having to spend $40k. That would crush my spending for the next year or so but may be worth it in the long run with reliability and original warranty. The miser in me says that there should be plenty of well maintained models around and I just have to check them out. I am looking for leather and any other extras to improve the overall experience of owning one and high mileage is not a problem as I don't drive much on a daily basis. Would it be wise to go for a 4-year old model in the process saving $10k or are there likely to be issues that would cost me dearly?

[MovieDude]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a MK5, I'd take some convincing to spend the extra on a MK6. There's not much in the con's list for me. I'd be picky about any DSG that didn't drive perfectly and would insist on seeing evidence of the DSG oil/filter being changed on time.

A solid service history is another thing I'd insist on.

Otherwise, pick the cleanest one you find. Don't worry too much about the mileage, just pay accordingly as long as the history is appropriate.

Gavin

Yes I would insist on a FSH from a VW garage too. What is the DSG oil/filter service interval supposed to be?

[h100vw]

Yes I would insist on a FSH from a VW garage too. What is the DSG oil/filter service interval supposed to be?

Service history doesn't need to be from VW, a VW specialist would be better IMO.

60K for the DSG services.

Gavin

[MovieDude]

Thanks. Incidentally would you rule out buying from a dealer?

[h100vw]

I wouldnt expect too many in dealers but for the right car and some warranty it would be ok. The savings buying private would be attractive to me. I am plenty clued up on the mechanical side so am comfortable doing my own inspections.
Gavin

[MovieDude]

I've been looking at carsales and the comparison feature showed some differences between some I'd selected:
- MP3 decoder,
- Ventilated front disc brakes,
- Power boot closing aid,
- EBD Multifunction screen
- Stainless steel exhaust dual system
I would have expected that spec. of brakes to be standard. I could upgrade the audio unit for MP3 etc but how does the power boot work?

[h100vw]

Vented discs are standard. Not sure about the boot closing, they I
have a remote popper. I thought most had mp3 capability.
Gavin

[TomC]

I've been looking at carsales and the comparison feature showed some differences between some I'd selected:
- MP3 decoder,
- Ventilated front disc brakes,
- Power boot closing aid,
- EBD Multifunction screen
- Stainless steel exhaust dual system
I would have expected that spec. of brakes to be standard. I could upgrade the audio unit for MP3 etc but how does the power boot work?

All of the things on that list are standard features except the auto closing boot, which I'm pretty sure doesn't exist on the mk5 Golfs at all??? There weren't actually that many options for the GTI - just leather, sunroof, parking sensors, satnav and zenons. You could also option 18" rims but next to nobody got them.

And as Gavin's said, don't worry at all about dealer service history. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the quality of service from some VW independents is better than from the dealer. If it's a reputable independent (the good ones are frequently named on VWW) with a FSH and the DSG done on time, that's as much as you could hope for IMO.

[MovieDude]

Ok maybe that seller is not that familiar with the GTI specs. So DSG serviced each 60,000kms and a fully completed service book. Thanks.

---------- Post added at 08:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:02 PM ----------

All of the things on that list are standard features except the auto closing boot, which I'm pretty sure doesn't exist on the mk5 Golfs at all??? There weren't actually that many options for the GTI - just leather, sunroof, parking sensors, satnav and zenons. You could also option 18" rims but next to nobody got them.

And as Gavin's said, don't worry at all about dealer service history. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the quality of service from some VW independents is better than from the dealer. If it's a reputable independent (the good ones are frequently named on VWW) with a FSH and the DSG done on time, that's as much as you could hope for IMO.

I see you have an MY07. Was it from new and how is it faring?