3-4 year old Golf GTI or brand new Polo GTI?

**tooch** · 22-10-2009, 10:35 AM

Hello people!

Currently in the market for a new(ish) car, as I've had enough of 15-20 year old Japanese sports cars

I'm very keen on a MK5 Golf GTI and have been for a while, but the more reading I do, the more concerned I get about having problems with a 3-4 year old model, especially as most of them are out of warranty and are starting to rack up the km's now. Have read lots of reports of cam follower wear and failure on the US forums, so this is slightly concerning. Note, I'm only looking at manuals, not keen on the DSG.

I also don't mind the look of the Polo GTI, and have heard some good reports about them, and the idea of getting one brand new or ex-demo with a full warranty in my price range is very appealing. But does it feel like a cheap econo-box compared to the Golf?

What to do, what to do?!

Would appreciate any advice!

Simon

**Golf Houso** · 22-10-2009, 11:11 AM

Get the MKV, preferably one with extended warranty.

**Tim** · 22-10-2009, 11:15 AM

Polos are a cool car but they are very small. I was innitially going to buy one instead of my GTI but yeah.. Just wasnt quite enough boot for me.

You might also want to consider a second hand Polo? They are getting close to the 20k mark for some nice cars. Given the replacement model is not too far off either you would probably take a pretty big depreciation hit buying one brand new.

**tooch** · 22-10-2009, 11:21 AM

Thanks for the input fellas!

The MK5 is by far my preference, it's just all the 07+ models (i.e. still with some warranty left) are few and far between and are pushing my budget!

I suppose with the new GTI not far off, the prices should come down pretty soon and more might appear on the market?

Tim, yeah I saw a few second hand Polo's very well priced with leather and sunroof etc. Are they similar to the Golf to drive in terms of feel?

I'm not overly concerned about the size of the boot etc, seeing as I've just come from an AW11 MR2

. This also explains why I'm after something interesting to drive, as the AW11 is a hoot! Just too old now.

Appreciate your responses guys!

**seangti** · 22-10-2009, 11:28 AM

i was weighing up between the mk4 golf GTi (low mileage) and near new polo GTi (around 10,000km, within 12months old). I went with the polo. Newer everything, warranty, and depending on what you read, generally a better car than the mk4 - doesn't help your case.

weigh up initial outlay versus depreciation, expecting to modify it, amount of mileage per year, etc, etc. If you do you research a 3-4yr old mk5 will still be a beautiful car and probably a better drive than the polo, just expect 60,000+kms on the clock and no warranty.