Used Golf GTI mk6 or NEW 2012 Polo GTI?

[Lemonskin]

Hi Everyone.

I'm looking to get a new car in August this year to replace my old VE Commodore. It'll be a lease with my work. Looking to buy a GTI but torn between which one!!

I can't really afford a brand new Golf GTI but can definitely afford perhaps a lightly used mk 6... has to be less than $40k.

Or I could get a brand spanking new Polo GTI. There is the waiting list BUT there are also lots of very decent demo's / showroom models available.

Any owners or people who have driven both who can help me with my choice? By the way, either way, it will be a DSG.

I've never owned a VW before... any tips?

Cheers,
Michael.

[team_v]

Depends what you need it for.
The Polo is good but it is noticeable smaller than the golf.
Also the polo GTI is only available in DSG so you have to factor that into your choice.

If it's just going to be you and one other person then i would go the polo (if you can find one without a 12 month wait and don't mind DSG).
If it's going to be more of a family type car then the Golf GTI is more suitable.

[DoggieHowser]

Fuel economy - Polo GTI
Overall handling power and comfort ESP for high speed cruising - Golf GTI

I am also a bit concerned about the reliability of the 7 speed dry clutch DSG.

[Ryan_R]

Would recommend the Golf.

[h100vw]

Fuel economy - Polo GTI
Overall handling power and comfort ESP for high speed cruising - Golf GTI

I am also a bit concerned about the reliability of the 7 speed dry clutch DSG.

Where can you 'high speed' cruise in Australia. Even going 10ks over the limit is like going to the darkside here.

I'd consider it more on availability and price. I don't think you be upset with either TBH. I really liked the Polo GTI that I drove a while back, even standard it went really well.

Gavin

[DoggieHowser]

I found the Golf more comfortable even at 110km/h. More planted.

[Lemonskin]

I'd want the DSG anyway so that's fine. I've driven the Golf, my mate has one. It goes like a rocket. I just wonder, even though the claimed 0-100 time is the same for Golf and Polo, can the 1.4 of the Polo really give the same oomph as the Golf?

Also, 95% of the time it would just be me or me and my girlfriend in the car, so space isn't the biggest issue. I kayak and bike ride a lot so whichever I get I'd need roof racks either way.

[danielv10]

I also had the same dilemma as you a few months ago. I test drove the Golf GTI last year and loved it, but it was a fair bit out of my budget. Considered the Polo GTI but was shocked with the waiting period.
Popped into my local dealer last month and got to test drive a demo Polo GTI. I'm not sure if it was my mind, but the Golf GTI "felt" a bit faster, but then again I had a sales next to me in the Polo and not in the Golf so didn't go crazy
But that's not to say the Polo wasn't quick, oh it was.
Anyways, after the drive, I ended up putting a deposit on a new Polo GTI with only 3 months wait
I usually just drive by myself or with girlfriend in the car as well, so it suited me fine. Except I go fishing a bit but I don't think either Golf or Polo would fit my fishing rods in the boot

[Lemonskin]

Thanks Daniel this is really helpful! Unless Kim get a ripper deal it'll most likely be the Polo. Can I ask though, do you get any anyone trying to tell you such a small car is a bit "girly"? That would be ,y only reservation. Although at 6.9 secs to the hundred, that's far from girly!

[danielv10]

Can I ask though, do you get any anyone trying to tell you such a small car is a bit "girly"? That would be ,y only reservation. Although at 6.9 secs to the hundred, that's far from girly!

No worries mate. I used to think that also, but seeing the Polo GTI in flesh, it looks much nicer. And seeing it sit right next to a Golf GTI, I think it holds it's own quite well and doesn't look too girly/cheap-wannabe little brother car.
Lower it a little and it's dead sexy IMO

P.S. Girlfriend said the Polo looks "cute". I was sad