Sporty Daily Driver Under 20k
10-13-2016, 10:31 AM
#31
Registered User
Originally Posted by Marioshi' timestamp='1476379669' post='24083383
The current model is completely new compared to a 2012 and way better and worth another look IMO. I would have gotten one if it weren't for marginal rear facing car seat room...
10-13-2016, 02:19 PM
#32
It seems like the GTI gets a lot of love here. VW as a brand has never really appealed to me and I'm not crazy about the exterior styling, but I'm going to give it a hard look as my next daily driver based on driving/owner reviews. 2017 Sport model seems like a good value.
Then test drive the Mazdaspeed, WRX, etc.
You'd be hardpressed to not be smitten with the GTI. Even with the DSG.
10-14-2016, 07:09 AM
#33
Volvo V70R or S60R if you can pry a good one out of the owner's hands.
Only made '04 to '07.
You don't want an '04, period (most were made that year).
'04-'05 had defective auto trans (GT) needing "throttle body" replacement, sometimes repeatedly.
'06-'07 (few made) are ideal, sorted out.
Best seats ever made in any car, period.
Incredible balance, $#!t eating grin on your face every time you drive it, track ready.
AWD, and 4-wheel 4 piston Brembo's are spectacular.
Will cost a lot in maintenance but so will a lot of luxury sporty cars (Bimmers, Benz, Saab, even VW's, etc.).
VERY safe, a ton of balanced performance, manual trans feels like crap after driving my S2K but hey, it's still a manual.
Only made '04 to '07.
You don't want an '04, period (most were made that year).
'04-'05 had defective auto trans (GT) needing "throttle body" replacement, sometimes repeatedly.
'06-'07 (few made) are ideal, sorted out.
Best seats ever made in any car, period.
Incredible balance, $#!t eating grin on your face every time you drive it, track ready.
AWD, and 4-wheel 4 piston Brembo's are spectacular.
Will cost a lot in maintenance but so will a lot of luxury sporty cars (Bimmers, Benz, Saab, even VW's, etc.).
VERY safe, a ton of balanced performance, manual trans feels like crap after driving my S2K but hey, it's still a manual.
10-14-2016, 08:20 AM
#34
You can easily get a nice used low mileage GTI for under 20k. I recently bought a 2012 with 16k miles for $16k. Reliability is pretty decent overall, with main components that fail (intake manifold and water pump mostly) covered until 10 years/100k miles also.
The only major issue is timing chain tensioners that like to fail and blow up motors. The design was changed in mid 2012 so if you get a 2013 or newer you're fine or if you have an older car you can spend ~$500 to have the old design replaced with the new one and drive worry free.
The only major issue is timing chain tensioners that like to fail and blow up motors. The design was changed in mid 2012 so if you get a 2013 or newer you're fine or if you have an older car you can spend ~$500 to have the old design replaced with the new one and drive worry free.
This is funny b/c I think the photo grabbed above is the exact photo of a friend's 2010 GTI. One that a few months ago had the timing chain tensioners fail. That was a costly repair. And then last week his balance shafts froze and the engine is basically now a brick. He sold the car as a roller for $4000.
i.e. I wouldn't consider a VW GTI.
10-14-2016, 08:32 AM
#35
Wow - that's pretty dramatic for a modern and relatively new car. Bummer!
10-14-2016, 09:36 AM
#36
yeah and by "costly" the original amount the VW dealership quoted him was around $3300. However, some kinda of deal was made since the car was only 3000 miles outside of the extended warranty. They only charged him labor.
Also, after looking at more photos of his GTI I'm 99% certain that the photo of the GTI on page 1 is his car.
Also, after looking at more photos of his GTI I'm 99% certain that the photo of the GTI on page 1 is his car.
10-15-2016, 07:28 AM
#38
Get a civic si;
I picked up a 12' Si for under 15k, very low mileage form a private owner. Insurance is dirt cheap, 30+ mpg if you drive it a sane person, yet 28 mpg if you completely rape it. Insurance dirt cheap, parts dirt cheap.
Car handling is reminiscent of the s2k, lightweight platform (2800lbs), 2.4L bulletproof engine proven over decades of use,
Plenty of power for the car / DD.
Huge trunk (way more room than any GTI, especially if you fold down rear seats.
Stay away from the GTi;
in warranty its an ok car but the reliability is complete crap.
I picked up a 12' Si for under 15k, very low mileage form a private owner. Insurance is dirt cheap, 30+ mpg if you drive it a sane person, yet 28 mpg if you completely rape it. Insurance dirt cheap, parts dirt cheap.
Car handling is reminiscent of the s2k, lightweight platform (2800lbs), 2.4L bulletproof engine proven over decades of use,
Plenty of power for the car / DD.
Huge trunk (way more room than any GTI, especially if you fold down rear seats.
Stay away from the GTi;
in warranty its an ok car but the reliability is complete crap.
10-15-2016, 12:40 PM
#39
10-15-2016, 05:47 PM
#40
Originally Posted by klapamos' timestamp='1476378881' post='24083366
[quote name='CMK' timestamp='1476366167' post='24083156']
Don't go with a Fit. I had to get out of my lease because I couldn't stand the car. Now in a Mk7 GTI and much, much, much happier.
Reliability on the VWs: If you can find a stock example reliability is about as much a concern as any other used sporty 4-door/hatchback. In all honesty if reliability is your #1 priority you'll want to go as late-model as possible, or even new. A new Mazda3 hatchback can be had for around $20k decently equipped, but you'll have the noisy, less-powerful 2.0L. You might be able to find a used 2.5L for cheap.
Don't go with a Fit. I had to get out of my lease because I couldn't stand the car. Now in a Mk7 GTI and much, much, much happier.
Reliability on the VWs: If you can find a stock example reliability is about as much a concern as any other used sporty 4-door/hatchback. In all honesty if reliability is your #1 priority you'll want to go as late-model as possible, or even new. A new Mazda3 hatchback can be had for around $20k decently equipped, but you'll have the noisy, less-powerful 2.0L. You might be able to find a used 2.5L for cheap.
[/quote]
The new Mazda3 is so ugly...looks like a shoe!