It’s time for me to part with my 2003 GTI 1.8 T.
I’ve heard that the newer models tend to have more issues.
I’m looking for a used car that may be comparable. That has about 60,000 miles and in the $10K to $15,000 range.
Features that I like:
I am a shorter driver (5’2) and like the smaller size, adjustable features, and visibility.
It has a nice balance of pep, agility and fuel economy. I like driving my manual transmission, but an automatic is okay.
As for bells and whistles, sunroof, backup cam, nav, and seat heat are preferable.
My Volkswagen days are behind me, but back in the day, must have been early 80s, 83 or 84 with manual transmission, I had a GTI company car furnished to me. It was an absolute blast to drive, had a character all its own, and drew the attention of law enforcement officers everywhere I tried to keep it under the legal speed limits.
My guess is, and I’ve never been in a more recent version, that the GTI cannot be replaced by anything “comparable.”
It’s tempting. I just know that every time I consider selling mine and talked with different mechanics about what years are best for the Golf GTI’s they all said they liked the mkiv’s. At my local VW the staff is in parts and maintenance were all holding onto theirs. They said the new models are coming back into the shop a lot more than the older models.
That’s the only reason I’m hesitant. Have you had good experiences with them?
Wow, those look like some good finds! I hadn’t considered buying out of state- somehow I was thinking it was kind of a hassle, but maybe not?
There’s still the question of reliability. I have a chronic neuro immune condition, so I should probably put reliability before fun. (But it’s so hard to do. )
Maybe the newer golf/GTI’s are better for my needs than I originally thought? Thanks for your suggestions.
A friend had a Mazda 3 manual and had good service from it. For surprisingly not too much more cost she upgraded to a Mazda CX 5 auto trans which has proven extremely reliable and comfortable to drive. It’s worth looking at to see if it might suit your needs.
I’ve never owned a VW, so I have no experience with them.
I suggested it because you love yours… so why not get another one?
My wife loved her Saab and kept it for 17 years. Saabs are no longer made or, I can assure you, we would have bought another. The difficult search for a replacement brought us to a VAG product, an Audi A4. Our first VAG product.
You don’t have to switch if the newer Golf still fits you, is familiar and makes you happy.
There really isn’t another car that I can think of that matches the GTI for performance and practicality. The Mini is close, but I’d avoid it because of reliability.
The thing about Forums is that you can receive replies that might not even match your question.
Here is mine : I assume that your health is not as good as you want it to be so reliability should be higher on your wish list. With the low percentage of people who can drive a manual shift vehicle now I would also elevate the automatic transmission just in case a passenger might need to drive you home. Also a manual is harder to sell or trade these days. If you raise your 15000.00 amount just a little you might find a new vehicle that you might like.
Go to a bunch of manufacture web sites and use the build your own feature if for no other reason to expand your choices .
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