Choose GTI over what cars?

[hipstomper]

I was lucky and didn't really have to decide between the GTi and another car. I've wanted a Golf ever since college when my buddy had one that was modded a little and that was a hoot to drive. I can finally comfortably afford one so I never looked back in my decision (now just waiting to test drive one). I drive an older Civic right now and really never considered a new model Civic.

What other cars did you consider and what made you guys decide to get a GTI over its competitors?

[ChalkyWhite]

Civic Type R (only fantastic in high rev range and on track, good looking)
Seat Leon Cupra R (gr8 18" wheels as standard, bland interior and based on Mk4 Golf platform)
Mini Cooper S (too small, but gr8 looks)
Audi S3 (bit old fashioned looking now)

probably would have chosen the new Focus ST had it been available this time last year, although I've never driven one.

[101st_IanC]

Nice photos ChalkyWhite
I've just ordered my Black MkV GTI 5 Door.

Alternatives were:
Seat Leon FR/Cupra (couldn't wait)
Audi S3 (as above)
Audi A3 3.2 (too expensive)
Ford Focus ST

[35NYR]

Looked at S3 and Civic SI. In the end just wanted to own German car with a fanatic following.. = Golf GTI!

[Dirty Pucka]

I use to have a Focus, great car, handled like a dream but in my eyes theres only one hot hatch:thumbsup:

[StookMK5]

Looks like everybody pretty much cross-shops the same few cars. For me it was A3, Civic, Focus, Mini. Seems like there's some cool hatches coming in the near future too like the Volvo C30.

[MAlby7]

I'm choosing it over the folowing:

- BMW 325i and 325Ci (too expensive for what you get)
- Audi A3 and A4 (too expensive for what you get)
- VW Jetta (too family car-ish)
- Mazdaspeed 6 (just not the right car for me)
- Acura TSX and TL (TSX to family car-ish, TL too much money)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (too ugly)
- Lexus IS250 (too expensive for what you get)
- Infiniti G35 Sedan (too family car-ish)

[UnitedGrayGTI]

Audi A3

But, I most likely would have wanted the 3.2 and quattro so it would have been much more than the GTI. Also, North America only got the 5-door version.

BMW 330Ci

Gorgeous but too much $$$ for me.

[illyun]

First car was a Nissan Micra 1.0l - very good for it is
Second car was a Mk3 8V GTI - never looked back :)
Have owned 10 GTIs over last 2 years - I HAD to try them all but never have driven a Mk4

3 x Mk1 1.8 GTIs
2 x Mk2 16v GTIs
Mk2 8v GTI
3x Mk3 GTIs
Mk3 VR6
Mk5 GTI Manual

oh and a 260 bhp Subaru Impreza STI - quick but boring and flimsy

Current collection:
Mk1 GTI Campaign - 62k
Mk2 16v Run-Out Edition - 57k
Mk2 G60 Syncro - 71k
Mk5 GTI Manual - on order for April 06

[INForged]

Have owned 10 GTIs over last 2 years - I HAD to try them all but never have driven a Mk4

3 x Mk1 1.8 GTIs
2 x Mk2 16v GTIs
Mk2 8v GTI
3x Mk3 GTIs
Mk3 VR6
Mk5 GTI Manual

oh and a 260 bhp Subaru Impreza STI - quick but boring and flimsy

Current collection:
Mk1 GTI Campaign - 62k
Mk2 16v Run-Out Edition - 57k
Mk2 G60 Syncro - 71k
Mk5 GTI Manual - on order for April 06

10 Golfs!? Did you get to test drive the MK5? How's the current GTI compared to previous generation ones??

[Flt93]

10 Golfs!? Did you get to test drive the MK5? How's the current GTI compared to previous generation ones??

I'm choosing it over keeping my current car (RSX) :biggrin: I didn't even think of getting a new car until I saw a GTI parked at a local dealership. Then after reading reviews on it I had to have it.

[kosmo6]

I was considering an '06 Civic Si, a Mazdaspeed6, an RSX Type S, an Acura TSX, a Subaru WRX Limited, and a G35 6MT Coupe. Besides the G35 (which is too expensive), the GTI comes out on top, even against the Civic Si. I must say that I was not impressed with the car: great handling, but not enough torque and it would hold revs for a second after letting off the throttle.

[GTi Fanatic]

I confuse myself with my decision.

I will be getting a 5 door GTI over an Audi A3 Sport back (and 3 door gti)
If audi was to offer a 3 door A3 in NA I might consider getting an audi hatch over the gti in general.

The A3 is still a cool lookin car to me, but I have convinced myself that my next car will have to be a turbo (lighter for handling and tuneable)... the problem arrises with quattro. I simply cannot justify buying an Audi without quattro. :thumbdown:
I believe Audi is not planning on making a 2.0T quattro or at least not until a possible s3.
Audis 6cyl quattro would be a nice car but too expensive and like mentioned before i need my turbo.

I have never driven a FWD and do not own a mkv GTI YET
in all honesty im not sure what to expect.:help:
1st car audi 4kq (awd)
2nd car bmw 320i (rwd)
3rd car subaru legacy outback (awd)

In closing: GTI > A3

[Brandon]

Well the biggest "opposition" was the RenaultSport Megane 225. But the Golf was just a much better over all package....and I'm a VW fan. :)

[HydroGTI]

i was thinking on getting either a used r32 or a Honda S2000, but the GTI is in my sights right now, im just waiting till my 21st b-day to get it which is this May 30, and it sucks out here in vegas since i cant do squat untill im 21 so this will b the best gift ever!!!

[AJChenMPH]

Planning on ordering my GTI sometime late this year or early next year. On my short list are a Civic Si and a WRX -- I'm going to test-drive all three before I make my final decision, but I'm viewing the test-drives more as confirmation that I'll be getting a GTI; I just need to settle in my mind that I don't want those cars over a GTI.

These are all cars with the same basic purpose for me: something I can live with a on daily basis that I can still enjoy at track/high-performance driving events, all in the low-US$20,000's. The WRX has AWD, which may give it an edge, but since I don't live in a serious snow belt anymore (moved from NYC to DC this past fall), I figure I can get away with FWD and snow tires in the winter.

[vdubGTi]

I want to ask is the A3 2.0T too slow? Becuase I just smoked one of these over the weekend by 2 1/2 cars?

[vdubGTi]

I want to know what is the difference between the jetta and gti 5 door in terms of interior room?

[isaaco]

Man I'm so excited to get my GTI. I think I'm going to get a black magic 3 dr, maybe this week!

As for cars I'm choosing over would be :
Civic SI
Audi A3
Mini Cooper S
Infiniti G35
and my 2001 A4 I'm giving up :)

The only other cars that I really considered and made offers on were the Civic si and A3. The A3 was a little too expensive and after driving both the GTI and SI, I had to go with the GTI. The GTI felt great and just seems more practical for me. Plus I've always wanted a hatch :D.

[mk1-fan]

It was an easy choice for me. GTI or GTI.:biggrin: Only real choices I had to make was the colour and options.

[GTT]

Currently, I'm driving a 2003 325i sport, manual. It's the best car I've ever had.
NOTHING compares to a BMW sport suspension in terms of overall sport control combined with smooth crusing even on the ravaged roads of the Midwest Chicago area.

That said, my lease is up in May and I am shopping.
My short list:
325i (E90) manaul
A4 quattro manual or DSG
A3 sport DSG
GTI DSG
Legacy GT Spec B (US model)

The EVO and STI were on my list, but for everyday use I can't do it. Fantastic cars though.

The BMW is expensive, but it's got great return on the money.
The Audi's are super nice and fit the "luxury" profile.
The Legacy is a very nice package.

Still, the GTI has this "feeling" that I fell in love with. The top sport seats are very comfy and the DSG is amazing. The steering was nice and direct and the overall ride to handling was qutie sweet. Also, given those other cars, the GTI felt the roomiest to me. It seems very strange, but VW designed the interior very efficiently and kept the overall door thickness in check giving me the most shoulder room. The interior is cooler than the BMW and almost as nice as the Audi and Legacy.
But, the price is SWEET! And, the MPG to performance ratio is untoucable except by the A3.

The A3 is best with the sport package as it has great seats as well. The thing that drove me away from the A3 was yet another test drive. The steering is too damn light. It's very direct and the car performs well, very much like the GTI (same platform, go figure). But, the steering is too light and makes it feel "floaty". Also, I LOVE the GTI steering wheel. It just makes you feel like you're in some customized car.

So, on that short list the GTI is my top car. Now, I just have to make a final decision.
I just got an amazing offer on the exact GTI I'm looking for. I'll have to see how it works out as I still have 3 least payments on my 325i.
BTW, I'm planning to purchase the GTI as I want to mod at some point.

TT

[JJ-R32]

GTT: welcome to the site and it's a great idea to consider the GTI. The MK5 GTI I feel has moved up a bit in its class/luxury feel.. the interior is nicer than ever and larger than ever. So you won't exactly be giving up a ton in terms of that in going from a E46 325 to a GTI. Plus, since you want to mod at some point nothing beats a turbo car with a huge enthusiast base like the GTI! You'll be able to squeeze more performance out of the GTI with a few hundred dollar chip than you would by spending thousands on mods for a 325i :w00t:

[Herby]

First off, this being my first post, I love this site, its put together so well and the fact that the fan base here is so similar to the aircooled fan base; helpful and friendly.

I want to get a new car, but being in college kind of hinders that dream right now. (hopefully by mid 2007 when I graduate).

I only had 2 choices for NEW cars

VW GTI MkV
Dodge SRT-4

However, the SRT-4 is no longer made and to me it seemed just a little too cheap (quality). Plus I don't like 4 door, I'd prefer a hatch.

I'm all about performance, don't care much about luxury (I drive an aircooled beetle:headbang: ) and I liked how both cars have performed, but in the end the GTI is a way better buy. I just gotta wait:drool:

Oh and plus, I'm a big VW fan and I plan on going to an automotive tech school after college to become a technician for VW, so it helps solidify my choice with the GTI:thumbup:

[JJ-R32]

First off, this being my first post, I love this site, its put together so well and the fact that the fan base here is so similar to the aircooled fan base; helpful and friendly.

I want to get a new car, but being in college kind of hinders that dream right now. (hopefully by mid 2007 when I graduate).

I only had 2 choices for NEW cars

VW GTI MkV
Dodge SRT-4

However, the SRT-4 is no longer made and to me it seemed just a little too cheap (quality). Plus I don't like 4 door, I'd prefer a hatch.

I'm all about performance, don't care much about luxury (I drive an aircooled beetle:headbang: ) and I liked how both cars have performed, but in the end the GTI is a way better buy. I just gotta wait:drool:

Oh and plus, I'm a big VW fan and I plan on going to an automotive tech school after college to become a technician for VW, so it helps solidify my choice with the GTI:thumbup:

Welcome to the site Herby! Good choice on the GTI over the SRT-4...:thumbsup: You now make the second member who is planning on being a VW tech (Dubdr is heading to the VW academy in April).

[Herby]

Awesome, I'll be a while longer though:mad: Won't be attending the school until maybe July 2007 and have to be accepted to the VW academy a year after that...so I have some time:bs:

Oh well, good things come to those who wait:drool:

[GTI 2.0T]

1)Nissan Altima 3.5

2)Subaru Legacy 3.0R

[GTT]

GTT: welcome to the site and it's a great idea to consider the GTI. The MK5 GTI I feel has moved up a bit in its class/luxury feel.. the interior is nicer than ever and larger than ever. So you won't exactly be giving up a ton in terms of that in going from a E46 325 to a GTI. Plus, since you want to mod at some point nothing beats a turbo car with a huge enthusiast base like the GTI! You'll be able to squeeze more performance out of the GTI with a few hundred dollar chip than you would by spending thousands on mods for a 325i :w00t:

All very true!

TT

[Godzillen]

it was a quite hard decision between the GTI and a Mini Cooper S :evil:

[glasgow_ffm]

A3 2.0 TFSI > somehow a lame duck and definitely less sportive than the GTI

Opel/Vauxhall Astra 2.0 T > just a big piece of rust after 3 years, and besides that not nearly as sportive

Honda Civic Type R > needs to much rpm to have fun

BMW 130i > not available at the time of my purchase and besides that almost "naked", you need to invest at least 5.000 Euro more to have a car that you can live with

... the main argument pro GTI was the DSG

[Sinjin]

Three cars for me

A3 can't justigfy the extra 4k
GLI not quite there
GTI completeness!
BTW first post and the site is great!

I hope to be getting my pk2 dsg united grey this week. There are no DSG leathers within 200 miles of me. Dealer says he can get one within a day or two.

[dvsdimsum]

I know this is pretty much beating a dead horse, but I still can't help but wonder...

I'm stuck between an a3 and a 5-dr gti 2.0t. the a3 is definitely more expensive, and i can see how some people can justify the extra 3-4k for the interior and name. likewise, i love the gti for its sportiness, rather than focus on luxury like the a3. however, and here's my question, is the a3 going to rack me up higher on insurance in the long run? i realize the components (and thus problems) should be about the same, but with the name of audi slapped on the car, wouldn't the gti come out as cheaper on insurance?

i'm 21 with a 3-yr-old license from california, so this really matters to me. insurance can be a killer out here! i'm shooting for sub 30k otd, prefer 4-5dr (capable of seating 4 6ft people), 180hp+, and will probably mod it a little, but doubtful about auto-xing it. trunk space would be a def. +

*edit: currently in consideration of the following

a3
5dr mkv
wrx
rx8

[Vlan_One]

It was an easy choice for me. GTI or GTI.:biggrin: Only real choices I had to make was the colour and options.

Bump on this one. Also just the choice of colour and options, tranny being the biggest decision as I love to drive stick, but I found the DSG to be quite a bit of fun!

\\/\\/

[GTi Fanatic]

I know this is pretty much beating a dead horse, but I still can't help but wonder...

I'm stuck between an a3 and a 5-dr gti 2.0t. the a3 is definitely more expensive, and i can see how some people can justify the extra 3-4k for the interior and name. likewise, i love the gti for its sportiness, rather than focus on luxury like the a3. however, and here's my question, is the a3 going to rack me up higher on insurance in the long run? i realize the components (and thus problems) should be about the same, but with the name of audi slapped on the car, wouldn't the gti come out as cheaper on insurance?

i'm 21 with a 3-yr-old license from california, so this really matters to me. insurance can be a killer out here! i'm shooting for sub 30k otd, prefer 4-5dr (capable of seating 4 6ft people), 180hp+, and will probably mod it a little, but doubtful about auto-xing it. trunk space would be a def. +

*edit: currently in consideration of the following

a3
5dr mkv
wrx
rx8

I was thinking a3 for a while but the thing that finally convinced me: AUDI = AWD

if audi made the a3 2.0T with AWD I would probably get it (dont like the 6)

[GTI2007]

I would choose a 3 door black magic pearl effect 6 spd manual GTI over any car :biggrin:

[Ant1974]

Had i Type R which was great ,Like the ST but in three years will be worth f*** all. Golf for me.

[McPsycho]

well, until this coming monday, in which i will be getting my new gti :biggrin: , i have been without a car for 4 months cuz some stupid ho blew a stop sign and i t-boned her dead on. flipped her 1 1/2 times. anyways, for that whole time i was without a car, i took out a lot of new cars for test drives, mostly just for fun cuz i basiclly had my eyes set on a sr20 powered 240, i was just waiting to find the perfect one for the perfect price. then, about 2 weeks ago, i went to vw just to check out the new gti and take it for a spin. i instantly fell in love with it and said screw it to the 240. it seemed like i would never find a nice 240 anyways and would probably be getting in way more trouble with the it anyways always going sideways so i guess its good i didnt get one.

[Herby]

SR20 240= High prices on aftermarket and repair parts because of drift craze..

I love the 240, but Nissan seems to forget about their older cars and so repair parts get hard to find...sr20 parts are even harder to come by so we always end up getting used parts from other people and crap like that...Its funny too, because you'll find a million shops that swap in sr20 motors, but never really work on em when they go bad:thumbdown:

All my friends have 240's and all of them have problems or are getting signs of problems.

And as for finding a nice one, I would buy one if I saw one nice like you say, but every 240 that I have seen (especially the ones with sr20's) have been in some kind of accident, whether its the bumber or a fender smashed in, they all have some damage from drifting these days:thumbdown: Stupid wannabes who can't drive or go drift in ALL THE WRONG PLACES)