To GTi or not GTi.....

[GTIWesome]

Hi All
After much researching and test driving of hatch options, the missus and I have decided that the Golf is the way to go - superior safety, features, finish, performance, price range etc.

Only problem is which Golf (auto option only) ? We had all but settled on the 1.4 GT, (found the diesels to be too noisy, something that would grate on nerves i think), but after driving the GTi we were gobsmacked ( well i was very much so).

Dealer let us have it for a whole day (!) , and we had some fun with it.

The only thing holding back at the moment is a concern regarding the stiff suspension, and will this become an issue for us with everyday driving? (the concern is more of the missus, but we will both be driving in equal measure).

Hard to say during the test drive as we were taking so much in.

It seems a little stiffer than the GT (not much though), so balancing whether we will be able to live with it or think about a GT or downgraded model instead..

So posing a few questions for the forum:
1. How do you all find the suspension in the GTi, does it get 'softer' with usage? (sorry i know next to nothing about cars)
2. Is the stiff ride a suspension issue purely or do the wheels have something to do with it?
3. If we buy the GTi and dont like the suspension down the track, what options do you suggest for making the ride feel a little more comfortable?

thanks in advance!

[GTom]

1. Can't Answer that one, but the few times i tested it I didn't mind it too much.

2. It is more of a suspension issue (the sus. in GTI is stiffer than the GT ones) than the wheels (same size wheels maybe different rubber as the GT)


I chose the 1.4 GT as i could get a few options in there for about the same as it would set me back the GTI. However if i had more of a budget I would of Def. went for the GTI...

[gregozedobe]

Welcome to VWWC. Lots of useful info and helpful people here.

Some opinions on your questions:

1 I tested GT TDI, GTI and Octavia RS. I found the GTI suspension a bit firm and "busy", particularly on poor condition bitumen. The GTI is very popular here, and a lot of people like the sporty feel.

2 The ride quality seems to be mainly suspension tune. My Octy has very similar suspension (near identical, tuned slightly differently), but a noticeably more compliant ride, despite having 18" wheels (c.f. GTIs 17")

3 Quite a few people swear by Koni FSD shocks, claiming both a more supple ride AND improved handling.

It might be worth looking at insurance costs, IIRC some companies charge quite a bit for the 1.4 GT.

If you still can't make up your mind, go for back to back test drives (same road, same day).

[BarneyBoy]

I originally went in to buy a GTI - had my heart set on one. And after a day driving one was also initially gobsmacked as well.

But by the end of the day I started to notice the suspension more than I thought, noticed the access/egress restrictions (for me) of the seats, and decided to try the GT TSI instead.

Although slower than a GTI (not by much), I found the 10% softer suspension and slightly less 'edgy' seats so much easier for me for a day-to-day ride. One performance aspect that I loved (over the GTI) was the effect of the supercharger: big, fat, TDI-like torque - right off idle. And the sound!

And that 1000-3000 rpm band is where the car spends most of its time 'round town - so why not enjoy those revs?

Equipment-wise there's little to want for in the GT, and has very, very similar handling to the GTI, along with identical spec stoppers. And fuel-wise there's an advantage as well (if that worries you).

Yes, I bought the GT, but I'm not saying the GTI's cap - far from it - it's a really fine car. But make sure it fits your needs.

To answer your question - don't expect the suspension to soften in a couple of months - it won't. By the time it HAS softened, that'll be when you need some new springs, shocks &c (they'll be worn out!).

Whatever Golf/Jetta you buy, rest assured it'll always be a great car. Good luck! :goodluck:

[GTom]

It might be worth looking at insurance costs, IIRC some companies charge quite a bit for the 1.4 GT.


Through NRMA insured with no options I (22y/o) was looking at $600/year, with the options and extras added on it is a couple hundred more. It's better to call then to get insurance from the online stuff. I wouldn't expect the GTI (no options) to be too much more than that.

[Russ59]

Not being biased at all but at least drive the diesel if you can because you will be surprised just how quiet they actually are once you get going and boy do they get going :biggrin:


Russ

[CatonaPC©]

Consider looking at the Golf 2.0 TDi or FSi Pacific also. Suspension may be more to your liking.

[dangerous_daveo]

It won't get softer. You might get 'used' to it. But if you drive bad roads daily, if you're in a bad mood, you'll get really angry, it will just be annoying and be the straw to break you.

To solve this issue, find a nice bit of road, and go for a blast.

[Oneofthegreats]

IMHO. It's horses for course really.

Just buy what you fell happy with.

Lately I've been liking the GT Sport TDI & would pick one hand's down over the 1.4 GT's. I'm not a fan & don't rate them at all. Sorry to all the 1.4 GT owner's!

Cause I'm alway's getting in & out of the car's all day, I find the GTI seat's can be alittle intrusive at time's due to my ****y back.

But the GT Sport's seat's are a good compromise. Especially with seat heater's!.

Also, the GT TDI aren't that noisey. Only at idle.

Just for interest's sake, we've seen brand new standard FSI's that are just as noisey at idle & sound like an old tractor!

[Greg Roles]

Welcome!

A tough choice for sure. As you have now seen, it's easy to see why the GTI has such a great reputation. I remember grinning like an idiot on my test drive.

THE main reason I didn't buy the GTI was the suspension. Sure you can change it, but so tyoo could you "up" the GT suspension. I've found just fitting a rear sway to the GT makes it corner fine for me. Funnily enough, the vast majority of GTI's I see in traffic are being piloted by a lady, so it seems the "other halves" can adapt ( and probably claim the car as "theirs" )

Just yesterday, on a drive an hour west to Toowoomba, I was amazed how crashy the GT suspension was over B grade road sections. A GTI on such a drive would not be pleasant for me.

I find the GT a great compromise, exactly what it is meant to be.

But yeah, given three great cars within a few thou of each other, it's a tough, tough call between the GT's and the legendary GTI.

[gerhard]

I did the same - was hell bent on getting the GT TDI, but didn't like it at all in residential streets, Whereas on the freeway it was insanely good. The susp was too soft for me with the slight extra weight of the diesel combined with softer springs made it "wallow" a bit. Didn't like the turbo lag either, but that's not really a problem as it can be accommodated when familiar with the vehicle.

The test drive passenger (dealer sales assistant) advised me that all my "niggles" with the GT TDI would be eradicated with the GTI, so the next day I took a GTI (unaccompanied this time :) ) and he was absolutely right ! Sold :biggrin:

After some 5000ks, I have concluded that the suspension stiffness doesn't go away, but it is probably a bit too soft in some conditions !! Specifically, when having a bit of a blast through the twisties to Walhalla and beyond, and more recently around Frankford, Scottsdale, and St Helens.

I reckon that your problem will be, having now tasted the fruits of the GTI, if you buy a lesser one you'll always regret it :biggrin:

You definitely will adjust to the ride, I certainly did.

[Splashalot]

I originally went in to buy a GTI - had my heart set on one. And after a day driving one was also initially gobsmacked as well.

But by the end of the day I started to notice the suspension more than I thought, noticed the access/egress restrictions (for me) of the seats, and decided to try the GT TSI instead.

Although slower than a GTI (not by much), I found the 10% softer suspension and slightly less 'edgy' seats so much easier for me for a day-to-day ride. One performance aspect that I loved (over the GTI) was the effect of the supercharger: big, fat, TDI-like torque - right off idle. And the sound!

And that 1000-3000 rpm band is where the car spends most of its time 'round town - so why not enjoy those revs?

Equipment-wise there's little to want for in the GT, and has very, very similar handling to the GTI, along with identical spec stoppers. And fuel-wise there's an advantage as well (if that worries you).

Yes, I bought the GT, but I'm not saying the GTI's cap - far from it - it's a really fine car. But make sure it fits your needs.

To answer your question - don't expect the suspension to soften in a couple of months - it won't. By the time it HAS softened, that'll be when you need some new springs, shocks &c (they'll be worn out!).

Whatever Golf/Jetta you buy, rest assured it'll always be a great car. Good luck! :goodluck:

This exactly mirrors my thoughts, but I bought the GTI over the GT, having tested both.

I love my GTI to death, but if there is one criticism, it's the jiggly ride. It's not really harsh, but the constant small vertical movements do occassionally annoy me, and constantly annoy my wife.

I reckon the GT would be a better everyday proposition if you notice the GTI's ride already. However, both are cracking cars so you can't really lose.

Personally I wouldn't buy a car in the knowledge I had to modify it when there's an off-the-shelf model available which meets my needs.

SS

[GTIWesome]

Wow thanks to you all for replying , and so quickly as well! This forum rocks :biggrin:

Cogdoc summed my pro GTi stance best - 'grinning like an idiot' after the test drive.

Splash summed up my anti GTi fear best by stating the suspension constantly aggravates his better half (oh and my partner isnt a fan of the sports seats either...). Splash thanks also for common sense post on not adding aftermarket change where alternative may already be right of you.

The test drive was a week ago and im still grinning. I suspect my partners initial enthusiasm was probably a little reflective of my own. It was only afterwards that we thought the ride was a little bumpy (and we took it highway in the main).

I confess that i didnt drive the diesel GT. only the smaller petrol. We drove the 2.0 TSI , but after the GT, it paled in comparison, and the noise was noticeable (we both thought the GTi was smoothest & quietest in traffic).

I guess its off to th dealer again this weekend, we'll take the GT diesel, GTi and 2.0 petrol out for a spin, including a few dodgy roads and a bumpy bridge (storey bridge in brisbane).

I suppose looking at the balance of a sporty drive and comfortable drive (to appease both of us), the GT diesel on paper at least sounds like the way to go. Except that my GTi grin still hasnt faded :biggrin:

Will keep you posted. Thanks again!

[Russ59]

I went for the manual personally as my preference but the DSG is amazing when coupled with the GT TDI. You should probably try to drive both a manual and a DSG transmission in the TDI, the torque of the 125 killer wasp engine in the GT will blow your mind, either with manual or DSG. :driver: Make sure if you can, (on the test drive) to take it somewhere with plenty of steep hills as the diesels absolutely love them and so will you. I still get goosebumps when I can cruise up a long winding steep hill in 6th gear, a/c on, 4 adults in the car, and it just keeps on pulling, totally effortless !!! :bowdown: :biggrin:

[Steve]

My mother and I (long story - my parents travel a lot, I live in their house) went halves (OK, she bought a larger half than I did) in a Golf GTI back in 2006. At the time, the GT wasn't on the market and I haven't driven one to compare.

We live on a mountain with lots of twisty roads, but the car is mostly driven in the city. I've taken it on long drives around South Australia and interstate.

My mother came from a VY Commodore wagon, and hated the soft, wallowy suspension. She likened it to a boat. She's 60 years old and absolutely loves the ride of the GTI, both around town and on the open road. I find it pretty good, too. I've been annoyed with it once, when somebody had overinflated the tyres. I didn't like the ride then, but as soon as I fixed the pressure problem the car was back to being the best mix of ride, handling, and knowing what's going on that I'd driven for a long time. It's bumpy, but not offensive - and we like it.

I do, however, think that the ride of my R36 is a bit more comfortable, although that may be just because the car is a little heaver and doesn't bounce about quite as much as the GTI can do on some roads. I've no real complaints about either, though.

Having said that, there are ways to buy a GTI and keep the handling but lose the ride issues.

[Greg Roles]

But one thing I WILL add is that a manual diesel in slow, crawling start stop traffic is a pain in the clutch leg! You do really re-learn clutch control though, I feel my driving skills are much improved from my lazy V8 auto days.

For that 5-10% of the time in heavy traffic, you miss an auto!

[mark4323]

I had the same concerns about the GTI and would I be annoyed by the suspension. However, after 6 months it is no longer an issue.

[Paul_OH]

What sort of driving do you mostly do, your age group and km per year?

Obviously the GTI, GT TSI, GT TDI and Pacific FSI/TDI are very different beasts and what may suit others may not suit yourselves and your tolerance to back pain (just kidding!) :nana:
We went with the GT 1.4 and haven't regretted the decision for a second.
I originally went in with the intention of getting the GT TDI but didn't like the driving style at all with so much grunt and an extremely short powerband (Cost also was a factor, it's very close to GTI territory). I personally liked the GTI but I too found the ride harsh and because this is 'our' car instead of my car I knew the ride wouldn't cut it. If it was just me I could have lived with it but I'm not 18 anymore and I either would have got used to it or it would have driven me nuts. An expensive gamble if it was the latter.

As another option we also considered the Pacific TDI (after spending 2 months driving one in Europe earlier this year), all round very good, excellent economy and I'd recommend one of these for 90% of 'John Citizen' drivers however I thought they looked a bit bland compared to the GT/GTI.
As for economy, the TDIs can't be beat however when my wife drives she averages around 6-6.5 l/100km around town. I certainly don't, I avge around 7 in economy mode or 8 in usual driving mode :driver:

Some food for thought, good luck, enjoy your shopping experience and hopefully welcome to Mk V world!

Paul

[gregozedobe]

If you do lots of driving in heavy, stop start traffic and are leaning towards a diesel it would be worthwhile doing a search on DPFs (Diesel Particulate Filters). Some of the DPFs on 125Kw TDIs have been known to have frequent regeneration issues when driven a lot in heavy traffic.

[dangerous_daveo]

If you are in Brissy, and going for a decent test drive. Try get it up Mt Cootha, and go the longer back way. Milton road in and out to get up there, gives you a pretty quick idea of whats good and bad.

[KWICKS]

I test drove all the Golf variants, R32 to Comfortline 1.6. We, like you, had worked out that Golf was greater than its competitors. Our purpose was to find a second car after wife's car was written off.

We selected the GT Sport TSI in manual with leather. The GTI was more expensive, had firmer suspension, m,ore expensive to fuel and insure and was very common.

Then the problems started. "September 14" delivery soon became, "mid October", "mid November", "maybe this year". So we negotited on similar stock and we were able to turn our planned pearl black $38000 manual GT Sport with leather purchase into a pearl black GTI with leather and manual transmission for very little more. With 2 week delivery, so we have that instead.

Suspension is a little jiggly but you will get used to it and its plantedness is a fair compromise you'd accept for it. It's not harsh. Off idle I think the GT Sport goes great, but the mid range and top end of the GTI is far stronger than the GT.

I would only suggest to you if you are large, as I am, that the GTI seats can be too small ( I fit in them but it makes them less snug by bending the bolsters so the wife hates that!), but this is unlikely to be a problem for almost all buyers.

I think the GTI has more extras than the difference in price.

If you can wait I'd go for a Mark VI though. There will be a GTI diesel (GT Sport diesel engine) but not sure if there will be a GT Sport 1.4 in AUs, dealer didn't know when I asked. However, if there is the Mark VI GT Sport 1.4 TSI will have the same output but EVEN BETTER fuel economy.

ALl told now is an awesome time to be car shopping. If you can pick something in stock in AUs you will be almost able to name your price.

[GTIWesome]

What sort of driving do you mostly do, your age group and km per year?

Late 20's, and will do around 30k per year, mostly highway driving.

Want a balance of a fun car and comfortable one. I think wed be happy with the TSI2.0 ...if we hadnt driven the GT....and we'd be happy with the GT if we hadnt driven the GTi lol


I personally liked the GTI but I too found the ride harsh and because this is 'our' car instead of my car I knew the ride wouldn't cut itYup thats the main concern. To top it off, a female friend has told us she was using her boyfriends for a while as her car was at the panel beaters, and she hated it! Gawd when i heard that I knew i was in trouble.

Seem to be a balance of opinions here either way on the ride being too rough or not, so not all hope is lost i suppose.

Anyway need to get on the blower to find out which dealers have the models we want to drive.

[zz2]

Yup thats the main concern. To top it off, a female friend has told us she was using her boyfriends for a while as her car was at the panel beaters, and she hated it! Gawd when i heard that I knew i was in trouble.


don't listen to her. even my 68yo dad doesnt complain about the ride, as for my gf.. she loves the car. trust me the suspension is soft in comparison to my mates cars (skylines, silvias, mini cooper S)
the gti is a superb long distance cruiser. i have been in it for almost 5hrs straight in the country many a time and never once had any issues.

the 'I' is worth it :biggrin:

[gerhard]

Yup thats the main concern. To top it off, a female friend has told us she was using her boyfriends for a while as her car was at the panel beaters, and she hated it! Gawd when i heard that I knew i was in trouble.

Seem to be a balance of opinions here either way on the ride being too rough or not, so not all hope is lost i suppose.

Anyway need to get on the blower to find out which dealers have the models we want to drive.

Bluddy women - put on earth to spoil men's fun :biggrin:

Have you thought about the Jetta - same engine as the GTI, and better ride if you don't get the 18" wheels (stick with the 17s) BUT - when you want to have a blast you get virtually the same performance as the GTI. It weighs only about 90kg more but the brakes are not as good.

And there's a BIG boot for all those things the ladies need to take even on a short trip.

[Greg Roles]

don't listen to her. even my 68yo dad doesnt complain about the ride, as for my gf.. she loves the car. trust me the suspension is soft in comparison to my mates cars (skylines, silvias, mini cooper S)
the gti is a superb long distance cruiser. i have been in it for almost 5hrs straight in the country many a time and never once had any issues.

the 'I' is worth it :biggrin:

And yet I, and a few others on here chose the GT over the GTI because of the ride, when the price difference was less than a decent pushie. Each to their own my friend.

[Paul_OH]

ps don't get me wrong, we're all proud of our cars and I'm sure we're all happy with our purchases. Of course GT drivers will say get the GT, GTI drivers will say get the GTI etc etc.
It's all some type of sub-concious confirmation that we made the right choice if we can convince someone else to buy the same. You will see it day in/day out on many forums whether it's cameras, cars or laptops.

In saying that, I'm a big fan of all the current Golf performance models and appreciate the way they've come up with great options Twincharged 1.4, Turbo Diesel, Turbo 2.0 and 3.2lt V6, where else can you get this variety :bowdown:

I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever option you choose as they are all great cars, just different

[Russ59]

I find the ride in mine is firm but very comfortable, handles like it's on tracks, I had surgery a little over 2 years ago and have an artificial disc fitted in the lower back. I still get pain with it but I can tell you in all honesty the seats in the GT are very supportive and I never feel any discomfort when driving and it is especially good on long trips. :)

Russ

[KWICKS]

Our GTI is my wifes car and she loves the handling.

[GTom]

ps don't get me wrong, we're all proud of our cars and I'm sure we're all happy with our purchases. Of course GT drivers will say get the GT, GTI drivers will say get the GTI etc etc.
It's all some type of sub-concious confirmation that we made the right choice if we can convince someone else to buy the same. You will see it day in/day out on many forums whether it's cameras, cars or laptops.


I have a GT but also want a GTI......... I have come up with the perfect solution....



Get both :biggrin: lol. (I wish I could)

[Paul_OH]

Get both :biggrin: lol. (I wish I could)

True, if only it was that easy :toast:

[GTIWesome]

Ill take a R32 for a spin as well, the cost isnt that much more of a hit through a novated lease.
Im assuming the ride would be much firmer, and the seats are even more "wank sporty boy" (to quote the missus) :frown:

[GTIWesome]

Well we spent an afternoon in a variety of golfs yesterday. Weather was so-so ( late rain), but not much traffic so we could put the foot down.

We drove the stanard petrol 2.0 to get a feel for general comfort, handling and ride. Nice ride alround, lacking guts somewhat on acceleration.

Next up 2.0GT diesel...verrry nice and punchy. Both pretty happy with highway and over some non smooth bitumen. Was a tad noisy, partic in suburban traffic. Maybe too punchy with turbo lag?

GTI....wow. On the highway a dream. Behaved very sedately in suburban traffic as well which was a little surprising. DSG rocks! But ride wasnt quite as smooth on suburban roads, and the seats well, my partner is not a big fan of the seats.

Dealer looked at us like we were crazy when we told him the seats was a negative. Anyway we hopped back it the GT again to do a double check, but we both think the GTI is the best of 3 very good cars.

Back at the dealership, the dealer wanted to put hard sell on us then and there saying that if we wait until Jan 09 to order, there wont be any GTIs left. Is this right or just salesman drivel?

The guy was saying that no more MKVs are being made so whatever is in the country currently is all that will be available.

I was thinking of holding off as the way the economy is going, delaers will be getting quite desperate my end of Feb or March 09. What do you guys think, should I pull the trigger now if stocks are so scarce, or wait for a few months for a better deal?

[gerhard]

Well we spent an afternoon in a variety of golfs yesterday. Weather was so-so ( late rain), but not much traffic so we could put the foot down.

We drove the stanard petrol 2.0 to get a feel for general comfort, handling and ride. Nice ride alround, lacking guts somewhat on acceleration.

Next up 2.0GT diesel...verrry nice and punchy. Both pretty happy with highway and over some non smooth bitumen. Was a tad noisy, partic in suburban traffic. Maybe too punchy with turbo lag?

GTI....wow. On the highway a dream. Behaved very sedately in suburban traffic as well which was a little surprising. DSG rocks! But ride wasnt quite as smooth on suburban roads, and the seats well, my partner is not a big fan of the seats.

Dealer looked at us like we were crazy when we told him the seats was a negative. Anyway we hopped back it the GT again to do a double check, but we both think the GTI is the best of 3 very good cars.

Back at the dealership, the dealer wanted to put hard sell on us then and there saying that if we wait until Jan 09 to order, there wont be any GTIs left. Is this right or just salesman drivel?

The guy was saying that no more MKVs are being made so whatever is in the country currently is all that will be available.

I was thinking of holding off as the way the economy is going, delaers will be getting quite desperate my end of Feb or March 09. What do you guys think, should I pull the trigger now if stocks are so scarce, or wait for a few months for a better deal?

You won't be able to buy a 2009 model MK V Golf, GTI or other, since the production line is already on MK VI. The last of the Mk Vs will be 2008 built, MY09, and 2009 AU Compliance for those not processed in AU yet.

It's not really "salesman speak" telling you that what's on the boat or in the country is the last of the MKV line.

No-one can be sure when the first of the MK VI GTIs will arrive here, perhaps from March onwards there will be some "showroom stock" configurations arriving.

[Oneofthegreats]

You won't be able to buy a 2009 model MK V Golf, GTI or other, since the production line is already on MK VI. The last of the Mk Vs will be 2008 built, MY09, and 2009 AU Compliance for those not processed in AU yet.

It's not really "salesman speak" telling you that what's on the boat or in the country is the last of the MKV line.

No-one can be sure when the first of the MK VI GTIs will arrive here, perhaps from March onwards there will be some "showroom stock" configurations arriving.

Sorry, but I've already posted some info to clear this stuff up.

But I'll post it again! If it's 9/08 it's a MY09 build! If it's a 9/06, it's a MY07 build.

The complaince plate isn't the Model Year! The build date is!

There are MY09 GTI's & Mk5's!

Sept. onward's build's are MY09's!

Check the chassis #'s

WVWZZZ1KZ9 onwards = "9" is MY09!

Also. Aug. next year was the last info I heard for the mk6 GTI arrival

[GTIWesome]

I think my last post was a little rushed - I am happy to buy a MKV (as I believe the wait for the MKVI will be well into 2010).

Im only concerned whether I need to pull the trigger before xmas (owing to scare tactics by dealer as to scarce stock being true? ) or we can wait until new year and maybe get a better deal.

The dealer wouldnt tell me how much stock was available, said he couldnt check. Arent these guys all tapped into the same national network via computer?

[gerhard]

Sorry, but I've already posted some info to clear this stuff up.

But I'll post it again! If it's 9/08 it's a MY09 build! If it's a 9/06, it's a MY07 build.

The complaince plate isn't the Model Year! The build date is!

There are MY09 GTI's & Mk5's!

Sept. onward's build's are MY09's!

Check the chassis #'s

WVWZZZ1KZ9 onwards = "9" is MY09!

Also. Aug. next year was the last info I heard for the mk6 GTI arrival


Where did I say the compliance date is the model year???

I said "The last of the Mk Vs will be 2008 built, MY09, and 2009 AU Compliance for those not processed in AU yet"

I'll expand - Built in Germany/South Africa in 2008. They will be MY09. Those that have not landed in AU yet will be complianced in 2009. They will be 2008 build, MY09, 2009 AU Compliance.

Exactly what I said before.


As for when the first GTIs will arrive in AU, no-one knows - I'm sure I said that too. However, since production in Germany is being scaled back due to the slowdown, AU allocations of Tiguans and Caddys are being increased, which is why the petrol Tigs are now available. That same slowdown could well mean the AU demand for the Golf VI will be met by higher and or faster allocation from Germany, and it could well mean GTIs will be available from the Melb Motor Show onwards.

As I said, no-one knows.

But the dealer is not talking B/S - general consensus seems to be that GTIs will be in short supply and could be sold out by January. Maybe Pirellis only still available. R32s likewise will be in short supply and gone forever. However, I do not have inside information on VWA's stock levels, so General Consensus could be wrong, and GTIs might be way overstocked and they will fire sale them in the first quarter next year to get rid of them.

[Russ59]

When I bought my GT the dealer was able to tell me on the spot that there was only one left in Australia with everything I wanted, white, manual and sunroof. I didn't sign the dotted line then and there but I did ring around a few dealers to see if I could strike up a better deal, they all gave me the same answer as to what was available in the country. As soon as I knew it was the last one available I rang the original dealer and got him to put my name on it. It should be on their system and if they tell you they don't know what is available, I would be inclined to work out exactly what options you want (ie leather seats, sunroof, reverse sensors etc.......) ring around a few other dealers and ask them.

Russ

[gerhard]

When I bought my GT the dealer was able to tell me on the spot that there was only one left in Australia with everything I wanted, white, manual and sunroof. I didn't sign the dotted line then and there but I did ring around a few dealers to see if I could strike up a better deal, they all gave me the same answer as to what was available in the country. As soon as I knew it was the last one available I rang the original dealer and got him to put my name on it. It should be on their system and if they tell you they don't know what is available, I would be inclined to work out exactly what options you want (ie leather seats, sunroof, reverse sensors etc.......) ring around a few other dealers and ask them.

Russ

Spot on advice. I was going to add that, but when posts get too long people skip over them :biggrin:

[Treza360]

Ill take a R32 for a spin as well, the cost isnt that much more of a hit through a novated lease.
Im assuming the ride would be much firmer, and the seats are even more "wank sporty boy" (to quote the missus) :frown:
You'd be surprised. Every review I've read says that the GTI setup is a much stiffer/sporty setup one whereas the R32 is more the sporty luxury cruiser instead.
Unless you get the optional Recaros the seats in the R32 are the same as the GTI. They're nice and comfy seats with lots of support that shouldn't give you any back ache or anything over a long trip.
Cheers,
Trent

[tdi guy]

When I bought my GT the dealer was able to tell me on the spot that there was only one left in Australia with everything I wanted, white, manual and sunroof. I didn't sign the dotted line then and there but I did ring around a few dealers to see if I could strike up a better deal, they all gave me the same answer as to what was available in the country. As soon as I knew it was the last one available I rang the original dealer and got him to put my name on it. It should be on their system and if they tell you they don't know what is available, I would be inclined to work out exactly what options you want (ie leather seats, sunroof, reverse sensors etc.......) ring around a few other dealers and ask them.

Russ

I agree. My dealer found a car in ACT that the other dealers did not. They should all be on the same computer system, so perhaps the earlier deal fell through that day and the new dealer happened across the newly available stock after I had spoken to the others...