Second Hand Golf GTI Advice

[Version00]

Hi All.

I'm in need of some advice. I'm keen on purchasing a second hand Golf GTI, 4 Dr DSG 2007 make if possible. Would this be a wise decision. I don't mind the fact that it's second hand, as long as the KMs are low, and the car is in good nick and the interior looks newish.

Would this be a reasonable choice. I'm looking at tops 37K. Thanks in advance.

[Tensixty6]

I think you'd have to consider going higher than $37K if you want a low mileage model. Carsales.com.au advertise some in the high $40K to $50K.

There's a Reflex Silver one with just over 9,000 kilometres selling for just under $39K + charges.

[Zed!]

I think you'd have to consider going higher than $37K if you want a low mileage model. Carsales.com.au advertise some in the high $40K to $50K.

There's a Reflex Silver one with just over 9,000 kilometres selling for just under $39K + charges.

Well I've just bought my 08 R32 off carsales and yeah the prices people have got them advertised for are quite high, for both the Gti and R32. However what people advertise for and what they actually accept tend to be 2 very different figures. I paid 49K for my R32 and she wanted $54k. She and a number of other sellers had their cars up for sale for a while, so it's a buyers market at the moment. Keep an eye on some GTIs over a period of weeks and if they havent sold after a while make them an offer. Don't pay through the nose because it's you who will bear the cost when you sell it later. I would say you could easily get a decent GTI for $37K with DSG and leather. But you will have to be patient, it may take you a few months. My previous carsales purchase was a 350z and I got a $9K drop on the price. So ignore the prices you see on carsales. Also have a look on redbook.com.au, that gives u a good guide to what a GTi is worth. A lot of people don't understand how quick new cars depreciate and very reluctant to sell their car much lower than what they paid for it new. The previous owner of my R32 paid $68K drive away and the car and 8000kms on the clock so you can see her relutcance to lose $19K! Also consider buying interstate. I'm in WA and there is little to choose from, unless you like Magnas or Commodores! So my Z and R32 were both bought interstate, I saved a lot of money and there is much more availability if you are looking at OZ wide instead of just your state. Here's one I found, v low kms, $36k.

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars...ake=VOLKSWAGEN

[LiFers]

FYI, fifth gear did a "buying a 2nd hand golf" mini-segment a few years ago. Common faults in the UK were:
1) Check no scuffing of Alloy wheels
2) Check no water leaks around door or boot seals
3) Check no misting up of light housings

[bahjah]

Well I've just bought my 08 R32 off carsales and yeah the prices people have got them advertised for are quite high, for both the Gti and R32. However what people advertise for and what they actually accept tend to be 2 very different figures. I paid 49K for my R32 and she wanted $54k. She and a number of other sellers had their cars up for sale for a while, so it's a buyers market at the moment. Keep an eye on some GTIs over a period of weeks and if they havent sold after a while make them an offer. Don't pay through the nose because it's you who will bear the cost when you sell it later. I would say you could easily get a decent GTI for $37K with DSG and leather. But you will have to be patient, it may take you a few months. My previous carsales purchase was a 350z and I got a $9K drop on the price. So ignore the prices you see on carsales. Also have a look on redbook.com.au, that gives u a good guide to what a GTi is worth. A lot of people don't understand how quick new cars depreciate and very reluctant to sell their car much lower than what they paid for it new. The previous owner of my R32 paid $68K drive away and the car and 8000kms on the clock so you can see her relutcance to lose $19K! Also consider buying interstate. I'm in WA and there is little to choose from, unless you like Magnas or Commodores! So my Z and R32 were both bought interstate, I saved a lot of money and there is much more availability if you are looking at OZ wide instead of just your state.

You've made a very good point here, I've been looking at first gen R32's and the same ones sit or carsales for about $35k for months, the sellers supposedly looking for 'an urgent sale' not lowering the prices once. They have to accept that just because 'redbook says so' and everyone is asking for an inflated price, it doesn't mean that is its real value. Lots of them refuse offers but realistically 'market value' (i.e. what they actually SELL for) sits below $30k for a low km, stock example. I just wish some people would stop being tools and stop acting like their car is worth so much more than it actually is. You try and explain this to them and they won't have any of it.



[/Rant]

[Golf Houso]

mid km MK5 GTI's are only worth around 25-30k, there was one that sold at a fixed price auction in Melbourne for 25,800 as well as a whole host of lower spec vehicles which have been online for around 28-30k, the common rule seems to be 10% off the private sale asking price with 15% off or therebouts for dealers.

Once the MKVI and Scirrocco are on the roads, we'll be seeing well speced sub 40k/km examples for around 25 grand...

[Pablo64]

seals and lights can be replaced and difficult to 'test' from a private sale scenario. for me number one point is has it been in a serious accident.
$37K is really at the upper end of things. people might advertise a lot but they don't sell for that. i recently purchased my GTI with 20 thousand km's for just over $30 - but advertised much higher. I wouldn't pay $37K for a used car that has a list price of $42.5

[mrx]

Well I've just bought my 08 R32 off carsales and yeah the prices people have got them advertised for are quite high, for both the Gti and R32. However what people advertise for and what they actually accept tend to be 2 very different figures. I paid 49K for my R32 and she wanted $54k. She and a number of other sellers had their cars up for sale for a while, so it's a buyers market at the moment. Keep an eye on some GTIs over a period of weeks and if they havent sold after a while make them an offer. Don't pay through the nose because it's you who will bear the cost when you sell it later. I would say you could easily get a decent GTI for $37K with DSG and leather. But you will have to be patient, it may take you a few months. My previous carsales purchase was a 350z and I got a $9K drop on the price. So ignore the prices you see on carsales. Also have a look on redbook.com.au, that gives u a good guide to what a GTi is worth. A lot of people don't understand how quick new cars depreciate and very reluctant to sell their car much lower than what they paid for it new. The previous owner of my R32 paid $68K drive away and the car and 8000kms on the clock so you can see her relutcance to lose $19K! Also consider buying interstate. I'm in WA and there is little to choose from, unless you like Magnas or Commodores! So my Z and R32 were both bought interstate, I saved a lot of money and there is much more availability if you are looking at OZ wide instead of just your state. Here's one I found, v low kms, $36k.

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars...ake=VOLKSWAGEN

Spot on, the phrase, "Tell 'em they're dreamin'", definately applys to GTI & R32 owners - especially in Perth!

In the past I have found Redbook to be very accurate (as much as it hurts for the seller).

As for what to look for, I haven't really heard of any common expensive mechanical issues (except perhaps air-conditioning compressors). The main thing I would be looking for is a well looked after interior, it's kind of a give-away of how well respected / maintained the rest of the car is likely to have been. Engine, gearbox, body panels - it can all be fixed, but the interior will be much more difficult to replace bits as it gets older.

[zz2]

just make sure you dont buy my old lemon and you'll be on a winna!

[Version00]

Thanks for all your advice and info guys. I'm looking around, but getting some negative advice about buying a car of this calibre with me hard earn cash...