Volkswagen GTI

[raildogg]

I've been looking at smallish cars that have good to great gas mileage. I want cars that have a bit of flare to them, yet are smooth and refined and are fun to drive. Gas mileage is number 1 priority.

I have ignored the GTI up until now. The car really looks hot, has lots of features like xenon headlights which I want and other nice things. I have read in reviews that the car is a bit slow and is aging. Now how this car is aging I have no idea.

I'm also looking at the Mazda 3 hatchback, btw.

What do you feel about this?

 

[Excelsior]

Well I can tell you already that you will get a bunch of nods for the Mazda 3 (not without justification) and probably a lot of VW bashers will ring in as well.

However, I like my VW, the GTI is still built in Germany (TMK), and the 2.0T engine is pretty nice. I get excellent mileage with Passat 1.8T.

Also, if you ever feel the urge, you could upgrade the ECU and increase your HP and torque considerably.

 

[yhelothar]

My friend has one.. fun car. Not too keen on the looks though, but the turbo is so fun to drive. It's still a front wheel drive car though. You could get a used mazdaspeed MX-5, also with a 1.8T, but with much more bells and whistles.

Here's one on LA craigslist.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/car/163196169.html

 

[xanis]

I think its a pretty cool car, but a little on the heavy side in comparison with the Si and other similar cars. Still a blast to drive...

 

[raildogg]

Well the Mazda 3 hatchback was my first choice since its more or less proven and has a good history. It looks nice. However, the GTI has a bit more spice to it and is slightly faster. Also more expensive.

The features are basically the same, although you can get all the accessories for less than the GTI on the Mazda 3. So, the top level MZ3 will be a lot less than the GTI and that puts the advantage on the MZ3's side.

As for the Miata, I don't like convertables and 2-door cars in general. But the GTI is an exception.

As for the RX-8, that thing looks hot.

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: Xanis
I think its a pretty cool car, but a little on the heavy side in comparison with the Si and other similar cars. Still a blast to drive...

And undoubtedly safer.

 

[thirdeye]

Originally posted by: raildogg
Well the Mazda 3 hatchback was my first choice since its more or less proven and has a good history. It looks nice. However, the GTI has a bit more spice to it and is slightly faster. Also more expensive.

The features are basically the same, although you can get all the accessories for less than the GTI on the Mazda 3. So, the top level MZ3 will be a lot less than the GTI and that puts the advantage on the MZ3's side.

As for the Miata, I don't like convertables and 2-door cars in general. But the GTI is an exception.

As for the RX-8, that thing looks hot.

If you're worried about MPG, don't even bother with the RX-8. Getting over 20mpg is quite a feat. In the year and a half I had mine, I think I managed it once, on 100% highway.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: Xanis
I think its a pretty cool car, but a little on the heavy side in comparison with the Si and other similar cars. Still a blast to drive...

And undoubtedly safer.

link?

ed, I just looked this up and there are no IIHS nor NHTSA ratings for the new golf so i don't see how you can even know this.

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: Xanis
I think its a pretty cool car, but a little on the heavy side in comparison with the Si and other similar cars. Still a blast to drive...

And undoubtedly safer.

link?

Heavier cars are notoriously safer than lighter cars. That is just common sense. I never meant to imply that the GTI is safer than the Civic (although it quite possibly is) but that it is probably safer with the extra weight, as opposed to not having the extra weight. There have not been any US crash tests done yet, for the brand new GTI.

I still don't see why people even factor weight into car buying though... (unless the car is for a specific use/purpose where weight is important).

 

[Chrono]

bah. That GTI looks ugly that someone took a dump on an older GTI and said, "VOILA!!!!!! The new GTI!!!!!"

Find a more exciting and fun car to play with.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: Xanis
I think its a pretty cool car, but a little on the heavy side in comparison with the Si and other similar cars. Still a blast to drive...

And undoubtedly safer.

link?

Heavier cars are notoriously safer than lighter cars. That is just common sense. I never meant to imply that the GTI is safer than the Civic (although it quite possibly is) but that it is probably safer with the extra weight, as opposed to not having the extra weight. There have not been any US crash tests done yet, for the brand new GTI.

I still don't see why people even factor weight into car buying though... (unless the car is for a specific use/purpose where weight is important).

heh, all the vw forums were crying that the published specs of the GTI were actually 100-200 lbs too heavy.

Besides, probably not all the weight difference is structural. The GTI uses an old fashioned heavy iron block motor, which is great if you want to try to make 500 HP, but that doesn't really help in a crash situation.

 

[psteng19]

Originally posted by: raildogg
I've been looking at smallish cars that have good to great gas mileage. I want cars that have a bit of flare to them, yet are smooth and refined and are fun to drive. Gas mileage is number 1 priority.

I have ignored the GTI up until now. The car really looks hot, has lots of features like xenon headlights which I want and other nice things. I have read in reviews that the car is a bit slow and is aging. Now how this car is aging I have no idea.

I'm also looking at the Mazda 3 hatchback, btw.

What do you feel about this?

If your primary reason for saving gas is to save money, keep in mind the 2.0T requires premium, negating any $ savings you might get from otherwise good gas mileage.

 

[raildogg]

Originally posted by: psteng19

Originally posted by: raildogg
I've been looking at smallish cars that have good to great gas mileage. I want cars that have a bit of flare to them, yet are smooth and refined and are fun to drive. Gas mileage is number 1 priority.

I have ignored the GTI up until now. The car really looks hot, has lots of features like xenon headlights which I want and other nice things. I have read in reviews that the car is a bit slow and is aging. Now how this car is aging I have no idea.

I'm also looking at the Mazda 3 hatchback, btw.

What do you feel about this?

If your primary reason for saving gas is to save money, keep in mind the 2.0T requires premium, negating any $ savings you might get from otherwise good gas mileage.

Premium won't make that big of a difference I would imagine. But according to official numbers, it seems to get good gas mileage for having good performance. I think the Mazda 3 and the GTI would be equal in terms of fuel economy. Anyone disagree?

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

MkV FAQ on the Tex

I've been into Vdubs since my father purchased a Bus back in the late 70's. I've owned four so far. Nothing like driving a german vehicle.

Originally posted by: Excelsior
Well I can tell you already that you will get a bunch of nods for the Mazda 3 (not without justification) and probably a lot of VW bashers will ring in as well.

However, I like my VW, the GTI is still built in Germany (TMK), and the 2.0T engine is pretty nice. I get excellent mileage with Passat 1.8t

Not all are made in Germany. Many are made in Mexico, Canada, and the States.

In addition, i've driven the Mazdas and they're pretty nice to drive but do not have the feel of a German vehicle at all. Lot's of get up and go but they're not to my personal liking.

 

[batmang]

Originally posted by: Excelsior
Well I can tell you already that you will get a bunch of nods for the Mazda 3 (not without justification) and probably a lot of VW bashers will ring in as well.

However, I like my VW, the GTI is still built in Germany (TMK), and the 2.0T engine is pretty nice. I get excellent mileage with Passat 1.8T.

Also, if you ever feel the urge, you could upgrade the ECU and increase your HP and torque considerably.

the gti 1.8t's were not built in germany, mine was from brazil and alot were built in mexico. the better one to have is from brazil, better build reassurance. (its true... stat's prove it!)

the newer gti's with the 2.0t engine are currently being produced in germany. but that doesnt meant 100% of the gti's will have no flaws, all factorys will have their lemons unfortunately.

i myself have a 2003 1.8t. i've had it for about a year and i dont have any complaints. its a fun car drive since it has a turbo. it gets up there quick, it can pass without hesitation, the turbo spools very quick due to the turbo being very small. because it is small, its also efficient. decent gas mileage, i recommend 91 octane but you can get away with 89. i just wouldnt recommend it.

dont forget about the vr6 gti as well. very solid motor. will last longer than the 1.8t motor mainly due to it being naturally aspirated. vr6's will easily go over 100k+ as long as they are maintained properly. vr6's do require a minimum of 91 octane though.

here is a pic of my 1.8t:
gti picture

i <3 my 1.8t

 

[batmang]

doh, i feel stupid now. he was referring to the mkv and not the mkiv's.
if i had that much money to play with to get a new car, and fuel efficiency was a main concern...

i'd look into the honda fit. that is a fun solid car with great handling, capacity and fuel savings. plus its a 5 door hatch.. and its a honda.
$13-17k brand new.

 

[DaveCSparty]

Pics of my MKV GTI

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/DaveCSparty/GTI_Night003.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/DaveCSparty/GTI_Night002.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/DaveCSparty/GTI_Night001.jpg

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

Originally posted by: batmang

Originally posted by: Excelsior
Well I can tell you already that you will get a bunch of nods for the Mazda 3 (not without justification) and probably a lot of VW bashers will ring in as well.

However, I like my VW, the GTI is still built in Germany (TMK), and the 2.0T engine is pretty nice. I get excellent mileage with Passat 1.8T.

Also, if you ever feel the urge, you could upgrade the ECU and increase your HP and torque considerably.

the gti 1.8t's were not built in germany, mine was from brazil and alot were built in mexico. the better one to have is from brazil, better build reassurance. (its true... stat's prove it!)

the newer gti's with the 2.0t engine are currently being produced in germany. but that doesnt meant 100% of the gti's will have no flaws, all factorys will have their lemons unfortunately.

i myself have a 2003 1.8t. i've had it for about a year and i dont have any complaints. its a fun car drive since it has a turbo. it gets up there quick, it can pass without hesitation, the turbo spools very quick due to the turbo being very small. because it is small, its also efficient. decent gas mileage, i recommend 91 octane but you can get away with 89. i just wouldnt recommend it.

dont forget about the vr6 gti as well. very solid motor. will last longer than the 1.8t motor mainly due to it being naturally aspirated. vr6's will easily go over 100k+ as long as they are maintained properly. vr6's do require a minimum of 91 octane though.

here is a pic of my 1.8t:
gti picture

i <3 my 1.8t

I hope it can go over 100k. I have almost 240k on my 1.8 16v 88 GLI which is still running strong. In fact, every MK2 i've ever owned has gone over 240k until the day I sold them to move onto a new project. As long as you change the oil and perform the mainenance I believe a car will go forever (Exaggeration)

 

[raildogg]

Originally posted by: batmang
doh, i feel stupid now. he was referring to the mkv and not the mkiv's.
if i had that much money to play with to get a new car, and fuel efficiency was a main concern...

i'd look into the honda fit. that is a fun solid car with great handling, capacity and fuel savings. plus its a 5 door hatch.. and its a honda.
$13-17k brand new.

Love the Fit. Love Honda. But I want something a bit more sporty, a bit more powerful. The Accord V6s are great but too expensive. The Civic Si is 2 door, not my style. Yes, the GTI is also 2 door but its a hatchback and I am attracted to it.

I also like the Mazda 3 hatchback due to it being very sporty, nicely priced, a ton of features and decent power. I'm leaning towards the Mazda 3 but the GTI is so lovely that it draws me closer to it. I don't know which car will end up being cheaper to own, the Mazda 3 or the GTI.

 

[raildogg]

Originally posted by: DaveCSparty
Pics of my MKV GTI

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/DaveCSparty/GTI_Night003.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/DaveCSparty/GTI_Night002.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/DaveCSparty/GTI_Night001.jpg

Awesome, any back shots?

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: DaveCSparty
Pics of my MKV GTI

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/DaveCSparty/GTI_Night003.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/DaveCSparty/GTI_Night002.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/DaveCSparty/GTI_Night001.jpg

Oooh very nice.

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

Originally posted by: raildogg

Originally posted by: batmang
doh, i feel stupid now. he was referring to the mkv and not the mkiv's.
if i had that much money to play with to get a new car, and fuel efficiency was a main concern...

i'd look into the honda fit. that is a fun solid car with great handling, capacity and fuel savings. plus its a 5 door hatch.. and its a honda.
$13-17k brand new.

Love the Fit. Love Honda. But I want something a bit more sporty, a bit more powerful. The Accord V6s are great but too expensive. The Civic Si is 2 door, not my style. Yes, the GTI is also 2 door but its a hatchback and I am attracted to it.

I also like the Mazda 3 hatchback due to it being very sporty, nicely priced, a ton of features and decent power. I'm leaning towards the Mazda 3 but the GTI is so lovely that it draws me closer to it. I don't know which car will end up being cheaper to own, the Mazda 3 or the GTI.

Maybe this thread will make you want to buy it Text

 

[DaveCSparty]

Sorry no back shots at this time. Maybe I can take some soon when I get back to Chicago.


And just an FYI, the 4 door GTIs are due to be in the USA around July. So if you want a 4 door one, wait a month or so

 

[batmang]

well, the mazda3 was one of the best selling compact cars a couple years ago. so that says a lot. it was cheap, its efficient, sporty, and not too pricey. but since the demand for them is becoming high, the price on them is kinda scarey. hehe. the mazda3 replaced the protege, but they priced it like it was in an entire different class. the new gti's are downright awesome.

imo.... gti > mazda3.

-gti will have better resale value.
-gti has more power, and is def. more fun to drive due to turbo.
-gti has the dsg transmission (which has paddle shifters), which makes it more fun to drive.
-did i mention it has paddle shifters?!!
-you can get checkered seats!

 

[raildogg]

Originally posted by: DaveCSparty
Sorry no back shots at this time. Maybe I can take some soon when I get back to Chicago.


And just an FYI, the 4 door GTIs are due to be in the USA around July. So if you want a 4 door one, wait a month or so

Yayy, exactly what I'll do. I have heard rumors about this before, but wasn't too sure about the dates. Thanks.

Found some info:

link
link