Golf-off: which is best?

"PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power" (petarvn)
11/23/2013 at 18:15 • Filed to: None

So, I was thinking about what could I get as my first car. Right now, a VW golf seems like the best option for me. My problem is, which one to get, or consider the most
I chose a GTi picture since that is the one I am most likely going to have, but it would be a MK5, instead of a newer MK6. A MK6 would be possible if I got a Golf TDi, or a plain-Jane 2.5. In any circumstance, the car would be a manual.
So oppo, what do you think? older, but faster, or newer, more efficient (TDi) and cheaper (2.5)?
Keep in mind also that the TDi and GTi are a lot more moddable than the 2.5, so they are a better option for me personally. also, the 2.5 is available with a manual in only 2 door form, which reduces practicality

DISCUSSION (14)

Aaron Brown > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/23/2013 at 18:25

I say TDi or GTi.

Is it possible that when the Mk7 lands here that the Mk6 prices will drop?

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/23/2013 at 18:28

It's really up to you and which color Focus ST you want.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/23/2013 at 18:30

I hate to state the obvious, but it really depends on what you really want and how much you can manage it. I mean, if it was me, I'd go for the Mk V GTI without even thinking twice, specially if it was a 2-door manual car, even if I had to deal with some stuff later on, like my sister whining that it's not a four door, or buying cheaper food to afford better gas, or passing up on other hobbies/activities to afford replacement parts in case anything breaks. That's kinda what living with my Tipo is like already, but it's manageable because that's the car I really want right now.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Aaron Brown
11/23/2013 at 18:34

maybe, but everyone knows it's made in mexico, so it won't be a "german purebred" anymore :/

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion
11/23/2013 at 18:35

that's not a bad way to think about it, actually! and lol at the cheaper food/better gas comment :D

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos
11/23/2013 at 18:39

lol I wish...
But it looks like the ST fords are a bit of a bandwagon (not that it's bad) plus, my mom knows how potent those are, and as a first car, I doubt she'd agre...

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/23/2013 at 18:43

It's funny, but it's true :p I had some work done in the engine heads in 2007, during the engine rebuild, and it won't take anything less than premium Shell now. Not even the High Octane Petrobrás gas burns without knocking anymore, and the car isn't exactly frugal, with an average of 18 mpg most of the time.

But it's worth it not having to go down to a 1.4 SOHC hatchback.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/23/2013 at 18:44

There's a reason everybody likes them. And if your mom knows what a Focus ST is, she probably knows what a Golf GTI is. As a first car, any new (or within 5 years old) is a big risk. I don't think she's worried about that.

Dsscats > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/23/2013 at 18:50

Tdi because TWWWWOOOOOORQUE

Saracen > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/23/2013 at 19:18

The 2.5 is a boring motor.

Go with a TDI or GTI. MK6 GTI is ideal, it gets the better TSI engine.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos
11/23/2013 at 21:44

her mentality is that everything over 220hp is overkill, so the GTi is a sweetspot!

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/24/2013 at 01:11

Her mentality works in 1997 when advanced traction control, trick differentials and modern tires and brakes weren't on cars. If you can convince her to buy you a new car you can convince her to test drive the ST.

alexotics > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/24/2013 at 02:37

I owned a 2007 MK5 GTI 6-speed for 3 years. Sold it three weeks ago. Best car I've yet owned. Nearly teared up when parting with it. You'll love the engine, you'll get used to the slightly outdated interior but praise the seats, and you'll fall in love with the way it looks. It is incredibly practical when you need it to be (I used to carpool with friends to University for years) and it'll get you up at 5AM looking for that perfect driving road on weekends. It's great on gas, and really, the only thing that I didn't like about the car is the Volkswagen maintenance cost, which in part could be due to my dealership. Perhaps I also wasn't a fan of the slightly tuner image the car gave off (especially when you opt for the horseshoe wheels). At the end of the day though, I HIGHLY recommend it.

Picture of mine (lowered 1 inch, chipped):

Kinja'd!!!

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/24/2013 at 10:02

For a first car, and this is why I drive a 2013 Civic, gas is expensive. For a lot oif people, a first car isn't extremely cool. I drive the Civic becuase I get 35-40 MPG in it. I would've loved a GOlf, but couldn't afford it (I'm leasing the Civic). I'd get a TDI. All that torque olues 50 MPG+.. what's not to love? VW TDI engines can go forever, easily over 200,000 miles. And also, as I've learned, any first car can be very fun.