I don't care what you say, I think I want a new GTI

"Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon)
06/02/2014 at 15:02 • Filed to: None

As far as I can tell, it's the only 4-door, 5-seat, all around commuter that can also satisfy a 40+ year old enthusiast (with two kids) without making him feel like a chode... or broke.

4-door, Performance Pack with DSG. That's all I need.

It's just going to break a lot. Isn't it?

DISCUSSION (96)

Party-vi > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:03

Performance pack, lighting group, sunroof, 6-spd. Dat's my dream. Also I need the Fender audio.

For Sweden > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:04

Driving a hot/modified VW

Not being a chode

Just accept it. It's worth it.

Party-vi > For Sweden
06/02/2014 at 15:06

Does this mean I am no longer in-fact a chode in my E46, or is that like an eternal thing?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:07

umm WUT

Kinja'd!!!

For Sweden > Party-vi
06/02/2014 at 15:07

You are now Chode-Emeritus.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/02/2014 at 15:11

Too boy racer.

I'd be into these if I was 17 I think.

Party-vi > For Sweden
06/02/2014 at 15:12

At least I have tenure.

William Byrd > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:12

I know we're starting to sound like the Miata cult guys, but ST is a fantastic answer to most questions. I'm 37 (38 in September) and have 3 kids and love my new Focus ST.

If you are worried about it being too "boy racer", I don't think it is. The average person will confuse it for a "economy car" vs. something from The Fast & the Furious.

But maybe you've a VW guy, and I respect the following they have. I tried circa 2002 and it went very poorly. My brand new Jetta wagon literally fell apart piece by piece so I'm a bit gunshy to go back. Too bad, the GTI is pretty nice looking. Go test drive a Recaro equipped ST, it's worth taking a look.

For Sweden > William Byrd
06/02/2014 at 15:13

If you're worried about being too Boy Racer, why are you even in the same municipality as a VW dealer?

ZiptieMcBumper > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:15

Seems like a perfectly reasonable want.

Now if you were to say, "I don't care what you say, I think I want a new Corolla S", we'd have to send a white jacket with long sleeves your way.

William Byrd > For Sweden
06/02/2014 at 15:15

Aren't VW dealers in most major municipalities? :)

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:15

Would you be looking for an S, SE, or Wolfsburg?

And it's not 2004 anymore. VWs have a come a long way in reliability.

Nothing > William Byrd
06/02/2014 at 15:17

Agreed. I'm only a month into mine (42, heading towards 43 really quickly) and really enjoy the ST so far.

I'll have to sadly admit that basing the purchase solely on appearance, I'd bow to the GTI. It's a great looking car. While I think it might look more mature than the ST, I rarely see a "mature" person driving a GTI.

Chairman Kaga > William Byrd
06/02/2014 at 15:18

The thing is, I don't really want a manual anymore. The vast majority of my driving is in the 4th worst urban traffic in the nation. My average MPH is about 14, and most of it is in 1st or 2nd gear. I drove a manual for almost a decade, with the traffic getting worse annually (we've gone from 15th worst to 4th worst in less than 10 years, and our population is set to DOUBLE within the next 20) and quite honestly I got sick of it. My wife also doesn't drive stick (well) and would prefer something she could use in a pinch. It's not a total dealbreaker, but give the option between a VW DSG and a Ford 6-speed, I think I'd choose the DSG.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast
06/02/2014 at 15:20

I wish there was a spoiler delete option, i think it would draw some of the older crowd in. but it's just too awesome to be concerned about "boy racer" in this category

William Byrd > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:20

Well that is an issue.

I'm in DC (figure we're one of the 3 ahead of you) and it's not bad. So much torque you can pretty much keep it in 2nd in stop and go without having to keep shifting. But shifting is shifting, and having an automatic mode is certainly nice!

Barbarian772 > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:20

Why not get it with the 6spd??? I'm not the biggest fan of VWs, mostly because where I live 90% of all the cars are VWs, but at least get the stick...

Party-vi > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:28

You're in stop and go traffic, and you want an automatic transmission that uses a computer to control two clutches for low-speed driving? Test drive one and see how you like it.

Party-vi > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:31

HOLD UP you have a GTV6 you should be used to cars breaking.

Chairman Kaga > Party-vi
06/02/2014 at 15:38

Second hand knowledge, but the DSG handles our stop 'n' go with aplomb. Granted, this is an Audi and now a VW, but I think the system is mechanically identical.

Chairman Kaga > Party-vi
06/02/2014 at 15:39

Booya. Except to be fair, my GTV6 hasn't actually broken. Yet. It's been more or less dead reliable. Unicorn.

Party-vi > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:41

Ah. Well that's good then. I'm apparently still in the mindset that every DCT is like BMW's SMG.

Chairman Kaga > Party-vi
06/02/2014 at 15:47

Yeah. No. My old bartender had an M3 with the SMG. Awful. Whoever designed that needed to be dragged through the street, preferably behind the car so as to accentuate the shuddering, yanking motion of the machine. The DSG is like farting Indian food in silk panties. You don't even think about it. It just happens. And it feels good.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > William Byrd
06/02/2014 at 15:51

Did you read the Focus ST vs. new GTI review? Sounds like ST wins for a short fling, but the GTI is the one you'll want to marry.

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/02/2014 at 15:51

One year into ownership and only one person has noticed it is different than a regular Focus.

I think the "boy racer" perception is in the head of unsure enthusiasts as opposed to the general masses.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/02/2014 at 15:54

There we go, there's the proof! I also suspect the more "subtle" colors make for a less boy racer look

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:55

Ugh. I could not live like that.

Assuming VW has solved most of its reliability issues, I think the GTI is a great choice. It'd be on my list if I was in the market right now.

William Byrd > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
06/02/2014 at 15:56

Which one?

I'll marry another VW when I'm sure she won't die on me.

jariten1781 > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 15:57

If you have to have an auto you're probably right. Well, there's also the 15 WRX with CVT if you don't mind the lack of a hatch.

Our 2010 GTI has been a major PITA. Never been stranded but it has gone into limp mode many times. Most repairs have been covered by warranty and the dealer has been good (well, the second dealer...the first one was awful). It's a great car if you know what you're getting into...but I probably won't be in the market for another one after my experience.

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/02/2014 at 15:58

Yeah...I get occasional looks but the "Race Red" is obnoxiously bright awesome.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > William Byrd
06/02/2014 at 16:05

So many great quotes about the ST in this one...

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/20…

Milky > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 16:32

First off, doesn't being new mean you get nice fat warranty?

Second, I don't see any problem with a GTI. A hot hatch is perfect all around car, with the GTI that is esp. true.

With all that being said I would spend 30k differently.

Kinja'd!!!

But if 4 doors was a must, these in R/T trim start at 30k.

Kinja'd!!!

Patrick George > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 16:38

Nothing wrong with that!

blairl > Party-vi
06/02/2014 at 17:21

The mk7 feels exactly like a torque-converter automatic in stop and go. A 2006 GTI DSG feels a little stupid in traffic and at low speeds, but the new one feels just like a really smart slushbox in stop-and-go

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 17:35

probably the cheapest car on my top 20 cars to own

Dsscats > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 18:38

You had me until DSG...

CeramicRabbit > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 19:31

why were people telling you not to want one?

DatMazdaMan > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 19:48

Kinja'd!!!

What is this I see? Not a true enthusiast I guess.

PardonMyFlemish16 > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 22:07

It's not a bad car. I wish my wife's Rabbit was a GTI. It would probably get better gas mileage.

Captain_Spadaro > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 22:37

Stick to the maintenance schedule and you'll be fine.

texasfordfan > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 22:57

My mom has a Jetta TDI with the DSG. I hate driving it in Austin traffic. It is very jerky and uncomfortable at low speeds with stop and go. However, it is nice to not have to shift all the time in traffic, so traffic sucks about the same with both the manual and the DSG.

Kaltrop > Chairman Kaga
06/02/2014 at 23:09

You will love it.

gumbydriveswithbothhands > Chairman Kaga
06/03/2014 at 00:23

Do eeeeet!! If I could afford a MkVII, I'd have one on order. As such, I'll have to wait for the MkVI prices to drop when the VIIs come out. And...I really want a TDi.

And yes, I know about VWs supposed reliability issue. I owned a MkIV and MkV, never had a single problem. Granted, they were both used. But they never left me stranded and never threw a CEL light I didn't cause. *fingers-crossed*

Trevor Mohr > Chairman Kaga
06/03/2014 at 00:58

I just bought an Mk6, 4-door, Driver's Edition. I'm in love with it. Reliability on newer VW's isn't that bad, it could be worse. Drives amazing too. No complaints. I highly recommend one.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 09:41

How do you like Race Red? I've been afraid it's too "flat" without metallic in it. It's been on my short list for the Montego for whenever the hell I can afford to paint it.

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 10:07

It frickin' glows in every light. Every time I look out my window at work it is the brightest object in the lot. When I go somewhere to meet up with people, everyone knows where I parked because they can spot it from across the lot. It stands out in every crowd.

I was getting lunch a couple weeks ago and was walking back to it...there were 5 white cars, three black ones and two silver ones parked around it. It was like a commercial for the ST standing out in a crowd. Ford couldn't have coordinated it any better.

My favorite part about the color, though, is how it looks under street lights. When I go for walks at night I tend to get drawn to single lights...be it on a dark street, house, building or parking lot. Under the orange glow of a streetlight the race red still looks as bright as during the day.

Waxed up, it shines for weeks. Perhaps with some metallic flecks mixed in the lines would pop more but I don't think my eyes could handle it. I wouldn't go as far as flat as it certainly isn't boring but I can see some give and take in arguments.

liquid_popcorn > Party-vi
06/03/2014 at 10:29

Buy it from me. jpidek@lindsayvw.com, in Sterling right before the airport.

Also, performance pack is orderable in 3 weeks, deliveries begin arriving at dealers first week of September.

bob and john > Chairman Kaga
06/03/2014 at 10:30

hehe., here is the thing about german reliabily (i mean german built, not assembled in mexico)
. if u take care of it. it WILL last.

the problem is, most of the americans done fix their car until it doesnt work anymore. my dad is guilty of this right now. his check engine light is ne (some flap in the exhaust on hes a3 TDI broke) and he isnt fixing it because :the car still drives, what do i care?
JHGSDJKGSHDSKJGHSJGSGJSDHGJHSGHJDSG this drivews me UP THE FUCKING WALL

that being said, aside from this, we had tht a3 for 5 years now, and 120k km. nothing else has gone wrong. at all. and yes, it has the DSG (canadian car, yay!)

liquid_popcorn > Chairman Kaga
06/03/2014 at 10:30

I fully support this decision.

Also, I work for a VW dealer, Lindsay VW in Sterling, VA. Where are you again? I have a feeling you're far away, but I'd be happy to answer any questions/provide info as needed to help out! Feel free to email me at jpidek@lindsayvw.com

bob and john > Party-vi
06/03/2014 at 10:31

BMW SMG...LOL

Party-vi > liquid_popcorn
06/03/2014 at 10:31

Haha I wish. I was under the impression that after proposing I could get a new car in November, but now I'm saving for a wedding. Looks like a new car is going to have to wait for now. At least the E46 is still fun, if not expensive.

Party-vi > bob and john
06/03/2014 at 10:32

I know I know - I've been far removed from newer car technology - hell my newest car is 12 years old!

liquid_popcorn > texasfordfan
06/03/2014 at 10:33

The new (2015) DSG solves this issue - as noted above, it's a massive improvement in the GTI between the MK6 and MK7.

I've had the opportunity to drive the 2015 GTI and 2015 Jetta, and they are fantastic. The new infotainment and lighting options are great as well.

One downside on the TDI: for 2015, all models are required to have AdBlue, like the Passat and Touareg have already. The new Golf TDI has the filler right next to the gas cap (part of the reason for the longer gas cap cover), and the Jetta TDI will have it on the right hand side inside the trunk as with the Passat.

liquid_popcorn > Party-vi
06/03/2014 at 10:36

Also best part of performance pack (besides the VAQ diff, obviously)

THIS:

Kinja'd!!!

bob and john > Party-vi
06/03/2014 at 10:39

yea. the first few years of SMGs...oh man...it really was a automated manual, u had to step of the gas for nice shifts, etc etc.
the audi DSGs? like friggen butter. i cant tell its changing gear until i watch the tachdrop a couple of 100 RPM. (remember, diesel head here.)

liquid_popcorn > Party-vi
06/03/2014 at 10:40

Trade it in! Or better for you (probably), private party sale then come buy or lease a new one! Think of it this way: Better fuel economy, and no out of pocket repairs, so not actually that expensive!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 10:46

Intersting. Great review.

I really want it to be a Ford color, and because I'm keeping it red I want it to be RED.

Like slap you in the face RED.

My wife wants me to make it black, would make it a triple black with black exterior, black interior and black vinyl top. But I have the window sticker that says it is "Cardinal Red". I want a brighter more in your face red than the original Cardinal Red though.

I supposed if I get it painted I could always have a light metal fleck added to the Race Red.

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 10:49

There's something to be said about a good looking black on black on black but I'm a big fan of bright colors. Find something nearby in Race Red (should be terribly difficult for you, I know...) and check it out.

Adding flakes would be an easy addition for sure and I'm curious about how it would come out.

You have piqued my interest.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 10:53

Hahaha, well don't get too interested it will require about 2-3 grand to paint it and I have ZERO. We're in the process of getting our house ready to sell and buying a new house all funds diverted there. If I can get the $200-ish to fix my floor pans this summer I'll be thrilled.

I like the intensity of race red, so I may just do the race red + metal fleck in the future. If it ever happens you know it'll be on here.

Oh and there's been a few race red foci at my work (no ST's though :-/) and there's the F150 equivalent of it down the street from me at home, I think it's a 2010.

Party-vi > liquid_popcorn
06/03/2014 at 10:54

That's a $500/month payment for 6 years though, which I could swing but that money is going towards wedding stuff until late next year :/

Plus I'm not sure if the BMW would sell for any reasonable amount by that time - it'll have about 170,000 miles and I'd probably get $5,500 private or $3,000 trade in.

I'm no sure about the fuel econ, as I'm seeing 27-28 on my commutes. Couldn't lease it either, as I blast through 20,000 miles a year.

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 10:58

Good luck with the house...and floor pans haha.

I would obviously expect updates on any paint so here's hoping you get a winning scratch ticket or something.

PostOMatic2000 > Chairman Kaga
06/03/2014 at 11:11

I am in the exact same boat as you. I know the STI/EVO/Whatever makes more power, but I don't wear Ramones T-Shirts to work and I know which way the brim of my hat is supposed to face, so I can't drive a neon green car with a fart-can exhaust. And I don't want acres of cheap plastic and doors that close with a tin-can sound.

I like that I can step up to the R32 for more performance, or to the Golf Wagon for more room. Oh yeah, they are making a Golf wagon, with AWD, but not with the GTI or R32 drivetrain. THAT would have my checkbook out in a heartbeat!

Kinja'd!!!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 11:27

yeah seriously wouldn't that be nice?!!??

I should be able to get the floor pans this summer. I pretty much dump $2-300 a year into it and it's usually in July. Last summer was exhaust. This summer is hopefully the pans.

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 11:30

Looks like someone is consistent! Haha.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 11:39

it's mainly because I get a bit of cash for my birthday hahahaha.

If parents/grandparents stop chipping in i'm screwed. And turning 28 you can't count on bday gifts anymore

liquid_popcorn > Party-vi
06/03/2014 at 11:44

I understand - I got married a little over 2 years ago, so I know what you mean. Haha.

The new GTI is rated at upper 20s in the city, 34ish highway. And we usually shoot low.

My MK6 manual gets 32hwy, and I beat on it pretty hard. I've gotten 35 on long trips with 93oct

Party-vi > liquid_popcorn
06/03/2014 at 11:46

Sounds like it's a good choice for my next car, then. Really it's the interior quality I'm worried about - I've got essentially a 2 hour commute each day, and if I wanted outright power I'd probably get a Focus ST.

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 11:50

Haha...I stopped counting on birthday gifts years ago but I'm not far behind you. This summer is my "quarter life crisis" and I'll likely be a wreck. I don't anticipate a rash purchase or anything unless it involves trading my motorcycle for a newer model.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 11:51

my wife kept thinking the Montego was a quarter life or mid life crisis type purchase.

I had to explain to her I'd wanted a muscle car since I was about 6 and it wouldn't have mattered if I bought it at 17 and 47 it was going to happen.

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 11:56

Pretty much everyone that knows me is aware of and expecting my eventual two car garage of truck and muscle car.

I've been told that the cars I've had since my high school truck don't seem to fit me as well as that truck ever did.

So F-150 and Mustang it will be.

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 11:58

I applaud you for doing it, by the way.

If my crisis gets really bad it may be ST for one of the wish list, to be honest.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 11:59

makes sense. My Mercury Milan is my DD and it's fine, I don't know that it really "fits me" either. I grew up driving S10 Blazers, this is my first DD that is actually a car.

I suspect next time I purchase a vehicle for my DD it will be a GMC Canyon or Chevy Colorado depending on MPG

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 12:00

I thought the ST fit me fine but I'm always pining for a truck. I bounce back and forth too often.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 12:06

I think the ST would do fine to replace the Mustang on the F150 combo unless you're looking for a shelby lol

Saracen > Chairman Kaga
06/03/2014 at 12:25

You shouldn't care what anyone says. It's still the best overall hot hatch you can buy.

liquid_popcorn > Party-vi
06/03/2014 at 12:31

Ah, I see. Interior the GTI wins hands down - the MK7 is an absolutely fantastic place to be.

Also, regarding power - 220/258 with performance pack, then there's always Unitronic/APR/Revo...

Party-vi > liquid_popcorn
06/03/2014 at 12:33

Or there's always the fact that (at least until recently) VW underrated their power figures :D

liquid_popcorn > Party-vi
06/03/2014 at 12:55

Haha, that t

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 13:04

I've thought that as well haha.

Same. Exact. Thought.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 13:23

could always do some modding on the ST too!

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 13:30

Slowly but surely.

I NEED a truck though. Not want. Need.

The infection is in my blood...I need ground clearance and a V8!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 13:46

I want "DAT GROUND CLEARANCE" too. People used to say..."why do you have a truck?" simple answer? "It's fun to run stuff over" lol

I don't even care about a V8. I'll be perfectly happy with the V6 in the Canyon

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 13:52

It's absolutely fun to NOT GIVE TWO SHITS!!!!!!

I nearly crap my pants when I see a speed bump now.

The V8 I had in high school was a '99 F-150 so today's 6-cylinders could eat that and spit it out. I am curious about the Canyon...my buddy is, too. He's waiting on next year to look at trucks and has agreed that the full sized offerings are a little too much now.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 14:26

yeah I frankly don't need THAT MUCH truck. I plan to tow once or twice a year (my in laws camper, which weighs in around 5000 lbs...unloaded. and I want some nice 4x4. And a full back seat. I don't need it to be longer than the Montego!

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 14:30

The truck was a necessity for my family and our yard work so I can wait until I have a house I guess. Don't tow anything but 4x4 would be nice especially as I want to camp and such more.

I really hope they get this one right!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 14:34

man I do too. when I was shopping for the Milan the only Colorado/Canyon I'd consider was the V8 and then the MPG sucked. Couldn't really win in that scenario. I didn't want the I5

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 14:38

The itch is returning.

Must.

Not.

Google.

Trucks.

::dammit::

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
06/03/2014 at 14:38

Hahahaha it's a problem...

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/03/2014 at 14:44

You're telling me.

I had a friend on Sunday tell me "just go get one already!" when he caught me staring at a dark red wrangler.