Time for a New Car

"Dunnik" (dunnik) 09/11/2014 at 22:46 • Filed to: NEW CARS, VOLKSWAGEN, GOLF Mk7

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I think it's time for a new car, and it took me less time than I thought to find a suitable candidate, the Mk7 Golf TDI.

"But Dunnik," you say, "you've got the wrong letters there." I like a hot hatch as much as the next Oppo, but if I'm to buy a new new car, the turbo diesel is more appealing financially than the GTI. Insurance, for one. Even though I have a 5-star rating it'll cost more to insure. Speeding tickets, for two. If you never ever get a speeding ticket in a new GTI you're probably doing it wrong. And for three, rather obviously, needing high-octane gasoline is much more expensive than diesel.

I've always liked the Golf, so much so that the Golf GTI Mk2 is #1 on my FP article, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! The Mk7, which I saw at the auto show was quite impressive ("I can't tell you anything about the car," the cute VW girl told me, "Oh? So what color is this Golf?", I ask, pointing, "I'm sorry I can't tell you that."). As a vehicle transporter for a major rental car company, I've driven dozens of Mk6's and only our C300 4MATIC Mercs and Subies could touch it in terms of handling. If the Golf isn't the best handling FWD car out there, then I'd really like to drive what is.

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Photo credits (Top) drive.ca, (Bottom) autoexpress.co.uk

The Impreza, which I've also driven at work, is impressive as well. I found I could not test the limits of the car's grip without a racetrack. Its interior, however, is decidedly unimpressive, reminding me of other shitty Japanese interiors by Toyota and Mitsubishi. Taking our auto-cross goggles off for a moment, I'm sure we can all appreciate how important an interior (including seats) is if you're going to be living with a car long term. And while AWD on winter tires would be stupidly overpowered in a Toronto winter, for the other 8 months of the year I'm wasting gas by powering two wheels I really don't need (unless I suddenly feel the urge to go race a dirt course).

As for the twin Fun Fords, the Fiesta (even the ST) and the Focus, I strongly dislike Ford interiors of recent years. A Golf, keeping to its original boxy shape, has better visibility and more cargo room too, no doubt. The Fiesta ST is a hot hatch anyone could afford, but it's much too small for my tastes.

So while I feel pretty confident I've the right choice for me, I would be a fool not to call up the Wisdom of Oppo. Agreement, disagreement, suggestions, alternatives, all would be most welcome.

About the only thing that scares me - other than signing my life away on a loan - is the old advice about how you should never buy a car in its first model year due to teething problems.

GhostZ > Dunnik 09/11/2014 at 22:49

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But But Depreciation!

Dunnik > GhostZ 09/11/2014 at 22:53

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Yep, but I've decided the trade offs are worth it.

I'd aim to finance and pay it off in 4-5 years, then hopefully keep it another 5, then sell it on, especially at a time when gas prices spike and everybody wants a diesel. I should recover a decent bit of my money, and see the rest as a cost of ownership.

HammerheadFistpunch > Dunnik 09/11/2014 at 22:55

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The TDI and GTI had pretty close suspension calibrations on the mark VI bummer about the urea injection though.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Dunnik 09/11/2014 at 22:56

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Right now I'm between the Jetta TDI and the Golf TDI...

Long Live the Longdoor > Dunnik 09/11/2014 at 23:08

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Good Choice! If I were looking for a small car with a decent interior that was also good on the bank account, I'd give the Golf a go. I'd say Mazda 3 but everything just feels better in the VW (soft everything, overall refinement).

I really like the Impreza but it's down on power and the interior is average for the segment. I'm really curious to see what the next model/refresh of the Impreza yields. If Subaru can do something with that 2.0L engine that won't tank the mpgs, I'd seriously consider it for my next car.

Dunnik > Long Live the Longdoor 09/11/2014 at 23:14

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Yea I agree that the Imprezza's power delivery could use some improvement. I suppose for people who want that there's the WRX.

I can't bring myself to like anything about the Mazda 3 other than its handling. But the Golf seems as good or better, and is a much more comfortable place to be in.

Kailand09 > Dunnik 09/11/2014 at 23:16

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I guess I'll have to go with the obvious and say the financial differences wouldn't be that great in difference, so I'd still get a GTI. I find the GTI to already have a bit of a lack in umph (though not bad). I'd have to APR tune it.

Honestly, MPG differences probably won't actually come out to that much of a financial advantage.

Dunnik > Kailand09 09/11/2014 at 23:24

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If you're American, I'll point out that gas in Canada is about a third more expensive (usually around 30-33% more).

Kailand09 > Dunnik 09/11/2014 at 23:30

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Ah you're canadanese. I didn't realize that. Here diesel I believe is actually more expensive than petrol too.

Arben72 > Dunnik 09/11/2014 at 23:35

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They've been out for a while in other countries, I remember seeing them a year ago in Europe. (Then again it had manufacturer plates ).

Also, why not gtd? It's a gti that burns oil.

Dunnik > Kailand09 09/11/2014 at 23:35

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In Toronto diesel is currently about the same price as gasoline, and when it isn't, it's usually only about 10 cents more at most, or about the price difference between regular and premium. When diesel and gas prices are close, it makes some decent economic sense to go (turbo) diesel.

Dunnik > Arben72 09/11/2014 at 23:36

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Not available in Canada (or North America?) yet. Not sure if they've said when it'll come (if ever) because oh yes that would tempting. What a torque monster it would be.

Arben72 > Dunnik 09/12/2014 at 00:22

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Even if they don't the regular tdi still is plenty of fun. All it takes is a tune and your in for some real fun.

GhostZ > Dunnik 09/12/2014 at 00:44

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I would worry about whether or not its possible to own and drive a new VW for 10 years without getting upside on maintenance costs or repairs, to getting fed up with bugs and wanting to buy another new car in 5 years anyway.

Dunnik > GhostZ 09/12/2014 at 00:50

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I must admit that VW does have a reputation for buyers who dump their cars the moment the warranty is up. By the time it is, I'll likely have paid it off, and I can make that determination then. I'd get more for my money were I to keep it, but I'm willing to walk.

Kailand09 > Dunnik 09/12/2014 at 06:15

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I definitely see what you're saying, hadn't realized you were Canadian. Very different situation there.

DasWauto > Dunnik 09/12/2014 at 10:15

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I just went through this process and had many of the same thoughts (Fiesta too small, Impreza is good but interior is mediocre). I bought a Mk. VII.

The GTI is just too expensive here so that was out for me. The best handling car in the segment is the Mazda3 and the interior of the new one is really excellent as well. The Golf is on par (or close) on handling, has a nice interior as well and though I like interior design of the Mazda a bit better, I prefer the exterior of the Golf (the 3 hatch looks frumpy without a window behind the rear doors).

The swing for me was probably the 170hp, 185lb-ft of the 1.8TSI. That extra torque over the Mazda is what you really feel. It's the best powertrain in the class, for my money.