"WhiskeyGolf" (whiskeygolf)
04/06/2015 at 09:32 • Filed to: Test drives
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"WhiskeyGolf" (whiskeygolf)
04/06/2015 at 09:32 • Filed to: Test drives | 1
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This weekend I had one of my two different dealerships install my summer wheels so while poking around in the cars in the showroom, I asked about any GTIs available for a test drive. They had a five door red Performance model available so I went for a spin. It was great to get one on the road, since I've been reading and asking about it for probably more than 2 years now.
It was also refreshing to be given the keys and have the salesman just let me go solo. He suggested a route that included highway, a roundabout and some slower twisties so I followed that and went for it.
It's difficult to get a legit impression from a 30 minute drive, but I think the fact that I've been driving a Golf for a little over 4 years means that I noticed the improved steering and flatter suspension right away. It's also the fastest turbo car I've driven and probably faster than my dad's 2009 328i. I may have been laughing all the way on the highway...
I also noticed that it felt like there was reduced headroom for my 6'4" frame, compared to my 3 door Golf, despite both cars having a sunroof. This one had leather seats, with power on the driver side, so maybe the cloth seats are a little lower (not sure if they have power, though). I do love the side bolsters and that flat bottom steering wheel.
Another thing I found interesting is that the Performance models come with summer rubber from the factory, with optional all seasons, and all of the cars at this dealership had all season tires. They don't even stock summer tires.
When I returned, I had a big grin and told the salesman "I can't wait to buy one of those!". The problem, like so many other things in life, is money, as this car is basically the trim level down from the Golf R and has dealer configured options like leather seats and the technology package (front assist, nav and backup camera) so it stickers for something like $36-37k CAD (talking almost $45k out the door!). I'm eyeing the 3 door Performance at about $34k but even that's going to be a stretch.
Gotta dream, though!
Racescort666
> WhiskeyGolf
04/06/2015 at 09:34 |
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I can't believe I got to use this meme twice within minutes of each other today.
jariten1781
> WhiskeyGolf
04/06/2015 at 09:45 |
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Another thing I found interesting is that the Performance models come with summer rubber from the factory, with optional all seasons, and all of the cars at this dealership had all season tires. They don't even stock summer tires.
Yeah, was the same when we bought ours a couple years ago. Told the dealer sale was contingent on getting summers (which he'd previously said would be impossible, but he'd happily order us some in addition to the all-seasons we didn't want) and somehow they magically got a hold of them (I think they just swapped wheel/tires with another local dealer.)
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WhiskeyGolf
> Racescort666
04/06/2015 at 09:48 |
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Haha, this was like me on the roundabout
G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
> WhiskeyGolf
04/06/2015 at 10:18 |
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Hey, a fellow Canadian!
scoob
> WhiskeyGolf
04/06/2015 at 10:26 |
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Didn't know you could go solo on test drives!
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WhiskeyGolf
> G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/06/2015 at 10:34 |
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There are literally dozens of us on here! Dozens!
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G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
> WhiskeyGolf
04/06/2015 at 10:36 |
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Indeed. Where are you from? My car's in Stoney Creek, but I reside in Guelph.
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WhiskeyGolf
> scoob
04/06/2015 at 10:42 |
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I'm 26 so I don't know if this is the dealership's policy normally or if I have enough of a history with them that they trust me, but either way it was sweet!
Bobbyzoom
> G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/06/2015 at 10:42 |
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Mississauga!
GTI MkVII
> WhiskeyGolf
04/06/2015 at 10:42 |
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They can certainly get pricey, but I can assure you it's well worth it. The quality, performance, and practicality just can't be beat. If you're ok with losing a few options, you should definitely look at slightly lesser trims (without the performance pack as well if you don't mind losing the diff).
Mine is a US Autobahn model with only one option - the lighting package. Since then, I've added wheels and tires (Michelin PSS), Euro LED tails, and other small bits and bobs. Haven't regretted it for a second.
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WhiskeyGolf
> G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/06/2015 at 10:43 |
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I live in Ottawa, where I know of 3 or 4 other Oppo members, but this drive was in Cambridge, where my parents are nice enough to store my winter tires in the garage.
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G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
> WhiskeyGolf
04/06/2015 at 10:46 |
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Nice! I wish there were more opponauts in my area.
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WhiskeyGolf
> GTI MkVII
04/06/2015 at 10:47 |
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I totally get the value proposition. You know you're getting a premium car, but ultimately that out-the-door number is still pretty important. At the moment I'm not hurting for wheels, and every month I wait I owe a little less on my car, so I have no problem being patient because this is a car I would buy and drive until I can drive it no more.
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WhiskeyGolf
> G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/06/2015 at 10:49 |
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There was a map going around somewhere of our locations and I think there were a few people in the GTA so they're out there!
Trevor Slattery, ACTOR
> scoob
04/06/2015 at 11:09 |
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When you are looked upon as an adult, they let you go out no problem.
Dealerships let old guys like me (47) out solo all the time.
CB
> WhiskeyGolf
04/06/2015 at 17:43 |
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Shhh... don't tell them about us.
And I can think of seven of us off the top of my head. You, me, thebigbossyboss, Zippy, Thunderface, Buford-T-Justice, and Mr. Gofast, although there could be more.
Clearly, this means we need another Ottawa meetup over the summer.
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WhiskeyGolf
> CB
04/06/2015 at 18:20 |
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There are actually quite a few Ottawa area events I've met other members at over the last few years, you should check them out!
bossyboss and zippy were at the Maniwacki rally race earlier this year
first weekend in May is a smaller rally race in Lanark that we were at last year
MCO runs a couple Calabogie lapping days (I'm going to one in May and maybe again later in the summer) and AutoX events at Canadian Tire Centre
I went to the Calabogie grand prix race last year in July and there are others throughout the summer
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CB
> WhiskeyGolf
04/06/2015 at 18:22 |
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I've met up with Zippy and theboss for drinks and ice road driving, but a few more events would be awesome.
Andrew T. Maness
> WhiskeyGolf
04/30/2015 at 02:00 |
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Whoa, where do you live that they let you go out solo and on a nice route?!
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WhiskeyGolf
> Andrew T. Maness
04/30/2015 at 09:19 |
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This was in Cambridge, Ontario and I don’t know if it’s the dealership’s normal test drive policy, but I have a reasonable service history with them so that may have factored into it.
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Andrew T. Maness
> WhiskeyGolf
04/30/2015 at 11:53 |
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Ah, probably did.
That and the fact you’re up in the great white north where everyone is friendly and trusting.
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WhiskeyGolf
> Andrew T. Maness
04/30/2015 at 11:55 |
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Salesman checked my license, handed me some Timbits and sent me on my way.