Volkswagen Golf GTI (2005 - 2008) 2.0 GTI 3d (2005/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I honestly don't know. I brought it because I really like it and wanted one. Perhaps it's a statement of individuality and choice but certainly class.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They really like it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, it's the best car I've ever owned. Build quality is so good, looks fantastic, drives fantastic, slow depreciation in value, very good on running costs for the type of car and it's never disappointed me. I look forward to driving to work, even after about 5 years of ownership.

What are you likely to buy next?

Very likely a newer Golf GTI.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£14,000

When did you buy the car?

October 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

I was looking for a nice example of a VW Golf GTI and had my local VW looking out for me as I am a previous customer and I had a phone call from VW saying that they had purchased back a local Black 3dr GTI from a gent that was unfortunately unable to drive anymore. The car had been garaged from new and had 7000 miles on the clock. I went to have a look and it was in showroom condition, everything down to the brakes and callipers were gleaming. I brought the car with a 1 year warranty.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The Golf GTI is always the bench mark for all other hot hatch's. My dad used to have a MK1 Golf GTI.

What was the dealer like?

Dealer was fantastic. A VW franchise called Helston Garages in Cornwall UK. They are always delighted to advise and help. Very professional. They even come to collect the car for me when it needs an MOT.

What's it like to drive?

This is one of the few turbo petrol engine cars that I have driven that has a plenty of torque and power through out the entire rev range. You can change gear nice and early at 2000-2500 RPM and there is no turbo lag at all but if you want to have abit of fun and rev it out it will pull hard until the top of the rev range. Handling is amazing now that this model has joint link suspension, it really holds corners so well and makes small work of country roads. Cabin is quiet and comfortable but you feel the road alittle bit more with the 18inch wheels but its worth it for the look and handling. The car does not torque steer, even if you floor it in the wet. It always makes me smile and has such a feel good factor.

What's it like to park?

I don't have any problems parking it, it is the same as parking a standard golf. Although the rear pillars are quite big, I still think the visibility is very good all around. The turning circle is good. One of the options on these cars is the rear parking sensors although mine doesn't have them.

Have you had any problems with the car?

-2 Zone Climate control facia was replaced under warranty which stopped working. -ABS control unit went offline and generated light on dashboard. Car was out of warranty but the part was replaced under sympathetic warranty as it was a known problem. Nothing too disappointing.

What's most practical about your car?

The GTI badge does not take away any practicality, it is still a golf. You can still carry 5 people and it has a respectful boot size for your shopping. I get 33 MPG on average. On motorway runs I can get about 37 MPG and if I want to really give it some beans and have some fun then about 28 to 30 MPG.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I have got a few optional extras including leather heated seats, 18inch Monza wheels, cruse control, convenience pack but what I like the most is actually features that you get as standard on the GTI which you can't get or have to pay extra for on other golfs. There is a lot of goodies as standard which include things like the flat bottom steering wheel, alloy pedals, alloy gear nob, alloy trim, electric everything, auto dim rear view mirror, side skirts and rear spoiler etc etc etc. It's all there to make it feel sporty and special.