Volkswagen Golf GTI (2005 - 2008) 2.0 GTI 3d (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says you like cars but don't want to look like an idiot in an EVO or similar. It also sets you apart from the hot hatch wannabes you see around the place. It's understated yet still aggressive. Perfect.

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

My peers love it, and coming from a motor trade group, it generates respect wherever you go. Not out of place if you get out of it wearing black tie, and not out of place when you chuck it round a country lane either. In general people see it as a great choice if you want some fun and practicality without shelling out for an S4 or similar.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, but purely for future proofing i would get the 5dr. I drove the new Golf (non GTi) and it's very very similar, so maybe in a few years i might consider it, or maybe the Scirocco if it comes down in price a little.

What are you likely to buy next?

Not sure, if it isn't another Golf. Ideally i'll be getting another company car at some point, which will limit me to a low tax option, like a A4 Estate or similar.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£12,200

When did you buy the car?

December 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

As noted, got a great deal, i was leaving the company but was still entitled to staff deals. The car had been traded in for next to nothing, so i got it for that plus £200 admin.. bonus.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I worked for the Dealer group, so got it at trade in value. Should have been 15k.

What was the dealer like?

Great! I knew them so it was a pleasure to be honest.

What's it like to drive?

Incredible. I had an A4 saloon prior to the GTi, which was lovely for cruising, but just can't match the raw pace. Other hot hatches may be faster (VXR for example) but nothing matches the GTi for it's all round appeal. Drive was made terrifying by having some rather "skiddy" tyres but once replaced the car is back to it's best. Best feeling? When you slam it down a gear after doing *ahem* high speed on the motorway, bury the right foot and your head still hits the back of the head rest. Incredible!

What's it like to park?

Easy as - i have rear sensors which make a difference, though they are a little sensitive... steering is light though which makes it easier too.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not really, only niggle is a noisy rear windscreen wiper - hardly worth mentioning!

What's most practical about your car?

Most practical? The great sized boot and the fact that you've got a car that happily seats 4/5 people and yet goes 140+ mph. It's so great! Fuel economy is fair too - easily achieve 36mpg+ on long runs, less in traffic, obviously.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

iPod connector is great, but the 18" wheels are the best... they look so good. (though set you back in tyres cost!)