Gti

DocM

Hey guys,

I'm sneaking this quick impression from behind my work desk, I'll have to make it short so here goes:
Test drove the GTI yesterday. It was a silver model, 18" huffs, DSG, & leather interior.

You really sit nicely in a GTI, the seating position I found was fantastic, and the steering wheel had a nice feel and just-about-right thickness to it. The interior is pretty straighforward, your typical vw interior, nothing out of the ordinary there.

Onto the driving impression: I took for 8 minute spin and had the chance with to play with the DSG. The paddles behind the wheel are tiny to be honest, and barely have any travel. The gear shifts are instantaneous, as a matter of fact they are so fast that they are barely noticeable! This I thought took away that sensation of gears changing that one gets used with say, bmw's steptronic autobox. Personally I would go for the 6 speed man tranny. The 18" wheels, look sick as hell, but seriously compromise the ride. The first thing you notice once on the highway is the jarry ride. And for me that can become bothersome. So unless the roads are in tip top conditions, I would say go with the 17" denver alloys.

All in all, this car offers a pretty decent package, and could very well become my next ride. I'll post pics when I get back home

cawimmer430 · **Re: Gti -** 03-23-2008, 10:11 AM

Thanks for sharing and taking risks at work to tell us about it!

DocM · **Re: Gti -** 03-25-2008, 06:17 PM

ahh no worries.

I spend most of my time at work, reading car updates and checking up what's new on the forum

As for the GTI, I've made up my mind and decided to go for it. I've weighed all the pro's and con's considered other alternative in town and I'm convinced its the right car for me.

If all goes well, I should get it in about 3 three weeks, give or take.

Here are the Specs if anyone is interested.

-Exterior color: Silver (would have prefered grey or black, but that's the currently available at the dealers)
-Interior: Black Leather heated seats (autobahn package), moonroof
-DSG (I wanted a 6 speed man, but DSG is easier when it's time to sell the car again)
-18" Huff. wheels with all season tires
-it's a 2008 certified model with 4000 miles on it
-the dealer is asking 24 000 USD for it, but I'm sure that price is negotiable.

Do you guys think the dealer is asking too much for it?

Please let me know

coolraoul · **Re: Gti -** 03-25-2008, 06:45 PM

I've seen a little sign to sell in germany, "as long as my boss will only pretend to pay me, I will only pretend to work". Found it just awesome...

Good review BTW! The GTI is a good car.

DocM · **Re: Gti -** 03-25-2008, 08:11 PM

Coolraoul.

That little german sign, made me ROFL!!! Because it's exactly my situation.

Fortunately, I will be starting residency as of June, and the GTI will be the first car I buy. From now till then, I like to play "pretend"

coolraoul · **Re: Gti -** 03-26-2008, 06:02 AM

Well, congrats for your new situation and new car!

I testdrove a Golf DSG but with TDI 140, it's really an impressive gearbox. Sitting position, ergonomy are near perfection, steering and gearbox very pleasant. The finition is less impressive than in the Golf IV, but it's a pleasant place to be. All the rest, I can't say, it was a TDI with conventional suspensions.

And my actual car is a Golf... but a mark IV; and with the little TDI 100. Very happy with it.

BTW...I'm still student, I'm in an internship, so my "boss" doesn't even pretend to pay me!! I get a ridiculous amount of money and have to live in Paris with it...