I've always been a volkswagen guy. My first few cars were vws. My wife's first car was a VW. I've always loved vw, but bought a MCS in early 2004. I wanted to get a MINI since the first time I saw the concept at the Japan Auto Show. Now the new GTI is coming out. I'm not sure if I want to keep my MINI any more, or if I want to get the new GTI. the reason that I didn't buy a VWE when I got the MINI is because VW had no "drivers" cars. Now this one is coming out and I feel myself being pulled back to the VW side.

is anyone else considering this? what should I do?

 

The GTI was my second choice against the Cooper. That new auto tranny they have is supposed to be something else. Everything that is said about it is really nice. That being said, it is a first year car, and VW/Audi just isn't what they were.

Personally I don't know what I would do, but I'll never buy another Audi.

 

are u talkin' about the all new R32 or the all new CORRADO?
im in the same boat.....cant decide meself
love the mincoop but been a v-dub fan for years
i started in the vintage scene 14 years back and now have owned a few new JETTAS!!
--my vR6 GLI jetta w/the six speed kicks ***

 

I would avoid the first year too.
Also I think the new GTI is more like the Jetta GLI, there are lots of praise on the 2.0T engine and DSG trans, but the handling still not as good.

 

except for the early MK4's the handlin' has never been g00d on these cars....nothin' a NiCE coilover kit cant fix

 

It maybe 1st year in the US, but not the 1st year of the new GTi. Lat may in Dublin a saw a couple of them, and they're pretty nice, and I'd like to take one out sometime and see what it's like


that said I've been burned by VW/Audi and would be cautious of going back.

 

I say go ahead and get the VW, come back and let us know what you think and how you compare the it with the MINI.

I personally don't care for any VW's, but since you do, what the hell? Are you worried at all that you might not like it as much as your MINI???

 

[QUOTE=sfjames2]I say go ahead and get the VW, come back and let us know what you think and how you compare the it with the MINI.

I personally don't care for any VW's, but since you do, what the hell? Are you worried at all that you might not like it as much as your MINI???

Of course, to each his own, but I would keep the MINI. My 2 cents.

 

I think the new GTI has a great engine and the best transmission DSG. From the paper looks pretty promissing. The only thing that different from Euro spec is the ride height. They have raised 1/4" up for US.

 

I'm talking about the GTI with the 2.0T

coilovers would promptly go on the GTI if I got one. Ride height would not be a concern of mine.

My wife REALLY loves the uniqueness and the fun of the MINI. it's a totally different ride than I've ever had before.

also, I would not get the DSG. I've driven a DSG TT, and I like to row the gears. paddles do nothing for me!

 

I think you gain more performance by going with the new GTI, from what I've read and seen on video, its dynamically very very good.

I drove an 06 Jetta 2.0T 6 spd manual, the gearbox and drive train in that VW was extremely nice, clutch throw is a little long compared to the MINI however, and the handling wasn't so great. But this wasn't the GTI at all

I say go for it! If you don't like it you can always trade it back for a 07 MINIs!

 

.....yeah, you trader!!!

 

A lot of people, myself included, started on GTIs, "graduated" to used BMWs, and then moved into new MINIs. Perfectly natural to keep looking ove rthe fence to see what VW is up to. I wouldn't mind having an R32.

 

I've also had a bunch of VWs over the years. That said, first year or not, my recent experiences with VW have been such that I'll never touch another one. Sad. But true. Of course, you might get lucky. Relying on Luck when buying a car is something I just don't do anymore.

 

The main draw of that VW is that DSG. The reviews say those paddles can change gears faster than the person is capable of driving it, so at least it sounds like fun. Downside would be it wouldn't corner as well and the way VW has been the past few years I don't see it being as reliable. No rag top either!!!

 

My second choice was a GTI. Then after a while i test drove the MINI again and immediately said to myself "what the HELL was i even thinking considering that car"

the gti is nice but it is nite and day. Nothi ng has the fun and character as the mini.

 

I had a lot of fun with my 2001 GTI 1.8t, but I only bought it because I needed something to drive for 2 years until I could get the MINI I knew was coming. . .

Based on the problems I had with reliability and terrible warranty service, I don't think I would want to go back. . .

But I sure had a heck of a good time and with mods,my GTI was TONS faster than my MCS!

 

Arent the MK V's independent rear suspension now as well? No more solid axle rear end. A friend of mine drove the new Jetta GLI, which comes with the 2.0T, and he said it felt really good. This is a question that i have asked myself also.

But i am debating more on whether or not to do a R trade, when the new R32(or the rumored R34 for the US market) comes out. From the pictues, it looks really good, and you cant argue with the sound of VW's 6 cylinders.

 

Yes...the new GTI is multi-link.
Honestly, I think the new GTI looks fantastic...and all the reviews of the euro version sound fantastic. Not sure how I feel about them raising the height of the car.

I too have been a VW owner over the years. However, as other have said, I've been scared away after my last VAG (Audi) owners experience. I'm definitely test driving it when it gets here in February...but the dealership owner who is a good friend knows there is no way in hell I'm buying it.

 

I wouldn't dream of telling you what to do with it!

 

I was also thinking about the MkV Gti, the white with plaid seats would look great. But I instead went with an '06 MCS and don't regret it for one second.

 

i am going to wait for the new R line to even think about replacing mine, ohh, BTW, long term VW guy here

 

I agree with Yucca. My daughter finally sold her 2001 GTI 1.8t and danced all around when she did. The reliability was horrific and until she found a decent dealership the work was always sub-par. Even her mechanic told her to get rid of it asap. The problem with GTIs and Beetles is the reliability. I am not sure that will ever change. Even still if someone wanted to give me one as a second car I wouldn't turn it down.

 

I have 40,000 miles on my 04 GTI. Never been to the shop
once, dead on reliable but boring as hell, doesn't handle
all that well even with different springs. I hate the way the
car takes off, its either grandma slow or John Force tire
spin and torque steer. Not a fun car to toss around and
absolutely no "sound" at all. I hope the new GTI is tons
better but the MINI is just way better.

 

i've owned a few V-dubs
never had a problem w/them as of yet!!!
...other than the small stuff that all the other car manufacture's have.

**pitpass, whos springs are u runnin' on ur GTI?
what 'GTI' is it? ....and on ur comment of "sound" what did u refer to???