[nickg123]

I've had a good look through the Members Ride section, but just noticed quite a few 5 Door MkIV's.

I just wondered why you all chose the cars you did, whether it's a 3-dr or 5-dr, what were your reasons for going for it?

I've always thought the 3-dr cars just looked better, but are there any strength advantages?

 

[oxford]

If I were to buy a new Golf GTI I would buy a 3dr...

Mine is a 5dr, just happened to be a 5dr when I found the car I wanted!

There are advantages to it, however there is no real need for me to have a 5dr car!

 

[Mr Benn]

Having 2 children, 5 door option was a must. Personally I think 5 door golfs look better as well although I think I am in a minority there. When looking / phoning around to find my car (1.8T) I turned loads down because they were 3 door.

 

[Milkfloat]

A lot more 5 doors were sold than 3 doors. The 5 is far more practical, although IMO the 3 looks slightly nicer. I have a 5 door MKIV and now a 5 door MKV on order. Practicality out weighs looks / performace for me, otherwise I would be driving around in an Elise.

 

[Richard W]

2 children - bad back - 5 dr.

I don't have any major preference on looks it was pure practicality for me.

 

[sammyboy]

Had loads of hot hatches and apart from my 205Gti always ended up with 5 doors for some reason. This time I promised myself 3 door only. They just look better and I presume have stiffer shells? Not that it makes any difference in a MKIV.

 

[Gareth_1.8T]

5 door here. honestly thought they were slightly nicer to look at & more practical. Although if i buy another Mk4, i would most probably go for a 3 door. Can't explain why tho.

 

[zekegti]

Its gotta be the three door as i think they look better. i have a baby but am prepared to put up with the inccovenience rather than have a five bore.

 

[nickg123]

I must admit 5 doors are great for those times you have to pull up and let someone jump out the back!

I had a 5 Door 306, but always wished i'd bought a 3 door as i thought it just looked more sporty?? I don't even know why to be honest? I suppose it's down to watching the old F2 Rally cars etc, but i can see why people have 5 doors - definitely!

 

[D17ONA]

I have a 3 door, and would only buy a 3 door car, think they look much better. If I wanted a family car, I wouldn't buy a hatchback, I'd buy like an Audi A4, bora etc

 

[SP51]

3 doors look great, but for me with 2 kids a 5 door is far more practical. Just so happened that the car i found was the spec and colour i wanted plus at a good price.

Not sure about a 5 door R32 though. Never seen one, do they exsist.

 

[Gareth_1.8T]

they certainly do

 

[sk4tec]

I only wanted a 3 door as from my research ita lighter than the 5 foor. I'm also guessing as the car has less holes but into it will be slightly stiffer (the mk4 needs all the help it can get!). I also perfer the 3 door as it looks nicer.

 

[Mikedav]

Contrary to popular belief from people on MSN (!) Im not married with kids and baby seats despite my 'family' car! []. Im 22 and carry friends in my car quite a lot, which makes a 4dr very practical. But I also personally do not like hatchbacks and have always preffered a well proportioned saloon - Im weird like that. I would always buy an A4 to an A3, BMW 3 Series Saloon to a Compact, etc. If I didn't buy a saloon, I would probably buy a coupe.

 

[Felix]

I just like the practicality of a five door, I tend to use my car as a bit of a workhorse,s the hatchback is far more practical in that respect. Also we quite often have have people in the back, friends etc when we go out for a drink - its much easier for them to get in and out etc.

I do agree that 3 door cars probably look that bit sportier, but I use the boot to its full capacity with foded down seats etc that often that a 3 door would begin to get on my nerves.

 

[turbo tyke]

I've got a 3 door 1.8T, think they look nicer although the doors on a 3dr tend to sag after a while.

 

[Rye]

I would love a 3dr but they don't sell 3 door 1.6 MKIVs in this country and I can't afford the insurance on anything more powerful. 5 door is more practical and doesn't look that much different. 3 door has the edge though.

 

[Jammy]

I have the 3-door!

I think most 3 dr cars look more sportier!

5 dr = family + 2.4children [!]

3 dr = young + unattached []

 

[Essex Escy]

mine is five door - the car i found at the time. having said that, i prefer five doors as the passenger having to get out and having people stand all over your interior dont appeal,

 

[mcs]

same as Oxford

the correct car (cost/spec/availabilty etc) at the time was a 5 door.

No kids, dont lug stuff about, no real need for so many doors but this 4mo just happened to have them and didnt want that to be a deal breaker.. VERY practical tho when picking mates up or chucking stuff in the back that you dont want to roll around the boot... also easier to hang my suit jacket when commuting without stretching across armrests and handbrakes. Nowt wrong with 3 doors tho.. EVERY other car I have owned has either been a two or three door.

must admit tho to be a true GTi its gotta be a 3door!