[Richard W]

I bought mine 'cos of the blend of build quality, price, economy and 'upgradeability' of parts from other models in the range. What other car/range gives that blend - not much really!

All my mods are OEM and could've been spec'ed when new... ;-)

I should point out that I had a budget (at the time) of ?8k

Your comments on the MkIV strike a chord with me - sorry folks I really can't see the point in buying a Golf for ?20k (no, not even an R32) when you look at what could be bought for the price, all sorts of shapes and sizes from a 911 Carrera 4 to a BMW 330d. We all have our reasons for choosing the cars we've got, please don't take this as criticism, just my 2p.

 

[Richard W]

Quote: posted by col.mc on 22/10/2004 10:20:22

upgradeability of parts and power [] very tunable engines in the vag range.

Dont think its one thing, really. Its a combination of the product, quality, price etc.

Couldn't agree more!

Quote: posted by col.mc on 22/10/2004 10:20:22

Its fair to say that for a little more you could have an audi, but if we had fords/vauxhalls we'd be saying for a little more we could have a dub. If we had audi's we'd say for a little more we could have a beemer.

I've got a BMW and have had an Audi and a couple of Mercs so to retain that feeling of quality I chose a MKIV. to clarify my other comments, the other cars I was looking at when I bought the Golf were an A4 TDi (A3 5-door was too expensive), Passat TDi, or a C-Class CDi. All of which turned out to be too big for my needs. Whilst there's a number of dynamic deficiencies in the MkIV I chose one because it 'ticked all the boxes' for me.

What other ?8k 45mpg, 5-door hatchback could be compared to, and have similar build quality to those cars....?

 

[Richard W]

Quote: posted by Tom R32 on 22/10/2004 12:39:57

I would never buy a Golf lower than the R32 - far better cars out there. A3 Anyone?

I wouldn't even buy an R32 - far better cars for the money out there[]

Is the A3 really that much better Tom.....?

Whe I bought my Golf I wanted an A3 but for the budget:

Didn't have PD engine

Didn't have 5 doors

TDi sport spec - rocking horse poo...

So as Audi left it 'til very late in the model life to fit a PD engine, then didn't do the 150, tried to broaden the appeal by doing a 5 door and did that late too, etc, etc.

Didn't tick my box[:I] I'm afraid....

Keep it going guys, nice to have a good informed discussion!

 

[Richard W]

Quote: posted by Tom R32 on 22/10/2004 14:21:22

A3 is far better IMHO - I have been in loads and they are just a nicer all round package than a Golf - only MHO of course.

As for better cars for the money than the R32 - well I dont think there is. If we are talking buying new - I couldnt find anything when I was looking that even came close and offered all the R32 does for the 22k it costs.

I looked around and test drove a fair few cars - but in the end came back the R32 and bought one, 4wd, 3.2V6, looks, practicality, rare, solid - what else could I have got anywhere near that?

We'll agree to differ there then, I wouldn't spend money (not mine anyway![]) on a new car, I just couldn't take the depreciation.

With that in mind ?22k(ish!) would buy me a M5......[8D]

http://www.imc-online.co.uk/

 

[Richard W]

Astra, Focus both good cars, reports on the Focus have all rated the handling very highly. Never actually driven one myself.

But to actually spend my money on a Ford or a Vauxhall (VX220 excepted!) - no - I'm a badge snob and just wouldn't have one, strangely enough I'd have a Skoda vRS though. I think it comes down to those who know, know. If you know what I mean....