What to replace Mk2 golf GTi with?
Discussion
Hi All,
As the title suggests, I'm thinking of letting my 3dr Mk2 Gti go. I've had it for 3 years, and although it's cost me a fair bit, I've loved it.
However, with ULEZ and the possibility of a work commute, as well as storage space and all those adult variables now coming into play, I'm looking at moving it on.
The question is- What do I get to replace it? I love how small it is, how much I can see, how comfy it is and how cool it looks.
Any ideas? Budget of around 17k
As the title suggests, I'm thinking of letting my 3dr Mk2 Gti go. I've had it for 3 years, and although it's cost me a fair bit, I've loved it.
However, with ULEZ and the possibility of a work commute, as well as storage space and all those adult variables now coming into play, I'm looking at moving it on.
The question is- What do I get to replace it? I love how small it is, how much I can see, how comfy it is and how cool it looks.
Any ideas? Budget of around 17k
Edited by GTiDylan on Wednesday 21st August 17:30
Mrs HP and I bought a 3 door GTI big bumper 8V as a wedding pressie to ourselves (long time ago). Loved it.
I'd avoid the ultra modern screen/menu/chip based white goods peddled as cars, because they have little emotion. Your GTI won't be that far off the 40 year exemption for ULEZ, so could you keep it?
I'd avoid the ultra modern screen/menu/chip based white goods peddled as cars, because they have little emotion. Your GTI won't be that far off the 40 year exemption for ULEZ, so could you keep it?
I was disappointed how modern GTIs have such rubbish ride quality compared to the old Mk2 (after nearly 20 years in a 1991 8V) but if you don't mind that the Polo Mk5 GTI is probably the closest in terms of weight/power ratio and size.
Or the TSI110 version has plenty of power and a better ride - less sporty to drive but probably more agreeable for daily commuting. Works well with DSG auto, cruise etc.
Or the TSI110 version has plenty of power and a better ride - less sporty to drive but probably more agreeable for daily commuting. Works well with DSG auto, cruise etc.
Assuming you want a hot hatch to replace it
UP Gti seems a spiritual succesor
MK7 Golf GTI/R if adulting is a priority - they really do live up to the hype
FK2 Civic Type R's are in that price range - bit bonkers but if you don't hate the looks they're a great drive
M135i/40i - not as "chuckable" as the above but great sounding, bit more refined and easy to modify
UP Gti seems a spiritual succesor
MK7 Golf GTI/R if adulting is a priority - they really do live up to the hype
FK2 Civic Type R's are in that price range - bit bonkers but if you don't hate the looks they're a great drive
M135i/40i - not as "chuckable" as the above but great sounding, bit more refined and easy to modify
Having had four mk2 GTIs and two mk1s and currently running a Fiesta ST, have to say there is something about the ST that reminds me of my old Golf’s.
It’s quite old school in feel, but has enough modernity with air con, abs, DAB radio and things like that to not be completely old fashioned.
Was parked next to a mk2 Golf at a car meet recently and my car looked bigger, so a modern Golf or Focus would be massive in comparison. Everything has sort of moved up a size.
Hyundai I30N is bigger but doesn’t have the sensible edge of modern GTIs, that would be my choice.
It’s quite old school in feel, but has enough modernity with air con, abs, DAB radio and things like that to not be completely old fashioned.
Was parked next to a mk2 Golf at a car meet recently and my car looked bigger, so a modern Golf or Focus would be massive in comparison. Everything has sort of moved up a size.
Hyundai I30N is bigger but doesn’t have the sensible edge of modern GTIs, that would be my choice.
Aside from the budget, the other limiting factor is how much space you need, i.e. do you need rear seats, boot?
If not then you could get an MX-5 and have the fun, compactness and visibility in an ULEZ compliant package.
If you need a 'proper' car then I'd look at Fiesta size, so Fiesta ST, Hyundai i20 N, Mini Cooper S, possibly Suzuki Swift Sport - i.e. cars that are the 'class below' a Golf, given everything has got bigger.
If you need a larger car then a Golf Mk 7 or 7.5 GTi is highly rated.
The other question is whether to go for c. 2006 cars as the oldest which are ULEZ eligible, where you can still find cars with hydraulic power steering, or go newer for the ease of ownership and accept ePAS.
samoht said:
Aside from the budget, the other limiting factor is how much space you need, i.e. do you need rear seats, boot?
If not then you could get an MX-5 and have the fun, compactness and visibility in an ULEZ compliant package.
If you need a 'proper' car then I'd look at Fiesta size, so Fiesta ST, Hyundai i20 N, Mini Cooper S, possibly Suzuki Swift Sport - i.e. cars that are the 'class below' a Golf, given everything has got bigger.
If you need a larger car then a Golf Mk 7 or 7.5 GTi is highly rated.
The other question is whether to go for c. 2006 cars as the oldest which are ULEZ eligible, where you can still find cars with hydraulic power steering, or go newer for the ease of ownership and accept ePAS.
2006 is the cut off TFL state, but it is absolute bIf not then you could get an MX-5 and have the fun, compactness and visibility in an ULEZ compliant package.
If you need a 'proper' car then I'd look at Fiesta size, so Fiesta ST, Hyundai i20 N, Mini Cooper S, possibly Suzuki Swift Sport - i.e. cars that are the 'class below' a Golf, given everything has got bigger.
If you need a larger car then a Golf Mk 7 or 7.5 GTi is highly rated.
The other question is whether to go for c. 2006 cars as the oldest which are ULEZ eligible, where you can still find cars with hydraulic power steering, or go newer for the ease of ownership and accept ePAS.
ks.Most petrol cars, registered 2001 onwards are compliant, the odd exception, a late registered Escort will not be, but a vast majority are.
Never believe Govt propoganda, check yourself.Rule of thumb, 2001 Y reg, it is most likely compliant.
Golf 7 or 7.5 is a good shout, the 8 gti I bought new in 2021 I hated a lot, the 7.5 it replaced was a better car.
Edited by anyoldcardave on Wednesday 21st August 21:24
Such an easy one this.
Just has to be a Polo GTI. It’s a great looking car that performs well and like your Mk2 Golf GTI will remain cool and desirable for decades.
This recommendations is fro someone with a few exceptions (Golf and Polo GTI’s plus the Scirocco) has never been a VW fan.
Just has to be a Polo GTI. It’s a great looking car that performs well and like your Mk2 Golf GTI will remain cool and desirable for decades.
This recommendations is fro someone with a few exceptions (Golf and Polo GTI’s plus the Scirocco) has never been a VW fan.
Strange, I've got the both of them. Albeit i've had the mk2 gti for a lot longer, coming up to 14 years and the mk7 gti for only roughly 18 months.
Love the mk2, would never sell it, as I know as soon as I do, i'd regret it. I think that i'm officially attached now.
The MK7 GTI is great, was surprised when I initially got it how well it went round corners and stuck to the road. Got the performance pack too which I think helps.
We're planning to upgrade very soon as don't really want to be putting mileage on the mk7 as its still low at roughly 22k miles but would get another one again in the future depending on circumstances as been super easy to cope with.
Love the mk2, would never sell it, as I know as soon as I do, i'd regret it. I think that i'm officially attached now.
The MK7 GTI is great, was surprised when I initially got it how well it went round corners and stuck to the road. Got the performance pack too which I think helps.
We're planning to upgrade very soon as don't really want to be putting mileage on the mk7 as its still low at roughly 22k miles but would get another one again in the future depending on circumstances as been super easy to cope with.
If you wanted a straight 6 with Hydraulic PAS that is also ULEZ compliant a BMW 130i would fit the bill for less that half your budget!
Personally I'd be tempted to keep the MK2 GTi anyway, but the most obvious replacement would seem to be a Polo GTi.
As someone said modern Golf and focus type cars are now a size bigger!
Personally I'd be tempted to keep the MK2 GTi anyway, but the most obvious replacement would seem to be a Polo GTi.
As someone said modern Golf and focus type cars are now a size bigger!
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