Should I Buy a 2011 Golf GTI?

tomleonhart on 14/06/2021 - 20:52
Last edited 16/06/2021 - 08:26 by 2 other users

Mate recently left the country for good.

Left behind a 2011 Golf GTI with 88k kms on the clock with mechanical warranty until November 2021. I said I’ll help him sell it and he said in the mean time I can drive it.

Problem is that car is too much fun and now he said I can have it for $12500 if I really want it. Currently driving a 2004 Honda Accord.

Wifey said just buy it since I’ve been so frugal for all of my 20s, just yolo it since I won’t enjoy it when I get older. I can’t fathom throwing $12500 at a car though.

Should I?

Update: Thank you guys for all the comment. As much as I love to buy it, I decided to not rip my mate off and help him sell it at a higher price. I sold the car yesterday for 14k so he got a better deal and I get to keep my 12500.

Poll Options

  • 44
    Do it
  • 27
    Don’t do it
Automotive Car Volkswagen

Comments

  • mini2 on 14/06/2021 - 20:59

    Stick or DSG? Done the timing belt and the HPFP tappet yet?

  • jonagrah on 14/06/2021 - 21:00

    DSG or manual?

    • tomleonhart on 14/06/2021 - 21:04

      DSG.

      • barge-in hunter on 15/06/2021 - 09:45

        These DSGs were pretty horrible, and have had 2 recalls. From what I'm hearing (anecdotally), they often fail around 100,000kms.

        I'm researching this now as I'm driving my dad's 2011 VW Caddy (same dsg as the golfs) and with just 75,000kms on it, the transmission is acting up.

  • pao2x on 14/06/2021 - 21:00
    +1

    $12500? buy it with todays prices you can get a good price for your accord anyway

    • tomleonhart on 14/06/2021 - 21:04
      +1

      Think I can only get 3k for my accord 😂

  • Master Bates on 14/06/2021 - 21:03
    +1

    YOLO, enjoy life, even if it means sinking more money into mods and repairs

  • zductiv on 14/06/2021 - 21:40

    Check out what cars with a similar mileage go for on carsales. Car looks to be worth 18k+

    Looks to be a steal. Is it in good condition? Buy it even if you only go on to sell it for more.

  • donnot on 14/06/2021 - 21:41

    That's a really good price in the current market - there are plenty around the same price with twice the kilometers. Will obviously cost more to maintain than the Accord, but the fun will be worth every cent imo. Plenty of aftermarket support/headroom for tuning if you get bored of it too.

  • HerpinDerp on 14/06/2021 - 21:44
    +2

    If you're going to put a pop and crackle tune on it then please don't.

    • tomleonhart on 15/06/2021 - 05:51

      I don't think so. I'm not into tuning/mod at all.

  • Stalker on 14/06/2021 - 21:58
    +2

    As long as the servicing has been done on schedule along the way, then it's a great deal. Don't be too worried about the DSG fear mongering, it's a very good transmission if cared for appropriately. They are very fun and engaging cars, with smart interiors and look pretty good for the outside too. You still see plenty of MK6 golfs getting around which is a good sign they were built to last. I still love my 2010 Golf R. :)

    Note: expect the headlining to sag and need replacing soon (if it hasn't been replaced already). The glue gives out after 10 years.

    • tomleonhart on 15/06/2021 - 05:51
      +2

      AH a proud VW owner! The roof sagging has been fixed last year according to the paperwork.

  • nubzy on 14/06/2021 - 22:06
    +2

    $12500 for a nice car which you enjoy driving is a bargain. Get it.

    • tomleonhart on 15/06/2021 - 09:40

      Decision decision decision !

      • Euphemistic on 15/06/2021 - 12:00
        +2

        What decision? You should be already transferring rego.

        • tomleonhart on 15/06/2021 - 12:12

          haha I'm too much of a tight arse so that much cash needs some time for my brain to process

          • nubzy on 15/06/2021 - 12:29

            @tomleonhart: For a good car which looks good and is great to drive that is not a lot of money at all. Just do it.

      • antojamo on 16/06/2021 - 08:23

        Go for a long drive in the GTI, and then get back in the Accord. That should make your mind up.

        But at the first sign of the transmission going, sell it.

  • nomoneynoproblems on 14/06/2021 - 22:13

    If you don’t buy it, I will! 12k is a steal. Buy buy buy.

  • askme69 on 14/06/2021 - 22:22
    +1

    I will give you $13k

  • 1jwoz on 14/06/2021 - 22:30

    There's a few common issues with these cars. Make sure the timing chain tensioner has been updated to the latest revision at the bare minimum. The intake valves need to be cleaned of carbon as well because of the nature of direct injection and no carby cleaner spray doesn't clean it.

    Basically if you're not prepared to work on it be prepared to get your wallet out for somebody else to do it.

  • pegaxs on 14/06/2021 - 23:35

    I can’t fathom throwing 12500 at a car though.

    I can fathom throwing that much at buying a car… but a VW? Hope you have double that saved up for if when it shits itself.

    Also, if you like it and it brings you joy… yolo!

    • tomleonhart on 15/06/2021 - 05:52
      +1

      yeah that is probably the biggest hurdle for me to get over mentally, the maintenance!

      • brendanm on 15/06/2021 - 07:28
        -1

        Don't worry about him, he's just a jealous fiat owner 😉

  • Euphemistic on 15/06/2021 - 05:53

    I can’t fathom throwing 12500 at a car though.

    That’s a nice change and much closer to the bargain spirit. Most threads here seem to be considering new cars for $30k as a minimum. Many up to $80k.

    ITs not a lot of $ for a car. It’ll likely not lose a lot in depreciation only problem might be “iTs a EuRo oUT oF WaRrAnTY!”, but if you know it’s history and service it properly it’ll probably not cost a lot to run.

  • theHMASfriendship on 15/06/2021 - 07:28

    Do it

  • [Deactivated] on 15/06/2021 - 14:48
    -1

    Nah the honda will last longer and be cheaper for maintainence and repairs. save your money and buy a car that wont have the transmission shit on u

    • tomleonhart on 15/06/2021 - 14:58

      But it’s not even 1/4 as fun 😪

  • puzzles2 on 15/06/2021 - 15:37

    Life's too short to drive something boring. I will say don't expect it to be just as cheap to run/maintain as your accord. It will need 98 fuel and being a euro car it's probably more fragile. If you maintain and service it frequently it should be fine though. You're getting it for a really good price so I'd just send it.

  • mini2 on 15/06/2021 - 20:20
    -1

    You want something fun and unlikely to be unreliable? 86/BRZ twins.

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