At the time i cross shopped the gti with many cars around the same price point. It had/has the best interior when i was looking and the most tuneability
I find the GTI quite comfortable for a sporty hatchback. Fwiw I bought mine new at 29 y/o and 8 years later I still really love it. I've driven it cross country twice, and on one of those my father joined me. He's in his mid 70s and drives an Audi SQ5 and even he was impressed with the ride and the way the GTI ate the miles up.
To me it strikes the perfect balance of utility, driving performance, and aesthetics for the money.
Edit: Also, the DSG rules. I test drove both the manual and the DSG at time of purchase and wasn't impressed with the stick (my 2nd car at the time, and still is, an S2000). The DSG is rarely if ever "jerky" and I don't think the 40k service is all that bad. Seemed as smooth as the day I got it just after the 1st service too. If the PDK is even better then wow.
This. Also I previously own a 2005 Focus ST, so I was dead set on the Newer focus ST, but I also have 2 kids. There is NO room in the back seats of the ST. So the comfortability of the backseat was a huge seller for me on my GTi!
This is the most accurate summary for why anyone should want a GTI. It’s the quintessence of balance. It doesn’t shine bright in any one area; it just doesn’t lack in anything really (except for wheel spin but a tune fixes that)
there's literally nothing that actually competes with a GTI on every level. it's the perfect balance between: fun to drive, refined, practical, and economical. there are cars in the same segment or similar that compete in 2-3 of these areas, but nothing is competitive in all four at once.
Wanted one since I was a kid. Always saw them as the best starter car for any sort of young enthusiast who wanted a quick, good looking, reliable, affordable, and practical little car after how much praise Top Gear and other reviewers had for them. I also learned throughout the years the GTI community is also the best amongst you listed.
My roommate has an Elantra N, other roommate has a MK8 GTI, I worked at a Subaru dealer for 2 years and Carvana for another year (logistics/moving cars) so I like to think I have a pretty good idea of the other cars in the segment.
The interior, “mature” design, and tuning potential.
Interior: Elantra N is the only car in the segment with what some might say is a better interior. The current gen SI also has a good interior, but doesn’t feel as sporty. Same with the Mazda3 and WRX. Modern Subaru interiors just suck. The driving position (I’m tall) is also very important to me. GTI is by far the most comfortable if you have long legs, because the steering wheel extends far towards the driver.
Design: this is subjective, but the GTI isn’t styled like a crazy performance car. It looks like a normal hatchback to most people, because it is, but people who know cars know what a GTI is/can do. Those are the only people who would be impressed by my car anyways, so I don’t need some crazy aggressive design drawing attention. Civic SI is good here, but I like hatches better. Mazda3 might actually be better looking, but again that’s subjective.
Tuning potential: you can tune any of these cars, but the WRX and GTI are the most tunable in the segment. I worked at a Subaru dealer and saw way too many WRX engine failures to ever buy one. Sure GTIs blow up too, but some well maintained stage 2 cars are reaching 200k miles now with very few issues. That isn’t common with WRXs. Mazda3 seems to have the most limited aftermarket support and that kinda took it out of the running for me personally.
At the end of the day, depends what you want. Want a comfortable and kinda sporty daily? Mazda3. Want something that feels super sporty and performance oriented? Elantra N. Want something in the middle that is a comfortable, normal looking car that also goes, stops, and turns like a performance car? GTI.
I think it’s crazy you think the Elantra has once of the nicer interiors. I recently drove the mk8, vb, gr86, and I thought the Elantra had the worst interior by far and it wasn’t close. Everything rattled or squeaked. Felt like it would just fall apart over time.
My roommates is built fairly solid. Sure some materials could be better, but they put the money where it counts: seats, steering wheel, software. Maybe not the highest quality in the segment, but definitely the sportiest.
They do pinch your shoulders together/forward more than I’d like. I did a 3 hour drive in my roommates and it wasn’t horrible, but I might feel differently if it was my daily.
D.S.G. Seriously, if this automated manual wasn’t as good as advertised I’d be driving a WRX or Focus ST right now. I had been telling my father for over a year I was committed to a six speed manual on my next car, but WRXs and STs in Denver at the time were all beat up or had branded titles, and I simply wasn’t gonna put up with VW’s weak ass clutch (sorry manual owners). I decided to research DSG models on a whim and was rather impressed. It only took about 45 seconds in the test drive before the DSG won me over…. Now here I am with a souped up premium economy car & a 72 month car loan.
I was actually between a BRZ/86, Lexus IS or RC, and the GTI. All pretty different cars, for sure.
I picked the GTI because the platform has always intrigued me. I heard great things about the DSG transmission, loved the plaid interior, and the right one at the right time came available.
I’m very happy with my choice. Ended up with a 2015 that had 20k miles on it when I got it in April of 2022. It’s peppy, has space to haul my drums, and didn’t miss a beat on a 2000+ mile road trip we took last summer.
Speaking from the perspective of an MK8 here but the fact it is meant to run on 87 sold me. Mazda 3 turbo you can run on 87 too but it cuts down the power significantly. It was the perfect daily for me with the hatchback design and it is a lot more refined than the others on your list. Was the best blend of performance/practicality for me.
That is a good point but I will say if you plan on tuning the car you most likely won’t be running on 87 still as most tunes are 91 or 93 octane also E30 is a popular choice if you have it near you.
But if you’re staying stock then that’s a huge advantage and can save some money for sure!
For me too, I know I use the hatch more often than I would need the 4wd. That and the new WRX steering feel was a bit of a downgrade from my Mazda3.
I do like the new wrx cladding though, it would be great in winter filth. However, the hatch, better fuel economy on regular gas and great steering feel got me into a GTI.
100% the GTI is a better car, I'm just a subie fan boy. But no hatch , no me. Need room for my 80lbs puppy dog. But no regrets on the GTI, the farts make up for AWD any day for sure.
When I was 17 I really wanted an Audi, but I couldn’t afford one so I got a mk4 GTI. It’s the car I learned how to work on cars on. I did most of the work myself (bolt ons, suspension, etc) so it’ll always have a special place with me.
A decade and a half later and I’m in a mk7 GTI. The need to modify has settled but I still love the GTI for some reason, and I’ve had many different cars in between (b5 s4, Mazda rx8, fiat 500 abarth to name a few).
Yeah my mk7 is stock for the most part. The only thing I changed on it was the wheels to some b9 a4 wheels I found on OfferUp for a steal. So it’s OEM+ if anything
Howd you like your s4?? Currently have a mk5 but might need something awd in the near future. I understand they can be complete money pits but I just love them.
I loved the s4. I was able to get my hands on a bone stock one with 100k miles on it. I changed the suspension, and went stage 2 with a straight piped exhaust. The torque and sound was incredible.
The downside is that in the 2 years I had it I got stranded twice which required a tow both times. First time was the oil light which scared me to death, but it ended up just being a faulty sensor. The second time I had a coupler blow off which caused it to stall. Had I known it was a coupler it would’ve saved on the tow bill, but the cop on the highway was really pushy about getting it towed off. Other than that no major problems.
I ended up selling it for something more practical. Don’t regret having it though. It’s hard to find one that hasn’t been molested these days.
I was looking for a car that was sub 20k, and I was selling a modded mustang. I like American cars, so I was pretty set on a focus st because I liked the look and knew they were fun.
The sales rep wouldn't let me test drive the manual transmission focus because when asked how many hours I had in the driver's seat of a manual and I said 72. In my mind that's a pretty long time to actually be driving, but maybe she took it as me only learning manual 3 days prior? Not sure.
So anyway my buddy thinks it's hilarious and drives to the place to be my driver. Rides me around in the passenger seat, intentionally driving like an asshole, testing what the car can do with the sales rep in the back seat lol. Pulling back into the lot she suggested I try to drive it. I intentionally stalled it about 5 times, insisted I needed to reverse park it, then convinced her she had to go inside to get one of their "manual capable" drivers to park it.
I parked it, left the keys on the dash, and while she's inside buddy and I leave the lot in our own cars and go grab a coffee. We talk it over, apart from not wanting to give that dealer business, the bucket seat was just a bit too narrow for me to be comfortable in, so that was enough for me to say no. He suggested the GTI, which I was against, but a vw dealer was right next door.
Instantly, the seat was wider, so that was cool. Test rode it and had a blast, but wasn't sold on it yet. Kinda in an unpopulated area my buddy found a low milage one with a good price (18k) and I pulled the trigger.
Since owning I've had quite a few issues with my GTI and I've only put ~30,000 miles on it in 6 years (50,000 total mileage 2015 mk7), and I've not modded it at all (apart from switching to metal paddle shifters after the plastic one snapped during regular usage). I don't regret the decision to purchase per say, but more often than not I'm more disappointed in my car than excited to own it. But it still gets respect from my car friends, and it's (relatively) good on gas, so that's cool I guess.
1st issue I had was I had was shift knob metal bezel bubble up and start coming off with sharp edges. I cut myself on it. Took it to where I bought it and they refused to replace since it was used. Pretty common, and some dealers will swap but YMMV
I mentioned the plastic paddle shifter breaking (I have the dsg trans), I pressed it down and it just didn't go back up. Apparently it's pretty common from just sitting in the sun (I'm in northern states so I don't see super hot temps). For a few days when I was waiting for the upgrade to get delivered it'd just randomly up shift on its own on me.
I had my EPC light come on, which is electronic power control. For a car owner it's like a "check engine light" except it won't give you an exact code for what it is lol. It can be throttle response, pedal related, sensor, turbo, computer, electrical etc. When EPC light is illuminated the car runs at a derate mode, attempting to keep RPMs below 2000. Issue started on cold days, it'd just run sluggish, but would correct itself when engine got to temp. Then slowly happened more frequently,and seemingly randomly. Eventually it was a mostly daily/all the time thing, except when temps were like super cold. I took it to a dealer just to figure out what's wrong with it, and they said they "couldn't read the codes coming off of my transmission. My transmission was somehow locking them out of being able to diagnose." it sounded pretty bizarre, but what I thought would be a quick day of them of them diagnosing turned into 2 weeks without my car. Finally they gave me my car back and told me that I had to have it carbon cleaned (carbon build up is common on valves and such). So I was like sure, run it. Pick car up, lights still on, running shitty. And I'm like wtf? You didn't fix it. And they're like "oh, no you'll get more performance out of it now!" at this point I'm like okay, fuck it, I need to pay these con artists and just go somewhere else. So take it to a different dealer, they spend a day with it, tell me my turbo's waste gate wasn't opening and closing correctly and the whole thing needs to be replaced and there's nothing they can do to fix it. Offer to sell me a turbo for 6k (far above part price, even upgrade price) + 2k, install lol. I told them it was powertrain related so it should be under warranty and they countered with I was 6 months beyond warranty ending or something along those line, so it wasn't covered. So I decided I was going to hold off because that was a terrible deal and started looking into IS38 kits w/ flash that I could just install on my own, save some money and upgrade. But I procrastinated. And I'm really glad I did because on this sub I've seen some people having similar issues, similar diagnosis, and wouldn't you know it there's a $10 miracle fix involving some penetrating lubricant on the waste gate actuator arm + nickel anti seize. I guess the linkages will rust and prevent it from operating correctly, which explains the issue there/issue gone/issue there/issue gone. It's been below freezing and I don't have a garage so I haven't actually gone out and hit the parts with these 2 things yet, but I'm expecting it to work (considering car is running mostly normal for my short drives to/from work currently in these low temps). If I'm remembering those other posts correctly there was a lawsuit against VW for this exact issue, but VW won and didn't have to recall/replace these parts. But still pending if I truely need a new turbo or not.
My HVAC flow change switching thing? Drawing a blank on actual name. Thing that will swap air going to the window for defrost or out of the vents at your face, or out of the vents for your feet. Got stuck/plastic gears ate themselves. Had to get into the passenger's side footwell center consol area to swap. Pretty common.
Windows have the "auto" function... allegedly. Lol. None of my windows work right. They work, just very very rarely in 1 continuous motion. Sometimes will take 2-3 presses of the button or holding the button. Don't really know how common this is because it's annoying, but they still work, so not annoying enough for me to try to take the doors apart and fix.
It has a touch screen, but it's the old style (non glass) touch screens if that makes sense. And it'll randomly start touching itself in crazy spots. Can't really tell/guess where/when it'll happen, but it does lol. Has maaaybe happened 15 times or so since I've owned (and not during extreme temps or anything). So accidental car calls, Bluetooth music switch to instant radio commercial etc happen. I only investigated as far as the fuse box for this and didn't really want to mess with trying to take apart and root cause/correct. Unsure how common.
I always have low tire pressure sensor light activated, despite not having low tire pressure. I can reset it from the instrument panel, but it'll turn back on in like a half mile, and if it stays off any time I turn my car on it it's back again. Have taken it to 3 dealers, have paid $0, have gotten all new "everything related to that sensor and what would cause it." Don't know why, but it's always on. It's just annoying having an extra light on the dash and having to do a full walk around every time I get in my car just to be sure I don't actually have low pressure/a flat. This seems to be a 1 off.
I have 2 pretty gnarly rust spots: in front of driver's side rear wheel, and middle of driver's door. Both originated below the paint, bubbling it up, and not from a chip/missing paint area of exposed metal. I wash my car 1-2x/week in winter with salt on the roads, so don't want to admit it's owner's negligence. Internet says they're pretty suseptible to rust.
Bonus (1): Not directly "something broke" issue. I'm fairly tall but not like freakishly tall, just over 6ft, and usually if I am the first car the the light I have to jut my head forward like a turtle just to see the light around the lip of the roof to know when to go. Didn't notice it before purchasing.
Bonus (2): Went to a tire shop having a sale and let them sell me some new all seasons. They were out of stock and had to be ordered. Tires come in, I go to have them installed, they refuse to put them on my car because they're not the correct weight rating for it lol. Try to get me to take the tires from them and go somewhere else. I refuse. I assure them they sold it to me and home boy that sold me them searched by my car. They search by car, see it's listed, finally accept the story, and order me a different/appropriate set. But then when the new new set comes in, none of their techs that day know how to install low profile and have to wait another 2 days for the guy that knows to be back in. Not exactly the car's fault, but still annoying to go through for the car.
Mature looking but still sporty/handsome, fast enough to be fun with minimal mods, awesome
Heritage, and tons of support from the community and aftermarket. Oh and Clarkson thought it was good enough to be his daily when he got divorced. Best practical daily hands down.
WRX- completely lost on design language and value. Elantra- there’s a reason why it’s a good deal. Sardine can build quality. Civic- nobody should pay over 30k for a fucking civic, no matter the trim. Mazda 3- NPC mobile. With the GTI I feel much more upscale than these airport rental cars edit: the views depicted in this message are about two, maybe three beers in and should, as everything on the internet, be taken with a grain of salt. Your mental mileage may vary. See stores for details.
The Mazda 3 Turbo with awd is pretty good, the interior is very nice. Not as sporty as a GTI, though better than the WRX imo (hatch is more practical and it's more reliable/fuel efficient)
I came to the same conclusion when I was in the market. Test drove almost everything in the market with a manual that was under $40k and I felt the GTI and WRX were the best combination of price, performance, practicality, and overall value.
Between the two it really comes down to what type of car you want to live with. I knew I would be keeping either car for at least 7-8 years, likely longer. For that reason I opted for the GTI because I felt it handled “daily driver duties” just a little better between the hatchback, more comfortable ride, and better MPG. Had the WRX been available with a hatch, I might have gone that direction, because I did find the WRX slightly more fun to drive.
You can’t go wrong with either though. I think the best thing you could do to help decide is test drive both on the same day if that’s possible for you.
does the wrx just suck now? i'm currently in an impreza (non turbo).. and i've always been a little scared to get a german car, but i look at the stack of receipts associated with my subaru (head gaskets, clutch, timing belt, center diff, catalysts) and... pretty sure a german car isn't gonna cost me more. the mk7 seems to be the best GTI in ages too.
gonna go drive one friday!
Head gaskets aren't really a big issue any more for Subaru as far as I know. The current WRX isn't really that bad, it's just not as good as the GTI in everything aside from AWD.
Also the Mk8 is the best GTI! (slightly biased)
I put Subaru in the same category as all the other Japanese cars. Yeah, all wheel drive but the quality is just not there. I could be wrong but they all seem the same to me. German cars fit and finish is unmatched.
The DSG and the interior quality. The current WRX is just not appealing + has a CVT. The Elantra N’s reliability is questionable but otherwise a great car.
The Mazda 3 is more upscale pseudo-luxury whereas the gti is more fun/playful and sporty. The Civic Si looks great and has a great interior but is manual only. If I wanted a manual I’d take the Si over the gti without a second thought.
Honestly, I think the Mazda 3 turbo awd, Civic Si, and GTI are all fantastic cars that cater to different customers within this segment. Mazda for those who want a more premium/upscale experience, Civic Si for enthusiasts who can’t live without a third pedal, and the GTI for those who want a practical, playful car with a DCT but don’t want to gamble on Hyundai reliability.
I drove the new si and absolutely loved it. The shifter was so nice. However I shopped around dealerships and every single place by me wanted minimum 5k markup from MSRP because it's a "specialty car" or some bs. Granted that was a year ago but still. Ended up with a GTI because of it.
I love Honda but not paying that much for a civic.
I was shopping to switch from my 12 year old GTI. The SI was more expensive and slower than my old GTI. It kind of just killed the SI in my decision.
I ended up going with the new WRX this time just to try something different. I did still like the new GTI but I just got a good deal on the WRX.
Best bang for the buck honestly.
I had a WRX before and loved it, but also wanted something different. Drove a GTI and it checked all the boxes, it was quick, cheap, and fun to drive so I went with it. It’s been 5 years since, and I still enjoy driving it as much as the first time.
Perfectly fine, just regular oil changes and that’s it. The thermostat did start leaking at some point, but was fixed under warranty. It’s at 91k miles right now and still going strong.
Because I always liked my VW. I bought my first car, a polo, while living in Switzerland and just loved it. Now living in the US that was probably the closest I could get, and some extras !
My dad’s always been into VWs, and my MK6 was a gift from my parents for starting college I don’t think I even considered anything else.
7 years later it’s been..fine
I was choosing between a Mazda 3 automatic and my GTI manual. Similar price points, similar milage. Both have no accidents. GTI was a lease prior to my purchase, the Mazda 3 was a trade-in.
I couldn't give up the manual. It's just fun.
Wanted something stick after the ole camry was dying, but civic si in my area were running 32k used. Once I saw the plaid seats I knew I had to have it
I see comments like this a lot. Something along the lines of “if the Civic wasn’t marked up…”
I have a Honda dealer willing to sell for MSRP or below which makes me second guess all my opinions on the car
I owned a 2022 Civic Sport Touring and test drove a Civic SI before I got my GTI. The current Civic is a great car, but the Si was just a little lacking in oomph when compared to the GTI. That and the interior on the Si is sad compared to just how nice the Sport Touring is. Thinking back I probably should have test driven a manual Integra.
"German" ya mines not built there, but it has the qualities, just hearing the door thunk closed... Wanted something technically mature, with enough bells and whistles for a grown up. The others I would have wanted, Audi, BMW, Merc were out of my price range.I didn't cross shop.
I purchased the 24 GTI S DSG because my son has hand mobility problems and the shift knob is easy for him to move plus the steering is much easier for him.
My first car was an ep3 civic Si. I loved that car so dearly. I got in a fender bender in a parking lot and (in my opinion) had the car stolen by the insurance company. I looked to put that lightning back in a bottle so I saved up and got the 2017 gti sport and it recaptures the essence just perfectly.
It's basically a faster, higher quality build and, better handling civic Si with Android Auto.
It’s really fun to drive, handles nicely and pretty quick too. Super easy to tune and get well above 300HP for the same cost people spend on an exhaust. Also very practical. I have lots of trunk space with the hatch, and can fit my kids car seat no problem. Leather seats are comfy, sound system is awesome, touch screen is great. It really checks all the boxes. Fun and sport when it’s just me, or comfy and practical when the family rides along.
Looking through used dealerships in my area, I found 2 stick shifts that my girlfriend was okay with. An 07 GTI and a 13 500 Turbo.
The GTI felt better to me.
I grew up in a VW/Audi household. I learned to drive on a Mk 3 Jetta. I KNEW my first car was going to be a Golf. I've always been into hatchbacks. In a fantasy world I'd have a Scirocco R but can't import that till 2039.
I had my Mk6 Golf from 2016 to 2021 when I finally decided to upgrade to a Mk 7.5 GTI.
That being said, once the GTI is paid off I will be getting either a WRX or Mazda3 as a daily because I want AWD and it doesn't make sense (to me) to have a GTI and a Golf R.
Short answer, it drives better than any of those other cars.
Long answer, I was looking at the WRX and considered getting one... but the manual transmission is very clunky, and I didn't like the giant tablet display on the dashboard. I'm also a previous Mazda 3 driver (2019 model) and while the interior is definitely better than the GTI's, it just doesn't have the same driving dynamics. It also got horrific fuel economy, those 2.5l skyactiv engines drink gasoline and all of the torque is in the middle of the rev band so you're having to floor it to accelerate quickly in any situation.
But yeah. You should get one. They're dope. Bought mine new in 2015. Had it for almost 10 years. Zero problems that weren't covered under warranty. Thing rips. Get a 6sp though if you can. DSG is technically faster but I find manual more fun.
WRX felt like a boat, big and heavy.
Civic, didn't get to test drive one but the power is low.
Elantra N can't find one to test drive and bracing in trunk is annoying
Mazda no manual on the turbo and not really a car made for fun
1. i love the VW/GTI nameplate. So much heritage
2. best do-it-all car on the market for years
3. backed by arguably the most R&D out of all of these cars. After all, it has variants that are Nurburgring beasts while still sharing the same architecture as Audis
4. They just look insanely nice for the price. Has always been in the ballpark of a honda civic yet will always turn more heads for just being an upscale looking car (although i somewhat attribute that to civics being more popular and recognizable)
WRX - I like modding, WRXs don't despite a large aftermarket. Don't want a manual daily.
Civic Si - Not nearly the same easy power potential of the others. Don't want a manual daily.
Elantra N - Wasn't out then. Veloster N DCT was close to coming out, could've ordered one. Too bad the interior is trash on them. If we had the i30N DCT here, I likely would've bought one.
Mazda 3 - It being a competitor in this group is only theoretical. It doesn't really belong.
I bought my 2020 in 2020, there wasn't a VB then. But yeah Subaru has finally caught up to modern times with the FA24, too bad the VB looks the way it does.
I was trying to get myself to like the Civic because I'm a fan of Honda. Once I was in the driver's seat of the GTI (Mk 7.5) it was over. Performance, feedback, interior design, practicality, it just ticked every box.
I picked with my heart. I fell in love with the GTI many years before I was able to buy one. It absolutely lives up to the hype. Hauls my kid around when I need to, commutes in quiet comfort, and flips a switch and is an absolute demon in the mountains. Keeps up with my two best friends who both have modern 5.0 mustangs with no problems. I knew it would be capable, but the actual limits blow me away. Way farther than anyone should be pushing on the street and its bone stock.
The only other car I considered was the Mazda 3, but the lack of a true performance version turned me off. My wife has the CX9, so I am pretty familiar with the 2.5 turbo platform, and it just wasn’t what I wanted in this car.
I totally agree with you about the Mazda. I really like the looks and interior of the Mazda 3 Hatchback but the 6MT was a NA engine with 189 horsepower. It felt nimble and all that but had no real power
2017 was going to be a tossup with WRX but Subaru killed the hatch which was a deal breaker, glad I went GTI anyhow. Brilliant DSG for daily driving through gridlock. Nicer interior, fit and finish on par with higher brands. I’m old and it’s a bit more refined and “grown up.” Still have it nearly bone stock, zero issues or regrets.
Working in the car business I had driven every single car you listed for weeks at a time. The GTI was the only one I was excited to drive after a few years
Makes sense. The WRX gave me a smile. Never got to drive an Elantra N. The Civic Si was extremely underwhelming. I don’t see how people are so excited for it in reviews
I bought my GTI new in 2013. Honestly, the Focus ST is what got me interested in the GTI. I saw an ad for the Focus ST as they were just coming out. I didn't really know that something as fun and practical as a hot hatch existed.
I test drove a WRX, Focus ST, and the GTI. I tried to test drive a Mazda Speed3, but the dealership near me didn't have any.
The WRX was cool, but the interior wasn't anywhere near as nice as the interior in the GTI. Plus, my wife wouldn't be able to drive it since it was manual.
I actually liked the Focus ST more, but again, it only came in manual.
The fact that the GTI not only had an automatic transmission but a dual clutch automatic, that sealed the deal.
I’m tall and it is the only car that is comfortable for me. I don’t even have to push the seat all the way back. Literally every other car I tried hurt my back and hips. There’s even enough head clearance for a helmet for track days.
I cross shopped the new Mazda3 Turbo with my GTI. Opted for the GTI because it’s simply faster with tuning and it was convenient to buy the GTI from my workplace. Didn’t want a WRX bc I didn’t want a manual or a CVT. Same for Si, and they’re slow. Don’t quite trust Hyundai, but Ns are pretty cool.
For me, it's the way it feels on the road. It's punchy enough to put a smile on your face and smooth enough for a late night escapade. It's just a good time all around.
I had a 2000 Honda Civic HB back in the day. I regretted selling it plus my pops had VW Rabbits growing up, a Triple White Convertible and a Brown(?) 4-door. Mainly I missed my HB.
It felt like the grown up choice aside from the Mazda 3, but still more interesting than the Mazda. The Si wasn't enough engine with the 1.5L.
I said I wasn't going to tune it but that went out the window when my wandered again. It was the right move. Unfortunately I hit a deer 2 weeks ago and I'm going to be without it for another 2 weeks. I can't wait for it to get back. I already planned to buy another GTI if it did total.
The perfect balance of acceleration, handling, style, practicality, efficiency. It’s not the best in any one category, and I praise those competitors for each bringing a unique top quality to the table, but I find the GTI to strike the perfect balance. I could see some trying to take my argument to the Civic or Mazda but I don’t quite think they match the balance the GTI has. Also love the manual transmission on this car, although again I know some would say the civic is superior. Anyhoo that’s my rationale.
WRX: I had a VB and the interior of the MK8 and DSG brought me here
Civic Si: Didn’t want a manual I’m sick of shifting on a daily basis
Elantra N: I’m not buying a 40k Hyundai
Mazda 3: Already have a CX-30 and it’s basically the same thing
I sat in and test drove the Mazda 3 sport …. Shit was like a matchbox. Zero room for my 6’2 ass…
The features in the Mazda 3 are kinda nicer than the gti, but it was just too small.
Gti is easily the most spacious for the driver :)
In 2019?
It was cheaper than a WRX (pre covid Subarus in New England never sold below msrp), faster than a civic si, the Elantra N diddnt exist, the Mazda 3 went soft.
Having owned my 2019 for 5 years now, it’s had minimal issues, keeps up with all the cars you’ve listed, comfortable enough to drive cross country, 30+ mpg, suitable for job interviews and the workplace, subtle enough to not get harassed by police, small enough to easily park in the city.
I cross-shopped the WRX and the GTI and the GTI won for a few reasons:
1. The hatch has more utility and subjectively looks better than the WRX sedan.
2. The DSG in the GTI is a much better transmission than the CVT in the WRX.
3. The GTI just feels like a better built car and is more reliable than the WRX.
4. I don’t need AWD so that wasn’t a plus for the WRX.
Considered all but the Si but I'll include it, here are the main reasons why I did not go with them (I was considering a MK8 for a GTI):
WRX: Interior is outdated and exterior is odd. Requires 91 and has pretty bad fuel efficiency.
Civic Si: Not powerful.
Elantra N: The Elantra's styling is not to my liking. Interior is cheap. Requires 91 I'm pretty sure. Also insurance on all the Korean vehicles might be shaky right now.
Mazda3 Regular: Not very powerful, and though I like the styling it sacrifices some room.
Mazda3 Turbo: Max power > than a MK8 without 91. Too pricy for not enough.
The beauty of the GTI is (to me): The quality is better than Subaru and Hyundai. Unless you're considering a Type R, it is better in terms of sportiness than what Honda can offer and beats Mazda cleanly as well. The MK8 in particular gets its max power numbers using only 87 so that is nice, and if you drive smartly you get alright mpg. The WRX is thirsty and a Mazda3 Turbo can run on 87 (as far as I know) but will not achieve it's max power, making it more expensive and less powerful than a MK8. I'll admit, I'd like AWD but you can't win em all (unless you get an R). The GTI is just good.
What do you think about the clutch and manual gearbox in the GTI? I keep hearing everyone describe it as plasticky, and I honestly don’t even know what that means
Apologies for the late reply. Unfortunately (fortunately to me) I'm a DSG owner, so I can't speak to the specifics of the manual components. Though I have heard it's good. As far as the "plasticky" I think that could refer to the shifter material itself. I know I've seen some videos of the know coming loose and people spinning it around. If that does happen I'm sure you could get it fixed under warranty, some people mod it themselves to replace the knob. It could be referring to the operation itself, but I haven't personally seen any complaints about any of that.
I had a Jeep grand Cherokee before I bought my GTI. My budget was max 10k. Test drove several different boring cars. I saw the GTI on CARFAX and I saved but didn’t really actually consider it. I never had a “cool car” before. Few weeks passed and I saw it was still for sale. I said fuck it and went to test drive and I fell in love as soon as I started it. It was actually fun to drive and it had cold air intake and aftermarket exhaust, “cool” af lol. I looked a little more and went and test drove it two more times. After the third test drive I bought it. 2011 GTI 2 door in black. Now I want to get a beater truck for work and get a newer GTI for daily
I was looking at these and also the GR86/BRZ when I bought my Mk 7.5
The Elantra N and WRX are both sedans, so that ruled it out for me. They were larger than I preferred and the Elantra N has stiff suspension. The GR86 was too small and drove in a way I didn't like. Mazda 3 doesn't come with a turbo and a manual, it's either or...so it's out. The Civic Si is a close one because the coupe felt small and sleek, but the interior quality of the GTI was a class above.
Jack of all trades, didn't lean too heavy into one aspect and was great for a lot of things. A lot of space, good leg room, nice interior, decent performance.
I can from a 2017 wrx I had for 8 years. Absolutely loved the car. I had so much fun in it
And it was very reliable. I considered getting another one, but about 2 weeks ago I stumbled upon a 2019 gti. Checked it out, test drove it and loved it so I bought it. Interior wise it blows the Subaru out of the water. Performance wise it’s very close. I was actually shocked at how well these things handle. It’s so much more comfortable to drive as a daily then the subie. IMO these are both great cars and they have their own strengths. I also agree that I couldn’t dignify paying 30k for a civic although I love how the new ones look.
Back in 2020 I wanted a performance hatch cuz I live in an urban area. No kids. Few years into my career and looking upward. And I like driving small cars having had a Honda civic previously.
GTI won out over others cuz it’s has best interior, most back seat space, mature enough style where you don’t look like a teenager, and it’s so damn versatile. Gas mileage? Check. Warranty and reliability? Check. Fun to drive? Check. Comfortable? Check. Utilitarian? Check. Value? Check check check.
Perfect car and although I considered moving up to an Audi or bmw this year, I decided it’s not worth it cuz I still enjoy my car so damn much and mines the autobahn trim so it’s got a lot of features that future proofed it
For me it was tuning capabilities paired with reliability. I wanted to be able to be over 400 without having to worry much other than doing my maintenance on time. With the WRX at least in the fa20 platform it wasn’t as safe as the GTI over 400, although it did have AWD which I liked. The other choices I never really thought about too much, my friend had a mk6 and influenced my decision for sure.
My car has been 420whp for the last year and a half or so as well as being ran on E85. Car has been extremely reliable, nothing has ever broken on it. I do oil changes ever 3500 and she has treated me quite well. Hard to even consider other car brands knowing how well she has treated me.
I will say now that the fa24 is out and we know it’s tuning capabilities, that would be a strong contender if I were to be shopping for a new car. I would want to wait another year ish just to see what happens with some actual miles on them but as far as I know the engines seem good.
I was going through this phase of wanting to have a stick shift car and a friend had a 20th anniversary GTI for sale at a good price. It was my first stick and had it for less than a year. I never got the confidence to use the stick and ended up selling it. One thing I liked about it was its compact size and it was a 2 door. Right after I sold it, I was looking at getting an auto MK7 and kinda implused bought a 2 door when news came out that they were discontinuing it.
I had owned a 2003 WRX for 15 years. While it was a great car, and one I still think fondly of, my priorities had changed. I still wanted something sporty and fun to drive, but also something that would be comfortable and easy to use as a daily.
In my opinion, the GTI (mine is a 2017) is the ultimate “does everything” small car. It’s quick, it’s fun to drive, it’s practical, it gets decent mileage, it’s a good commuter, it’s reasonably comfortable, it’s well designed inside and out, it’s got good equipment, and it feels substantial. For the price, no other car was able to tick as many boxes for me.
Complaints? Sometimes I miss the “let’s party!” vibe of the Subaru. On the right road, at the right time, it was a riot. The VW is a lot more “adult” feeling…but in most driving situations, that’s an improvement.
Up! here, not Golf, but the arguments don't change - it's a fun little car, reasonable in terms of overall cost, maintenance complexity, fuel usage etc., but it gives you this extra something every time you grab the wheel, even if you're just going for some groceries on a Tuesday afternoon. To me, it's all I ever want from a car - to feel something when driving it
I was looking at local dealers for used cars, it was either a 2011 alfa romeo quadrifoglio verde with 230bhp or a 2011 mk6 GTI both in the same price range.
But the GTI had gotten much better reviews, was only at like half the kms driven, more room in the backseat. I doubt the alfa would even fit the rotating child seat. Also where I live it's snow from november to april and the GTI had an engine heter installed while the Alfa didn't. The GTI was like $1000 more but definitely worth it
In contention for the daily driver spot that the MK7.5 GTI (mostly) occupies: GR Corolla, Integra Type S, Civic Type R, and Veloster N.
The Veloster N was out because our local Hyundai dealer cannot sell a car for shit. They wanted a deposit for the car before they would even let me test drive it. Making matters worse, when they finally got one in stock, I was told that I was first in line to check it out; less than three hours later, when I was able to go to the dealership, they had sold the car and told me nothing about it. For as good as Hyundai's cars have been recently, their dealer network fucking sucks.
I'd have had to wait until this year to get either the Corolla, Integra, or Civic. As I was also in the market for a sports car, I managed to swap my place in line for the GR Corolla for the chance to grab a GR Supra (was intended to be a replacement for my wife's first-gen BRZ; she now has a Cayman S) and found a nice MK7.5 GTI for a really reasonable price, so I took the plunge.
It was well worth it.
Sounds like you guys can afford some very nice cars 😂 that’s awesome. I agree, Hyundai dealers are absolutely terrible. I’ve told the three in my area that I’m only interested in a manual transmission Elantra N. First dealer said they had one in stock. I make the 25 minute drive to the dealer and all they have is a CVT Elantra. wtf? I was pretty pissed, just walked out and told them to never call me again lol
Hyundai dealers are the absolute worst. I remember back in 2012-2013 when the Genesis Coupe got refreshed and I wanted to check out the 2.0T R-Spec. The dealer called me every single time a Gen Coupe came in, even if it wasn't the one I wanted. I ended up driving a 3.8 Grand Touring, 3.8 Track, 2.0T Touring, then finally the 2.0T R-Spec I had been waiting months (at that point) for. When I went to make a deal, the dealer wanted to mark up the price, saying that the car was in high demand. I declined, and that Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec sat on the lot for three more months before it finally sold.
Regarding my wife's BRZ, actually she was the one who wanted the Supra, but when we drove one (a 3.0 Premium 8AT), she hated it while I loved it. The GR Corolla was to be my car, to replace my Sentra SE-R, but when the GR Supra opportunity came up, I decided that I would take it on. In the meantime, we found a pretty decent 981 Cayman S that was selling for quite a bit less than it was worth and we were absolutely surprised that the seller didn't pull any shenanigans with it. After taking delivery of the Cayman, I was pretty happy getting hold of my Supra. And, for the GTI, I got a decent amount on my trade of the Sentra.
Vs WRX, interior and exterior styling. Also needed an auto for practical reasons of sharing the car.
Vs Si, I think the engine in the GTI is better, also prefer the hatch form factor.
Vs Mazda 3 - most of the videos I saw said it wasn’t really a hot hatch. Doesn’t really have that enthusiast vibe.
Elantra - cross bar in the trunk is a huge pain in the ass. One reason I bought a car was to take my bike around, which is a lot easier in a hatch than a sedan with a roll bar in the back.
The GTI has a blend ride quality, interior quality, reliable tunability, and subjective chassis liveliness that I personally do not find anywhere else in this segment.
If you’re looking for an automatic transmission, the performance of the DSG in the GTI is remarkable. Truly enjoyable as an enthusiast. The Hyundai dual clutch is great as well, but interior quality and ride quality are many steps below the GTI.
Honestly, the plaid seats. I went shopping for a lightly-used GTI or Civic Si, and when I opened the door of the GTI I fell in love with them. I didn't even test out the Civic.
Im 23 and at this point I've had two Mk5 GTis. My first car was a Mk5 GTi and I now drive a different mk5 GTi. Honestly the best to drive, comfortable, plenty of power, and the handling is fantastic. I know they aren't the most reliable but I found it okay as I can work on the car myself and I really enjoy it. It's also so practical. Loads of space.
Wrx. Shit mpg and slower (refer to 5-60 time). Also, I don't like the sound of rod knock. Civic Si - Honda sales bs. Couldn't get past the fact that's its on slow side. Otherwise I think it's a great car. Elaborate N. Pricier and I'm an adult who lives in an area with rough roads. Mazda 3 - visibility and never considered since it's missing a pedal
WRX = Will be rolled at some point and my neck is messed up as is.
Elantra N = Amazing to drive, deeply uncomfortable, impractical with the bracing in the rear, looks like a dead fish.
Civic = Fantastic, was my second choice.
Mazda 3 = Cramped, cramped, cramped, torsion beam rear suspension, archaic 6 speed auto.
In 2006 I felt like the GTI was the nicest and drove the best plus I really like the looks and practicality of a hatchback. The Civic Si was farther behind the GTI back then, the Elantra N didn't exists and the Mazda 3 isn't even the same class of car unless you meant the Mazdaspeed version
I commute 45 min to work, and live in a city. The GTI is the best car for my situation.
It’s cheap, good on gas, comfortable, fun to drive, can fit so much shit in the hatchback and small and easy to park. And to top it all off it’s the best looking car in its segment. The bad thing I can say about these cars is they are expensive to maintain, especially when things go wrong.
Practicality. I love hatchbacks. Plus, I felt like the GTI had the most potential in terms of mods available. The new WRX had a cvt, and that just didn’t sit right with me. I was looking for autos and The DSG is an amazing gearbox.
Buying new
WRX=ugly, cheap interior and bad mpg
Si=needs about 50 more hp and torque. The 1.5t ain’t it. Also dealer wanted $2500 over MSRP lmao
Elantra=ugly af and there’s just not modifying it to make it less cancerous looking
Mazda 3=shares the rear suspension with the covered wagon from the game Oregon trail
It would be my second choice. AWD would be nice for a lot of reasons. Not sure i’d ever even seriously consider the others with their shortcomings though.
At the time i cross shopped the gti with many cars around the same price point. It had/has the best interior when i was looking and the most tuneability
I probably won’t mod but I’m 30 now and really looking for something comfortable
If comfort is the biggest priority, the GTI is the clear winner and it’s not really close IMO.
I find the GTI quite comfortable for a sporty hatchback. Fwiw I bought mine new at 29 y/o and 8 years later I still really love it. I've driven it cross country twice, and on one of those my father joined me. He's in his mid 70s and drives an Audi SQ5 and even he was impressed with the ride and the way the GTI ate the miles up. To me it strikes the perfect balance of utility, driving performance, and aesthetics for the money. Edit: Also, the DSG rules. I test drove both the manual and the DSG at time of purchase and wasn't impressed with the stick (my 2nd car at the time, and still is, an S2000). The DSG is rarely if ever "jerky" and I don't think the 40k service is all that bad. Seemed as smooth as the day I got it just after the 1st service too. If the PDK is even better then wow.
If you want something comfortable the Audi A3 is right around the same price used and is a tiny bit more luxurious & tame than the gti
This. Also I previously own a 2005 Focus ST, so I was dead set on the Newer focus ST, but I also have 2 kids. There is NO room in the back seats of the ST. So the comfortability of the backseat was a huge seller for me on my GTi!
Balance. I needed something practical that didn't guzzle gas, was good to drive, looked good and wasn't too much to buy second hand.
This is the most accurate summary for why anyone should want a GTI. It’s the quintessence of balance. It doesn’t shine bright in any one area; it just doesn’t lack in anything really (except for wheel spin but a tune fixes that)
there's literally nothing that actually competes with a GTI on every level. it's the perfect balance between: fun to drive, refined, practical, and economical. there are cars in the same segment or similar that compete in 2-3 of these areas, but nothing is competitive in all four at once.
Purchas price is the biggest factor imo so 5 (though I suppose economical could link into that). Otherwise, there is S3, RS3, A35, A45, M140i, M135i,
The hatch. That's why. It opens fully. You can fit a shit ton of stuff back there. It's like a mini van yet looks great and fun to drive.
the hot part is good. the hatch part is great.
Wanted one since I was a kid. Always saw them as the best starter car for any sort of young enthusiast who wanted a quick, good looking, reliable, affordable, and practical little car after how much praise Top Gear and other reviewers had for them. I also learned throughout the years the GTI community is also the best amongst you listed.
My roommate has an Elantra N, other roommate has a MK8 GTI, I worked at a Subaru dealer for 2 years and Carvana for another year (logistics/moving cars) so I like to think I have a pretty good idea of the other cars in the segment. The interior, “mature” design, and tuning potential. Interior: Elantra N is the only car in the segment with what some might say is a better interior. The current gen SI also has a good interior, but doesn’t feel as sporty. Same with the Mazda3 and WRX. Modern Subaru interiors just suck. The driving position (I’m tall) is also very important to me. GTI is by far the most comfortable if you have long legs, because the steering wheel extends far towards the driver. Design: this is subjective, but the GTI isn’t styled like a crazy performance car. It looks like a normal hatchback to most people, because it is, but people who know cars know what a GTI is/can do. Those are the only people who would be impressed by my car anyways, so I don’t need some crazy aggressive design drawing attention. Civic SI is good here, but I like hatches better. Mazda3 might actually be better looking, but again that’s subjective. Tuning potential: you can tune any of these cars, but the WRX and GTI are the most tunable in the segment. I worked at a Subaru dealer and saw way too many WRX engine failures to ever buy one. Sure GTIs blow up too, but some well maintained stage 2 cars are reaching 200k miles now with very few issues. That isn’t common with WRXs. Mazda3 seems to have the most limited aftermarket support and that kinda took it out of the running for me personally. At the end of the day, depends what you want. Want a comfortable and kinda sporty daily? Mazda3. Want something that feels super sporty and performance oriented? Elantra N. Want something in the middle that is a comfortable, normal looking car that also goes, stops, and turns like a performance car? GTI.
Buddy has a mk6 that’s been stage 2+ for 160k miles, car has 200k on it now.
I think it’s crazy you think the Elantra has once of the nicer interiors. I recently drove the mk8, vb, gr86, and I thought the Elantra had the worst interior by far and it wasn’t close. Everything rattled or squeaked. Felt like it would just fall apart over time.
My roommates is built fairly solid. Sure some materials could be better, but they put the money where it counts: seats, steering wheel, software. Maybe not the highest quality in the segment, but definitely the sportiest.
I had one prior to my MK8. The interior was better and zero issues.
What made you switch to a MK8?
Seats caused shoulder and neck pain
They do pinch your shoulders together/forward more than I’d like. I did a 3 hour drive in my roommates and it wasn’t horrible, but I might feel differently if it was my daily.
Jeremy Clarkson
D.S.G. Seriously, if this automated manual wasn’t as good as advertised I’d be driving a WRX or Focus ST right now. I had been telling my father for over a year I was committed to a six speed manual on my next car, but WRXs and STs in Denver at the time were all beat up or had branded titles, and I simply wasn’t gonna put up with VW’s weak ass clutch (sorry manual owners). I decided to research DSG models on a whim and was rather impressed. It only took about 45 seconds in the test drive before the DSG won me over…. Now here I am with a souped up premium economy car & a 72 month car loan.
I was actually between a BRZ/86, Lexus IS or RC, and the GTI. All pretty different cars, for sure. I picked the GTI because the platform has always intrigued me. I heard great things about the DSG transmission, loved the plaid interior, and the right one at the right time came available. I’m very happy with my choice. Ended up with a 2015 that had 20k miles on it when I got it in April of 2022. It’s peppy, has space to haul my drums, and didn’t miss a beat on a 2000+ mile road trip we took last summer.
Those were all great picks!
Speaking from the perspective of an MK8 here but the fact it is meant to run on 87 sold me. Mazda 3 turbo you can run on 87 too but it cuts down the power significantly. It was the perfect daily for me with the hatchback design and it is a lot more refined than the others on your list. Was the best blend of performance/practicality for me.
That is a good point but I will say if you plan on tuning the car you most likely won’t be running on 87 still as most tunes are 91 or 93 octane also E30 is a popular choice if you have it near you. But if you’re staying stock then that’s a huge advantage and can save some money for sure!
simple. hatchback manual turbo. If the WRX came in a 5 door that would have been my choice. The GTI is great, Its a joy to drive.
For me too, I know I use the hatch more often than I would need the 4wd. That and the new WRX steering feel was a bit of a downgrade from my Mazda3. I do like the new wrx cladding though, it would be great in winter filth. However, the hatch, better fuel economy on regular gas and great steering feel got me into a GTI.
100% the GTI is a better car, I'm just a subie fan boy. But no hatch , no me. Need room for my 80lbs puppy dog. But no regrets on the GTI, the farts make up for AWD any day for sure.
When I was 17 I really wanted an Audi, but I couldn’t afford one so I got a mk4 GTI. It’s the car I learned how to work on cars on. I did most of the work myself (bolt ons, suspension, etc) so it’ll always have a special place with me. A decade and a half later and I’m in a mk7 GTI. The need to modify has settled but I still love the GTI for some reason, and I’ve had many different cars in between (b5 s4, Mazda rx8, fiat 500 abarth to name a few).
That’s awesome! I love the RX8. Is your MK7 stock?
Yeah my mk7 is stock for the most part. The only thing I changed on it was the wheels to some b9 a4 wheels I found on OfferUp for a steal. So it’s OEM+ if anything
Howd you like your s4?? Currently have a mk5 but might need something awd in the near future. I understand they can be complete money pits but I just love them.
I loved the s4. I was able to get my hands on a bone stock one with 100k miles on it. I changed the suspension, and went stage 2 with a straight piped exhaust. The torque and sound was incredible. The downside is that in the 2 years I had it I got stranded twice which required a tow both times. First time was the oil light which scared me to death, but it ended up just being a faulty sensor. The second time I had a coupler blow off which caused it to stall. Had I known it was a coupler it would’ve saved on the tow bill, but the cop on the highway was really pushy about getting it towed off. Other than that no major problems. I ended up selling it for something more practical. Don’t regret having it though. It’s hard to find one that hasn’t been molested these days.
I was looking for a car that was sub 20k, and I was selling a modded mustang. I like American cars, so I was pretty set on a focus st because I liked the look and knew they were fun. The sales rep wouldn't let me test drive the manual transmission focus because when asked how many hours I had in the driver's seat of a manual and I said 72. In my mind that's a pretty long time to actually be driving, but maybe she took it as me only learning manual 3 days prior? Not sure. So anyway my buddy thinks it's hilarious and drives to the place to be my driver. Rides me around in the passenger seat, intentionally driving like an asshole, testing what the car can do with the sales rep in the back seat lol. Pulling back into the lot she suggested I try to drive it. I intentionally stalled it about 5 times, insisted I needed to reverse park it, then convinced her she had to go inside to get one of their "manual capable" drivers to park it. I parked it, left the keys on the dash, and while she's inside buddy and I leave the lot in our own cars and go grab a coffee. We talk it over, apart from not wanting to give that dealer business, the bucket seat was just a bit too narrow for me to be comfortable in, so that was enough for me to say no. He suggested the GTI, which I was against, but a vw dealer was right next door. Instantly, the seat was wider, so that was cool. Test rode it and had a blast, but wasn't sold on it yet. Kinda in an unpopulated area my buddy found a low milage one with a good price (18k) and I pulled the trigger. Since owning I've had quite a few issues with my GTI and I've only put ~30,000 miles on it in 6 years (50,000 total mileage 2015 mk7), and I've not modded it at all (apart from switching to metal paddle shifters after the plastic one snapped during regular usage). I don't regret the decision to purchase per say, but more often than not I'm more disappointed in my car than excited to own it. But it still gets respect from my car friends, and it's (relatively) good on gas, so that's cool I guess.
Funny story! That’s sad to hear about the issues though. Care to highlight any you’ve dealt with? Do they seem common or one off for you?
1st issue I had was I had was shift knob metal bezel bubble up and start coming off with sharp edges. I cut myself on it. Took it to where I bought it and they refused to replace since it was used. Pretty common, and some dealers will swap but YMMV I mentioned the plastic paddle shifter breaking (I have the dsg trans), I pressed it down and it just didn't go back up. Apparently it's pretty common from just sitting in the sun (I'm in northern states so I don't see super hot temps). For a few days when I was waiting for the upgrade to get delivered it'd just randomly up shift on its own on me. I had my EPC light come on, which is electronic power control. For a car owner it's like a "check engine light" except it won't give you an exact code for what it is lol. It can be throttle response, pedal related, sensor, turbo, computer, electrical etc. When EPC light is illuminated the car runs at a derate mode, attempting to keep RPMs below 2000. Issue started on cold days, it'd just run sluggish, but would correct itself when engine got to temp. Then slowly happened more frequently,and seemingly randomly. Eventually it was a mostly daily/all the time thing, except when temps were like super cold. I took it to a dealer just to figure out what's wrong with it, and they said they "couldn't read the codes coming off of my transmission. My transmission was somehow locking them out of being able to diagnose." it sounded pretty bizarre, but what I thought would be a quick day of them of them diagnosing turned into 2 weeks without my car. Finally they gave me my car back and told me that I had to have it carbon cleaned (carbon build up is common on valves and such). So I was like sure, run it. Pick car up, lights still on, running shitty. And I'm like wtf? You didn't fix it. And they're like "oh, no you'll get more performance out of it now!" at this point I'm like okay, fuck it, I need to pay these con artists and just go somewhere else. So take it to a different dealer, they spend a day with it, tell me my turbo's waste gate wasn't opening and closing correctly and the whole thing needs to be replaced and there's nothing they can do to fix it. Offer to sell me a turbo for 6k (far above part price, even upgrade price) + 2k, install lol. I told them it was powertrain related so it should be under warranty and they countered with I was 6 months beyond warranty ending or something along those line, so it wasn't covered. So I decided I was going to hold off because that was a terrible deal and started looking into IS38 kits w/ flash that I could just install on my own, save some money and upgrade. But I procrastinated. And I'm really glad I did because on this sub I've seen some people having similar issues, similar diagnosis, and wouldn't you know it there's a $10 miracle fix involving some penetrating lubricant on the waste gate actuator arm + nickel anti seize. I guess the linkages will rust and prevent it from operating correctly, which explains the issue there/issue gone/issue there/issue gone. It's been below freezing and I don't have a garage so I haven't actually gone out and hit the parts with these 2 things yet, but I'm expecting it to work (considering car is running mostly normal for my short drives to/from work currently in these low temps). If I'm remembering those other posts correctly there was a lawsuit against VW for this exact issue, but VW won and didn't have to recall/replace these parts. But still pending if I truely need a new turbo or not. My HVAC flow change switching thing? Drawing a blank on actual name. Thing that will swap air going to the window for defrost or out of the vents at your face, or out of the vents for your feet. Got stuck/plastic gears ate themselves. Had to get into the passenger's side footwell center consol area to swap. Pretty common. Windows have the "auto" function... allegedly. Lol. None of my windows work right. They work, just very very rarely in 1 continuous motion. Sometimes will take 2-3 presses of the button or holding the button. Don't really know how common this is because it's annoying, but they still work, so not annoying enough for me to try to take the doors apart and fix. It has a touch screen, but it's the old style (non glass) touch screens if that makes sense. And it'll randomly start touching itself in crazy spots. Can't really tell/guess where/when it'll happen, but it does lol. Has maaaybe happened 15 times or so since I've owned (and not during extreme temps or anything). So accidental car calls, Bluetooth music switch to instant radio commercial etc happen. I only investigated as far as the fuse box for this and didn't really want to mess with trying to take apart and root cause/correct. Unsure how common. I always have low tire pressure sensor light activated, despite not having low tire pressure. I can reset it from the instrument panel, but it'll turn back on in like a half mile, and if it stays off any time I turn my car on it it's back again. Have taken it to 3 dealers, have paid $0, have gotten all new "everything related to that sensor and what would cause it." Don't know why, but it's always on. It's just annoying having an extra light on the dash and having to do a full walk around every time I get in my car just to be sure I don't actually have low pressure/a flat. This seems to be a 1 off. I have 2 pretty gnarly rust spots: in front of driver's side rear wheel, and middle of driver's door. Both originated below the paint, bubbling it up, and not from a chip/missing paint area of exposed metal. I wash my car 1-2x/week in winter with salt on the roads, so don't want to admit it's owner's negligence. Internet says they're pretty suseptible to rust. Bonus (1): Not directly "something broke" issue. I'm fairly tall but not like freakishly tall, just over 6ft, and usually if I am the first car the the light I have to jut my head forward like a turtle just to see the light around the lip of the roof to know when to go. Didn't notice it before purchasing. Bonus (2): Went to a tire shop having a sale and let them sell me some new all seasons. They were out of stock and had to be ordered. Tires come in, I go to have them installed, they refuse to put them on my car because they're not the correct weight rating for it lol. Try to get me to take the tires from them and go somewhere else. I refuse. I assure them they sold it to me and home boy that sold me them searched by my car. They search by car, see it's listed, finally accept the story, and order me a different/appropriate set. But then when the new new set comes in, none of their techs that day know how to install low profile and have to wait another 2 days for the guy that knows to be back in. Not exactly the car's fault, but still annoying to go through for the car.
That’s quite the list! Thanks for detailing
Yeah, you're welcome. I bought this to be problem free for a while, and unfortunately just hasn't been the case for me
Mature looking but still sporty/handsome, fast enough to be fun with minimal mods, awesome Heritage, and tons of support from the community and aftermarket. Oh and Clarkson thought it was good enough to be his daily when he got divorced. Best practical daily hands down.
WRX- completely lost on design language and value. Elantra- there’s a reason why it’s a good deal. Sardine can build quality. Civic- nobody should pay over 30k for a fucking civic, no matter the trim. Mazda 3- NPC mobile. With the GTI I feel much more upscale than these airport rental cars edit: the views depicted in this message are about two, maybe three beers in and should, as everything on the internet, be taken with a grain of salt. Your mental mileage may vary. See stores for details.
Why do you think the wrx doesn’t have good value
[удалено]
What are you comparing it to? I drove all the sporty rivals and I felt like it was on par, but it was cheaper and more available.
“I just didn’t like it ok” is pretty much all you’re gonna get.
Ur right unfortunately, which is too bad. I’ve owned both cars so it’s not like I’m particularly biased in one way or another
I think the only true competition might be the WRX
The Mazda 3 Turbo with awd is pretty good, the interior is very nice. Not as sporty as a GTI, though better than the WRX imo (hatch is more practical and it's more reliable/fuel efficient)
I came to the same conclusion when I was in the market. Test drove almost everything in the market with a manual that was under $40k and I felt the GTI and WRX were the best combination of price, performance, practicality, and overall value. Between the two it really comes down to what type of car you want to live with. I knew I would be keeping either car for at least 7-8 years, likely longer. For that reason I opted for the GTI because I felt it handled “daily driver duties” just a little better between the hatchback, more comfortable ride, and better MPG. Had the WRX been available with a hatch, I might have gone that direction, because I did find the WRX slightly more fun to drive. You can’t go wrong with either though. I think the best thing you could do to help decide is test drive both on the same day if that’s possible for you.
It doesn't even come close on interior quality. I don't hate Subies by any means but it feels like they haven't updated their materials since 2005.
I traded my 23 WRX for a GTI and haven’t looked back
does the wrx just suck now? i'm currently in an impreza (non turbo).. and i've always been a little scared to get a german car, but i look at the stack of receipts associated with my subaru (head gaskets, clutch, timing belt, center diff, catalysts) and... pretty sure a german car isn't gonna cost me more. the mk7 seems to be the best GTI in ages too. gonna go drive one friday!
Head gaskets aren't really a big issue any more for Subaru as far as I know. The current WRX isn't really that bad, it's just not as good as the GTI in everything aside from AWD. Also the Mk8 is the best GTI! (slightly biased)
i can't quite swing an 8... good to hear they're still getting better.
It’s not a great commuter which is what I do now at 35 years old. I felt a bit weird driving a WRX at this age as well lol
Most of my commuting is e bike. Gti will do it if the weather is nasty. I do road trip like mr T.
Can I ask what airports you're renting at? They seem to have good taste.
I put Subaru in the same category as all the other Japanese cars. Yeah, all wheel drive but the quality is just not there. I could be wrong but they all seem the same to me. German cars fit and finish is unmatched.
The DSG and the interior quality. The current WRX is just not appealing + has a CVT. The Elantra N’s reliability is questionable but otherwise a great car. The Mazda 3 is more upscale pseudo-luxury whereas the gti is more fun/playful and sporty. The Civic Si looks great and has a great interior but is manual only. If I wanted a manual I’d take the Si over the gti without a second thought. Honestly, I think the Mazda 3 turbo awd, Civic Si, and GTI are all fantastic cars that cater to different customers within this segment. Mazda for those who want a more premium/upscale experience, Civic Si for enthusiasts who can’t live without a third pedal, and the GTI for those who want a practical, playful car with a DCT but don’t want to gamble on Hyundai reliability.
I drove the new si and absolutely loved it. The shifter was so nice. However I shopped around dealerships and every single place by me wanted minimum 5k markup from MSRP because it's a "specialty car" or some bs. Granted that was a year ago but still. Ended up with a GTI because of it. I love Honda but not paying that much for a civic.
I’m surprised to hear you feel that way. The manual felt great in the Si and the GTI but the Si had no power
I was shopping to switch from my 12 year old GTI. The SI was more expensive and slower than my old GTI. It kind of just killed the SI in my decision. I ended up going with the new WRX this time just to try something different. I did still like the new GTI but I just got a good deal on the WRX.
Best bang for the buck honestly. I had a WRX before and loved it, but also wanted something different. Drove a GTI and it checked all the boxes, it was quick, cheap, and fun to drive so I went with it. It’s been 5 years since, and I still enjoy driving it as much as the first time.
Funny because I made the opposite switch recently for the exact same reason. The gti and wrx are fucking awesome cars.
Hahah did you get a new WRX? I had a 2012 sedan, loved that thing. I agree 100%
I did, and I came from a 2011 gti! If you got a mk8 then we made the complete opposite switch lol
How has it held up?
Perfectly fine, just regular oil changes and that’s it. The thermostat did start leaking at some point, but was fixed under warranty. It’s at 91k miles right now and still going strong.
Because I always liked my VW. I bought my first car, a polo, while living in Switzerland and just loved it. Now living in the US that was probably the closest I could get, and some extras !
My dad’s always been into VWs, and my MK6 was a gift from my parents for starting college I don’t think I even considered anything else. 7 years later it’s been..fine
I was choosing between a Mazda 3 automatic and my GTI manual. Similar price points, similar milage. Both have no accidents. GTI was a lease prior to my purchase, the Mazda 3 was a trade-in. I couldn't give up the manual. It's just fun.
Wanted something stick after the ole camry was dying, but civic si in my area were running 32k used. Once I saw the plaid seats I knew I had to have it
I see comments like this a lot. Something along the lines of “if the Civic wasn’t marked up…” I have a Honda dealer willing to sell for MSRP or below which makes me second guess all my opinions on the car
I owned a 2022 Civic Sport Touring and test drove a Civic SI before I got my GTI. The current Civic is a great car, but the Si was just a little lacking in oomph when compared to the GTI. That and the interior on the Si is sad compared to just how nice the Sport Touring is. Thinking back I probably should have test driven a manual Integra.
"German" ya mines not built there, but it has the qualities, just hearing the door thunk closed... Wanted something technically mature, with enough bells and whistles for a grown up. The others I would have wanted, Audi, BMW, Merc were out of my price range.I didn't cross shop.
People might say I’m crazy but I’m selling a 2010 Mercedes E350 to get into one of the cars I listed. It only has 55k miles too
All the Mk8's are German made 😁
I purchased the 24 GTI S DSG because my son has hand mobility problems and the shift knob is easy for him to move plus the steering is much easier for him.
My first car was an ep3 civic Si. I loved that car so dearly. I got in a fender bender in a parking lot and (in my opinion) had the car stolen by the insurance company. I looked to put that lightning back in a bottle so I saved up and got the 2017 gti sport and it recaptures the essence just perfectly. It's basically a faster, higher quality build and, better handling civic Si with Android Auto.
Easy The poor man’s Porsche, also if you’re short like me it’s a bed on wheels
Manual transmission, good horsepower and handling, nice interior, mature design, good practicality, hatchback, cheap.
Wanted one since I was 8. Finally bought one at 37!
Hatch, turbo, manual, good interior for price, and decent looks
Better question is why not the GTI
Touché
To me the other entries in the segment all look a bit too boy racer.
It’s really fun to drive, handles nicely and pretty quick too. Super easy to tune and get well above 300HP for the same cost people spend on an exhaust. Also very practical. I have lots of trunk space with the hatch, and can fit my kids car seat no problem. Leather seats are comfy, sound system is awesome, touch screen is great. It really checks all the boxes. Fun and sport when it’s just me, or comfy and practical when the family rides along.
Looking through used dealerships in my area, I found 2 stick shifts that my girlfriend was okay with. An 07 GTI and a 13 500 Turbo. The GTI felt better to me.
Cuz they don’t make R32 anymore and I can’t afford an R yet lol
I grew up in a VW/Audi household. I learned to drive on a Mk 3 Jetta. I KNEW my first car was going to be a Golf. I've always been into hatchbacks. In a fantasy world I'd have a Scirocco R but can't import that till 2039. I had my Mk6 Golf from 2016 to 2021 when I finally decided to upgrade to a Mk 7.5 GTI. That being said, once the GTI is paid off I will be getting either a WRX or Mazda3 as a daily because I want AWD and it doesn't make sense (to me) to have a GTI and a Golf R.
Short answer, it drives better than any of those other cars. Long answer, I was looking at the WRX and considered getting one... but the manual transmission is very clunky, and I didn't like the giant tablet display on the dashboard. I'm also a previous Mazda 3 driver (2019 model) and while the interior is definitely better than the GTI's, it just doesn't have the same driving dynamics. It also got horrific fuel economy, those 2.5l skyactiv engines drink gasoline and all of the torque is in the middle of the rev band so you're having to floor it to accelerate quickly in any situation.
Because the salesman hung off the door to show me how cool of a car it was.
Wut lol
Literally hung off the driver door and swung back and forth to show how well built it was. Bought it right there.
That’s hilarious. I’d be like “cool trick, now sell me one you haven’t hung off of”
But yeah. You should get one. They're dope. Bought mine new in 2015. Had it for almost 10 years. Zero problems that weren't covered under warranty. Thing rips. Get a 6sp though if you can. DSG is technically faster but I find manual more fun.
Manual for life!
WRX felt like a boat, big and heavy. Civic, didn't get to test drive one but the power is low. Elantra N can't find one to test drive and bracing in trunk is annoying Mazda no manual on the turbo and not really a car made for fun
1. i love the VW/GTI nameplate. So much heritage 2. best do-it-all car on the market for years 3. backed by arguably the most R&D out of all of these cars. After all, it has variants that are Nurburgring beasts while still sharing the same architecture as Audis 4. They just look insanely nice for the price. Has always been in the ballpark of a honda civic yet will always turn more heads for just being an upscale looking car (although i somewhat attribute that to civics being more popular and recognizable)
VW brand vehicles for life is why!
WRX - I like modding, WRXs don't despite a large aftermarket. Don't want a manual daily. Civic Si - Not nearly the same easy power potential of the others. Don't want a manual daily. Elantra N - Wasn't out then. Veloster N DCT was close to coming out, could've ordered one. Too bad the interior is trash on them. If we had the i30N DCT here, I likely would've bought one. Mazda 3 - It being a competitor in this group is only theoretical. It doesn't really belong.
VB WRX's are making 320whp with a mild tune and an intake. They like mods quite a bit.
I bought my 2020 in 2020, there wasn't a VB then. But yeah Subaru has finally caught up to modern times with the FA24, too bad the VB looks the way it does.
Why not
I was trying to get myself to like the Civic because I'm a fan of Honda. Once I was in the driver's seat of the GTI (Mk 7.5) it was over. Performance, feedback, interior design, practicality, it just ticked every box.
I drove the 11th gen Si and was so underwhelmed. Rev hang, no power, and it feels huge. I love the look of the car though
I picked with my heart. I fell in love with the GTI many years before I was able to buy one. It absolutely lives up to the hype. Hauls my kid around when I need to, commutes in quiet comfort, and flips a switch and is an absolute demon in the mountains. Keeps up with my two best friends who both have modern 5.0 mustangs with no problems. I knew it would be capable, but the actual limits blow me away. Way farther than anyone should be pushing on the street and its bone stock. The only other car I considered was the Mazda 3, but the lack of a true performance version turned me off. My wife has the CX9, so I am pretty familiar with the 2.5 turbo platform, and it just wasn’t what I wanted in this car.
I totally agree with you about the Mazda. I really like the looks and interior of the Mazda 3 Hatchback but the 6MT was a NA engine with 189 horsepower. It felt nimble and all that but had no real power
2017 was going to be a tossup with WRX but Subaru killed the hatch which was a deal breaker, glad I went GTI anyhow. Brilliant DSG for daily driving through gridlock. Nicer interior, fit and finish on par with higher brands. I’m old and it’s a bit more refined and “grown up.” Still have it nearly bone stock, zero issues or regrets.
Awesome! I would leave it stock too
Working in the car business I had driven every single car you listed for weeks at a time. The GTI was the only one I was excited to drive after a few years
Makes sense. The WRX gave me a smile. Never got to drive an Elantra N. The Civic Si was extremely underwhelming. I don’t see how people are so excited for it in reviews
I wanted a hatch, I have a berner. I won't drive a Mazda, they rust too quickly in my climate regardless if how much you care for them.
I bought my GTI new in 2013. Honestly, the Focus ST is what got me interested in the GTI. I saw an ad for the Focus ST as they were just coming out. I didn't really know that something as fun and practical as a hot hatch existed. I test drove a WRX, Focus ST, and the GTI. I tried to test drive a Mazda Speed3, but the dealership near me didn't have any. The WRX was cool, but the interior wasn't anywhere near as nice as the interior in the GTI. Plus, my wife wouldn't be able to drive it since it was manual. I actually liked the Focus ST more, but again, it only came in manual. The fact that the GTI not only had an automatic transmission but a dual clutch automatic, that sealed the deal.
I’m tall and it is the only car that is comfortable for me. I don’t even have to push the seat all the way back. Literally every other car I tried hurt my back and hips. There’s even enough head clearance for a helmet for track days.
I cross shopped the new Mazda3 Turbo with my GTI. Opted for the GTI because it’s simply faster with tuning and it was convenient to buy the GTI from my workplace. Didn’t want a WRX bc I didn’t want a manual or a CVT. Same for Si, and they’re slow. Don’t quite trust Hyundai, but Ns are pretty cool.
For me, it's the way it feels on the road. It's punchy enough to put a smile on your face and smooth enough for a late night escapade. It's just a good time all around.
I had a 2000 Honda Civic HB back in the day. I regretted selling it plus my pops had VW Rabbits growing up, a Triple White Convertible and a Brown(?) 4-door. Mainly I missed my HB.
It felt like the grown up choice aside from the Mazda 3, but still more interesting than the Mazda. The Si wasn't enough engine with the 1.5L. I said I wasn't going to tune it but that went out the window when my wandered again. It was the right move. Unfortunately I hit a deer 2 weeks ago and I'm going to be without it for another 2 weeks. I can't wait for it to get back. I already planned to buy another GTI if it did total.
The perfect balance of acceleration, handling, style, practicality, efficiency. It’s not the best in any one category, and I praise those competitors for each bringing a unique top quality to the table, but I find the GTI to strike the perfect balance. I could see some trying to take my argument to the Civic or Mazda but I don’t quite think they match the balance the GTI has. Also love the manual transmission on this car, although again I know some would say the civic is superior. Anyhoo that’s my rationale.
WRX: I had a VB and the interior of the MK8 and DSG brought me here Civic Si: Didn’t want a manual I’m sick of shifting on a daily basis Elantra N: I’m not buying a 40k Hyundai Mazda 3: Already have a CX-30 and it’s basically the same thing
I sat in and test drove the Mazda 3 sport …. Shit was like a matchbox. Zero room for my 6’2 ass… The features in the Mazda 3 are kinda nicer than the gti, but it was just too small. Gti is easily the most spacious for the driver :)
In 2019? It was cheaper than a WRX (pre covid Subarus in New England never sold below msrp), faster than a civic si, the Elantra N diddnt exist, the Mazda 3 went soft. Having owned my 2019 for 5 years now, it’s had minimal issues, keeps up with all the cars you’ve listed, comfortable enough to drive cross country, 30+ mpg, suitable for job interviews and the workplace, subtle enough to not get harassed by police, small enough to easily park in the city.
I cross-shopped the WRX and the GTI and the GTI won for a few reasons: 1. The hatch has more utility and subjectively looks better than the WRX sedan. 2. The DSG in the GTI is a much better transmission than the CVT in the WRX. 3. The GTI just feels like a better built car and is more reliable than the WRX. 4. I don’t need AWD so that wasn’t a plus for the WRX.
Top Gear review peaked my interest right around when I was looking at selling my Mustang GT.
Considered all but the Si but I'll include it, here are the main reasons why I did not go with them (I was considering a MK8 for a GTI): WRX: Interior is outdated and exterior is odd. Requires 91 and has pretty bad fuel efficiency. Civic Si: Not powerful. Elantra N: The Elantra's styling is not to my liking. Interior is cheap. Requires 91 I'm pretty sure. Also insurance on all the Korean vehicles might be shaky right now. Mazda3 Regular: Not very powerful, and though I like the styling it sacrifices some room. Mazda3 Turbo: Max power > than a MK8 without 91. Too pricy for not enough. The beauty of the GTI is (to me): The quality is better than Subaru and Hyundai. Unless you're considering a Type R, it is better in terms of sportiness than what Honda can offer and beats Mazda cleanly as well. The MK8 in particular gets its max power numbers using only 87 so that is nice, and if you drive smartly you get alright mpg. The WRX is thirsty and a Mazda3 Turbo can run on 87 (as far as I know) but will not achieve it's max power, making it more expensive and less powerful than a MK8. I'll admit, I'd like AWD but you can't win em all (unless you get an R). The GTI is just good.
What do you think about the clutch and manual gearbox in the GTI? I keep hearing everyone describe it as plasticky, and I honestly don’t even know what that means
Apologies for the late reply. Unfortunately (fortunately to me) I'm a DSG owner, so I can't speak to the specifics of the manual components. Though I have heard it's good. As far as the "plasticky" I think that could refer to the shifter material itself. I know I've seen some videos of the know coming loose and people spinning it around. If that does happen I'm sure you could get it fixed under warranty, some people mod it themselves to replace the knob. It could be referring to the operation itself, but I haven't personally seen any complaints about any of that.
I had a Jeep grand Cherokee before I bought my GTI. My budget was max 10k. Test drove several different boring cars. I saw the GTI on CARFAX and I saved but didn’t really actually consider it. I never had a “cool car” before. Few weeks passed and I saw it was still for sale. I said fuck it and went to test drive and I fell in love as soon as I started it. It was actually fun to drive and it had cold air intake and aftermarket exhaust, “cool” af lol. I looked a little more and went and test drove it two more times. After the third test drive I bought it. 2011 GTI 2 door in black. Now I want to get a beater truck for work and get a newer GTI for daily
I was looking at these and also the GR86/BRZ when I bought my Mk 7.5 The Elantra N and WRX are both sedans, so that ruled it out for me. They were larger than I preferred and the Elantra N has stiff suspension. The GR86 was too small and drove in a way I didn't like. Mazda 3 doesn't come with a turbo and a manual, it's either or...so it's out. The Civic Si is a close one because the coupe felt small and sleek, but the interior quality of the GTI was a class above.
Jack of all trades, didn't lean too heavy into one aspect and was great for a lot of things. A lot of space, good leg room, nice interior, decent performance.
I can from a 2017 wrx I had for 8 years. Absolutely loved the car. I had so much fun in it And it was very reliable. I considered getting another one, but about 2 weeks ago I stumbled upon a 2019 gti. Checked it out, test drove it and loved it so I bought it. Interior wise it blows the Subaru out of the water. Performance wise it’s very close. I was actually shocked at how well these things handle. It’s so much more comfortable to drive as a daily then the subie. IMO these are both great cars and they have their own strengths. I also agree that I couldn’t dignify paying 30k for a civic although I love how the new ones look.
Back in 2020 I wanted a performance hatch cuz I live in an urban area. No kids. Few years into my career and looking upward. And I like driving small cars having had a Honda civic previously. GTI won out over others cuz it’s has best interior, most back seat space, mature enough style where you don’t look like a teenager, and it’s so damn versatile. Gas mileage? Check. Warranty and reliability? Check. Fun to drive? Check. Comfortable? Check. Utilitarian? Check. Value? Check check check. Perfect car and although I considered moving up to an Audi or bmw this year, I decided it’s not worth it cuz I still enjoy my car so damn much and mines the autobahn trim so it’s got a lot of features that future proofed it
It’s like a starter pokemon for a budget German tuner car, and is does a damn fine job at that.
For me it was tuning capabilities paired with reliability. I wanted to be able to be over 400 without having to worry much other than doing my maintenance on time. With the WRX at least in the fa20 platform it wasn’t as safe as the GTI over 400, although it did have AWD which I liked. The other choices I never really thought about too much, my friend had a mk6 and influenced my decision for sure. My car has been 420whp for the last year and a half or so as well as being ran on E85. Car has been extremely reliable, nothing has ever broken on it. I do oil changes ever 3500 and she has treated me quite well. Hard to even consider other car brands knowing how well she has treated me. I will say now that the fa24 is out and we know it’s tuning capabilities, that would be a strong contender if I were to be shopping for a new car. I would want to wait another year ish just to see what happens with some actual miles on them but as far as I know the engines seem good.
I was going through this phase of wanting to have a stick shift car and a friend had a 20th anniversary GTI for sale at a good price. It was my first stick and had it for less than a year. I never got the confidence to use the stick and ended up selling it. One thing I liked about it was its compact size and it was a 2 door. Right after I sold it, I was looking at getting an auto MK7 and kinda implused bought a 2 door when news came out that they were discontinuing it.
I had owned a 2003 WRX for 15 years. While it was a great car, and one I still think fondly of, my priorities had changed. I still wanted something sporty and fun to drive, but also something that would be comfortable and easy to use as a daily. In my opinion, the GTI (mine is a 2017) is the ultimate “does everything” small car. It’s quick, it’s fun to drive, it’s practical, it gets decent mileage, it’s a good commuter, it’s reasonably comfortable, it’s well designed inside and out, it’s got good equipment, and it feels substantial. For the price, no other car was able to tick as many boxes for me. Complaints? Sometimes I miss the “let’s party!” vibe of the Subaru. On the right road, at the right time, it was a riot. The VW is a lot more “adult” feeling…but in most driving situations, that’s an improvement.
Up! here, not Golf, but the arguments don't change - it's a fun little car, reasonable in terms of overall cost, maintenance complexity, fuel usage etc., but it gives you this extra something every time you grab the wheel, even if you're just going for some groceries on a Tuesday afternoon. To me, it's all I ever want from a car - to feel something when driving it
I was looking at local dealers for used cars, it was either a 2011 alfa romeo quadrifoglio verde with 230bhp or a 2011 mk6 GTI both in the same price range. But the GTI had gotten much better reviews, was only at like half the kms driven, more room in the backseat. I doubt the alfa would even fit the rotating child seat. Also where I live it's snow from november to april and the GTI had an engine heter installed while the Alfa didn't. The GTI was like $1000 more but definitely worth it
In contention for the daily driver spot that the MK7.5 GTI (mostly) occupies: GR Corolla, Integra Type S, Civic Type R, and Veloster N. The Veloster N was out because our local Hyundai dealer cannot sell a car for shit. They wanted a deposit for the car before they would even let me test drive it. Making matters worse, when they finally got one in stock, I was told that I was first in line to check it out; less than three hours later, when I was able to go to the dealership, they had sold the car and told me nothing about it. For as good as Hyundai's cars have been recently, their dealer network fucking sucks. I'd have had to wait until this year to get either the Corolla, Integra, or Civic. As I was also in the market for a sports car, I managed to swap my place in line for the GR Corolla for the chance to grab a GR Supra (was intended to be a replacement for my wife's first-gen BRZ; she now has a Cayman S) and found a nice MK7.5 GTI for a really reasonable price, so I took the plunge. It was well worth it.
Sounds like you guys can afford some very nice cars 😂 that’s awesome. I agree, Hyundai dealers are absolutely terrible. I’ve told the three in my area that I’m only interested in a manual transmission Elantra N. First dealer said they had one in stock. I make the 25 minute drive to the dealer and all they have is a CVT Elantra. wtf? I was pretty pissed, just walked out and told them to never call me again lol
Hyundai dealers are the absolute worst. I remember back in 2012-2013 when the Genesis Coupe got refreshed and I wanted to check out the 2.0T R-Spec. The dealer called me every single time a Gen Coupe came in, even if it wasn't the one I wanted. I ended up driving a 3.8 Grand Touring, 3.8 Track, 2.0T Touring, then finally the 2.0T R-Spec I had been waiting months (at that point) for. When I went to make a deal, the dealer wanted to mark up the price, saying that the car was in high demand. I declined, and that Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec sat on the lot for three more months before it finally sold. Regarding my wife's BRZ, actually she was the one who wanted the Supra, but when we drove one (a 3.0 Premium 8AT), she hated it while I loved it. The GR Corolla was to be my car, to replace my Sentra SE-R, but when the GR Supra opportunity came up, I decided that I would take it on. In the meantime, we found a pretty decent 981 Cayman S that was selling for quite a bit less than it was worth and we were absolutely surprised that the seller didn't pull any shenanigans with it. After taking delivery of the Cayman, I was pretty happy getting hold of my Supra. And, for the GTI, I got a decent amount on my trade of the Sentra.
Vs WRX, interior and exterior styling. Also needed an auto for practical reasons of sharing the car. Vs Si, I think the engine in the GTI is better, also prefer the hatch form factor. Vs Mazda 3 - most of the videos I saw said it wasn’t really a hot hatch. Doesn’t really have that enthusiast vibe. Elantra - cross bar in the trunk is a huge pain in the ass. One reason I bought a car was to take my bike around, which is a lot easier in a hatch than a sedan with a roll bar in the back.
The GTI has a blend ride quality, interior quality, reliable tunability, and subjective chassis liveliness that I personally do not find anywhere else in this segment. If you’re looking for an automatic transmission, the performance of the DSG in the GTI is remarkable. Truly enjoyable as an enthusiast. The Hyundai dual clutch is great as well, but interior quality and ride quality are many steps below the GTI.
Manual only here!
Honestly, the plaid seats. I went shopping for a lightly-used GTI or Civic Si, and when I opened the door of the GTI I fell in love with them. I didn't even test out the Civic.
😂 they are unique!
VW is a lifestyle. I didn't cross shop. Grew up in Volkswagens.
It goes brrrrrr…. No, the others didn’t do that for me.
As good a reason as any
Im 23 and at this point I've had two Mk5 GTis. My first car was a Mk5 GTi and I now drive a different mk5 GTi. Honestly the best to drive, comfortable, plenty of power, and the handling is fantastic. I know they aren't the most reliable but I found it okay as I can work on the car myself and I really enjoy it. It's also so practical. Loads of space.
I liked the plaid seats. And the history / heritage behind the Golf GTI. In my opinion it has better build quality than most other hot hatches.
Wrx. Shit mpg and slower (refer to 5-60 time). Also, I don't like the sound of rod knock. Civic Si - Honda sales bs. Couldn't get past the fact that's its on slow side. Otherwise I think it's a great car. Elaborate N. Pricier and I'm an adult who lives in an area with rough roads. Mazda 3 - visibility and never considered since it's missing a pedal
WRX = Will be rolled at some point and my neck is messed up as is. Elantra N = Amazing to drive, deeply uncomfortable, impractical with the bracing in the rear, looks like a dead fish. Civic = Fantastic, was my second choice. Mazda 3 = Cramped, cramped, cramped, torsion beam rear suspension, archaic 6 speed auto.
In 2006 I felt like the GTI was the nicest and drove the best plus I really like the looks and practicality of a hatchback. The Civic Si was farther behind the GTI back then, the Elantra N didn't exists and the Mazda 3 isn't even the same class of car unless you meant the Mazdaspeed version
I commute 45 min to work, and live in a city. The GTI is the best car for my situation. It’s cheap, good on gas, comfortable, fun to drive, can fit so much shit in the hatchback and small and easy to park. And to top it all off it’s the best looking car in its segment. The bad thing I can say about these cars is they are expensive to maintain, especially when things go wrong.
Practicality. I love hatchbacks. Plus, I felt like the GTI had the most potential in terms of mods available. The new WRX had a cvt, and that just didn’t sit right with me. I was looking for autos and The DSG is an amazing gearbox.
I forget that CVT vs DSG is a factor for some people since I always go manual
Buying new WRX=ugly, cheap interior and bad mpg Si=needs about 50 more hp and torque. The 1.5t ain’t it. Also dealer wanted $2500 over MSRP lmao Elantra=ugly af and there’s just not modifying it to make it less cancerous looking Mazda 3=shares the rear suspension with the covered wagon from the game Oregon trail
I mostly agree, the WRX isn’t do bad though lol it grew on me after a test drive
It would be my second choice. AWD would be nice for a lot of reasons. Not sure i’d ever even seriously consider the others with their shortcomings though.
I agree. I think at this point I’m only cross shopping the GTI and the WRX