SMB Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 I'm not sure why a 5dr GTI isn't suitable as a family car. in years gone families used cars like escorts/cortinas, passats, cavaliers etc, and a modern gti is bigger than all those, inside and in the boot, and has all the safety equipment you could want. what is this fascination with huge cars just to carry round 2 kids? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamD Posted August 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Children come with a lot of stuff, once I have the pram in the boot of my car there literally is no room for anything else. This is kinda limiting when thinking about going away for a week (or even a weekend for that matter). In every day life, pootling around town etc, it is fine, but for anything more than that it is too small for my needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Like cars, buggies and the like have all got bigger. My GTI would be fine with one nippa, two might be a problem. I'm actually trading down due to financial reasons (setting up shop!) but am still looking at 5dr hatches. With regards used GTI's, i think it's the spec that's the clincher TBH. Knowing the type of car it is, i certainly wouldn't want an ex demo. People have become very fickle when looking for cars these days, some are quite happy to sacrifice a good car for the sake of finding one with say a sunroof or Xenons etc. If you're going to trade then basic car with no extras is the way to go, for the classifieds a few little extras (18"s, sunroof, DSG) might help seal the deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 SAM, we've just bought an 'umbrella folding' M&P's pram. It's amazing and literally takes up a 1/4 of the GTI's boot. Once expanded it is very solid looking but very light. It also lays flat for newborns. They were in the sale @£99 down from £199! linky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamD Posted August 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Well if I do decide to keep the car (which will only be if I cant get the cost to change to where I need it to be), then that may well be a good option. Our pram is great (Bugaboo) but it takes up a huge amount of boot space - especially in pram mode. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 i've heard that about Bugaboos, these prams are great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_h Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 If you are going to take a hit in depreciation, then why not keep the Gti, and use the depreciation moneu to buy second hand estate car for hols, dump runs,etc. You can pick up a mondeo tdci for a few grand these days, and it saves the GTi getting 'kid worn'. We bought an S Reg Volvo v70 as a 'sprogs and dogs' car and it really saves the GTi from getting knackered. just a thought Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I'm not sure why a 5dr GTI isn't suitable as a family car. in years gone families used cars like escorts/cortinas, passats, cavaliers etc, and a modern gti is bigger than all those, inside and in the boot, and has all the safety equipment you could want. what is this fascination with huge cars just to carry round 2 kids? [/ QUOTE ] Maybe you shoudl check the boot size and shape of said cars I know my mk1 boot is more a usable size than the mk5s and its much a smaller car. All the cars you mension have much bigger boots than the mk5 golf. [ QUOTE ] Sam, stick it in the classifieds mate. I've been looking at them and there are very few private ones on there. [/ QUOTE ] Theres loads or there has been in the past few months (not looked this week myself yet) My dad wants a GTI after driving mine but has a set budget so we have seen a few and look out for them every week. Sent him the pics and info of this one but he does not like the white ones hes seen at Benfield Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 [/ QUOTE ] Theres loads or there has been in the past few months (not looked this week myself yet) My dad wants a GTI after driving mine but has a set budget so we have seen a few and look out for them every week. [/ QUOTE ] Well i suppose it depends on spec really. If i do a search for a private GTI in or around london, i'd be lucky to find more than 5. Then how many of those will be 5dr, or DSG (if that's what you want!). I for one (if i have to sell) will probably put mine up for about £2,500 less than i paid... then just wait and see what happens. With 4000 miles its as good as new anyway IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin275 Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Are you sure the A4/S4 Saloon boot is that much bigger than the Golf? The boot in the A4 saloon isn’t that big imo. You could always take the Golfs parcel shelf out if you need more space and remember that a hatchback is easier to load than a saloon. Going for an A4 Avant will solve that problem though. I do know what you mean about needing more space when you have two kids, ours are 4 years old and 8 months old and the amount of stuff we need when we go away for the weekend or even overnight still amazes me! Another alternative is to buy a second pushchair that you could use when you need more boot space. You would probably have more spare space in the Golf with a compact pushchair (such as the Quinny Zap, which folds up into a tiny space) than you would have in an A4 with your Bugaboo taking up most of the boot! We have the Quinny Buzz and it filled the A4 saloon boot when in ‘pram mode’, but there is plenty of space in the Passat. Now that is a car with a huge boot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 I know what you meen about the A4 boot its not that big. A mate went with the avant/estate because of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Well i suppose it depends on spec really. If i do a search for a private GTI in or around london, i'd be lucky to find more than 5. Then how many of those will be 5dr, or DSG (if that's what you want!). [/ QUOTE ] We nation search as we don't mind to travel. Manual or DSG dads not bothered, spec not a concern (mines basic spec and he likes it) Must be a 5door, Found out does not like white and hes not too keen on red as spent 30++ years in red fire engines so not too keen on red. So a little less picky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamD Posted August 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Shame he doesn't like white ones, they are certainly very striking, but I guess it is a love hate thing really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy_Driver Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Great stuff... I can really chip in on this post We got the 5 door GTI for my wife when she was due our first child and it has been great. Her back would not be the greatest after she was rear ended some years back... no smart comments, it was by another car and moving our daughter in and out through a 3 door would not be an option as she is already over 17lb and only 15 weeks old (Myself and wife are both very tall). The best purchase I got was the Maxi Cosi Cabrio ISOFIX setup - basically there is a fixed ISOFIX base in the car and infant carrier just sits and clicks in so no messing with wrapping seat belts and less chance of making a mistake. We too have the Bugaboo and I can vouch that there really is not much room left in the boot when in pram mode but what I can say is that you can pack in around it whereas when we use the Volvo S60 boot which is deep then you cannot pack as much in even though the Volvo has a way bigger boot litre's wise. I am also very particular that the parcel shelf is on at all times as I do not want items "taking flight" in an accident. Overall we think the GTI is meeting our needs with one child, although when we go away for a weekend myself and wife have to travel very light so that we can fit our daughters stuff. With family planning etc, and if we are blessed with another child, my next purchase will be the new Hyundai Santa Fe and the Volvo will go - meaning I get the GTI full time - hence why I sometimes chase the wife around the house - go figure Think someone mentioned the M&P double buggy - we have seen that one too, looks great and light, and folds to nothing too. That's another thing on the list for later. Anyway, GTI is just great now but I can accept that if there was a 2nd nipper about then it might be a tight fit and the big Volvo S60 would be worse. Thats my tuppence worth on it all. Regards Paddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMB Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 sam , I know you need stuff, but I have friends with golfs, skoda fabia's vectra'swhatever with kids, definately no bigger than the golf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken1 Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Folks, I have a 3 Door and have been bringing our bundle of joy around in it no worries for the last year and never find it a problem. She is 1.5 years old and heavy and I am also tall and find it dead easy getting her in and out. Granted the boot space is not great. When I do change I will go for a five door but for now with the car only 1 year old I would not change it just to get say 5 doors. I have a isofix duo plus seat ( think it is a britax ) same as the VW specified seat and half the price. But love the look of the 3 door and as it will probably be my last one I am enjoying every moment. Just don't let the nippers drink milk in the car , it stinks when it spills. Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ysabelle Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Got 2 kids and the Golf is ample enough. It has more leg room than my new A4 S-line - go figure?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhibbin Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Congratulations on no. 2 I understand the issue , not sure could do it if we didn't have a Scenic also. Roofbox? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 The more I read of this thread the more I think that the GTI is perfectly adequate for a two child family and it's really down to deciding what junk you travel with. Even prams etc have a short life and why not get a compact one just for the car. Sit down with the mother of your children and work it out. Some ladies always pack far too much whatever the occasion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I understand the issue , not sure could do it if we didn't have a Scenic also. [/ QUOTE ] ....Whatever space you have, you tend to fill it. Consider a large kitchen in a house and also a tiny kitchen galley on a boat....Both can be made to work very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Called round a few dealers today to see what sort of price i could get, and am stunned how low they are quoting [/ QUOTE ] Just general but I have noticed quite a few have said similar of late. Anyone that has been quoted by dealers want to say what sort of figures there talking about? (feel free to PM if want it kept quiet/secret/confidential) Im guessing in the £15K to £16.5K area for a year old car, yes/no?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve2 Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Spent a day with an S4 recently - V8 4.2 quattro - Huuuuuuuuuge boot capacity. This pic is of another TSNer's (Cameo) A4 at the Southern Summer Meet. I knew an opportunity to post this would come sooner or later! Tee Hee. [/ QUOTE ] is that not Scotty's S4? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 When i traded my old 3 series coupe sport. Some dealers were offering me £18k. that was for a 5 month old car that cost 27k new and had 5k miles on the clock (it was a new facelifted model at the time) i eventually sold it for £22,500 My A3 3.2 Quattro cost £27k new and dealers were offering 17k as a trade in price after just 18 months! again I sold that for £20k a week later. The dealer showed me the book price at the time. He was offering me £3k under, when i quizzed him he just shrugged. I'm sick of there and can't even be assed to get a price for my GTI, it's feckin insulting TBH. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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