"My" GTI is now really, really gone

[SJ_GTI]

As some may recall, my user name is based on my prior car, a 2008 VW GTI. I purchased it new in late 2007 and sold it in early 2010 after purchasing my S4. But I sold it to my younger brother, so I still got to drive it now and then...

But this weekend my younger brother finally broke down and sold the GTI.  I am going to miss that car. It was so much fun to drive. 

[Raza]

How much did he sell it for?  I'm considering picking one up.

[SJ_GTI]

How much did he sell it for?  I'm considering picking one up.

He got $8500 for it. The hufeisen wheels were showing quite a bit of curb rash, but he offset that with the snow tire/wheel (that he never actually used...last time they were used was by me  ). There was also a dent in the passenger side door that he never fixed (got it when I was going to school in Philly). The satellite radio module had stopped working a couple of years ago as well, but he mainly used the old school iPod hookup for music.

I sold it to him 3 years ago for $10,000, if I recall correctly.

[Raza]

He got $8500 for it. The hufeisen wheels were showing quite a bit of curb rash, but he offset that with the snow tire/wheel (that he never actually used...last time they were used was by me  ). There was also a dent in the passenger side door that he never fixed (got it when I was going to school in Philly). The satellite radio module had stopped working a couple of years ago as well, but he mainly used the old school iPod hookup for music.

I sold it to him 3 years ago for $10,000, if I recall correctly.

Hmm, good price, good price. 

[cawimmer430]

I know how you feel.

Now it will probably end up in the hands of some kid who got his license the weekend before and wants something fast - which he'll trash in the process.

[Laconian]

One of the joys of selling a car to a family member or a friend is that it makes the grieving process a little easier.

[CALL_911]

You should miss it. GTIs are awesome

[Lebowski]

I've always liked GTIs too.

[Madman]

The GTI is an icon.   

[thewizard16]

Hmm, good price, good price. 

That is a good price. When I bought the Passat the guy selling it to me offered to sell me an 08 or 09 (don't recall which) GTI for roughly the same price. (It was not quite as optioned as the Passat, so I did not entertain it, particularly since I'd already decided to buy it.) Just shows that they can be picked up for a good deal though, there were more than a handful of them on the market there at the time.

[SJ_GTI]

That is a good price. When I bought the Passat the guy selling it to me offered to sell me an 08 or 09 (don't recall which) GTI for roughly the same price. (It was not quite as optioned as the Passat, so I did not entertain it, particularly since I'd already decided to buy it.) Just shows that they can be picked up for a good deal though, there were more than a handful of them on the market there at the time.

Speaking of options, the GTI was fully optioned: Leather seats, navigation, satellite radio, iPod integration...but it was a 6-speed so that made it hard to find (dealers didn't seem to order many fully optioned cars without an automatic).

I will say I regret getting the leather on the GTI. In general I prefer leather, but I think on the GTI the plaid cloth seats would have been nicer.

[Raza]

Speaking of options, the GTI was fully optioned: Leather seats, navigation, satellite radio, iPod integration...but it was a 6-speed so that made it hard to find (dealers didn't seem to order many fully optioned cars without an automatic).

I will say I regret getting the leather on the GTI. In general I prefer leather, but I think on the GTI the plaid cloth seats would have been nicer.

I think the GTI's cloth is basically the only cloth I'd consider.  But cloth has so many downsides.  Picks up smells, harder to clean.  I prefer leather or leatherette.

[AutobahnSHO]

leather= cold in the winter, hot and sticky in the summer. no thanks!

(I'd like a leather steering wheel though)

[SJ_GTI]

In general I agree with Raza's POV. I prefer leather not because its "luxury" but simply because, for the most part, it is more durable than cloth. I have noticed in the last few years, however, that manufacturers are using pretty high qualify "cloth" seats. They appear to be made from synthetic materials whose durability mimics leather (or leatherette).

[Xer0]

Hey SJ, what did you think of your time with the GTI?

Its one of the cars I'm currently considering (going in for a test drive on Saturday) and was wondering what you thought of it?  Was it reliable, how was the mileage, etc?  Anything would help.  Thanks

[SJ_GTI]

Hey SJ, what did you think of your time with the GTI?

Its one of the cars I'm currently considering (going in for a test drive on Saturday) and was wondering what you thought of it?  Was it reliable, how was the mileage, etc?  Anything would help.  Thanks

It was great, just not a fan of FWD cars to be honest. The manual transmission was better than my S4 and the car itself was much more agile, although obviously slower and lower "limits" than my current car. I got mid-20's on Gas mileage, but for most of my time with the car I had a really crappy commute so it is probably capable of low thirties on a good highway run.

I never had any major mechanical issues with the GTI, nor did my brother. I think when I owned it an O2 sensor failed at one point (covered under warranty) and my brother had it in the shop a couple times for minor issues, but it never left him stranded or anything. That being said, I would never recommend a VW or Audi to someone that is sensitive about reliability issues (I am not sensitive about it, FWIW).

[Xer0]

It was great, just not a fan of FWD cars to be honest. The manual transmission was better than my S4 and the car itself was much more agile, although obviously slower and lower "limits" than my current car. I got mid-20's on Gas mileage, but for most of my time with the car I had a really crappy commute so it is probably capable of low thirties on a good highway run.

I never had any major mechanical issues with the GTI, nor did my brother. I think when I owned it an O2 sensor failed at one point (covered under warranty) and my brother had it in the shop a couple times for minor issues, but it never left him stranded or anything. That being said, I would never recommend a VW or Audi to someone that is sensitive about reliability issues (I am not sensitive about it, FWIW).

Heh, already made my choice but I'm glad that you had such a great ownership experience with the GTI.  Thanks for responding!