Car Forum World

2005 Mazda 3s Sedan 84k Miles



or



2003 VW GTI 1.8T 100k miles



I',m wondering if 100k miles is too high for a gti, but I love the turbo on it, and its fun to drive.



after school today im going to the dealership, and I just need some last minute info.

Based upon my dealership experience with used turbo vehicles, I',d avoid the GTI with the turbo. I like the way that the GTI drives, don',t get me wrong, its sporty handling and compact size are great. but, most GTI',s I',ve seen haven',t been driven usually, most are driven hard and many have had soso care.



The turbo is prone to different issues, as well as the famous sludge issue and overheating. This is particularly true if you notice that the coolant isn',t the correct colour, should be an orangypink colour. IF its not, reject the car right there, because who ever serviced it last should have recognized that it requires either G12 or G12+ coolant in it.



The only way I can recommend a used turbo VW is to get one that has a complete service history and you',re buying it from the original owner. then, I',d strongly recommend you have a VW dealership or VW expert examine the car and check that all the recalls or updates have been finished.



I',ve owned VW',s and Mazda',s and liked them both. My last Mazda had 250k+ miles when I sold it and its still running around. My last VW Jetta, a 1990, basic model with standard shift, had 200k+ miles on it when I sold it and I last saw it some years ago with nearly 250K on it at that time. I don�t have axe to grind here, just an honest no non sense approach to the facts.



The Mazda three is a good car, handles well and personally, I think its better built than the GTI. Fuel economy will be close and the hatchback design most 3',s is a nice touch with an interior that equals to or better than that of the GTI. Drive them both and see which one matches your life style better. Personally, all other factors being equal, the Mazda 3s will be less trouble down the road than the GTI turbo will be.



Hope this helps, a car nut.



PS: I don',t now own either a Mazda or VW.. both my current vehicles are a North American make.

Of course dealership. No independent mechanic to look at it and evaluate it. If I had a turbo and I did I use it. Showing off in the beginning or just the head rush, but overtime that thrill dies down to "it there, so?" Just a pig on gas. So I could cut back. so it rarely got to go.

Vw dealership must be giving you ensure or warranty. Look it over and ask questions that may come to mind and get any promises in writing. evaluate from that point. Really, the difference between 84 and 100 isn't that much. be sure about if the timing belt was changed or do they know. 1st thing I could do, particularly at 100 like day one when everything may have to be renewed Expect or plan on alternator or starter or battery to kiss it, Know where you may be able to go, other than the dealer for fix will save quite some coins . Learn how to do the basic stuff yourself air filter, oil filter, oil changes yourself for more savings. Autowreckers are a good supply of older parts particularly ones that don't wear out like doors, fenders, windows, window seals, and many other that aren't crucial that they be 2003 new parts.



Other, than that, which color do you like better?

Did you drive the Mazda ? Every Mazda I have driven has generally felt better to me then its VW counterpart. I'm a VW fan although, don',t misunderstand me. Tuning a 100k mile 1.8 T is a good way to have problems. Both stick ? learn the labor rate at the dealers, Germans are typically a little higher. How about insurance ?

Do you want to fill up with premium fuel every time you go to the gas station? Any chance of you purchasing American ? If not, the Mazda is at least owned by an American company. Can you find a Jetta GLI ? that',s a more direct comparison.

Go with the GTI. although it may have 100k miles on it, its still a great car and handles like a pro. Plus they look better and may be tuned easier if your going to do something to it.