Golf GTI or Leon FR???

[thabo]

I am really unsure which to buy. I am looking to get the DSG and I know that you get more specs thrown in with the Leon but it is not really a dealbreaker and if I buy the golf at motorprovider there is little difference in price. I have testdriven both and like the feel of both although my GF did not like the firm ride in the Leon. Again not really a dealbreaker. Can anyone tell me if they had the same dillema and what swung it for them? Thanks.

 

[Rob GTI]

Have a look at this, I had exactly the same dilemma:

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=98185

I went for the Leon in the end although the ride has got to be the biggest pain in the ar*e with it (literally) !!

I think if I had the choice again I would have gone with the GTI... but maybe the grass is always greener and I would have said the same if I had bought the GTI

 

[RobM]

Bear in mind I've not driven either yet...

I'd go Golf. Better build quality, better residuals and is still rated higher than even the Cupra by any journo who tests it.

 

[Carnivor]

only problem with golf;s is every other car appears to be one, I know this can mean they have something good about them,

but wheres the originality?

 

[thabo]

I suppose my heart leans towards the gGolf but my head says Leon. To be honest before IO posted I was leaning towards getting the Seat but now need to consider the whole thing again!!!

 

[jon1]

I went for the Leon because it was basically the GTi but for about 4 grand less and a lower insurance group, which was the most important thing because of my age. If i had the money id probably have gone for the GTi in white, but i still love my new car and dont have any complaints.

 

[chungster]

The ride in the GTI isn't exactly "soft" depending on the roads around where u live.

But it doesn't bother me that much.

 

[Fidge]

Cant really comment but whats the prices you are looking at?

 

[seadragon]

If I had the money I would go for the golf but I think pound for pound you are getting the best value with the FR.

I did a lot of research on many sites, mainly on www.carpages.co.uk and I think the FR is the way to go, the insurance is much low than its competitors (especially the VRS and GTI which share the same engine), the price is way lower than the GTI.

Ialso think the FR looks great, more value for money than the Cupra anyway.

I guess its all down to personal choice but you get more value with the FR. The interior can be a bit plain but I prefer that.

Good luck.

 

[Rob66]

I have driven them both recently, and IMO are both a great drive, but has been said the FR is slightly stiffer but great fun.

I think alot comes down to what you want to spend, could get yourself an FR with DSG and 18"s for about £18k with a bit of a haggle. A GTI to the same spec, e.g. Multi Function Steering Wheel, Folding Mirrors, Cruise, 18"s comes to about £23.665

GTI 20595
DSG 1330
Cruise 270
MFSW 395
18" 465
Folding Mirrors 110

Much as i would love a GTI i couldnt justify the extra cash

 

[thabo]

Cant really comment but whats the prices you are looking at?

The basic Leon FR is £17900 and the basic golf is £ 18495. Both DSG and yes the FR has more toys for that price.

 

[Rob66]

The price i quoted is the dealer price, may be able to get a small discount on that - but not a great deal.

 

[thabo]

The price i quoted is the dealer price, may be able to get a small discount on that - but not a great deal.

Yes if I get the golf it will definitely be an import. Buying from the stealers is just a total ripoff and when I did the testdrive they did not even want to discuss the price!

 

[Stuart83]

"The Deal Negotiator" can do you a Leon FR TFSI with DSG for £16195. UK car from a proper dealership too!

With the 18"s you'd be looking at £16500. Just a little cheaper than the Golf

 

[wurzel]

The basic Leon FR is £17900 and the basic golf is £ 18495. Both DSG and yes the FR has more toys for that price.

£18495 doesn't sound right for a golf GTI ?

I thought the rrp of the GTI TDI 140 5 door was £18495?

 

[Xe]

Its really simple...

Golf = Common as muck
Leon = Fairly Unique

Are you a sheep? Hehe

Other then that I prefer the Leon styling

 

[warren_cox]

If you are not concerned about depreciation go for the Leon FR, and spend some of the money you save on some decent suspension.

I don't think the Golf is 'enough' extra car for the money. The interior quality has dropped, the dealers are pretty substandard, and you don't really gain any extras that can be made up for in the back of the catalogue. A tiny bit of badge snobbery, but thats it.

The Leon should drive with all the ability of the Golf if put on sensible suspension, so personally I'd go for the Leon.

 

[Demon G]

I drove both and favoured the Leon and bought a Lunar Grey FR TFSI with
18" wheels. The Golf's are very common (but a v.good car) and the rear of the car is a real let down in comparison with the Leon. You definitely get more looks in the Leon and it has a more muscular/quirky/sporty look from all angles which appeals. There are lot's of subtle styling points aon the Leon which set's it apart such as hidden rear door handles, mock rear diffuser and stalk like wing mirrors.

Yes residuals won't be quite as high as the Golf but you haven't paid as much to start with but they are still not bad at all.

Gotta go for a Leon over an grey import Golf, you'll know what I mean when you go to sell it...

If I had the choice again I would buy the Leon again even with it's hardish ride, I'm a converted badge snob and happy with my choices...

 

[thabo]

£18495 doesn't sound right for a golf GTI ?

I thought the rrp of the GTI TDI 140 5 door was £18495?

Have a look at motorprovider.

 

[thabo]

"The Deal Negotiator" can do you a Leon FR TFSI with DSG for £16195. UK car from a proper dealership too!

With the 18"s you'd be looking at £16500. Just a little cheaper than the Golf

What do you mean "Deal Negotiator" ?