[james 22]

is greaty appreciate it if people could give me some advice to narrow my search down.what model/year do proper manual gearboxes go up to ? and ive read the handling isn't great is this true ?

 

[cuprabob]

Manual gearboxes are available across all the years.VW haven't went down the route of only offering DSG on any model just yet.

Handling is very subjective, but it's easy to keep out of the hedge even in the wet due to good traction offered by the AWD.

The majority of the criticism on handling is that there can be a fair bit of understeer due due a heavy V6 lump up front and the Haldex having a FWD bias.

Best to drive one though and make up your own mind as "The Internet" doesn't know all the answers

 

[Gti Fly]

is greaty appreciate it if people could give me some advice to narrow my search down.what model/year do proper manual gearboxes go up to ? and ive read the handling isn't great is this true ?

mk4's only came with manual (in UK)

mk5's were available in either DSG or Manual.

Handling yes should have got a Golf GTI - they handle the best bar ever in the universe bar nothing

 

[james 22]

thanks.getting impatient to get one.saw an 'r' go past yday and it did nothing for me.looks ok but didn't sound of anything.bearing in mind my lack of experience in buying cars i i was wondering how safe it is to buy one off here or auto trader or am i best going to a vw dealer ?

 

[cuprabob]

I would choose a car from an established forum member as the majority are very well cared for examples.

You will pay over the odds at a VW dealer but you will get a 12 month warranty.

Autotrader and Pistonheads are also useful for private buys but you do really need to be careful as there are many dogs out there.