GT highs

In the 1980's, having spent 3 years working in Saudi Arabia, I treated myself to a Golf GTI Mk II and held on to it for 12 years. A super car. Now, somewhat older, I still have adrenaline in my veins and am considering a VW Golf GTI Mk 6. A car enthusiast friend of mine advises me to ensure that the model I might purchase is up to full UK standards, in view of cars/car parts being manufactured in various countries these days. Can you please offer me any advice on this particular aspect when spending a lot of money?

Asked on 17 April 2010 by B.V., Axminster

Answered by Honest John
If you order a Golf GTI from a franchised VW dealer then you will get a UK spec car. If you buy it on the cheap via an internet broker, then you may get an odd spec imported to the UK via Cyprus or Malta or something like that, and without a full UK warranty. But before you plump for a Golf GTI, try a RenaultSport Megane 250. Apart from the gearshift, it's far better. See:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=414
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I'm looking to offload my trusty 8-year-old SEAT Leon Cupra and am fortune enough to be trying to decide between one of the RenaultSport Megane 250 or the VW Golf GTI, and I'd really appreciate your views...
I've recently retired and am looking to buy a new or nearly new car. Ideally an automatic with cruise control; reliable, comfortable and reasonably fast (0-60 in 10 seconds or so). As the kids have flown...
Do you think the price discounts for a new Golf GTI make it worthwhile to buy now rather than wait for the new model? And which manual model would you choose?
Related models
Handling ability is a huge asset and it remains the benchmark for its class. Affordable with reasonable running costs for a hot hatch.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer