Thudd1503560234 Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 I took the Mazda3 MPS for a spin on the weekend. Very nice little car, I liked it a lot. Salesguy said I could borrow it for half a day if I wanted to give it a more extended test, so I might take him up on his offer this weekend and drive it to my Golf GTI test drive
Typhoon Posted May 21, 2007 Author Posted May 21, 2007 I took the Mazda3 MPS for a spin on the weekend. Very nice little car, I liked it a lot. Salesguy said I could borrow it for half a day if I wanted to give it a more extended test, so I might take him up on his offer this weekend and drive it to my Golf GTI test drive Hey Thudd, Smart! So which GTI are you test driving? DSG or manual? And what car did you take to the racetrack??? Call me an ignoramus, but there is now a "GT". Anyone know the diff? JohnA, love the W12!
Thudd1503560234 Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 Hey Thudd,Smart! So which GTI are you test driving? DSG or manual? And what car did you take to the racetrack??? Call me an ignoramus, but there is now a "GT". Anyone know the diff? JohnA, love the W12! I'll have to check - I want to give the DSG a whirl! We only got to take the MPS around the local streets which is why I want to take it out onto the racetrackfreeway for a better punt. The GT sits between the regular golf and the GTI. It's got a 'twin charger' engine where it uses a supercharger to provide boost from low revs then the turbo kicks in at higher revs. Makes for a smooth drive apparently but still not as much urge as the GTI - although at 125kW out of a 1.4 it's not too shabby! Has a DSG variant as well.
GTO Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 I'll have to check - I want to give the DSG a whirl! We only got to take the MPS around the local streets which is why I want to take it out onto the racetrackfreeway for a better punt.The GT sits between the regular golf and the GTI. It's got a 'twin charger' engine where it uses a supercharger to provide boost from low revs then the turbo kicks in at higher revs. Makes for a smooth drive apparently but still not as much urge as the GTI - although at 125kW out of a 1.4 it's not too shabby! Has a DSG variant as well. I would think that the Mazda 3MPS, which is a 190kw weapon, with a magnificent torque spread, would be all over a GTI-can't think of any area where the GTI would be superior! Cheers, GTO.
mello yello Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 Anyone know the diff? Yep Its the bit underneath the car between the back wheels Typhoon makes the wheels go round
mello yello Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 Wheres everybody gone? did I say something stupid? it is under the car right?
Thudd1503560234 Posted May 22, 2007 Posted May 22, 2007 I would think that the Mazda 3MPS, which is a 190kw weapon, with a magnificent torque spread I'll have to look at getting it chipped though, to get rid of the torque restriction in 1st & 2nd gear and to hold on to the boost for a few more hundred revs at the top end. You can get interceptor ecu's in the US to do this but I don't think they've made it here yet. can't think of any area where the GTI would be superior! Maybe I'll sit in the GTI and find that it's just more comfortable to drive, which is pretty important given that a lot of its time will be spent in 'normal' mode.
aztec Posted May 22, 2007 Posted May 22, 2007 Wheres everybody gone? did I say something stupid? it is under the car right? Nice one Mello, confused everyone Does anyone really know anyone the diff?
Mining Man Posted May 22, 2007 Posted May 22, 2007 ... Does anyone really know .. the diff? Is he any relation to Jeff Bridges' character in The Big Lebowski?
Thudd1503560234 Posted May 22, 2007 Posted May 22, 2007 Why was the drunk* lying under the car? To get the wine out of the diff *or insert racial stereotype of your choosing
Azz123 Posted May 25, 2007 Posted May 25, 2007 Now now, play nice Well, couldn't resist. I have driven a GTI, and been a passenger in a R32 (hubby was test driving). From my end, I couldn't feel any difference, and the car felt claustrophobic. As soon as I sat in the GTI I was in love, but that didn't happen in the R32 - and I expected it to. From hubby's perspective, he could hardly notice the extra power, but he said the handling was much, much better. In looks, I prefer the GTI grill, the R32 rims, and the R32 body. Apparently in the States, some nuts are buying R32's and getting the grills taken out and GTI grills put in. Too much money. I mean seriously, if you're going to buy a car and spend massive amounts on mods, wouldn't you rather get a better car? Now take the GTI. Rather then spending $40K to modify it (eg lower, chip, new exhaust, bigger rims, fatter tyres, stiffer suspension blah blah blah), wouldn't I prefer to buy a BMW 335? But then I would look like a boring adult rather than a kid with a cool car I suppose (surreal analogy, I know I'm too old to be a kid before some smartie tries to point that out to me). Pics coming, I've been busy. I made a profit trading CFD's!!! I'm so excited. $8.5K in one month. Not real money though, still practicing on paper. Too scared to go live. Markets nuts at the moment. OK, will stop typing now. I'm having a bad case of verbal diorrhea. Where's Mello when you need him? Ciao x Typhoon why not have your GTi with more poke than the R32?? I KNOW you said you’re not looking to CHIP though there is actually more to gain than the 252 BHP (188kW) up from the standard 200 BHP (147kW)?? And torque increasing from 280Nm to 411Nm ("That's a lot of torques!!" Clarkson)............ In addition to the additional tickle, I can speak from experience as I've got a March '06 delivery Jetta FSi that has the same running gear as your GTi (2.0T and DSG) though I’ve got a boot , the power is a lot smoother, the torque curve is more flat, and when one isn't being silly, the fuel economy has actually improved. A big thing that has been fixed is that lag in response that I'm sure you've experienced on the odd occasion. Scenario that may be familiar - you're coming up on traffic and are on the brakes then want to dart into the next lane as there is a healthy gap.. That good 1/2 second of nothing when youve floored the accelerator that causes a little sphincter pucka due to the elliptical left hand door mirror having given you the impression that there was more room than what the rear view vision mirror has revealed once you were actually half way into the next lane? After the ECU upgrade, it TOTALLY disappears. Since I’ve had the upgrade, I’ve been nothing but happy. Not only do I have some decent torque and HP on tap - there is also that lovely feeling of that push into the seat whenever you exercise nill restraint and flaw it. My favourite little exercise is when travelling at about 60km/h up a slight hill in manual or sport mode in 2nd and with no kickdown, the ESP light in the dash flickers it's gizzards off as you feel that force pushing you into the seat and the front wheels start and try with all their might to break traction. "Noice" And that new BMW 335i Coupe - it does have a pretty awesome 225kw on tap and 400Nm of torque though a GTi has a 185kg weight advantage. The 335i has to drag 7.6kg per Kw, a GTi with an APR chip flash has only to deal with 7.13kg per kW. Mrs. T, your little Red Rocket WOULD eat a 335i Coupe!! (pending your handbag weight) And what’s more, the APR upgrade involves no physical change to the ECU. It's simply reflashed/rewritten with the APR software via the diagnostic plug under the dash. PLUS you can wind it back to stock mode with a few coordinated dabs on the cruise control stalk whilst stationary with the ignition on and the engine off. You can even have a Valet mode loaded that reduces the performance BELOW that of standard so the 18yr old parking attendants (or kids, family or friends) only get the performance of a Mark 1 Cortina. I’ve only done just over 20,000km (had the flash done at 14,000 km) in my Jetta and whenever I take it back into VW for service (and to fix a couple of issues I’ve had) I simply stop around the corner of the dealership and put it back into stock mode. Apparently when service plug in their thingy for diagnostic checking, the APR upgrade is not visible hence your warranty isn’t void... Oh, and if VW was to do an ECU software upgrade and write over the APR software, part of purchase of the APR flash is that they will rewrite it as often as necessary including provision of their updates. Just to address the question on the reliability of the DSG... I'm pretty sure that it's Maserati who have no issue with using it to handle all that can be delivered from a bi-turbo V8 (with only heavier duty clutches fitted). If it can handle more power and a heavier car, I'm sure there isn’t a problem. The beauty of the Internet0 and VW is that you can do some research to what the crazies in the US are doing. I’ve certainly not read anything about the DSG having issues in any chipped GTi or Jetta (Jetta is a far more popular VW in the US believe it or not). The weakest link with these cars is traction. Even standard, do yourself a favour and don't exceed the loaded recommendation's on the placard for tyre pressure as more air reduces your footprint on the road in both width and length resulting in the tyre physically not having the added grip to aid getting those "torques" to the road. Higher pressures will improve handling, though at the sacrifice of traction and of course ride comfort.. With the APR mode, If you’re tempted though don't wish to commit, why don’t you get the free 6 hour trial that the APR dealers offer?? After 6 hours from when it's loaded (it's free) your car reverts back to normal though I warn you....... It's a bit like if you were the proud owner of a HTIAB and someone says "Hey, borrow this Yammi 2700 and these B&W 6 series speakers for 6 days. no obligation, no cost, just enjoy.." Believe me, when that 6 hour trial finishes, you'll be "I want some more of THAT!!" Just a little something I picked up on the net - Did you know your GTi has launch control? Next time you’re at a set of lights next to Mr. T in the Fjord or a WRX thinks he can beat you up the imaginary drag strip, (note I did say WRX, not STi) push your ESP button turning the ESP computer off, drop it into sport or manual mode, and you’ve now activated launch control. Left foot on the brake, right on the accelerator - give it a good dab, and it will now climb to 4,000rpm and hold - when its time to go, slide your foot off the brake pedal and hang on!! By the way attempt this in the wet and all you'll accomplish is 0-100km/h in 4 meters. By the way, I read in another post you weren’t happy with your brakes. As someone else mentioned, the brakes on these things are quite decent - unless you’ve come from 8 pot Brembo's grabbing 300mm Carbon Dinner Plates on a Cooper S, I really doubt you should have an issue. Why not take out the Fjord and go visit another VW dealer posing as a buyer and take a GTi for a test drive to see if the brakes are any different? By all reports (I’ve been to 3 club track days now) the GTi's brakes do quite well, and even manage to still manage3 pretty well with quite a bit of temperature thrown at them. Though I cannot deny they are bastards aren’t they!! If you want some more info on the APR chip flash, a dealer recommendation in VIC, or any further detail you're more than welcome to PM me..... Cheers... A
GTO Posted May 26, 2007 Posted May 26, 2007 Now Listen!!, you guys are simply wasting your time with this type of stuff! You've got to realize that there is simply "no substitute for cubic inches", or "no replacement for displacement", whichever you prefer. With this in mind I have just read about a GTI that would keep all of us happy, in fact it would keep ANYONE happy. VW have built a GTI, powered by their 6 litre V8. It is All wheel drive, has 650hp, & about 700nm torque. The press release said that there were no "current" plans to put the car into production. That wouldn't worry me-I probably couldn't afford this sort of beast anyway, but jeez, I'd love a drive! Cheers, GTO.
betty boop Posted June 1, 2007 Posted June 1, 2007 dont know if you guys talked about this, but a golf gt with this new TSI engie sounds a great idea. http://www.volkswagentsi.com.au/ http://www.volkswagentsi.com.au/VWGolfTSIBrochure.pdf http://www.theage.com.au/news/news/first-d...9601389960.html a 1.4L engine with a supercharger low rev perfiormance and turbo for high rev. and 125kw and 240NM of torque sounds like a great result !
Thudd1503560234 Posted June 5, 2007 Posted June 5, 2007 For us the Peugeot 207 GTI is looking like it might be a real goer. The missus hated the looks of the Golf GTI so I can't see her suddenly warming to the GT, but we both don't mind the look of the Pug and it's lighter and more powerful than the Golf but around the same price. We've got a test drive of the 207 GT booked this weekend; the GTI variant makes landfall sometime later this month or perhaps next month. So far I really liked the Mazda3 MPS; it was a blast to drive, not only because of the extra power but it had a certain personality about it. That ultimately got kiboshed on price though. *sobs* Similarly dismissed was the Volvo C30 T5: apart from an abysmally small boot it was very well specced, very comfortable to drive and enough zip to make things interesting. It would make a great city car and I wouldn't have been disappointed if one had ended up in our garage. But the desireable options really bloat out the price. For the low end we tried a Fiesta XR4 on the weekend but that was horrible: ludicrous driving position, cheap & tacky interior, and not enough power to make it a fun drive in compensation. I sat in a XR5 but SWMBO wasn't going to have a bar of taking it out because it too exceeded her revised marginal utility.
Typhoon Posted June 5, 2007 Author Posted June 5, 2007 For us the Peugeot 207 GTI is looking like it might be a real goer. The missus hated the looks of the Golf GTI so I can't see her suddenly warming to the GT, but we both don't mind the look of the Pug and it's lighter and more powerful than the Golf but around the same price. We've got a test drive of the 207 GT booked this weekend; the GTI variant makes landfall sometime later this month or perhaps next month.So far I really liked the Mazda3 MPS; it was a blast to drive, not only because of the extra power but it had a certain personality about it. That ultimately got kiboshed on price though. *sobs* Similarly dismissed was the Volvo C30 T5: apart from an abysmally small boot it was very well specced, very comfortable to drive and enough zip to make things interesting. It would make a great city car and I wouldn't have been disappointed if one had ended up in our garage. But the desireable options really bloat out the price. For the low end we tried a Fiesta XR4 on the weekend but that was horrible: ludicrous driving position, cheap & tacky interior, and not enough power to make it a fun drive in compensation. I sat in a XR5 but SWMBO wasn't going to have a bar of taking it out because it too exceeded her revised marginal utility. Hey Thudd, Congrats on your decision. All great cars. Though can't understand anyone thinking the GTI is ugly? Though my own mother isn't a huge fan (Blasphemy!) She prefers 2 door coupes. I've had a few coupes and I guess she thinks I'm becoming a Grandma. Another car you may like to try is the Astra, I have no idea of the model, but it's a 3 door hatch, German built, turbo. Can't really tell you too much, I had my heart set on the GTI at the time. A friend has one and he loves it. I drove it once, but not hard (I'd hate to stuff a friend's car and a friendship in one hit)! If you LOVE the Mazda, go back and see how much you can haggle with them. They should be trying to get their end of year quota's. You may get a bargain at some dealership or another? Typhoon.
Thudd1503560234 Posted June 5, 2007 Posted June 5, 2007 Trying for an EOFY deal had crossed my mind and I might give it a go just to see what will happen, but honestly I don't hold out much hope of getting a great deal on an MPS. Bog standard Mazda3 I can understand they'd be keen to shift those last few out the door but odds on the discount for an MPS would be either zip or not enough to bring it in to the equation. I never liked the Astra turbo - just a personal thing. So it was never on the list. And on a side not, while we were trying out the Ford XR4 on the weekend they had one of the new 40th anniversary GTs newly arrived out the back and I sneaked a look at it. If I was in the market for a big Aussie muscle car this would have to be right up there, it's very striking.
Typhoon Posted June 5, 2007 Author Posted June 5, 2007 Trying for an EOFY deal had crossed my mind and I might give it a go just to see what will happen, but honestly I don't hold out much hope of getting a great deal on an MPS. Bog standard Mazda3 I can understand they'd be keen to shift those last few out the door but odds on the discount for an MPS would be either zip or not enough to bring it in to the equation.I never liked the Astra turbo - just a personal thing. So it was never on the list. And on a side not, while we were trying out the Ford XR4 on the weekend they had one of the new 40th anniversary GTs newly arrived out the back and I sneaked a look at it. If I was in the market for a big Aussie muscle car this would have to be right up there, it's very striking. Oh, haggle, it's the best part of buying. 2 years ago Hubby got his Typhoon $14K cheaper after shopping around from one dealership to the next (lots of arm twisting involved). Plus stripes plus a free FPV jacket. Then this year he negotiated on the GTI, and got it $4.5K cheaper. Doesn't sound like much, but discounting on a GTI is unheard of. One arrogant salesman said, I don't need to discount, I can sell it full price. He was right, but he was rude to me (totally another and very long story). Wrote a 3 page complaint letter to VW Australia today about the schmozzles buying my car. Rude dealerships, incompetent dealerships. My car has been unregistered all this time. They are only registering it this week. I picked it up late March. I had no idea in the beginning, but once I realised, I thought thank God I didn't prang it. I wouldn't have been insured. Good service is so hard to find. When you have time, send through a link to the Peugeot. Cheers, Typhoon.
Thudd1503560234 Posted June 5, 2007 Posted June 5, 2007 Can I borrow your hubby to negotiate our car then??? :ph34r: The GTI isn't up on the Aussie website yet but it's on the UK one. Hopefully the link will work Linky
betty boop Posted June 5, 2007 Posted June 5, 2007 Can I borrow your hubby to negotiate our car then??? :ph34r: The GTI isn't up on the Aussie website yet but it's on the UK one. Hopefully the link will work Linky I saw the pug207 gti on display at a shopping centre. would love to have one of those babies, looks like a real fun car ! have owned two peugeots before the car got now. so got just a a little bit of a soft spot for them hehe
Azz123 Posted June 5, 2007 Posted June 5, 2007 dont know if you guys talked about this, but a golf gt with this new TSI engie sounds a great idea.http://www.volkswagentsi.com.au/ http://www.volkswagentsi.com.au/VWGolfTSIBrochure.pdf http://www.theage.com.au/news/news/first-d...9601389960.html a 1.4L engine with a supercharger low rev perfiormance and turbo for high rev. and 125kw and 240NM of torque sounds like a great result ! Read an article in the paper the other week on the TSi engine Pretty impressive (claimed) fuel economy figures!! Average (Highway and City??) 7.7l/100km out of a petrol engine. It isn't quite diesel economy, though a 1.4l diesel doesn't produce 125kW/170BHP either!!
hi-res Posted June 5, 2007 Posted June 5, 2007 Congrats on the GTI, Typhoon. I love your taste in cars - but I don't know about your taste in colours... vvvvvv
Typhoon Posted June 6, 2007 Author Posted June 6, 2007 Can I borrow your hubby to negotiate our car then??? :ph34r: The GTI isn't up on the Aussie website yet but it's on the UK one. Hopefully the link will work Linky Yes! Take him! Keep him Though his approach is simple. He walks into the dealership, marks out the "nicer" looking salesman, sits down and says very confidently, "right, I know exactly what I want, I have my credit card ready for a deposit, and I know how much I am prepared to pay. Are we doing business?". Then he doesn't budge from his price. Though finally he had to pay $500 more for the GTI than he originally proposed to them, but what's $500? Especially over a 4 year lease. I tried your link. Not working, I'll try again later. Congrats on the GTI, Typhoon. I love your taste in cars - but I don't know about your taste in colours... vvvvvv Very gorgeous. And yours is registered. Though the red is also stunning. I get strangers yelling out compliments on how they love the colour. But I'm sure you do too. Hubby went to the Audi drive day last week, and he is still in love with the RS4. If his business does well over the next couple of years, I think that's what he may upgrade to next. And it will be black Me, I'm happy with the GTI. Haven't driven it in ages (unregistered and all). Hope VW get my letter soon. Though I was too polite in it. Wish I could go off like some customers. They get way better service I am sure. Looking forward to seeing the new M3, though so far the pictures are a little boring. Could be a lot better in the flesh.
Thudd1503560234 Posted June 6, 2007 Posted June 6, 2007 Hmm, it seems the link is session specific. Just go to www.peugeot.co.uk and drill down from there. But I was thinking about trying your hubby's approach: find the maximum that my other half is willing to go to, subtract a grand for leeway, then walk in and say "if you can do it for this much we can deal, otherwise no soup for you." RS4 eh? One powerball....
betty boop Posted June 6, 2007 Posted June 6, 2007 Hmm, it seems the link is session specific. Just go to www.peugeot.co.uk and drill down from there. But I was thinking about trying your hubby's approach: find the maximum that my other half is willing to go to, subtract a grand for leeway, then walk in and say "if you can do it for this much we can deal, otherwise no soup for you."RS4 eh? One powerball.... the pug207 GTi has the shared BMW engine as the mini I think ? with the turbo charged 1.6. should be a spritely little thing I'd imagine typhoon how come your golf isnt registered ! must be killign you to not be able to drive it !
Typhoon Posted June 7, 2007 Author Posted June 7, 2007 the pug207 GTi has the shared BMW engine as the mini I think ? with the turbo charged 1.6. should be a spritely little thing I'd imaginetyphoon how come your golf isnt registered ! must be killign you to not be able to drive it ! Hi Al, I bought the Golf from Five Dock VW, who mid-transaction for me were bought by Barloworld. So basically the handover between the 2 dealerships was either poorly planned or not planned at all. Registering my vehicle fell through the cracks, I picked it up with an Inteim sticker (and was told the rego sticker would come through the mail). It never came. I have been chasing it ever since. I got confirmation yesterday this is now done. Still, I sent a 3 page complaint to VW Australia. Fantastic product, but the worst service I have ever had. Being a woman and buying a car is such a challenge. But I love a challenge. A few years ago, when I was shopping around for my Z3, I went to Alto BMW Artarmon and the salesguy wouldn't even take his feet off his desk while talking to me. Just condescending, and very "you can't afford it, don't waste my time" attitude. I ended up buying from Trivett in Parramatta, the staff had gone home, the GM of the dealership sat with me himself, was impressed that I was looking at cars like that at my age (I was 24 at the time), and gave me a good discount. When I went back to service it, he came out of his office, greeted me by name and asked how is Canon (used to work there at the time). This was a year later. Best service I have ever had. And there's so many articles on how major purchases like houses and cars are driven by women, but some salesguys still don't get it. But it's fun. I almost get excited when a salesman looks down on me and assumes (1) I can't afford it (2) I am a woman and therefore have no idea about anything except what colour looks pretty (3) being ethnic, I probably can't articulate anyway. Love proving them wrong on all counts And how are your speakers / Citroen / baby / super supportive wife? You are very blessed Al. Cheers, Typhoon.
Recommended Posts