plat
Ready to race!
I, too, thought about buying a used car before I decided to order my new GTI. I know it is not a very wise decision because of the devaluation factor especially during the first 3 years of its life. However, I went ahead and decided to order a new one because I didn't want to take over someone else's headache. Especially with GTI's. If the original owner did not take care of it or if he abused it regularly, then owning a used GTI would become a nightmare. If you plan to keep it for the next 6to 9 years, I say just buy a new one. With this kind of vehicle, I say start fresh.
I won't be too concerned about buying a used Accord. If it is just an Accord, I would settle for a used one especially if it is one of the newer versions.
If you do research here and in other VW forums, there is not much difference between the 2008, 2009, and 2010. All those years get the TSI engine (improved FSI engine). The 2010's and up would have addressed any significant issues since the 2006MY. Though, there are still the minor bugs such as some squeaks and rattles here and there; rear washer drip; etc. Things that you can live with if you are a fan of the GTI. If you are hands-on, it would be a great project to hunt down these little gremlins. They keep you busy during boring days compared to a 'super-perfect' car, if one exists.
A significant difference between the 2008, 2009, and 2010 is the front end look and the rear end lights. Aside from that, they are basically the same.
People say, a good time to buy a car is towards the end of the month when the sales department is trying to hit their quota. For some makes/models, buying the last year's model during September, October, and even November gets you the greatest deals. For the GTI, this may not work since they're not produced in mass quantities (unlike Toyota Corollas or Honda Civics or Honda Accords). Even now, a lot of interested people are finding it increasingly difficult and almost impossible to locate GTI's with the desired configuration and color. A lot of dealers will etiher sell you a 2011 or ask you to place an order for one.
As for the nagging GF, I won't mind her since she's not going to drive it most of the time anyway. And, you are not yet married to her. In all reality, I don't understand why she would nag at you about your choice. You are spending for it anyway (am I right?). If I were her, I would be more considerate towards your needs and wants rather than nag you about my preference (IMHO, very one-sided and scary). No further comments
Go ahead and test drive the Accord first. Then, go drive the GTI. I am pretty sure you'll like the little GTI. I used to own a 2002 Accord V6. I sold it because of the known auto tranny problem that Honda refused to acknowledge (1998 to 2002 MYs). My tranny was still good when I sold it but I did not want to wait for the inevitable to happen and spend money for a rebuilt tranny that still has the same problem.
Before I decided on my GTI, I test drove the Mazda 3, MazdaSpeed3, the Mits Lancer Sportback. When it was the GTI's turn, I was instantly hooked to it. It offers the interior quality of an Accord (even slightly better), the economy of a compact, and the driving excitement of having a 200HP engine (no need to get one with a V6 engine. This 4-banger will do it). Plus, it has generous trunk space. I also enjoy driving it downtown. Easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces compared to the Accord.
