GTI Escapades - Episode 2

[kiznarsh]

It all started when I decided I didn't want to drive the Cayman on a daily basis no more. With the way it's dialed in right now, and given the current state of my work & life activities, it's really better suited for weekend & canyon duties. The M5 is a fine daily driver but with my short 2-mile commute and constant driving back & forth to different work sites (some just a mile away), I didn't wanna drive it on a daily basis either. I'd feel bad for treating it to cold starts and not letting the oil warm up. And so...

So I decided I wanted something smaller yet still practical with 4 doors, something new where I don't have to worry about repairs, something with a few newfangled gizmos, something with a lighter clutch, but also sporty and fun. A warranty wouldn't be bad either.

It's as if I used to have something like that...



Put that all together and I wound up test driving this Lapiz Blue R as I wanted a vibrant color reminiscent of the Sapphire Blue 981. Something with a little pizzaz, nomsayin'?

Right off the bat I could tell this would be a fun car and would check all the boxes. Adequate power for the streets, something I was familiar with given my brother's S3. The shifter and steering could be tighter but my frame of reference is heavily skewed. I didn't even consider the Focus ST as I much prefer VW interiors, and no interest in the Civic Type R/Veloster N.



There wasn't anything I particularly disliked about it, but while I was there, I also test drove a base GTI. I was expecting a more noticeable performance difference, but given how the peak torque numbers aren't that different and it being ~300 lbs lighter, it felt like maybe it's the better bargain? And thus began a day-long research/conversation fest with the conclusion that right now, the ~$10k delta can be spent on more pressing matters, particularly the great townhouse remodeling event of 2020.

The goal then became to find a GTI in SE trim with the Experience Package. Next morning I test drove this one in Dark Iron Blue. Wasn't my favorite color but decided to talk numbers with the salesman.



While the sales manager was considering my offer, I asked if they could check other stores for the same car, except in Tornado Red as my searches didn't yield any results. He reluctantly searched and found one at another store.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah...but it's 300 miles away in Northern California" as a sense of relief engulfed him since there's no way I'd consider it.



Son, I've literally flown across the country for a car; 300 miles is child's play.

I called the other dealer, gave them an offer, they countered with something I was comfortable paying, and since the current dealer wouldn't match it, I bounced and made travel plans. Time for a road trip.



Left LAX amidst a gorgeous sunset and landed in Man Jose after a bumpy ride and stormy conditions. This is what happens when the car color has "tornado" in the name.



Flew up with my brother and had dinner with a close friend who kindly picked us up. Hey check out this lamp.



Next morning after enjoying our complimentary breakfast, we walked 2 blocks to the dealer. I checked out and test the drove the car that only had 11 miles on it.



After taking a peak inside the engine bay and checking the brake fluid and coolant levels, I gently lowered the hood on the latch, garnering an approving nod from the product specialist, seeing how most customers slam it shut.



Since the deal had essentially been finalized several days before, it was a very seamless transaction. There was no attempt at persuading me to buy maintenance plans, tire protection services, etc. I financed the car and everything was known and agreed upon. Paperwork was done in 20 minutes, then we waited while they detailed it. Sat inside, looked around, and we were just about to take off when all of a sudden, my brother noticed this on the driver's seat.



Not sure how I missed it the first time but obviously wanted it addressed. They ended up swapping the seat with another one from a GTI on the lot but in the process, noticed 2 other seats having the same issue. Did they hire Edward Scissorhands to remove the seat covers?!

This delayed us about an hour but at least it was replaced and I didn't have to deal with it later on. Started heading south and apparently narrowly missed a hail storm because we saw piles of it on the side of the freeway.



Even got snow on the hills.



Stopped for a potty break, bought some Nutter Butters, water, and checked the oil.



Clouds gave way to sunshine and enhanced moods.









We checked into our AirBnb owned by Richard Dawkins.



Are these...are these pigeon eggs?



It's now Thanksgiving morning and the car is filthy. Not. A. Problem.







As we left Paso Robles, there was no doubt where we were driving through next:



Before we approached the twisty portion, stopped and recreated photos from the summer.











This was my first time driving south on 229 and despite having all-season tires, the car handled fantastically. OK maybe that's a stretch, but it handled well enough where I was enjoying myself, and ultimately isn't that what matters most? Very happy with it in stock from.

At this point we could've taken the longer route and headed east on 58 and south on 33, but due to possible road closures, we played it safe and headed west towards 101. Not before stopping in Santa Margarita for more pics though.





After driving through a few more patches of rain, we caught up with this GT3RS after hearing its exhaust in the distance.



And then passed this homeslice.



Not knowing what our food options were going to be on Thanksgiving, we bought some the previous night and made turkey sandwiches on the..ehem...dining table. Told ya it's a practical car.



Then took advantage of Santa Barbara's scenic coast. The clouds over the ocean look like a painting, no?







Safely back home just in time for one Tornado to face off against another.



Next morning I took the car for the traditional "pic by the tree," something I've done for the last several cars.



I don't have any major plans for this car but as always, I'll keep this thread updated with any mods, maintenance, & repairs, though I'm hoping the last one won't be necessary.

[Pizza Cat!!!!]

So we’re x-mas twins meow.

What’s it with all of us going back to GTIs?

[kiznarsh]

So we’re x-mas twins meow.

What’s it with all of us going back to GTIs?

Indeed.

They're just solid, all-around cars. The SE with experience package seems to be the sweet spot too.

[Dirty Hatch]

Congrats. Looks good in red. Wife had the same car for a few months.

[MylesPH1]

Indeed.

They're just solid, all-around cars. The SE with experience package seems to be the sweet spot too.

I’ve a,ways thought the GTI orR make the best case for having one car. But even if you have one dedicated “drivers” car, they still come out on top.

Congrats, I agree you got the perfect spec, and it looks much more interesting in a bright color.

Let’s see who buys what next

[BGTI1]

This thread delivered. Congrats on the car. The color is great and I am not usually a fan of red.

I did the same thing in 2005 when I wanted a Jetta wagon 5 speed base model. VW Commonwealth was leading me on an car that they did not have/could not get (as I found later on). But the salesman let it slip that the exact car I wanted was at McNevin VW in Berkley. He was sure that I would buy the car on the lot since the other dealer was 400 or so miles away. Ha ha. The joke was on him. I called the other dealer and bough the one from Berkley that same weekend.

[MonsterM]

Congrats! Thanks for sharing. I would have went with white and plaid seats but red looks really good on the MK7.5.

[6cylVWguy]

Nice! I dig red GTIs, mostly because mine was red. If I could legitimize a GTi right now, I'd definitely find my way into a mkVII.

[KrisA]

Way too nice for a beater.

How's the gearing? Some people say that GTI's are super long and their favourite thing about the R is the shorter gearing.

[BGTI1]

Way too nice for a beater.

How's the gearing? Some people say that GTI's are super long and their favourite thing about the R is the shorter gearing.

It is long. I had a 2017 and that was the thing I hated the most. I could get on the freeway in second. Between that and the fact that it was very quiet, it really did not make the car fun to drive.
I have a MK5 project car now and the closer gearbox makes it more fun to drive. I never looked up the ratios between the two GTIs but the MK5 definitely feels sportier.

[mutcth]

I do enjoy your threads, although I worried at first that you had sold the Cayman (a car that I somewhat covet...)

Congrats on the GTI!

Tom

[Numbersix]

Indeed.

They're just solid, all-around cars. The SE with experience package seems to be the sweet spot too.

Great pickup, sir! Mk7.5’s are great cars.

About to hit 4 years in mine and no regrets. Did two 500mi weekends back to back and it was fun in the twisties as well as comfortable on the highway. Returned 31.5mpg overall too.

[hushypushy]

One of the pics you posted is less than a mile from where I live!

Congrats man, Mk7's are great

[elmo3]

you know, sometimes I think I want an R.

But then I think, what if the R exists only for those FOMO people who think they have to have MOAR.

More isn't better; more is only more. Only better is better. And is it likely that the GTI is the best balance of everything, the best compromise, and that the R is just over the top MOAR?

And here you come, sorta confirming that.

[kiznarsh]

Way too nice for a beater.

How's the gearing? Some people say that GTI's are super long and their favourite thing about the R is the shorter gearing.

A bit long as mentioned but for my purposes, it's fine. I'll be in traffic for most of my driving anyway.

I do enjoy your threads, although I worried at first that you had sold the Cayman (a car that I somewhat covet...)

Congrats on the GTI!

Tom

Thanks!

The Cayman is staying put.

you know, sometimes I think I want an R.

But then I think, what if the R exists only for those FOMO people who think they have to have MOAR.

More isn't better; more is only more. Only better is better. And is it likely that the GTI is the best balance of everything, the best compromise, and that the R is just over the top MOAR?

And here you come, sorta confirming that.

I think the GTI is definitely a better bang for your buck, but the R's interior is nicer and ultimately more power on tap. The lack of AWD isn't a concern for me but I can see people wanting to pay for that.

Test driving them back to back is definitely the way to go.

[Iroczgirl]

Congrats!

[O_loung1]

Did they hire Edward Scissorhands to remove the seat covers?!

i laughed at the Sciscorhands comment until i remembered that stitches and gages are serious business in TCL. it's great that the dealer made good. nice shots as usual and great read.

but did you all eat the thanksgiving eggs or not?

[Ttone74]

you know, sometimes I think I want an R.

But then I think, what if the R exists only for those FOMO people who think they have to have MOAR.

More isn't better; more is only more. Only better is better. And is it likely that the GTI is the best balance of everything, the best compromise, and that the R is just over the top MOAR?

And here you come, sorta confirming that.

Wheel hop sucks, so AWD is always better than FWD. R is worth every penny, trust me

[n0rdicalex.]

a real dipstick!

hell yeah - that's a fun buy. that blue Golf R paint looked rough, but good buy with the GTI. we're looking at making a move in 2020/2021, and I would love a mk7 GTI daily.

[kiznarsh]

but did you all eat the thanksgiving eggs or not?

Nah, turns out they expired last week.

[Meroving1an]

Excellent photos and story, as always.

Congrats on the purchase. Wait until you get some summer tires on it, then it'll really come alive. I drove my brother's MK7 GTI and it was transformed after the switch.

[ghost03]

Congrats! That's one heck of a stable.

[UncleJB]

Congrats on the new car. Love me some Tornado red.

[Pizza Cat!!!!]

The only thing that's bothered me about the gearing after living with it a month is creeping in traffic or coasting to a stoplight where you have the awkward 'slow down to 10 mph and then go' situation. I'm 5 years removed from my Mk5, but I remember being able to keep it in 2nd gear and go without any issue. The engine is bogged down way too much in the Mk7 for that same situation. (It also doesn't help that I was coming from an LS3, where I could probably keep it in 3rd gear and just mash the fun pedal)

However, it's a small trade off to have the much healthier mid-range power in the new car. It definitely feels much quicker out on the open road than my old one.

[Fined]

It all started when I decided I didn't want to drive the Cayman on a daily basis no more. With the way it's dialed in right now, and given the current state of my work & life activities, it's really better suited for weekend & canyon duties.

Came to the same conclusion with my 911. I bought it to daily and did so for a couple of years, but once it started to be dialed in the way I wanted it, I started not wanting to daily drive it. Hah. Sometimes things are "improved" to the point that their target use case should also be changed slightly.

Congrats on the new daily.