Coming back to VW - any advice?

[RangerBill]

I’ve had VWs in the past , Polo, Mk1 GTi, Mk3 GTi and Amarok work truck but  now I drive an Outback. I’m considering losing the Dad car and getting another GTi.
Given a limited budget, should I go for a Mk5 R32 or a Mk6 GTi? What should I be looking out for, my Mk1 had endless wiring loom issues and my Mk3 had 5 new electric window regulators in the time I owned it, so what’s wrong with the later models?
Also, is there a good independent VW specialist in the BOP?

[superfueler]

Each reply you will see on here will most likely be different advice and preferences from the Vask community. In the end it's YOU that will be driving the car (daily or mostly i take it) and need to physically go test all variants to find your personal fit. At least you have some past vw experience. But here's my 2 cents worth.

1. For a good exhaust note, nice low torque pull and a solid feel, the R32's the most likely choice.
2. For more upper RPM range pull, technology and advancements, and a comfortable drivers feel, the GTI might be better.

I have been informed (corrected) in past for ever mentioning such a silly notion, but i stick to it nevertheless, make sure the car you buy has a good service and maintenance history, it might shed some light on how much the previous owner cherished their car (not always, but certainly most of the time)

Unfortunately in most cases people go through a couple of different models ownership before finding their match. 

Enjoy. 

[RangerBill]

Thanks. I use a Ute for most of my local and daily travel, so the Golf is for fun and when I travel out of the local area (there are limits on how far I take the work truck). The Mk1 wasn’t much of a tourer and the Mk3 was probably too much of a comfy cruiser. I don’t want to rattle my teeth out every time I drive it or go deaf from a droning exhaust (aftermarket pipe on the Mk1 sounded great hooning around town but got tiring after an hour or so).
I suppose what I want to know is, do I buy a slightly older R32 for craps & giggles or a newer GTi with potentially fewer problems?

[superfueler]

From what i see, lots of people go for the new stuff although, given the latest financial and jobs uncertainty that might change from here on.

R32 for craps and giggles for sure. 

[Worms]

do I buy a slightly older R32 for craps & giggles or a newer GTi with potentially fewer problems?

I would say the R32 has potentially fewer problems