Well, you're in the right place for advice on whether to buy a GTI over any other car. I agree that the Civics are still boring cars and I never even considered them while shopping for my current car. I did, however, test drive a MazdaSpeed3 and I was NOT impressed. From the beginning I thought I was going to like the Mazda better than the GTI. Power-to-weight, cargo room, price...MS3 had the edge. What it really took for me was the test drives. The Mazda seemed somehow uncomfortable, and just didn't feel as fast as it should have. I wasn't in the market for a speed demon, but I do like the experience of getting fast every once in a while. Long story short, I thought the GTI felt faster (although I know it's not), it's a more comfortable drive, and altogther much more fun. Now I'm the proud owner of a Black 4-door VW GTI.
On to your concerns: VW reliability has had a bad rap for as long as I can remember. Frankly, I think it's all in urban myths. I bought my wife a Passat about a week before getting my GTI, and these are the first two VW's I've ever owned. I have heard from both sides of the argument. This guy says VW's are crap and won't buy one, this other has owned nothing but and never had a problem. For me, the argument is settled by the fact that no one who thinks VW's are crap has ever owned them. And no one I know who's owned them before has had more than the usual car complaints.
Rattles in the cabin: I have heard of them, I have them from time to time. When it got the worst for me, I took my sunglasses out of the center console. Really, though, sometimes I do hear a little rattle and have to start looking for the source. The good news is that it doesn't seem to be getting any worse. If I find it, I'll shim it and forget it.
Good luck with your buy and enjoy your new GTI.
On to your concerns: VW reliability has had a bad rap for as long as I can remember. Frankly, I think it's all in urban myths. I bought my wife a Passat about a week before getting my GTI, and these are the first two VW's I've ever owned. I have heard from both sides of the argument. This guy says VW's are crap and won't buy one, this other has owned nothing but and never had a problem. For me, the argument is settled by the fact that no one who thinks VW's are crap has ever owned them. And no one I know who's owned them before has had more than the usual car complaints.
Rattles in the cabin: I have heard of them, I have them from time to time. When it got the worst for me, I took my sunglasses out of the center console. Really, though, sometimes I do hear a little rattle and have to start looking for the source. The good news is that it doesn't seem to be getting any worse. If I find it, I'll shim it and forget it.
Good luck with your buy and enjoy your new GTI.