I nearly just left…..

[P6GTD]

I suddenly developed the dreaded “grass is greener itch” after holding out for 4.5 years.

Would not consider a Mk8 GTI for several reasons.

So…….was seduced into looking at an Alfa Giulia for a complete change but, beautiful as it is as a design, it didn’t do it when I sat inside.

On my way home I passed the BMW dealer and looked at a couple of 1 series cars.

Got back in my 7.5 and felt happy. The itch has gone.

Phew!

[Watts]

I've had a bit of an itch and I too can't think of a suitable replacement. Considered quite a few cars and none of them have measured up. Quite annoying, really!

[Finglonga]

I have a 2014 GTI PP and even sitting in the MK8 didn't do it for me. The MK7 brings a smile on my face every time I drive it.

[P6GTD]

Maybe others feel as I do….. for example I browse Cinch and Cazoo when I’m feeling lazy.

Each used to list at least a dozen 7.5 GTIs.

This morning? One 7.5 between the two sites. Something I have noticed several times recently.

And my local dealer would always have a dozen 7 and 7.5 GTIs. For some time now often nothing. That’s weird because they would always carry stock up to 5 yrs old.

(Before anyone says Autotrader, I know there will always be stock there). But my sense is demand and supply of good 7.5s has changed maybe because people like me would have bought the latest version in the past but are now sticking.

[Exonian]

It’s often the best gauge of how much you like your own car by trying out other cars and then getting back into your own.

[SRGTD]

It’s often the best gauge of how much you like your own car by trying out other cars and then getting back into your own.

Something I experience when I have a courtesy car while mine is being serviced; always glad to get out of the (usually low rent) courtesy car and back in my own.

[ar899]

What put you off the Oners?

[P6GTD]

Apart from the price the dealer was asking for used…..like 23 for a 2019 118 or 32 for a similar age 135…..

They are nicely finished but quite claustrophobic. You only realise that when you gat back into the light and big windowed Golf. I know the dimensions are supposed to be similar but it’s how you feel that matters.

I was really dumped when I sat in the Giulia as I had my heart set on it. And Mrs P6 GTD would not have accepted that size of boot after the Golf.

The OP is right….. it’s good to sit in other cars periodically to appreciate what you have.

As a non- SUV person, I suspect the number of alternatives is going to start diminishing as makers go for larger electric cars as the norm……witness the recent announcement from Volvo.

On a separate note, given that electric cars are heavier and therefor more damaging to road surfaces, should they not already be paying road fund licence?

[fredgroves]

I wrote a lot about my 1 series day long test drive.... it was a blessed relief to get back into my mk7.5 after it.

Sure it wasn't as glitzy, but it was a much nicer place to spend time behind the wheel.