GTI6 or XSI

[KevinTW]

I am after one or the other of these as a second car. Being 47 I can get the insurance cheap enough. The 5 door XSI appeals as it is easier for getting the kids in and out but I could live with a 3 door. MPG is not an issue as it will do less than 5k a year. I remember 205 GTI 1.6 being £400 a few years ago and look at them now. I would buy the car,run it and keep it a good few years adding minimal miles. I want an standard car. It looks like XSIs are £400 upwards and the GTI6 £1000 upwards. Any ideas? It strikes me that the GTI6 would appreciate more but the XSI is a lot cheaper to buy. I am not overly fussed about the performance but would like to get an appreciating classic I could use every day. What tyres do each type take as I have a dozen very good 185/65r14s in my lockup? Apart from being owned by maniacs what are the pitfalls? Any advice or help gratefully received.

Thanks
Kevin